5 Ways to Mount or Unmount SD Card

Download 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery to recover lost data from an unmounted SD card. Many users experience issues with SD cards not mounting properly, but the good news is that these problems can often be resolved with the right steps. Read on to learn how to mount or unmount an SD card correctly.

5 mins read

Updated on 2025-02-25 18:38:36 to SD Card

Mounting an SD card allows your device to read and write data, while unmounting safely disconnects it to prevent corruption. If your SD card won't mount or unmount properly, it can cause data loss or accessibility issues. This guide explains what mounting and unmounting mean, how to fix an unmounted SD card, and ways to set it up as permanent storage on Windows or Android.

Part 1: What's Mount or Unmount SD Card

When you mount an SD card, your device recognizes it as an accessible storage medium, allowing you to read and write data. On the other hand, unmounting an SD card safely disconnects it from the system, preventing data corruption or damage. However, issues arise when an SD card remains unmounted or fails to mount properly, making stored files inaccessible. Whether you're dealing with a faulty SD card, improper formatting, or system errors, understanding how to mount or unmount an SD card correctly is essential for data security and smooth functionality.

Part 2: How to Recover Data from an Unmounted SD Card

An unmounted SD card can be a frustrating issue, especially when it contains important files. If your SD card suddenly becomes unmounted, it might indicate system errors, file corruption, or hardware damage. In such cases, you won't be able to access your photos, videos, or documents. Formatting the card might seem like a quick fix, but it will erase all stored data. Instead of risking permanent loss, recovering data before attempting any fixes is crucial. This is where a reliable recovery tool becomes essential.

4DDiG Windows Data Recovery is designed to retrieve lost or inaccessible files from an unmounted SD card with ease. Unlike generic recovery tools, 4DDiG is optimized for SD card errors, whether caused by accidental unmounting, corruption, or formatting issues. It ensures a high recovery rate, restoring lost data without overwriting existing files.

Why Choose 4DDiG for SD Card Recovery?

  • If your SD card isn't recognized, 4DDiG can scan and retrieve lost files before you attempt any fixes.
  • Whether it's photos, videos, documents, or music, 4DDiG can recover a wide range of file formats from your SD card and over 2000+ storage devices.
  • If your card is damaged or mistakenly formatted, 4DDiG can still restore your files in less than 5 minutes with 99% accuracy.
  • No technical skills are needed. The tool provides a simple process for recovering data in just a few clicks.
  • Allows you to create a safe backup of your recovered files on cloud storage including Google Drive and OneDrive. {
FREE DOWNLOAD

Secure Download

FREE DOWNLOAD

Secure Download

  • Install and Launch 4DDiG:
    Download, install, and launch 4DDiG-Windows on your computer. Connect your P2 card with the computer to proceed with scanning.

  • Scan Your P2 Card:
    Choose between Quick Scan and Deep Scan to locate lost files. Filter results by file type (e.g., videos, images, documents) for easier navigation.

  • Recover and Save:
    Preview the recoverable files before you retrieve them. Select the files you want to recover and save them to a safe location on your computer.

With 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery, you can retrieve lost files quickly and safely, ensuring your data remains intact even when your SD card fails.

Part 3: How to Mount SD Card as Permanent Storage on Windows?

To use an SD card as permanent storage on Windows, it needs to be formatted correctly and mounted so the operating system recognizes it as part of your main storage. Below are the necessary steps to ensure a smooth setup.

  • Check the SD Card File System\

    Insert the SD card into your computer and open File Explorer. Navigate to "This PC," locate the SD card, and right-click to open "Properties." Under "File System," check if it is already formatted as NTFS. If it is, you can move to the next step. Otherwise, it needs to be reformatted.

    secure storage
  • Format the SD Card to NTFS\

    If the file system is FAT32 or exFAT, you need to convert it to NTFS. Right-click on the SD card in File Explorer and choose "Format." In the format settings, select NTFS as the file system, keep "Quick Format" enabled, and proceed. Be aware that formatting will erase all data, so make sure to back up important files beforehand.

    format usb drive
  • Create a Destination Folder on the Main Drive\

    To integrate the SD card into your system, a designated folder is required. Open File Explorer, go to the C: drive, and create a new folder named "SD Storage" or any preferred name.

    create destination
  • Mount the SD Card to the Created Folder\

    Open the "Disk Management" utility by searching for it in the Windows Start menu. Find the SD card in the list of drives, right-click on it, and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths." Click "Add," then choose "Mount in the following empty NTFS folder." Browse to the folder you created in the C: drive, select it, and confirm.

    created folder
  • Verify the SD Card is Mounted Correctly\

    Navigate to the folder in the C: drive where the SD card was mounted. If the process was successful, opening the folder should display the SD card's contents with a modified file path. Once verified, the SD card is now integrated as part of your system storage and ready for use.

Part 4: How to Mount and Unmount an SD Card on Android?

Mounting or unmounting an SD card on an Android device is a straightforward process, but it's crucial to do it correctly to avoid data loss or corruption. If an SD card is not mounted properly, the device may not recognize it, preventing access to stored files. Similarly, safely unmounting an SD card ensures that no data is lost when removing it. Below are the steps to mount or unmount an SD card on an Android device.

  • Insert the SD card into your Android device's SD card slot and ensure it is properly seated.

  • Power on your phone or tablet and navigate to Settings.

  • Select Storage, then locate and tap on the SD card option.

  • If the SD card requires formatting, back up any important files first, then choose Format to reformat the card.

  • Once formatting is complete, tap Mount SD Card to activate it for use.

  • To unmount, go to Settings > Storage, then tap the Eject icon next to the SD card.

Part 5: FAQs

Q 1: Why can't I mount my SD card?

If your SD card fails to mount, it could be due to corruption, an incompatible file system, physical damage, or a connection issue. Try reinserting it, checking for errors on a computer, or formatting it if necessary.

Q 2: Will mounting an SD card delete everything?

No, mounting an SD card only makes it accessible to the device. However, formatting before mounting will erase all data, so ensure you backup important files beforehand.

Q 3: How to fix an unmounted SD card on Android?

Restart your phone, clean the SD card slot, or try reinserting the card. If it still doesn't mount, format it using a computer or recover lost data with a tool like 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery.

Final Words:

Understanding how to mount or unmount an SD card ensures smooth storage management. If you face issues like an unmounted SD card, solutions like 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery can help recover lost files efficiently. Download 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery today, and enjoy 2GB of free data recovery and preview of the recoverable files.

William Bollson (senior editor)

William Bollson, the editor-in-chief of 4DDiG, devotes to providing the best solutions for Windows and Mac related issues, including data recovery, repair, error fixes.

(Click to rate this post)

You rated 4.5 ( participated)