Before formatting your Micro SD card, it’s important to take a few steps to make sure your data is safe and that you’re formatting the card correctly.
- Make sure your dash cam is compatible with the type and capacity of Micro SD card you’re using. Refer to your dash cam’s manual for recommended Micro SD card specifications.
- Use a utility to scan the micro SD card for errors or bad sectors. If errors are found, you may need to repair or replace the card before formatting it.
Formatting on the computer
Formatting your Micro SD card for your dash cam is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to formatting your Micro SD card:
- Right-click on the Micro SD card and select ‘Format’. This will open the Format Micro SD Card dialogue box.
- Select the file system type. For dashboard cameras, it is recommended to use the FAT32 file system for the micro SD card. However, if the micro SD card is larger than 32 GB, the exFAT or NTFS file systems may be more suitable.
- Select the Quick Format option. This option only deletes the File Allocation Table (FAT) and directory information, which is faster than a full format, but may not detect and correct certain errors.
- Click the Start button to begin the formatting process. A warning message may appear to remind you that all data on the micro SD card will be erased. If you have already backed up your data, click OK to continue.
- Wait for the formatting process to complete. This may take several minutes depending on the size and speed of the micro SD card.
Formatting on the Dash Cam
Formatting your Micro SD card for your dash cam is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to formatting your Micro SD card:
- Back up your data: Before formatting your Micro SD card, transfer any important files to a computer or external hard drive.
- Insert your Micro SD card: Turn off your dashboard camera and insert your Micro SD card into the slot provided. Make sure the card is inserted correctly and securely.
- Access the Dash Cam settings: Switch on your dash cam and access the settings menu. Locate and select the ‘Format Micro SD Card’ option.
- Choose the file system format: Choose the recommended file system format for your dash cam, such as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Confirm the format: Once you’ve selected format, confirm that you want to format your Micro SD card. This will erase all data on the card and cannot be undone, so make sure you have backed up your data beforehand.
- Wait for the formatting process to complete: Formatting may take a few minutes depending on the size of the micro SD card. Do not switch off your dash cam or remove the micro SD card during the formatting process.
- Check that the formatting was successful: Once formatting is complete, check that your Micro SD card is recognised by your dash cam and that you can record new footage.
Daily maintenance
Maintaining your Micro SD card is an important part of ensuring the longevity and performance of your dash cam. Here are some tips to help you maintain your Micro SD card:
Removing your Micro SD card while your dash cam is recording can damage the card and cause data loss. Wait for your dash cam to stop recording before removing the Micro SD card.
