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Basics

MicroSD card setup

Document image

<div class="warning flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header">Insert a microSD card before updating your Flipper Zero</div>
   For the firmware to be updated correctly, it is necessary to insert the microSD card into your Flipper Zero, since the device stores its databases on the microSD card.
</div>


The microSD card stores various types of data, such as keys, cards, remotes, databases, and more. Flipper Zero supports FAT12/16/32 and exFAT file systems and is compatible with microSD cards up to 256 GB, but a 4 GB microSD card is sufficient to store all the necessary data. Keep in mind that the process of mounting a microSD card with a high storage capacity may require additional time.

Unlike modern smartphones and computers that use a high-speed SDIO interface, Flipper Zero uses a slower energy-efficient SPI interface. Despite being slower than SDIO, Flipper Zero's SPI interface can read data at almost 400 KB per second, which is sufficient for the device's tasks.

It is important to carefully review the product details before purchasing a microSD card, as some manufacturers advertise that their cards are compatible with the SPI mode.

<div class="warning flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header">Use a high-quality microSD card</div>
    The SPI mode on low-quality microSD cards may be poorly implemented or not supported. To guarantee proper performance, it is important to use high-quality, branded microSD cards like <b>SanDisk</b>, <b>Kingston</b>, and others.
</div>



Inserting a microSD card

To insert the microSD card into your Flipper Zero, do the following:

1

Locate the microSD card slot on your Flipper Zero—it's at the bottom of the device.

2

Hold the microSD card with pins facing up. Align the microSD card with the slot and gently push it in until the card clicks into place.

3

Check if your Flipper Zero recognizes the microSD card.



<video
    autoplay muted loop playsinline style="width: 100%; margin: 0 !important;"
    src="https://cdn.flipperzero.one/Flipper_Sd_Mount3_compressed.mp4"
></video>
<div class="text-center mt-2.5 text-gray-400 pb-5">
Insert the microSD card pins up
</div>

<div class="sdcard flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header">Use a high-quality microSD card for longer battery life</div>
    When the display backlight is on, Flipper Zero's current consumption with a genuine branded microSD card is up to 30 mA. With a non-genuine microSD card, the overall current consumption may reach up to 50 mA leading to a shorter battery life of your device.
    <br />
    <br />
    If the battery of your Flipper Zero is draining fast, check the current consumption: Main Menu -> Settings -> Power -> Battery Info.
</div>


If your Flipper Zero doesn't recognize the card

Not all microSD cards function immediately after insertion
Not all microSD cards function immediately after insertion


In case you see the message above on the screen after inserting the microSD card, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

  • The microSD card doesn’t have an SPI interface. -> Try using a different microSD card.
  • The microSD card has a file system other than FAT12/16/32 or exFAT. -> Format the microSD card.
  • There is no file system on the microSD card. -> Format the microSD card.
  • The microSD card is damaged. -> Try using a different microSD card.


Formatting the microSD card

Sometimes, a microSD card may fail to mount correctly. It might happen if the microSD card uses an incompatible file system or doesn't have one. If the card didn't mount after insertion, try to format it. Once formatted, the microSD card will have a FAT32 file system.

To format your microSD card, do the following:

1

Go to Main Menu -> Settings -> Storage.

2

Select Format SD Card and follow the instructions on the screen.

The microSD card is successfully formatted
The microSD card is successfully formatted

<div class="warning flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header">Update your Flipper Zero after formatting the microSD card</div>
The formatting procedure erases all data on the microSD card. It is important to update your Flipper Zero, even if you have already done so prior to formatting. This is because the device stores databases on the microSD card, and the databases must be reinstalled as part of the update process.
</div>


If the card formatting failed

If the formatting procedure was unsuccessful, try formatting the microSD card with the help of a PC or use a different microSD card.

The formatting procedure failed
The formatting procedure failed



Safely removing the microSD card

It is important to remove microSD cards safely to prevent potential data loss or corruption. When a microSD card is in use, Flipper Zero reads from and writes to the card. If you remove the card while the device is still accessing it, you may corrupt the data or damage the file system on the card.

To safely remove the microSD card from your Flipper Zero, do the following:

1

Go to Main Menu -> Settings -> Storage.

2

Select Unmount SD Card and follow the instructions on the screen.

Unmount the microSD card before removing it from your Flipper Zero
Unmount the microSD card before removing it from your Flipper Zero

3

Once you have been notified that the microSD card is unmounted, remove the card from your Flipper Zero by gently pushing and then pulling the card.

<video
    autoplay muted loop playsinline style="width: 100%; margin: 0 !important;"
    src="https://cdn.flipperzero.one/sd_removal_compressed.mp4"
></video>
<div class="text-center mt-2.5 text-gray-400 pb-5">
Remove the microSD card by gently pushing it
</div>

<div class="warning flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header"></div>
    If you’re having trouble removing the microSD card with your nails, gently push it with another thin object like a plastic card. Avoid applying too much pressure, or else you may cause damage to the card slot.
</div>




Updated 20 Sep 2023
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inserting a microSD card
If your Flipper Zero doesn't recognize the card
Formatting the microSD card
If the card formatting failed
Safely removing the microSD card
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