Card reader does not recognize SD card - why?

Everyone has probably had the problem before: The card reader does not recognize the SD card. We will show you what it is and what you can do about it.

1. SDHC problem: Card reader does not recognize SD card

SD card is not the same as SD card. Contrary to what many might think, there are differences in memory cards: the classic SD card only has a memory capacity of 2 MB to 2 GB.

• From 4 GB, the SD card is called SDHC. These have storage capacities of up to 32 GB. Then come the SDXC cards, which can store 64 GB to 2 TB.
• If you are using an older card reader, it may well be that this device does not support the newer SDHC format and therefore cannot recognize it.

2. Device problem: driver for card reader required

Another reason why the SD card is not recognized can also be due to the card reader driver. Depending on the device, it may require a driver, which you can usually download from the manufacturer's website.

• You can check whether there is a problem with the device driver in Device Manager.
• To do this, open the "Device Manager" via System Control> Hardware and Sound, as a sub-item of Devices and Printers. If the driver is installed correctly, the card reader is displayed here.

3. Leave the SD card inserted and restart the computer

Often, restarting the computer can solve the detection problem. To do this, leave your SD card or card reader with SD card inserted and restart your computer.

4. Card reader defective? Here's how to find out

As a last resort, the reader can be defective. Before you dispose of it, you should check whether it is really due to your card reader.

• To do this, you can connect the card reader to another computer and check whether the SD card is recognized here.
• To be on the safe side, you may want to try a third computer or test another cable - there may be a broken cable in the USB cable.

If it is not the card reader, you can try to repair your SD card.