The Step-by-Step Guide to Reading SD Cards on Any Device

It should mount automatically for easy reading, but you might need an adapter

By
Jon Fisher
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Jon Fisher
Editor
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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Updated on April 11, 2025
A person's hand holding an SD card next to an Android device

Samsung Memory / Unsplash
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The Download

  • Reading an SD card requires a special device. Some computers and mobile devices have a slot built in.
  • To read the SD card's contents on a computer, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
  • If the device doesn't include an SD card reader, you can use an external reader.

This article explains how to read SD cards on computers, phones, and tablets.

How to Read an SD Card on a Laptop

Many laptops have an SD card reader built into the side of the computer. This is the only thing you need to read your SD card. Here's how:

  1. Plug your SD card into the SD card slot.

    Multiple SD cards on a laptop

    Samsung Memory / Unsplash

    Doesn't fit? Confirm that you're inserting it the right way. You might need to put the SD card in an adapter to make it fit the computer's slot.

  2. Your computer should prompt you to open the SD card's contents. If not, open File Explorer on Windows or Finder on a Mac.

    In Windows, the SD card may be called SD-Card, USB-Drive, or have a generic drive letter, like G, or H.

  3. Browse the SD card like any other folder on your computer. If you've ever used an external hard drive or flash drive, this works the same way.

How to Read SD Cards on Android

Some Android devices have the option of using an SD card to expand the device's storage. Here's how to use it:

  1. Turn off the device.

  2. Locate the SD card slot and, if necessary, remove its protective cover.

  3. Insert the SD card into the SD card reader, either directly, or using the insertion tray.

    Samsung SD cards next to an Android device

    Samsung Memory / Unsplash

  4. Turn your phone back on, then use your device's file manager (or a third-party file manager) to locate the SD card and its data.

How to Use an SD Card Reader on iPhone

While iPhones don't have built-in SD card slots, you can still read SD cards with the right device.

  1. Get an SD card adapter that plugs into the iPhone's port, ensuring that it's compatible with your specific phone (newer models use USB-C vs the Lightning connector).

  2. Attach the SD card to the adapter and plug the adapter into the phone.

  3. Open the Files app and tap Browse at the bottom to select the SD card and view the files stored on it.

FAQ

  • How do I fix an SD card that won't read?

    If you can't access an SD card, make sure your computer supports the size and type of memory card you’re using, turn off write protection, and format the card. If you still have problems, you may need to troubleshoot your memory card reader.

  • How do I read an SD card on my Chromebook?

    Most Chromebooks have an SD card slot. If yours doesn't, you'll have to connect an external memory card reader. When you insert an SD card, your Chromebook should automatically detect it, and then you can access the card in the Files app.

  • How do I change an SD card from read only?

    To turn off write protection on an SD card, look for a lock switch and turn it to the off position. Alternatively, use the diskpart command. For individual files, go to the file's Properties and clear the Read-only check box.

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