SD card formatting erases all the data in the SD card making it new to use for a purpose. Formatting the SD card cleans all the partitions in the SD card and performs a new partition process for better data storing and managing. Also, SD card reformatting is the best way to fix SD card data storing and recognizing issues.
But imagine if you have a need to format your SD card and it’s failing the process. I have seen many people report about the DJI SD card formatting failed issue. So I decided to find and talk about this issue more. Luckily, I was able to find information about why DJI SD card formatting failed and how to fix it. Hopefully, this article would help you to fix the issue.
Why DJI SD card formatting failed.
In most cases, DJI SD card formatting failed mostly because of incompatible file systems and too large storage (Usually above 64GB). Also if your DJI app has software glitches, it could cause this issue. Also, there are some other causes like large storage size of SD card and damaged SD card.
Because there is more than one reason that can cause this issue, I would like to talk about almost every reason one by one to have a better understanding of why DJI SD card formatting failed and how to fix it.
Reason 1: Incompatible File System.
The file system is so important in data storing. When you format the SD card using the DJI App it formats the SD card to “FAT32” file system. If you have formatted the SD card before for a different file system, it would be the reason why the SD card formatting failed.
Solution: To fix this issue you would have to use a software called “MiniTool Partition Wizard”. It would help you to format the SD card and change the file system. Let’s see how it’s done.
- Step 1: Download MiniTool Partition Wizard and install it.
- Step 2: Insert the SD card using an adaptor into the PC.
- Step 3: Open the MiniTool Partition Wizard application and find the SD card drive in the list.
- Step 4: Then right-click on it and select “Delete All Partitions” and Apply it. It would delete all the partitions.
- Step 5: Once it is done, Right-click on the SD card driver and select “Create”.
- Step 6: Then choose “FAT32” as the file system from the dropdown menu. Also, select “64KB” as the cluster size.
- Step 7: Then hit “OK” and wait until the process is done.
Reason 2: Corrupted SD card.
In most cases, a Corrupted SD card is the main reason for almost SD card-related problems. So why we won’t suspect it? SD cards can be corrupted because of some harmful actions that you do in cold blood. Pulling the SD card from the PC without ejecting it is the perfect example that causes a corrupted SD card.
Solution: If you have a corrupted SD card you can repair it using the Windows command prompt for free.
- First, connect the SD card using an adapter to the PC.
- Then search in the start menu “cmd” and open the command prompt.
- Type “chkdsk” and leave a space and specify the driver letter of your SD card and hit enter. For example, if your SD card driver is “D” you must type “chkdsk D”.
- Wait until the process is done. Once the process is finished, your SD card should be fixed and ready to go.
Reason 3: Software glitches.
If you haven’t updated the DJI GO4/ DJI Fly app to the latest, the current app might malfunction with new updates. So It would be unable to perform the action also some glitches of the app would mislead you by showing “SD card formatting failed” even though it has successfully done it. I found some users found that the card has in fact been formatted but the warning sign has been erroneously shown upon completion of formatting.
Solution: If the DJI app hasn’t updated to the latest, definitely do it first. To find out whether the app is misleading you connect the SD card to the PC using an adaptor and check whether the SD card has been formatted. Also, it’s better to check whether the drone’s firmware is up to date. If not update them too and try again.
Reason 4: Incompatible storage size of SD card.
I know this is really strange but it is what it is. If your SD card is above 64 GB or the recommended size, it could be the reason for this warning message. Because DJI hasn’t expanded infinitely in terms of memory. Size matters.
Solution: Yeh buddy! It is quite sad if you have purchased a big storage SD card and face this kind of issue. If your SD card is ok with formatting using a PC you can try it. Plug the SD card into the PC using an adaptor. Then open the file explorer and right-click on the SD card driver and click on the format option. Wait until it’s done. Then insert it back into the drone and back to the work.
Reason 5: Slow writing speed.
If you are not using a recommended SD card that has low data writing speed it could be the reason why you are seeing this message. The SD card needs to have proper writing speed to perform this kind of operation.
Solution: Check the specifications of the drone and certify whether the SD card you are using is compatible with the drone. If it’s not you can try formatting the SD card using the PC or buy a new one.
Reason 6: Viruses and Malware.
Different viruses and malware have different capabilities and the common thing that they do is malfunction the device. So it’s reasonable to suspect it if your SD card is malfunctioning. Usually, SD cards are virus-infected by inserting them into virus-infected devices.
Solution: If you suspect that your SD card is virus-infected, you need to scan it using an antivirus program. If you have an antivirus program installed on your PC, connect the SD card to the PC and run a scan on the SD card. You can download a trial version of a good antivirus program and scan the SD card if you haven’t installed one and are unable to buy one.
