Error Message: The Device Inserted in the SD Card Slot Cannot Be Used
Wii & Wii mini
The information in this article can help you when an SD or SDHC card is properly inserted into system and the Wii Console is displaying the error message: "The device inserted in the SD Card Slot cannot be used."
What to do
- Turn the power OFF on the Wii console.
- Remove the SD or SDHC card and check its label to verify that it has the SD or SDHC logo.
- If it does not have the logo, it's incompatible.
- Try the card in another compatible device, such as a digital camera or cell phone.
- If the SD card does not work in a camera or cell phone, there may a problem with the SD card. Attempt to format it.
- If it works in the cell phone, camera, or PC after formatting it, continue to step 4.
- If it does not work after formatting it, or if it fails to format, this indicates a problem with the SD card, and it will need to be replaced.
- If the SD card works, or if you do not have a cell phone or camera to try, continue to step 4.
- If the SD card does not work in a camera or cell phone, there may a problem with the SD card. Attempt to format it.
- If it works in another device, re-insert the card into the SD card slot on the Wii console and power the console back ON.
- Go back into the SD Card Menu.
- If no error appears, then it could be that the SD card wasn't formatted. If you continue to see intermittent errors, the SD card connectors may be contaminated. Try another SD card, and if you continue to experience problems, then the system is likely at fault.
Nintendo no longer offers service requests for the Wii console (models RVL-001 and RVL-101, serial numbers begin with "LU" or "KU"). You may find our information on upgrade options helpful.
- If an error appears, continue to step 6.
- If no error appears, then it could be that the SD card wasn't formatted. If you continue to see intermittent errors, the SD card connectors may be contaminated. Try another SD card, and if you continue to experience problems, then the system is likely at fault.
- Turn off the power and remove the SD card, then insert a different SD card, turn the power on, and check the SD Card Menu again.
- If you do not have another SD card to try, we have found that this message usually indicates a compatibility problem with the SD card. Try a compatible SD or SDHC Memory card.
- If the error persists, there may be a problem with the system.
Nintendo no longer offers service requests for the Wii console (models RVL-001 and RVL-101, serial numbers begin with "LU" or "KU"). You may find our information on upgrade options helpful.
- If another SD card works, there is likely a compatibility problem with the original SD card. Try replacing the SD card.
Situation not resolved
If the steps above do not help, try another SD card. If you receive this error with more than one SD card, the problem may be with Wii console itself.
