SD memory cards are storage devices with large capacity and small size, ideal for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In technical jargon, an SD card is "mounted" when it is properly installed and detected in the device, making it accessible to all intents and purposes for normal use. Most devices automatically mount an SD card as soon as it is inserted into its slot, but in the case of an Android or Galaxy smartphone you will have to perform this procedure manually, using the settings menu. If your device cannot detect the memory card, there is likely a hardware problem or the card itself is faulty.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Install an SD Card on Android Devices
Step 1. Insert the card into the slot on the Android device
Before proceeding, however, make sure that the phone is switched off and fully charged. Insert the SD card into its slot, very slowly, until you hear a "click". If you need help locating or accessing your device's card slot, please refer to the instruction manual or access the manufacturer's website.
Step 2. Turn on the Android device
To do this, press the relevant "Power" button, usually located along one of the sides. If your phone does not turn on, it most likely means that the battery is not sufficiently charged. In this case, connect it to the charger for about 15 minutes, then try again.
Step 3. Access the main menu of the device via the "Settings" app
The "Settings" application icon is characterized by a gear. After starting the app in question, a series of options will be displayed on the screen. Select the "SD Card and Memory" item.
Step 4. Choose the "Format SD Card" option
This procedure will erase all data on the card preparing it for mounting. This step should only take a few seconds. If it takes more than a few seconds, restart your device and reformat the SD card.
Step 5. After the formatting process is complete, choose the "Mount SD card" option
The device will mount the card making it accessible for use. If the "Mount SD card" option is not available, select the "Unmount SD card" item, wait for the operation to be performed, then tap the "Mount SD card" option making sure the card is installed correctly. This procedure may be helpful in correcting any type of problem encountered by the device that prevents the SD card from installing correctly.
Method 2 of 3: Install an SD Card on Galaxy Phones
Step 1. Insert the SD card into its slot
It is normally located on the left side of the device. Insert the SD card into its slot, very slowly, until you hear a "click". Before proceeding, make sure your smartphone's battery is fully charged. If you need help locating or accessing your device's SD card slot, please refer to the instruction manual or access the manufacturer's website.
Step 2. Turn on your smartphone
Press the relevant "Power" button, usually located along one side. If your phone does not turn on, most likely, it means that the battery is not sufficiently charged. In this case, connect it to the charger for about 15 minutes, then try again.
Step 3. Select the "Applications" icon located on the "Home" screen
When the device has completed the startup phase, the "Home" screen will be displayed. In the lower right part of the screen there is the "Applications" icon characterized by a series of squares arranged to form a grid. Select it to access the panel relating to the apps installed on the device.
Step 4. Select the "Settings" icon
The icon of that application is characterized by a gear. You will be taken to the main menu of the device. At the top right of the screen, you should see three white dots. If you are using an older Galaxy smartphone (version 4 or earlier), you will find "General" below the dots. In more modern Galaxy smartphones (version 5 or later), "Other" will be displayed instead. Regardless of the version of the phone you are using, you must select the icon characterized by the three white dots.
Step 5. Select the "Memory" option
After selecting this option, the screen of your interest will finally be displayed. Using your finger, scroll down the list to locate the "Mount SD Card" option. Select it and wait for the card installation process to finish. If the "Mount SD card" option is not available, select the "Unmount SD card" item, wait for the operation to be performed, then tap the "Mount SD card" option making sure the card is installed correctly.
Method 3 of 3: Check for Hardware Problems
Step 1. Remove the SD card from its slot on the device
Go to the "Storage" section of the "Settings", then scroll through the list of options until you find the "Unmount SD card" item. Wait for the smartphone to complete the process of safely ejecting ("dismounting") the SD card. With great care and slow movements, remove the card from its housing avoiding bending or damaging it.
Step 2. Visually check the card for physical damage that may be preventing the device from reading its data correctly
Check that the gold contacts are all present and that there are no chips or cracks in the external casing of the card. If the card appears physically damaged, you will most likely need to purchase a new one. These memory devices can be purchased at inexpensive prices at most electronics stores or online.
Step 3. Reinsert the card into its slot on the device
Before doing so, however, blow gently on the card or wipe it with a soft cloth. This will remove any residual dust or dirt that could interfere with the connection between the card and the device. Do not keep inserting and removing the SD card from its slot, otherwise you may damage both of them.
Step 4. Charge your device's battery, then turn it on
Connect the smartphone to the battery charger for at least 15 minutes, then turn it on using the relative "Power" button. If for any reason the device does not turn on, leave it charging for a longer time before trying to start it again.
Step 5. Try to mount the SD card again
By accessing the "Storage" section of your device's "Settings" menu, you should find the "Mount SD card" option. Conversely, if you still find the item "Unmount SD card", it most likely means that there is a communication problem between the SD card slot and the smartphone. It is likely that it is a hardware malfunction and, unfortunately, this type of problem can only be solved by a professional experienced with such devices.
Step 6. If you are unable to mount on your smartphone, try using the SD card paired with a different device
If the card is read without problems by a second device, it means that the problem may lie in the SD slot of the smartphone. Conversely, if the memory card is not detected by the second device either, it most likely needs to be replaced. Before testing with a second device, make sure that the second device's battery is fully charged.
Advice
- If your device continues to have problems mounting the SD card or detecting its presence, formatting it is the last option available to you. The formatting process deletes all data on the media, but at the same time it may solve the software problem related to the card not being detected by the device on which it is installed.
- If every time you connect your Android device to your computer you have to mount it manually, consider installing a third party program that does it automatically - for example "Auto Mount Your SD Card" or "doubleTwist Player".
Warnings
- During the process of installing (mount), uninstall (dismount) and format, never remove the SD card from the device. Otherwise, the data present will be corrupted and the storage device will become unusable.
- When you take the SD card out of its slot, do not bend it. To avoid damaging it, remove it with slow and methodical gestures.
- Do not put your fingers or objects inside the SD port of the device in an attempt to remedy a problem. In this way you will only risk damaging the internal components and being forced to buy a new phone.
