My Dash Cam Keeps Saying Format SD Card: How to Fix It?

Looking for a solution to the dash cam keeps saying format SD card issue? Here you are in the right place. Let’s talk about how to fix it and protect your dash cam data.

By @Zoey Last Updated December 11, 2024

In today's automotive field, equipping your vehicle with a dash cam has evolved into a necessity. However, like any other camera device, these gadgets are susceptible to glitches. The frustration mounts as they capture pivotal on-road instances that can potentially serve as substantial evidence across various scenarios.

When confronted with the dash cam keeps saying format SD card issue, resorting to memory card formatting shouldn't be your sole solution. Multiple ways to troubleshoot the issue exist, many of which can be explored independently.

Contained within this article are comprehensive guidelines detailing diverse methods to counter the "my dash cam keeps saying format SD card" glitch while simultaneously introducing how to recover deleted videos from dash cam.

Why Does My Dash Cam Keeps Saying Format SD Card?

The troubleshooting strategies you employ to address the "Format SD card" dilemma on your dash cam hinge on the underlying trigger. Familiarizing yourself with the prevalent causes is essential:

  • Compatibility Between SD Card File System and Dash Cam: Certain dash cams face difficulties deciphering alternate file systems, often precipitating the "format SD card" notice.
  • Storage Overflow: Dash cams occasionally fail to overwrite antiquated footage, instead adopting a cyclical approach for new recordings upon reaching a specific threshold. This can lead to SD card corruption or space depletion, culminating in the "format SD card" error.
  • SD Card Impairment: The occurrence of the "Format SD card" message may signal SD card damage, encompassing physical harm, bad sectors, and logical anomalies. Remedying this might entail SD card formatting for dashcam usage.
  • Low Read-Write Speed: Inadequate read-write speed can arise from multiple factors like faulty connections, malfunctioning cards, or lethargic file systems. Inadequate speed might manifest as recording delays, dash cam freezes, or SD card-related errors.
  • Improper Insertion: Incorrect SD card insertion is a fundamental source of errors in dash cams. An improperly inserted card impedes proper data access.
  • Corrupted Dash Cam Firmware: Corruptions within the memory card can incite the "format SD card" issue. Manufacturers often furnish firmware updates to counter such glitches.
  • Usage of a New SD Card: Introducing a new SD card might trigger the error "Please format SD card" in certain dash cam models.

RecoverData from a Dash Cam SD Card Requiring Formatting

Frequently, the insistence on SD card formatting in a Dash Cam is intricately linked to the card's file system. Rectifying this circumstance usually entails SD card formatting in one form or another. It's prudent to establish a backup regimen as a precautionary measure.

However, specific cases might render the SD card unreadable, even on a computer. In such scenarios, MyRecover comes to the rescue. This data recovery software is tailored to recognize file systems employed by various dash cam manufacturers, including exFAT, FAT32, and NTFS, as well as popular footage storage formats.

MyRecover streamlines the video recovery process through user-friendly steps. Its features encompass:

  • Wide File Type Support: Encompassing over 200 file formats, MyRecover restores diverse data, such as images, videos, documents, audio files, and more.
  • Intuitive File Filtering: The Filter function accelerates file type pinpointing, complemented by adjustable parameters like modification date and size.
  • Thorough Recovery: Leveraging advanced scanning modes, MyRecover retrieves an exhaustive array of files, irrespective of data loss triggers. Its user-friendly interface caters to everyone, rendering it a reliable tool for recovering dash cam memory card data.

Please stop all dash cam usage upon discovering missing videos. Continual recording or new file creation risks overwriting deleted videos, hampering recovery endeavors.

To initiate the recovery process from a dash cam SD card needs formatting:

1. Connect the dash cam memory card to your Windows PC via a card reader.

2. Launch MyRecover, hover the mouse over the card, and click Scan.

3. The software will conduct Quick and Deep Scan, displaying deleted or lost files. Employ filters or navigate to the original location.

4. Choose desired files and click Recover x files to initiate video file recovery. Select a new storage location to prevent potential data overwriting.

How to Fix the "Dash Cam Keeps Saying Format SD Card" Error

After salvaging data from your dash cam, rectify the "Format SD Card" glitch now. The ensuing methods elucidate what to do when you meet the dash cam keeps saying format SD card issues with detailed steps.

Method 1. Validate SD Card Functionality

Thoroughly ascertain your SD card's operability before integrating it into your dash cam. Evaluate its performance through these steps:

1. Use a card reader to connect the SD card to your computer.

2. Test the SD card on other compatible devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets).

3. Consult the dash cam manual to ensure your SD card aligns with camera hardware specifications.

Method 2. Assess the SD Card Connection to the Dash Cam

Multiple factors will impact the connection between your SD card and the dash cam. Begin by confirming a secure connection, ensuring contact platters align correctly with corresponding camera components. Furthermore, clean both the contact platters and the dash cam's slot.

Following the cleaning procedure, reinsert the SD card to verify whether the issue persists.

Method 3. Format the SD Card

A direct approach to rectifying the memory card issue involves succumbing to formatting the SD card for dash cam use. Exercise caution, as this method involves data deletion. Backing up files beforehand is safe for your data.

Follow the steps here to format your memory card:

1. Access Disk Management via the Start Menu, then Create and format hard disk partitions.

2. Identify your SD card in Disk Management, right-click, and opt for Format.

3. Complete the discreet formatting window by assigning a Volume label, selecting a File system, and ensuring the quick format checkbox is ticked. Finalize by clicking OK.

Method 4. Correct via Command Prompt

Bad sectors, areas on storage devices rendered unreadable due to damage, can necessitate correction. Employ the command prompt tool CHKDSK for this purpose.

To use CMD to recover files on a Windows computer:

1. Attach the SD card to your PC.

2. Launch the Command Prompt with administrative rights.

3. Input chkdsk F: /r /x, replacing with the assigned SD card letter.

In scenarios where these methods prove ineffectual, hardware or software issues with your dash cam might be to blame. Consult the camera's user manual for guidance in addressing potential malfunctions.

Final Words

The prescribed solutions empower you to solve the "dash cam keeps saying SD card format" issue on your dash cam. These strategies involve reinserting the memory card correctly, cleaning both the SD card and dash cam slot, formatting the SD card, or utilizing CHKDSK for correction. Prioritize SD card data recovery and backup before undertaking any memory card interventions.