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format sd card for dash cam

How to Format an SD Card for Dash Cam?

Have you been struggling with your SD card storage? Go through this article to learn how to format an SD card for dash cam.
Eleanor Reed
Eleanor Reed Originally published Oct 28, 24, updated Nov 11, 24
“For SD cards, I know the recommended ones here, but how often do I need to format them, and how much storage space is really needed?”

Is the SD card storage for your dash cam becoming a problem to handle? There is a chance that it has become corrupted or needs to be fixed. In this case, you may prefer formatting the SD card for a dash cam. This will also happen when the dash cam fails to recognize the SD card. It also requires you to format it.

You can format SD card for dash cam from your PC on Windows and Mac. In fact, you can directly format it via the dash cam itself. It is advisable to compare all the methods, identify which one works for you, and then adopt them accordingly. This blog explores all the possible ways to learn how to format SD card for dash cam and improve its performance. Make sure to adopt a method that fits your needs.

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In this article
    1. Formatting an SD Card Using a Windows Computer
    2. Formatting an SD Card Using a Mac Computer
    3. Format SD Card for Dash Cam on Dash Cam

What is SD Card Formatting?

SD card formatting refers to the process of completely removing the data from the card. This removal process is permanent and eventually ensures that the SD card for the dash cam returns to its original state.You can format SD card for dash cam can play an essential role in preventing data corruption, increasing the speed of data cards, and also memory card capacity. Furthermore, resetting and clearing the SD card can turn it into a completely new one. It is advisable to format the SD card frequently to increase its speed and improve performance.

check sd card format

Reasons for Formatting SD Cards

Your dash cam SD card may become corrupted. Therefore, some of the key reasons to understand what does formatting an sd card do are as follows:

  • Improve performance: Formatting the SD card can improve the performance, thereby preventing slow running. If the SD card does not respond well, make sure to format it.
  • Free up space: If your SD card for the dash cam becomes full, it is advisable to format it. Formatting the SD card can help to clear the data and free some space available in it.
  • Prevent memory card errors: Memory card errors are common and can happen often. Dashcams tend to read/write the task, which leads to memory card errors. Therefore, formatting the SD cards can play an essential role in preventing the risk of memory card errors.
format sd card for dash cam
  • Fix errors: If the SD card becomes corrupted, it is advisable to format it. Formatting the dash cam SD cards can help to fix the mistakes.
  • Prepare for new use: When you format the SD card, you are preparing it for new use. Therefore, you will be able to use it the first time.

Guide on How to Format an SD Card for a Dash Cam

It is advisable to format the SD card for the dash cam in a proper manner. It is advisable to adopt these methods so as to format the SD card for the dash cam properly. The steps for how to format an SD card for a dash cam will completely depend on the device or methods you're adopting. So, thoroughly check all the requirements and then proceed to formatting the SD card.

Some of the top ways on how to format and SD card for a dash cam include the following:

1. Formatting an SD Card Using a Windows Computer

Sometimes, when you format an SD card using a Windows Computer, you will receive a lot of error messages. Therefore, one of the easiest ways to fix it is to use Windows Computer. The SD card is available in different shapes and sizes, which is why you may need an adapter to connect it to the PC and fix it.

Way 1: Use Windows File Explorer

Windows File Explorer is one of the easiest ways to fix the issue. It is advisable to format the SD card using Windows File Explorer. You can follow the steps given below to learn how to format a dash cam SD card using Windows File Explorer:

Step 1: Connect the SD card to your computer using a card reader.

Step 2: Browse to File Explorer and browse to the SD card. Right-click on the SD card driver and click on the Format option.

open file explorer

Step 3: Check the capacity of the SD card. If the capacity is less than 64 GB, click on File System and set it to FAT32. If the capacity is higher, change it to exFAT. Click on the Start option to initiate the process.

convert file system format

Step 4: You will receive a warning message stating that the drive will be completely formatted. Click on the OK option to initiate and complete the formatting of the SD card process.

confirm formatting

2. Formatting an SD Card Using a Mac Computer

If you want to format an SD card from your Mac computer, it is advisable that you adopt the Disk Utility feature. Disk Utility is an in-built tool that can help manage internal and external devices.

Way 1: Use Disk Utility

Disk Utility can be extremely useful for formatting the SD card. It is important to look into the steps and follow them properly to avoid any major issues. Below are the steps that you need to adopt to learn how to clear sd card on dash cam using a Mac computer for Disk Utility:

Step 1: Connect your SD card (damaged/ corrupted) to the Mac system.

Step 2: Search for Utilities and click on the Disk Utility section.

open disk utility

Step 3: On the left side of the screen, click on the SD card for the Dashcam option.

Step 4: Once you open the SD card screen, click on the ‘Erase’ button available at the top of the screen.

click on erase button

Step 5: Now, you need to provide a name for the SD card, select the format to FAT, and finally hit the Erase button.

save the data

3. Format SD Card for Dash Cam on Dash Cam

You must switch on your Dash Cam to format SD card for dash cam directly from that platform. Adopting this step will play an essential role in increasing the functionality of the SD card. Different dash cam brands have different methods for formatting the SD card.

Here are the steps that you want to follow to how to format SD Card for dash cam on the Dash Cam itself:

Step 1: Switch on the camera.

Step 2: Visit the Menu section and browse to the Settings or Setup option.

open settings

Step 3: Click on the Memory card format or Format option.

format the sd card

You need to follow the on-screen instructions thoroughly to avoid any significant problems.

How to Recover Data from a Formatted SD Card?

Did you accidentally lose all the important data while formatting the SD card for the dash cam? This may seem like you've lost everything and that the data is lost. Although it can seem to be very annoying, know that there are proper steps to fix it.

You can adopt a wide range of methods for recovering data from the SD card. One of the most popular methods for this is data recovery software. A popular data recovery software, Wondershare Recoverit, is quite helpful for recovering data from the formatted SD card. There are two versions of Wondershare Recoverit for macOS and Windows OS. Depending on the system that you're using, consider installing Wondershare Recoverit. Wondershare Recoverit is available for free download.

use data recovery tool

Here are some of the key features of using Wondershare Recoverit for recovering data from the formatted SD card:

  • You can easily recover data from corrupted and damaged SD cards effectively.
  • Using Wondershare Recoverit, you can recover the data that has been deleted or formatted accidentally or due to a virus attack.
  • It has a high success rate in the process of recovering data.
  • Wondershare Recoverit is supported on Windows OS 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, and for Mac, it is supported on Mac OS X 10.10 and later.
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Now that Wondershare Recoverit seems to be so useful for recovering data from the formatted SD card for a dash cam, you may follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Launch and Upload the Files

Once you have downloaded and installed Wondershare Recoverit in your system, launch it. On the main screen, visit the SD card section and select your SD card. The SD card must be connected to your device. Click on the Scan option.

launch the software

Step 2: Begin the Scanning Process

Now, Recoverit will begin the scanning process to search for the files. Once the first scan is done, and you cannot get access to the data, you will have to opt for Deep Scan mode. This Deep Scan mode will allow you to search for the files completely.

begin scanning process

Step 3: Preview and Recover the Damaged SD Card

Once the deep scan is done, you need to check for the recoverable data. In this case, you will get a preview button. Check the preview of all these days, as well as photos, videos, and files. Now, click on the Recover button and recover all the data. It is advisable not to recover the data in the same location where it was stored earlier. This will help to avoid data loss.

preview and save the file

Things to Do Before You Format SD Card for Dash Cam

Before formatting the SD card for a dash cam, it is extremely important to look into the basic details. Following the right format ensures that you keep all important data.

Here are some of the key things to do before formatting the SD card for the dash cam:

  • Choosing the Right File System: The compatible file systems for SD cards are exFAT and FAT32. FAT32 is compatible with the dash cams, but only with 4GB. However, exFAT may not be supported on all the dash cam devices.
  • Going for the Correct Formatting Tool: There are several formatting tools designed for the SD card. Choose the one that fits in your system the most.
  • Refer to Your Dash Cam Manual: The dash cam usually has specific requirements in regard to the file system. It is advisable to review the dash cam manual to understand the compatible file system and speed requirement for the specific SD card.
  • Data Backup: Always back up the data before formatting. Formatting the SD card for dash cam means completely removing the data. It is advisable to take a backup on your computer or any other storage device.
format the sd card for dash cam

Benefits of Formatting SD Card for Dash Cam

If you are tired of your SD card because the dash cam is not running properly, it is advisable to format it. Formatting the SD card for a dash cam can offer a wide range of benefits, such as the following:

  • Formatting the SD card for the dash cam will free up space, which will indeed play an essential role in improving the performance.
  • Once you format the SD card, the card will be able to record and store all the data and footage from the dash cam appropriately.
  • With the help of formatting the SD card, you can easily overcome the file system error. This will help to fix all data errors, such as application issues or lost files retrieving.
  • If your SD card is showing the error message that it is full, consider formatting the same to increase some space in the dash cam.
  • If the dash cam isn't recognizing any particular issue, prefer formatting the same. This will help clear the issue, fix it, and ensure that the device is working properly. The SD card for the dash cam will help you get an idea of the correct capacity, which will fix the potential problem.

Conclusion

This article deals with some of the top ways to format SD card for dash cam. One of the easiest ways to do so is to use data recovery software to recover data from the already formatted SD card. Whether you're using a Windows OS or macOS, you must adopt the right ways to fix the problem easily. Moreover, you should regularly format the dashcam to improve its performance. This will play an important role in maintaining the condition of your SD card, thereby avoiding any potential problems.

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FAQs

  • What does formatting an SD card do?
    Formatting an SD card ensures that the space is freed up. Moreover, sometimes, the SD card can become corrupted for a wide range of issues, which is why it is advisable to format it and fix the issue.
  • What is the best format for an SD card?
    The best format for an SD card completely depends on how you're planning to use it. The FAT32 format is compatible with SD cards up to 32GB. It is advisable to use FAT32 for SDHC. However, if you're depending on a larger format, it is advisable to opt for exFAt for the dash cam in SDXC.
  • Should I format my SD card to NTFS or exFAT?
    Whether you should format the SD card to exFAT or NTFS completely depends on how you're planning to use it. If you're going to use it for minor requirements, you may use it in NTFS. However, if you want to use the SD card in dash cam, it is advisable to format that into exFAT.
  • What happens if I format an SD card?
    When you format an SD card, all the data is removed from it. The SD card becomes as good as a new one. Therefore, you get complete flexibility when using it again. This gives your work clarity and helps you achieve your goals. Moreover, storage has also increased, so you can enter a lot of data.
  • Which is faster, FAT32 or NTFS?
    FAT32 is faster than FAT32 and NTFS since it can hold more data. Moreover, the performance of FAT32 is also comparatively better, which is why most people prefer it.
Eleanor Reed
Eleanor Reed Nov 11, 24
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