microSD Card is Not Recognized in Nintendo Switch

What to do

1. Power off the Nintendo Switch console.

   Important: Always shut off the console before removing or inserting a microSD card. If a microSD card is inserted or removed while the console is powered on or while in sleep mode, you will be prompted to restart the console.

   • How to power off a Nintendo Switch console
     1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
     2. Select Power Options.
     3. Select Turn Off.

     
2. Gently push down on the top of the microSD card until you hear a click, then slide it out of the microSD card slot to remove it from the console.
   • Where is the microSD card slot on Nintendo Switch?

     Gently swing the stand open to show the microSD card slot.

     
   • Where is the microSD card slot on Nintendo Switch Lite?

     Gently open the microSD card slot cover.

     
   • Where is the microSD card slot on Nintendo Switch – OLED Model?

     Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot.

     
3. Check for any dirt or debris either in the microSD card slot or on the microSD card connectors.
   • Dirt or debris is found in the microSD card slot or on the microSD card connectors

     If there is visible contamination on either one, the microSD card may need to be replaced and the console will need to be sent in for service.

     For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

4. Verify that the microSD card is compatible with the Nintendo Switch console.
   • microSD cards compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch

     The following types of microSD cards are supported on Nintendo Switch 2:

     • microSD Express (up to 2TB)

     
     

     The following types of microSD cards are supported on Nintendo Switch:

     • microSD (up to 2 GB)
     • microSDHC (4 GB - 32 GB)
     • microSDXC (64 GB - 2 TB)
   • microSD card is not compatible with the console

     If the microSD card is not compatible with the console, replace it with a type of card supported on Nintendo Switch.

   • microSD card is SDXC

     If the microSD card label indicates it is SDXC, reinsert the microSD card back into the console. Then power on the Nintendo Switch console and perform a system update.

5. Format the microSD card.
   • How to format a microSD card

     Important

     • Once formatted, the information on the microSD card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
     • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account it was purchased with.
     • Save data is stored on the console’s system memory, so it will not be lost in this process.

     1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
        
     2. Scroll down the options on the left and select System.
     3. Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select Formatting Options.
        • If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.
     4. Select Format microSD Card, then Continue.
        • The following message will be displayed, “All data on the microSD card will be deleted. Data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Continue?”
     5. To continue, select Format. The console will then restart.

     For more information: How to Format a microSD Card.

6. Replace the microSD card if it still cannot be detected.