What Is A Microsd Slot

  1. What Is A Microsd Card Slot For A Tablet
  2. Phone With Sd Card Slot
  3. Where Is My Sd Slot
  4. Micro Sd Card Slot
  5. Micro Sd Slot On Computers
  6. What Is A Micro Sd Slot For Phones

What is SD?

MicroSD card with adapter for use in a slot for full SD card microSD is a type of removable flash memory card used for storing information. SD is an abbreviation of Secure Digital, and microSD cards are sometimes referred to as µSD or uSD.

SD describes devices that conform to SD standards for non-volatile memory cards. See the SD Association website for details.

  • Micro Secure Digital Slot: A Micro Secure Digital slot (MicroSD slot) is a small expansion slot located in mobile and other portable devices. It facilitates the increase of available memory via the insertion of a MicroSD card. MicroSD, MiniSD and SD are industry standard storage platforms governed by the Secure Digital Association (SD.
  • Jan 17, 2019  About the SD and SDXC card slot on your Mac Some Mac computers feature an SD (Secure Digital) or SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity) card slot that lets your Mac read and write data to SD media, such as digital camera memory cards.

Are there size limitations for the cards that can be inserted into the SD slot?

Microsd

Yes. The SD card specification for a memory card is 32mm by 24mm by 2.1mm. You can also use thinner cards, such as MultiMediaCards (MMC). Avoid using cards that have a thickness greater than 2.1mm, as they might damage the SD card slot if you try to insert them.

Which SD card formats work in the SD card slot?

Cards that conform to the SD 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x standards should work. The SD card slot can use:

  • Standard SD, 4MB to 2GB
  • SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity), 4GB to 32GB
  • SDXC, 4GB to 2TB
  • MMC (MultiMediaCards)
  • UHS‑II, up to 2TB (iMac Pro only)

You can use a passive adapter like the one shown here to make MiniSD, MicroSD, and higher density formats like MiniSDHC and MicroSDHC conform to the width and thickness specifications listed above:

How fast can my Mac read or write to an SD card in the SD card slot?

Mac notebooks use the USB bus to communicate with the SD card slot. They have a maximum speed of up to 480Mbit/s. Mac desktops use the PCIe bus to communicate with the SD card slot. Desktops can transfer data at a faster rate.

Check the packaging that came with your SD media to determine the maximum transfer rate that your specific card uses.

To determine the maximum transfer speed of your Mac, you can use System Information. Choose Apple () menu > About This Mac and then click System Report.

If you use a Mac notebook:

  1. Select Hardware, then select USB.
  2. Select Internal Memory Card Reader and look for the Speed entry.

If you use a Mac desktop computer:

  1. Select Hardware, then select Card Reader.
  2. Look for the Link Speed entry. Computers that use the PCIe bus express their speed as GT/s.

Does the SD slot work with cards that exceed 32GB?

Yes. However, most media manufacturers preformat the media using common block-and-cluster sizes that don’t approach the theoretical limits of a given file system.

Most SD cards use the FAT32 file format, and preformatted FAT32 SD media is commonly available up to a capacity of 32GB. Media that exceeds 32GB usually uses the exFAT file system, while some smaller capacity cards use the FAT16 file format. Preformatted FAT16 media is generally available up to a capacity of 2GB.

If you use OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.5 or later, you can find out which file system you’re using:

  1. Insert the media into the SD card slot.
  2. Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
  3. Click System Report.
  4. In the Hardware section, click Card Reader, and find the File System field.

Will the SD card slot work with SD cards that use the exFAT file system?

Yes. Any Mac that has an SD card slot and is running OS X 10.6.5 or later can use the exFAT file system.

exFAT is also supported in Boot Camp with Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 on any Mac made in 2011 or later with an SD card slot.

How do I insert media into the SD card slot?

When you insert the card, make sure that the metal contacts face down and point toward the computer. Don’t force media into the SD card slot, as this might cause damage.

How does my Mac use the media inserted into the SD card slot?

Your computer recognizes a card inserted into the SD card slot as a USB storage device. You can mount, read from, and write to the SD card just like you can with any other USB storage device.

I put the card in the slot, but it didn’t mount. What should I do?

What Is A Microsd Slot

Remove the card and insert it again. Sometimes the SD card won’t mount properly if you put it into the slot too slowly.

When I try to write content to the card, I get a 'cannot be modified' message. How can I fix this?

You see this message when you try to edit data on an SD card that’s locked. You need to use the lock slider to unlock the card before you can edit the data.

To eject the card, drag the icon that represents the card to the Trash. After the icon disappears from the desktop, you can remove the card from the computer. Adjust the lock slider tab to unlock the card, then reinsert the card into the slot. See the manufacturer’s instructions for the location of the slider tab.

Can I use Disk Utility to reformat an SD card?

You can use Disk Utility to partition and format an SD device as FAT32 (using the MS-DOS FAT setting) or Mac OS Extended. The Mac OS Extended format can be used only on Macintosh systems. Non-Apple systems won’t recognize cards formatted to Mac OS Extended.

You might have to format a card that’s larger than 32GB with exFAT if you want to use it with a digital camera, GPS, or another device. When in doubt, format the card in the device that you intend to use it with.

Can I install macOS on an SD storage device and use it as a startup volume?

Use Disk Utility to change the default partition table to GUID. Then format the card to use the Mac OS Extended file format.

How do I remove a card from the SD card slot?

Before you remove the card, allow any data transfer to SD media to complete. To eject the card, drag the icon that represents the card to the Trash. After the icon disappears from your desktop, you can remove the card from the slot.

Don't remove a card while your Mac is sleeping, as this could lead to data loss. Always wake your computer and eject the SD card before removing it from your Mac.

Can I use Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) cards?

Can I use macOS to see the specifications for the interface hardware and media inserted in the SD card slot?

You can get information about the interface hardware and the media that you inserted in the slot from the System Information:

  1. Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
  2. Click System Report.
  3. In the Hardware section of System Information, select USB.
  4. In the list of USB devices, select Internal Memory Card Reader to access information about the interface hardware and the media inserted into the SD card slot.

Can I use the SD card slot while running Windows using Boot Camp?

The SD card slot works with Boot Camp in all supported versions of Windows. You’ll need to download and install the Windows Support Software to use the SD card slot with Windows.

Learn more about using Windows on a Mac.

Can I use an SDXC card on my Mac with Windows?

You can use an SDXC card in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 with these Mac computers:

  • MacBook Pro (Early 2011 and later)
    MacBook Pro models from 2016 and later don't have a built-in SD card slot. You can use a USB-C card reader, or a combination of a USB-C to USB Adapter and a USB card reader.
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2011 and later)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2011 and later)
    Mac mini (Mid 2010) doesn't support SDXC cards.
  • iMac (Mid 2011 and later)
    iMac (Mid 2010) doesn't support SDXC cards.

What Is A Microsd Card Slot For A Tablet

Can I use an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card to install Windows on my Mac?

No. You can’t use SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards with Boot Camp to install Windows software on Mac computers.

Microsoft Surface is a great piece of hardware that has a beautiful 2-in-1 form factor, great performance, and the most cutting-edge technologies. When it comes to storage option you will be limited to choose from some preset configurations that sometimes don’t fit your needs. Fortunately, most Microsoft Surface models except the Surface Laptop are all come with an SD or MicroSDXC card slot that you can use to expand your device’s storage.

Featured Recommendations

Samsung 256GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card with Full-Size Adapter (MB-ME256GA/AM)
MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS-I U3 with 4K UHD video recording
SanDisk 200GB Ultra MicroSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - 100MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, A1, Micro SD Card - SDSQUAR-200G-GN6MA
MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS-I U1 A1 with FullHD video recording
Lexar Professional 1000x 256GB microSDXC UHS-II Card
MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS-II U3 with 3D & 4K video recording

MicroSD card buying guide

There are several things to consider when you’re choosing a MicroSD card for your device. MicroSD card’s capacity, speed, type, and price are the most important things you need to know about when it comes down to the final decision.

1Speed Class

According to the SD Association, here we have an overview of memory’s sequential write speed information for different speed classes of MicroSD cards.

Minimum Write SpeedSpeed ClassUHS SpeedVideo SpeedMax Video Recording Quality
2MB/secClass 2SD Video
4MB/secClass 4SD Video
6MB/secClass 6V6SD Video
10MB/secClass 10U1V10SD Video
30MB/secU3V30Full HD Video
60MB/secV604K Video
90MB/secV908K Video

*UHS = Ultra High-Speed

2App Performance Class

There is also another standard that is being used for application performance classification. This standard will show you the random read and write performance as input/outputs per second (IOPS).

Application Performance ClassMin. Random ReadMin. Random WriteMin. Sustained Seq. Write
Class 1 (A1)1500 IOPS500 IOPS10 MBytes/s
Class 2 (A2)4000 IOPS2000 IOPS10 MBytes/s

Phone With Sd Card Slot

3Capacity Standard

You might want to know as well about what is the maximum MicroSD card’s capacity that your Surface can support. Here is the SD card capacity standard.

SD Slot StandardCompatible SD CardsMemory Capacity
SDSDUp to 2 GB
SDHC (High Capacity)SDHC, SD2GB to 32GB
SDXC (Extended Capacity)SDXC, SDHC, SD32GB to 2TB

Where Is My Sd Slot

Since all Microsoft Surface devices are using MicroSDXC host controllers, so your Surface technically can support MicroSD card with capacity up to 2TB. Learn more about Microsoft Surface specifications by downloading the Microsoft Surface RT User Guide.

Now you have a better understanding of MicroSD Card’s speed and capacity standard. Here, we have round up the best MicroSD cards that are compatible and work well on Microsoft Surface.

Our Picks: Best MicroSD Cards for Microsoft Surface

To learn more about individual Micro SD card, here we have listed the specifications and our thought on each item here:

SanDisk 200GB Ultra MicroSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - 100MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, A1, Micro SD Card - SDSQUAR-200G-GN6MA
$26.99
Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card with Full-Size Adapter (MB-ME128GA/AM)
$19.49
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB microSDXC UHS-II Card
$51.65
BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book & Surface Book 2 13.5' (Model-350A)
$24.99

1 Sandisk Ultra Micro SDXC UHS-I Card

  • Available from 8GB to 400GB.
  • Class 10 / UHS-I, speed up to 100 MB/s.
  • Load apps faster with A1 app performance class
  • Waterproof, temperature proof, shockproof, and X-ray proof.
  • Included SD adapter.
  • 10-year limited warranty

If you want fairly big storage for your Surface, you can get this 200GB MicroSDXC card at an affordable price while it is on sale. The Sandisk MicroSDXC UHS-I card features a class 10 speed rating.

Micro Sd Card Slot

It can support faster data transfer speed up to 100MB/s which is great for playing large videos. As the rated as A1 App Performance, it is able to run most apps and games without any slow down. This Sandisk MicroSDXC also has great protection with waterproof, temperature proof, shockproof, X-ray proof and magnet proof.

2 Samsung EVO UHS-3 Class 10 MicroSD Card

Was: $24.99
View on Amazon
  • Available from 32GB to 256GB.
  • Class 10 / UHS 3, 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write speed.
  • 4-proof protection from water, extreme temperatures, and other harsh conditions.
  • Included SD adapter.
  • 10-year limited warranty

The next one is from Samsung, The EVO UHS-3 card also rated as a class 10 and UHS-3 transfer speed. It can transfer up to 100MB/s and 90MB/s read and write speeds respectively. It is also able to record the 4K UHD video recording and handle most apps and games without any problems. It does come with a MicroSD card adapter so you can use it in any computers with a full-size SD card slot.

3 Lexar Professional 1000x microSDXC UHS-II/U3

Micro Sd Slot On Computers

Was: $59.99
View on Amazon
  • Using high-speed UHS-II (U3) technology.
  • Transfer speed up to 150MB/s.
  • Verified to be compatible with GoPro cameras.
  • Can read can capture 4K UHD and 3D video.
  • Included a MicroSD UHS-II reader for the best possible transfer speed.

If you need the fastest expansion storage on your Microsoft surface devices, you can count on this Lexar Professional 1000x. It using the latest UHS-II/U3 technology that can deliver the fastest transfer speed up to 150MB/s.

It will let you work on big documents or projects file that needs the high speed of both input and output. It’s verified to work great with GoPro cameras for capturing 4K UHD videos.

4 BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Surface Book

What Is A Micro Sd Slot For Phones

  • Designed for Surface Book.
  • Made from aluminum material.
  • Easy to insert/remove.
  • Supports UHS-I.
  • Model 350A for 13.5″ Surface Book and Surface Book 2.
  • Model 351A for 15″ Surface Book 2

If you are looking to expand the storage of your Surface Book and Surface Book 2, the only thing you can do is using the SD card slot. Since it is a full-sized SD card slot, you will need a full-sized SD card or SD card adapter. However the depth of the slot is about half-length of the card, so it’s not a good idea to use the full-sized SD card as a permanent solution to expand the storage.

Microsd

Fortunately, there is a MicroSD Adapter made by BASEQI that is firm and nicely fit the Microsoft Surface Book card slot without sticking out. With that said, you can now use any microSD card to expand the storage on your Surface Book. It has the same color and aluminum designed just like the Surface Book’s chassis.

Conclusion

Those are the best MicroSD cards in terms of capacity, speed, and price. If you want the most affordable large MicroSD card, we recommend the Sandisk Ultra 200GB Micro SDXC UHS-I card or Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-3 MicroSD card. If the speed matter you the most the Lexar Professional microSDXC are what you should consider. Finally, if you have Microsoft Surface Book you will need additional special MicroSD adapter made specifically for Surface Book.