microSD Card is Not Recognized in Nintendo Switch (2024)

What to do

1. Power off the Nintendo Switch system.

   Important: Always shut off the system before removing or inserting a microSD card. If a microSD card is inserted or removed while the system is powered on or while in sleep mode, you will be prompted to restart the system.

   • How to power off a Nintendo Switch system
     1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
     2. Select Power Options.
     3. Select Turn Off.

     

2. Gently push down on the top of the microSD card until you hear a click, then slide it out of the microSD card slot to remove it from the system.
   • Where is the microSD card slot on Nintendo Switch?

     Gently swing the stand open to show the microSD card slot.

     

     See Also

     Should I format or erase my memory cards?Choosing a microSD card for your Nintendo SwitchmicroSD Card FAQHow to Format exFAT to FAT32: A Step-by-Step Guide - Tips, Guides, & Tutorials for Your Dash Cam | GRDIAN

   • Where is the microSD card slot on Nintendo Switch Lite?

     Gently open the microSD card slot cover.

     

   • Where is the microSD card slot on Nintendo Switch – OLED Model?

     Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot.

     

     See Also

     Which microSD cards are supported? - Support - Nintendo

3. Check for any dirt or debris either in the microSD card slot or on the microSD card connectors.
   • Dirt or debris is found in the microSD card slot or on the microSD card connectors

     If there is visible contamination on either one, the microSD card may need to be replaced and the system will need to be sent in for repair.

     For your convenience, Nintendo offers a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.

4. Verify that the microSD card is compatible with the Nintendo Switch system.
   • microSD cards compatible with Nintendo Switch

     The following types of microSD cards are supported on Nintendo Switch:

     1. microSD (up to 2 GB)
     2. microSDHC (4 GB - 32 GB)
     3. microSDXC (64 GB - 2 TB)
   • microSD card is not compatible with the system

     If the microSD card is not compatible with the system, replace it with a type of card supported on Nintendo Switch.

   • microSD card is SDXC

     If the microSD card label indicates it is SDXC, reinsert the microSD card back into the system. Then power on the Nintendo Switch system and perform a system update.

5. Format the microSD card.
   • How to format a microSD card

     Important

     • Once formatted, the information on the microSD card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
     • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account it was purchased with.
     • Save data is stored on the console’s system memory, so it will not be lost in this process.

     1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.

        

     2. Scroll down the options on the left and select System.
     3. Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select Formatting Options.
        • If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.
     4. Select Format microSD Card, then Continue.
        • The following message will be displayed, “All data on the microSD card will be deleted. Data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Continue?”
     5. To continue, select Format. The console will then restart.

     For more information: How to Format a microSD Card.

6. Replace the microSD card if it still cannot be detected.

Situation not resolved

If multiple microSD cards cannot be read on the system, the system will need to be repaired. For testing purposes, be sure to include one or more of the problematic microSD cards that were being used with the system.

For your convenience, Nintendo offers a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.

Additional information

For information about what type of data can be stored on a microSD card, check the microSD Card FAQ.