SD Card Keeps Unmounting: Causes & Fixes

Understanding Why SD Cards Unmount

What Does "Unmounting" Mean?

When a device "unmounts" an SD card, it basically disconnects it from the operating system. Think of it like unplugging a USB drive from your computer. The files on the card temporarily become inaccessible until it’s mounted again.

Common Signs of an Unmounting SD Card

• Frequent pop-ups saying "SD card removed" or "Card not detected".
• Apps or files are crashing when trying to access the SD card.
• The card appears and disappears in your device’s storage settings.

If you’re experiencing these, your SD card is unmounting more than it should.

Common Causes Behind SD Card Unmounting

Loose or Damaged Card Slot

Sometimes it’s not the card—it’s the slot. Dust, bent pins, or a wobbly connection can cause frequent disconnects.

Corrupted File System

If your SD card’s file system gets corrupted, your device struggles to read it properly and may unmount it automatically.

Outdated Drivers or Firmware

An outdated driver or firmware in your phone, camera, or card reader may not play well with your SD card, causing unexpected unmounting.

Malware or Virus Infections

SD cards can pick up malware from infected devices. These malicious files may disrupt the card’s functionality.

Physical Damage to the SD Card

Cracks, exposure to water, or even extreme temperatures can damage your SD card’s internal circuits, making it unstable.

How to Fix the "SD Card Keeps Unmounting" Issue

Before troubleshooting this issue, you need to do the following quick checks.

1. Try a Different Device or Card Reader: First, rule out the obvious. Insert your SD card into a different device or card reader. If it works fine there, the problem is likely with your original device.

2. Clean the Card Slot and Contacts: Dust and grime can block the connection. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the slot and gently wipe the card’s metal contacts.

After the basic checks, if the problem is not solved, you can try some deeper operations.

Method 1. Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

If you’re on a computer, check the device manager for your card reader drivers. Update them or reinstall to refresh the connection.

1. Insert your SD card into your PC.

2. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.

3. Expand Disk drives or Universal Serial Bus controllers.

4. Right-click on your SD card or card reader, then select Update driver.

5. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

6. Restart your PC after the update.

Method 2. Repair the SD Card Using Built-in Tools (Windows/Mac/Android)

Windows: Use CHKDSK

1. Insert the SD card into your PC.

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

3. Type: chkdsk X: /f (replace X with your SD card’s drive letter).

4. Hit Enter and let Windows repair the file system.

Mac: Use Disk Utility

1. Plug your SD card into your Mac.

2. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.

3. Select your SD card and click First Aid.

4. Wait for Disk Utility to scan and fix the errors.

Android: Reformat or Clear Cache

1. Go to Settings > Storage > SD Card.

2. Tap Unmount, wait a few seconds, then tap Mount again.

3. If that doesn’t work, back up your data and tap Format SD Card.

4. Restart your phone after formatting.

Method 3. Restore Data Before Formatting (MyRecover)

Before you go ahead and format your SD card, it’s smart to back up or recover your data. Formatting wipes everything, so if you want to save your photos, videos, or documents, MyRecover is a solid choice.

Why MyRecover?

• Beginner-Friendly Interface: Perfect for non-tech users.
• Deep Scan Engine: Finds lost files even from corrupted or unmountable SD cards.
• Supports Multiple File Types: Photos, videos, documents, audio files, and more.
• Preview Feature: Lets you preview files before recovery.
• Safe and Secure: Works in read-only mode to avoid overwriting data.
• Fast Scanning Speed: Scans large SD cards quickly and efficiently.

Try it Free
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Data Using MyRecover

Step 1: Download and Install MyRecover

Head over to the official MyRecover website and download the software. Install it on your computer (Windows or Mac).

Step 2: Connect Your SD Card to the Computer

Insert your SD card using a reliable card reader. Make sure your PC detects it—even if it’s unstable.

Step 3: Launch MyRecover and Select the SD Card

Open MyRecover. On the main interface, you’ll see a list of drives. Select your SD card from the list.

Step 4: Choose the Scan Mode

Click Scan. MyRecover will automatically perform a quick scan, and also supports a Deep Scan to find more files. You’ll see recoverable files populate in real-time.

Step 5: Preview and Select Files

Browse the found files by file type or folder. Use the preview function to ensure you’re recovering the right ones.

Step 6: Recover and Save Files to a Safe Location

Click Recover and choose a new location on your PC (not the SD card itself) to save the restored files.

By using MyRecover, you can safely recover your data from an SD card that keeps unmounting, then proceed with formatting without the fear of losing important files.

Method 4. Format the SD Card Safely

If repairs don’t work, formatting might be your last resort. Formatting wipes the card clean and rebuilds its file system. Always back up your data first!

1. On Windows: Right-click your SD card in File Explorer > Format.

2. Choose a file system (FAT32 for small cards, exFAT for large cards).

3. Uncheck Quick Format for a deeper format.

4. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

5. Reinsert the SD card and test it again.

Prevent Future Unmounting Issues

Handle SD Cards Properly

Always eject your SD card safely. Pulling it out mid-transfer can corrupt it.

Regularly Back Up Your Data

Keep a backup of your files on cloud or external drives.

Use High-Quality SD Cards and Readers

Invest in reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar to avoid premature failures.

When to Replace Your SD Card

Signs of a Failing SD Card

Frequent unmounting, slow performance, or unusual errors are signs it’s time for a new one.

Deciding Between Repair and Replacement

If none of the fixes work, replacing the SD card is often cheaper and more reliable.

Conclusion

When your SD card keeps unmounting, it’s a warning sign of either hardware or software trouble. Start with the simple fixes like cleaning contacts and updating drivers, then move to repairs or MyRecover for data recovery. With proper handling and regular backups, you can prevent most SD card issues in the future.