Formatting a memory card - how to clean it

If you want to format a memory card, there are several methods to do so. For example, if you use the card in your Android smartphone or tablet, it can usually be deleted directly from the device. Alternatively, you can also format it from your computer.

Formatting a memory card with Android

If you have expanded the memory of your Android device with a memory card, you can manage the card via the device settings and also format it if necessary.

1. Open the settings of your Android device and switch to the category "Memory".
2. Select the memory card in the overview.
3. Have you selected the card, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the item "Memory settings" in the menu.
4. Finally tap "Format" and confirm the process.

Format memory card with Windows

You also have the option to format a memory card in Windows.

1. Connect the card to the computer using a memory card reader or similar adapter.
2. Open Explorer and click on "This PC" in the navigation on the left.
3. Right-click on the memory card in the overview and select "Format..." from the context menu.
4. Click on "Restore device defaults" to load the default settings. If you use the card in an Android smartphone or tablet, for example, also select "FAT32" as the file system. For memory cards with a size of 64 gigabytes or more, you should use the "exFAT" file system.
5. Also activate the "Quick Format" option.
6. Click "Start" and finally "OK" to format the memory card.