Linux is an open-source operating system that you can use on your computer. It is a free OS that you can use on your device if you don’t want to spend money buying a licensed operating system like Windows.
Many think, that using Linux is complicated as you need to use the terminal to do day to day tasks. But, this is not the case anymore. Linux already has a user-friendly interface that works almost the same as Windows.
So today we are going to show you simple ways on how you can format your SD card in Linux.
Let’s get right to it!
Format SD Card on Linux Using the GUI
If you are not comfortable using the terminal and entering commands, we are going to show you how to format your SD Card without having to use the Linux Terminal.
- Plugin your SD Card on your computer, then open File Manager.
- On File Manager, you would see your SD card on the side menu. Right-click on it and tap on Format.
- A separate format page will pop-up. Give your SD Card a new name then select the filesystem type that you prefer. (NTFS, FAT, exFAT)
- After naming your card and selecting the filesystem type, click on Next.
- Confirm the details of your SD Card then hit Format.
- Wait for the process to finish then, remove your SD Card and plug it back into your camera or other handheld devices.
Format Your SD Card Using Linux GParted
To format your SD Card using the terminal, follow the steps below.
- Insert your SD Card on your Linux device then right-click on your desktop and select Open Terminal.
- After opening the Terminal, type “sudo apt-get install gparted” then hit Enter.
- If applicable, enter your password to proceed with the installation.
- Now to launch GParted, type “sudo gparted” and hit Enter.
- Next, a graphical user interface will pop-up. On the upper right side of the screen, you will see a drop-down menu. Find and select your SD Card.
- After that, right-click on the partition that you want to format and select Format to. Here you can select whatever filesystem type you prefer.
- Lastly, wait for the process to complete then, re-insert your memory card to your camera or other handheld devices.
How To Format SD Card Using the Linux Terminal
Now, if you want to learn how to format your card using commands on the terminal, you can proceed to the steps below.
- On your Desktop, right-click on your screen and click on Open Terminal.
- On the terminal, type “sudo su” and hit Enter. If applicable, the Terminal may ask for your password.
- Next, type “fdisk -l” and press Enter. This will display all the available storage devices on your computer.
- Find your memory card from the list, it will be named “sdb” followed by a number.
- After finding your SD card, type “umount /dev/sdb1 (SD Card Name)“.
- Now, type “mkfs.fat /dev/sdb1” then press Enter.
- Lastly, wait for the format process to finish then try using your SD card to your device.
What to do if Your SD Card Refuses to Format?
If your memory card refuses to format after trying the methods above, there is a high chance that your card is about to fail. In this case, it is ideal to buy a replacement card and transfer all your files to the new memory card to avoid data corruption in the future. But, before buying a new one, you can also try formatting the card on Windows.
- How to Format your SD Card on Windows 10 in Seconds [NEW]
- How to Format Any SD Card to FAT32 on Mac (Ultimate Guide)
Now, here’s some memory card recommendation that you can consider if you want to replace your memory card:
Samsung EVO Select 100MB/s (U3)
The Samsung Evo Select is rated at UHS-3 which is equivalent to V30. In terms of build quality, the Samsung Evo Select is waterproof, shockproof, temperature proof, magnetic proof, and X-ray proof. It has a 100 MB per second transfer speed which is great for large file transfers. For its write speed, the card can reach up to 90 MB per second which is enough for 4k video recording on most cameras. You can get the 64GB variant of the Samsung Evo Select in Amazon for $12.
SanDisk Extreme UHS-I 160MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme memory card is a good mid-range card that is capable of recording 4k videos on most professional cameras. The card has a 60 MB per second write speed and a 160 MB per second transfer speed. It has an included card reader which is great for convenient file transfer to your computer. For storage options, the card is available in 32, 64, 128, 256, 400, 512 GB, and a huge 1TB storage variant. It is priced at $40 on Amazon for the 64 GB storage option.
Ready To Format Your SD Card on Linux?
Formatting your SD card on a Linux system is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using a few simple commands or the user-friendly GParted graphical tool. By doing so, you can ensure your SD card is properly set up with the desired file system, making it compatible with various devices and operating systems. Familiarizing yourself with these methods can save you time and prevent potential issues, especially if you use SD cards regularly for data storage or as a medium for transferring files between devices.
As a Linux user, it’s crucial to know how to manage your storage devices effectively, and learning how to format an SD card is an essential skill. Whether you need to erase data, fix corruption issues, or prepare the card for a specific purpose, understanding the available formatting options will allow you to tackle these tasks with ease. With this knowledge, you can confidently manage your SD cards and maintain optimal performance, ensuring that your valuable data is safely stored and accessible whenever you need it.
We hope this guide helped you on how to format your SD Card on Linux.
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- 7 Best WiFi SD Card for Your Camera + How to Use Tips
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