How to format SD card on Mac: Best practices and tools

If you’re having trouble with an SD card that is acting buggy or cluttered with old, unknown files you want to remove, you’re not alone. In this case, formatting a card is a smart decision to clear out any issues and make it as good as new. I’ll show you how to properly format an SD card without the risk of losing any critical data.

A quick way to format an SD or mіcroSD card on a Mac

I'll start with a quick guide for people who are good with MacBooks. If you are not very tech-savvy, your instructions are below. Keep scrolling.

So, here’s how to format an SD card on Mac:

1. Connect a memory card to your Mac through the slot, card reader, or card adapter. The card should be compatible with your Mac
2. Back up your SD card. For a complete backup, you can use the built-in Time Machine. For more advanced backup (e.g., easily backing up separate files or folders), I recommend GetBackup Pro.
3. Open Disk Utility in the Utilities folder.
4. Right-click on your card and choose Erase.

   

5. Create the name for your SD card and the format type (exFAT for 64GB and more, or FAT32 for 32GB and less).

   

6. Click Erase.

All done! Eject the SD card from your Mac.

How to format an SD card without losing the data on the card

If you want to format a memory card, you will lose all your data irreversibly. To save your files after formatting, you should back them up first.

I use trusted backup software to make a secure copy of the files on my memory card. If there is data you want to keep, here's how to create a bootable backup:

1. Download and open GetBackup Pro on Mac.
2. Click Plus for a new backup.
3. Drag and drop your files from the SD card.
4. Click Start and choose a backup destination.

Now, you can format an SD or microSD card without stress.

Why do I recommend GetBackup Pro? It has a mix of backup methods, like simple copy and clone. In case of a disaster, this software will restore your backup data to any Mac, even if you don't have the tool installed. Your data is in safe hands.

Another way to back up your data is using a cloud server instead of a physical storage device. No more “coffee spills on your Mac” or any other drama — this method lets you access your files from anywhere and keeps them safe from physical damage or loss. If that’s what you need, I recommend trying ChronoSync Express. It can perform regular backups, even in stealth mode. The top feature is that you can sync data between devices or folders.

How to format SD cards on Mac 

Now, I'll provide you with details on how to clear an SD card on your Mac.

The process is quite simple and involves no third-party software. I'll walk you through each step of how to erase an SD card on a Mac manually.

Step 1. Connect a memory card to your Mac

Use an external card reader if your Mac lacks a built-in slot or can't recognize your card.

Is your SD card connected successfully? Perfect, you're ready to erase it. Once more, ensure you’ve backed up your data because it will disappear forever. 

Step 2. Open Disk Utility

You'll find Disk Utility easily by locating it in Finder: Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.

Step 3. Choose your SD card

You'll see the card you just connected. Proceed to the next step. 

Also, I know it's not rocket science, but make sure you pick the right card, not your main drive — unless you really enjoy reinstalling macOS for fun!

Step 4. Reformat your SD card

Click Erase to begin the reformatting process. Before you proceed, a friendly reminder will pop up to ensure you're aware that your Mac will clear all data on your card.

Step 5. Give a name to your SD card and choose the proper format

Give the card a relevant name. Now is the perfect opportunity to make it.

You must also select the correct card format based on capacity: exFAT for 64GB or more and FAT32 for 32GB or less.

Step 6. Safely eject your SD card

We've reached the final step. To prevent data loss, safely eject your SD card in two easy ways:

• Right-click the card icon on your Mac and choose Eject.
• Or, click Eject next to the card name in Disk Utility. 

Now, remove the card from the slot or card reader. Your files are safe, and your SD card is ready for its next use!

Removing protected partitions from your SD card

When working with an SD card, you may come across protected partitions. Protected partitions on an SD card are segments of the storage that a user can't modify or delete. They have specific names like "EFI System Partition" or "Recovery HD." These partitions are designed to prevent accidental modification or deletion of your card.  Removing them can cause issues like loss of functionality or data corruption. Normally, you should avoid deleting these partitions unless you have a reason, such as reformatting your card, and understand that it might affect the card’s performance.

If you really need to remove them, try Disk Drill. It does a great job of erasing those partitions that seem impossible to remove:

1. Download and install Disk Drill on your Mac.
2. Choose Data Shredder on the left menu bar.
3. Click Add files or folder to shred, or drag and drop undeleted items from your SD card.
4. Click Shred this now.

Once the shredding is complete, your SD card will be free of the unwanted partition, ensuring no remnants or traces of the previously protected data. Your SD card is now clean and ready for use.

How to clean an SD card on Mac without reformatting

Sometimes, reformatting an SD card is off the agenda, but you keep stumbling upon odd-looking files (.DS_Store or .fseventsd) that macOS creates while working with your memory card. These files serve various purposes, like helping a Mac discover how to display folders when you open them or monitoring file system events on the external drive. Your Mac may have benefitted from these files in the past, but now they're just clutter that can corrupt the card’s performance.

It's not much fun to search through all of your folders for unnecessary files, and sometimes they're just hidden. Instead, let the SD cleaner app do the job and handle junk files without losing your data and time.  

Here is how you can clean all the junk files from an SD card automatically with CleanMyMac X:

1. Download and open CleanMyMac X from the menu bar and click Settings.
2. In the Menu tab, choose External Devices.
3. Select Clean up junk automatically on ejection.

Your SD card is free of unnecessary files.

How to format an unreadable SD card on a Mac

I recently faced an issue where my Mac couldn't read my camera's SD card because of the NTFS format, a file system that is a stranger to Mac. Luckily, there is a life-saving app for this scenario.

iBoysoft NTFS for Mac is your reliable assistant: use it to read, write, copy, delete, or transfer files across drives without limits. All you need to do is:

1. Download and open iBoysoft NTFS for Mac.
2. Connect your NTFS-formatted SD Card to your Mac.  The app should automatically detect your NTFS-formatted drive.
3. Choose your SD card and click Open.

That's it. Now that access is enabled, you can easily modify files on your SD card as if macOS natively supported them. 

Format your memory card on a Mac: Final thoughts

Now you know how to reformat an SD card on your Mac, but make sure to back up important files first and consider using trusted data recovery software. Such apps like Disk Drill, GetBackup Pro can do all the magic. And if your Mac can't read the SD card because of a strange file system, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac will help. 

All these apps are available through Setapp, a platform with over 240 apps for various needs. Big bonus: you can try all of them for free during a 7-day trial at any time. So, don't hesitate!