How to Format RAW SanDisk Micro SD Card

Quick Answer: To format RAW SanDisk micro SD card, first recover your data with iCare Recovery (since formatting erases everything), then back up the recovered files, and finally format the card using Disk Management, Diskpart, CMD, Android settings, or third-party tools.

✅ Safe Workflow to Format RAW SanDisk Micro SD Card

  1. Recover – Use the free tool iCare Recovery to restore lost data.
  2. Backup – Save the recovered files to your computer or cloud storage.
  3. Format – Choose FAT32, exFAT, or Android formatting method to make the SD card usable again.

⚠️ Important: Do not format before recovery, otherwise files will be lost permanently.

Why Does a SanDisk Micro SD Card Turn RAW?

  • Improper removal or unsafe ejection 🔌
  • File system corruption 🌀
  • Virus/malware infection 🦠
  • Unsupported file system ❌
  • Physical damage ⚠️

Also read: RAW SD card recovery or Sandisk sd card recovery

Format without Losing Data Using Free Tool iCare Recovery

iCare Recovery allows you to recover files first, then safely format the card:

  • downloadDownload Download iCare Recovery Free to recover data from RAW card.select recovery mode
  • Format to FAT32, exFAT, or Android-supported format.

Several Ways to Format RAW SanDisk Micro SD Card

1. Format with Disk Management (Windows)

  1. Insert your micro SD card into a card reader.
  2. Right-click Start → choose Disk Management.
  3. Find your RAW SD card, right-click → Format.
  4. Select FAT32 or exFAT, click OK.

2. Format via File Explorer

  1. Open This PC.
  2. Right-click the SD card → Format.
  3. Choose FAT32 or exFAT.
  4. Check Quick Format → Start.

3. Format Using Diskpart (Advanced Windows Tool)

Win + R → type: diskpart
list disk
select disk X   (X = your SD card)
clean
create partition primary
format fs=fat32 quick   (or exfat)
assign

4. Format via Command Prompt (CMD)

Win + R → type: cmd → Enter
format F: /FS:FAT32 /Q   (replace F: with your SD card letter)

5. Format on Android Device

  1. Insert SD card into your phone.
  2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD Card.
  3. Tap Format.

6. Format with Third-Party SD Card Tools

  • 🛠️ SD Memory Card Formatter by SD Association
  • ⚡ MiniTool Partition Wizard
  • 📂 AOMEI Partition Assistant

When SanDisk Micro SD Card Cannot Be Formatted

  • 🔒 Write protection enabled → disable before formatting.
  • 💥 Too many bad sectors → card may be unusable.
  • ⚠️ Physical damage (cracks, water, bent pins) → replacement required.
  • 🔌 Faulty reader → try another adapter or device.

FAQ – Formatting RAW SanDisk Micro SD Cards

1. Can I recover files before formatting?

Yes, use iCare Recovery or similar tools to recover files before formatting, since formatting will erase everything.

2. Which format should I use: FAT32 or exFAT?

FAT32 works best for ≤32GB cards, while exFAT is for ≥64GB cards.

3. How to format on Android?

Go to Settings → Storage → SD Card → Format. This erases all files and restores usability.

4. What if my SD card still cannot be formatted?

If write protection, bad sectors, or physical damage exist, you may need to replace the card.

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Writer of iCareAll Inc., is specialized data recovery solutions and love to find and solve digital device data storage related problems.