How To Fix DJI SD Card Errors: Step By Step Guide (2024)

A few months ago, I thought I had captured some of the most stunning aerial shots during my beach vacation. Imagine my shock when I discovered that SD Card error on my DJI drone! How could this happen? If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re grappling with similar SD Card issues on your DJI drone. But don’t worry; in this guide titled “How To Fix DJI SD Card Errors,” we will embark on a troubleshooting expedition together.

We all know how frustrating it can be when technology doesn’t work as it should. Even more so when it comes to drones, where precious moments and potential masterpieces can be lost due to such annoying hiccups. Now the question is – do we sit in despair or take matters into our own hands?

The possibility of solving these technical glitches on your own gives a sense of control – which helps me keep calm during tech storms! So buckle up as we dive deep into typical DJI SD card troubles and ways to fix them like seasoned tech gurus.

Some Common Reasons Behind DJI SD Card Errors

SD card issues with your DJI drone can be irritating, I get that. They mar the thrill of capturing beautiful aerial shots with nuisance and frustration. Worry no more! Arriving at a solution becomes more manageable if we understand what’s causing the problem in the first place.

• Incorrect Formatting: One of the common reasons is improper formatting, especially when you’ve swapped your old card out for a new one. The new card should ideally be formatted inside the camera to ensure compatibility.
• Card Quality: Another reason could relate to the quality or class of memory card you’re using. Most of us overlook this aspect, but not every SD card is created equal in performance and durability.
• Corruption: If you’ve been using your drone’s SD card for some time now and suddenly it starts to act up, it may be due to corrosion. Copious media files, frequent deletions, misuse, and even rugged environmental conditions can lead to onslaughts of corruption.
• Poor Handling: Speaking about misuse – inadequate handling, such as unplugging without safe ejection or using the same SD across different devices without formatting, can also instigate problems.
• Outdated Firmware or Faulty Settings: Sometimes, it’s not our sins but glitches from ineffective software causing all this trouble. A whacky firmware or setting on your drone might also play a villain in this plot!

Every situation demands a unique tackling approach – so understanding what’s going wrong will provide us with an efficient way out. Furthermore, rectifying these aspects will save future encounters with such problems. Finally, yet importantly – action roots from knowledge! So, let’s dive further into how we untangle each issue practically.

Also Read: DJI File Recovery: How to Recover Lost Files from Formatted Memory?

How To Fix DJI SD Card Errors?

Let’s dive into this, shall we? While errors can be annoying — especially when you’re on the field and ready to capture some incredible moments — there are ways to resolve these issues. Let’s check out the most common fixes:

Resetting SD Card

An easy fix that sometimes works like a charm is simply resetting your SD card. Now, here’s how you go about it:

• Remove the SD card from your DJI drone.
• Insert it back in after a while.

Simple, right? Usually, this helps realign miscommunicated settings between the drone and the memory card. However, be cautious – continual errors, even after multiple resets, might indicate a more serious problem.

Formatting Your SD Card

Another common solution is formatting your SD Card. Here, I’ll guide you through how you can do that using different operating systems:

• Mac Users:
  • Connect your SD card to your Mac.
  • Open Disk Utility using Spotlight Search.
  • Select the connected drive(SD card).
  • Click on “Erase” and then select “MS-DOS (FAT)” as the format type ( for cards below 32GB) or “ExFAT” for larger cards.
• Windows Users
  • Connect your memory card to your computer.
  • Open My Computer/This PC.
  • Locate the drive assigned to your plugged-in memory card.
  • Right-click on it, then select “Format…”
  • After selecting FAT32 or exFAT according to the size of the card, click “Start.”

But remember- formatting will erase all data currently on that memory card; do not forget to save important files elsewhere beforehand!

Advanced Methods For Technical Users

If simple solutions just aren’t cutting it anymore, and you’re confident about navigating technology landscapes a bit more complexly – perhaps advanced methods are your solution. You could:

• Use dedicated SD card repair software: Programs like Chkdsk in Windows or Disk Utility in Mac can help you get out of complex issues.
• Firmware Update: Keep your Drone’s firmware updated. Sometimes, outdated firmware may cause this error.
• Opt for Professional Help: If all else fails, there’s no harm in seeking professional assistance. They’d have the specific tools and expertise required to diagnose and fix the issue.

Regardless of which solution you go for, make sure that you are comfortable and understand what each one entails.

Next time an error pops up, I hope these easy-to-follow solutions help get you back into action in no time. And remember, it’s always wise to have a backup SD card on hand!

Also Read: What to Do & How To Fix Your Drone That Fell in Water?

Types of DJI SD Card Errors And Its Fixes

Having troubles with your drone’s SD card can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re all set for an exciting drone flight. Let’s dive into some of the common DJI SD card errors and how you can fix them.

“SD Card Full” Problem

Now and then, I experience this annoying problem where my drone refuses to record anything because it says my SD card is full when it isn’t. Oftentimes, a simple restart might solve the problem. However, if it persists, there’s something even simpler – deleting old files or transferring them to a safe storage system. In case these steps don’t work out for you:

• Try formatting your SD Card once (save important data before formatting)
• If none of these work out, consider replacing your card because there’s a chance that the problem is with the card itself.

“Invalid Speed” Issue

At times, my drone throws up an “invalid speed” error – usually when it thinks that your card speed doesn’t match its standard requirements. Luckily enough, finding a solution doesn’t need to translate into hours of tedious searching on the web:

• First off, check if your card adheres to the minimum Speed Class 10 requirement or UHS-I Rating.
• You could also just save yourself some trouble by using DJI’s officially recommended SanDisk Extreme series cards.

“Corrupted SD Card” Issue

Are you dealing with a corrupted SD card? It happens to me, too, sometimes! Good news, though – I’ve got just the fix!

• Consider using any trusted third-party software like Disk Drill or Recuva for recovering as much data as possible before formatting.
• Regularly backing up data will also minimize loss when encountering such issues.

DJI SD Card Not Reading

There have been instances when my DJI refuses to read an inserted SD Card. But fear not! Follow these steps for a hassle-free solution:

• Firstly, remove and reinsert the card once or twice.
• Still, facing the issue? Reformat your card using the DJI Go/DJI Fly app.
• If the issue remains, exchange it with another card.

Remember, folks, these solutions can work for most of you. But if you end up having consistent troubles, consider reaching out to DJI customer support or visiting an authorized service center since it could potentially be a problem with the drone itself and not the SD Card.

Also Read: How to Find a Lost Drone? New & Easiest Methods

Optimal Use Practices To Prevent Future Issues

To prevent future SD card problems, there’s nothing more helpful than adopting optimal usage practices for your drone. Let’s break it down:

• Regular Software Updates: First and foremost, I can’t stress enough the importance of regular software updates. Drone manufacturers continually fix bugs and improve device performance, including interaction with SD cards. So always make sure that your drone’s firmware is up to date.
• Right Card Type: Always research before buying an SD card for your DJI drone. Not all SD cards are created equal, and using an unsuitable one might cause problems. Do yourself a favor – stick to the guidelines provided by DJI about the suitable types of cards (Hint: Class 10 or UHS-1 rating).
• Routine Formatting: Next on our list is something we’ve touched on earlier – formatting your SD card regularly but appropriately before each flight secession can go a long way in preventing any errors cropping up.
• Safe Eject/Insert Rituals: Be mindful when inserting or removing your card from the drone or computer; hasty handling does no good! This means avoiding removing them when data transfer is ongoing or when you’re in the middle of capturing footage with your drone.
• Proper power-off mechanism: Another seemingly minute detail with surprisingly significant consequences! Turn off your DJI drone properly before pulling out that microSD card!
• Storage care: Last but not least, store SD cards carefully when unused – dust-free containers are excellent choices here.

Like they say, prevention, indeed, is always better than cure!

How to Choose the Right Type of SD Card for Your DJI Drone?

Making sure you’ve got the right equipment can mean the difference between capturing incredible sky-high footage and a frustrating day of drone troubleshooting. When it comes to picking an SD card for your DJI drone, there are certain factors you need to take into account.

Consider Capacity: Typically, DJI drones support cards up to 128GB. However, the exact capacity you should choose relies heavily on your specific usage needs. If you’re shooting more videos than photos, and especially if these videos are in 4K, opt for a higher-capacity card.

Investigate Speed Class: Also key is the card’s speed class, which refers to its data transfer rate. For most DJI drone models, a Class 10 or UHS-1 rated card will suffice, but it’s always good to double-check your user guide.

Brand Matters: As for brands, reputable ones like SanDisk or Samsung often bring benefits in data protection and reliability. They might cost more but can prevent annoying errors down the line.

Micro SD versus Regular Sizes: Remember that not all drones accept normal-sized SD cards – many require MicroSD instead! Again, refer back to your user manual if in doubt.

Check Compatibility: Beyond this list would be simply ensuring compatibility with your particular model of DJI drone – just because an SD card fits doesn’t necessarily mean it works! Some newer models may support faster cards whilst older ones don’t.

In this digital era where content is king and memory is queen, understanding what makes a good memory card goes hand-in-hand with proficient drone usage. It may seem like a minor detail amid calibration settings or filtering options. Still, when you’re miles up high capturing show-stopping footage – believe me – that little piece of plastic starts looking pretty darn important!

FAQs

Conclusion

To conclude, dealing with DJI SD card errors can indeed be frustrating, especially when you’re keen on capturing memorably stunning aerial footage. However, remember that most issues are just a result of minor setbacks like a need for re-formatting or a quick reset.

With the right understanding of why these errors occur and the know-how to fix them, we can minimize their occurrence – and even if they do happen every once in a while, we’ll know exactly what to do!

Regular updates and using the right type of SD cards are some of our best preventive measures. And just as important is persistence – try not to let these minor hiccups dampen your spirit or passion for drones! After all, who says the path to fantastic drone footage was going to be entirely smooth? Happy flying, everyone!