SD cards, also known as memory cards are primarily used in smartphones, cameras, and other electronic equipment to store blocks of data in NAND flash.
Like any other storage device, they can run out of space after extensive use. Once that happens, you’ll either need to delete some files or back them up on your PC. But before doing anything else, it’s essential to properly insert the SD card into your device.
Unlike most laptops where dedicated SD, miniSD, or microSD slots are available, only a handful of PC cases provide such. If yours doesn’t have one, you’ll require additional gadgets, like USB Card Reader or USB Hub. To learn more, kindly go through the step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Know Your SD Card
Firstly, you need to identify the SD card family you’re using —standard, mini, or micro. Each of them differs in terms of size and is categorized into four types based on memory capacity — SDSC, SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC.
As per the comparison chart above, the standard SD cards have 32 × 24 × 2.1 mm dimensions, while that of Mini and Micro are 20 × 21.5 × 1.4 mm and 15 × 11 × 1 mm respectively. Clearly, each card requires a dedicated slot and won’t fit inside the other ones, unless you use an adapter jacket.
If you’re new to SD cards and are unsure about which one you’re using, directlycheck its label. Every memory chip does have clear indications on one of the sides.
Step 2: Check for SD Card Slot on Your PC
As mentioned earlier, memory cardslots on desktop computers are quite rare. If your PC case has one, you’ll likely find it on the front panel USB, along with the other ports.
After identifying the SD card type, kindly check for the dedicated slot on your PC. For example, if you have a micoSD card, look for a smaller port of 15 × 11 × 1 mm dimension with the label ‘microSD’.
If you find one, you may directly proceed to the fourth step. Otherwise, you require an additional tool, which we are going to discuss next.
Step 3: Get a Preferable Gadget
you may find plenty of useful gadgets online that allow you to access data from the SD card. They are cost-effective and portable. All you have to do is insert the memory chip into the device and then connect it to the computer.
SD Card reader or often called a memory card reader is an input device that allows direct connection to the USB ports on your PC.Their working is identical toUSB flash drives; the only difference is that you need to first insert an SD Card into its dedicated slot.
Well, there are different types of card readers available in the market today. you may findUSB Type-A, Type-C, or even OTG. Most of these tools have multiple memory card slots, such that you can use a single connector for all your SD, microSD, and miniSD.