---
title: microSD card setup
slug: zero/basics/sd-card
description: Learn how to insert, format, and safely remove a microSD card
image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/JOGz8RKO3Rjgq0rd_7Hc-_sdcardprev00.png
docTags:
createdAt: 2021-07-26T17:11:37.000Z
---
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Flipper Zero doesn’t come with a microSD card, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
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On this page, you’ll learn how to insert, format, and safely remove a microSD card.
Make sure you have a microSD card in your Flipper Zero before updating the firmware. The microSD card stores various types of data, such as keys, cards, remotes, databases, and more. Flipper Zero supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT file systems and is compatible with microSD cards up to 256 GB, but a regular** 16-32 GB microSD card is sufficient** to store all the necessary data. Keep in mind that Flipper Zero may take longer to recognize a microSD card with a higher storage capacity.
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 600 kibibytes per second, which is sufficient for the device’s tasks.
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It’s important to use high-quality, branded microSD cards such as SanDisk, Kingston, or others to ensure the proper performance of your Flipper Zero. Using low-quality microSD cards may not only result in poor performance but can also brick or even damage your device.
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***
# Inserting a microSD card
To insert the microSD card into your Flipper Zero, do the following:
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Locate the microSD card slot on your Flipper Zero — it’s at the bottom of the device.
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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.
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Check if your Flipper Zero recognizes the microSD card.
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Insert the microSD card pins up
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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.
If the battery of your Flipper Zero is draining fast, check the current consumption: Main Menu -> Settings -> Power -> Battery Info.
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## If your Flipper Zero doesn’t recognize the card
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 has a file system other than FAT12, FAT16, FAT32 or exFAT. -> [Format the microSD card.](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/sd-card#UB7HF)
- There is no file system on the microSD card. -> [Format the microSD card.
](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/sd-card#UB7HF)
- There is dust in the microSD card slot. -> Carefully clean the slot with a compressed air duster.
- The microSD card doesn’t have an SPI interface. -> Try using a different microSD card.
- The microSD card is damaged. -> Try using a different microSD card.
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# Formatting the microSD card
Sometimes, a microSD card may fail to mount correctly. This might happen if it uses an incompatible file system or doesn’t have one. If your Flipper Zero doesn’t recognize the card after insertion, try to format the card. Once formatted, it will have a FAT32 file system.
You can format your microSD card using your Flipper Zero. For that, do the following:
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Go to **Main Menu -> Settings -> Storage**.
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Select **Format SD Card** and press %right%**RIGHT** to format.
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The formatting procedure erases all data on the microSD card. It’s 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.
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## If formatting via Flipper Zero failed
If formatting via Flipper Zero didn’t work, you could try formatting the microSD card using a PC or try a different microSD card.
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# Safely removing the microSD card
It’s important to always remove microSD cards safely. When a microSD card is in use, Flipper Zero reads data from it and writes to it. If you remove the card while the device is still using it, this may corrupt the data on your card or damage the card file system.
To safely remove the microSD card from your Flipper Zero, do the following:
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Go to **Main Menu -> Settings -> Storage**.
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Select **Unmount SD Card** and follow the instructions on the screen.
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Once you have been notified that the microSD card has been unmounted, remove the card from your Flipper Zero by gently pushing and then pulling the card.
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Remove the microSD card by gently pushing it
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If you’re having trouble removing the microSD card with your nail, gently push it with another thin object, such as a plastic card. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damaging the card slot.
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