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How to Erase SanDisk Memory Card on Mac

Want to erase a SanDisk memory card on Mac so you can reuse it? Then you can remove or format the memory card with the help of Disk Utility. Disk utility is already available on Mac OS, and the right selection depends upon whether you want to use a memory card on a device like Mac, Windows PC, camera, or phone.

Here are some quick steps to follow and erase SanDisk memory card on Mac

• Connect SanDisk memory card to Mac with the help of a card reader
• Open application > Utilities > Disk Utility
• Select SanDisk memory card from left panel
• Click on Erase
• Select suitable file system like exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT)
• Enter card name and click on erase
• After completing the process click on done

Important note – Formatting removes visible files from SanDisk memory card, but it does not mean someone cannot recover those files. If you have sensitive data and you want to erase those files permanently then you must use a secure data erasure method.

In this guide you will learn how to erase a SanDisk memory card on Mac using the Disk Utility and software-based method.

How to Erase SanDisk Memory Card on Mac Using Disk Utility

Disk Utility is built into Mac OS and gives a simple option to erase any memory card . Before starting you should back up your important files and save them in another location.

Before you start

1. Check lock switch on the SD card or adapter
2. Move the switch out of the lock position
3. Insert SanDisk memory card into card reader
4. If you are using microSD card then you should use a suitable adapter card reader
5. Check the card storage like 32GB, 64GB or 128GB

Steps to erase the SanDisk card

You need to follow these steps to erase SanDisk memory card on Mac

1. Press Command + space
2. Type disk utility
3. Press return to open disk utility
4. Click on view in top menu
5. Select show all devices
6. Find your SanDisk memory card on your left side
7. Click on the Erase tab
8. Enter card name
9. Select required format
10. If options available then select scheme
11. Click on erase
12. Wait for the process to complete
13. Click on done

This is the most common method to erase a SanDisk memory card on a Mac.

Which Format Should You Choose?

Choosing the correct format for the card totally depends on where you want to use it after this card.

• exFAT

exFAT is generally used for large SD cards and this works on both Mac and Windows. This supports newer cameras and some other devices.

• MS-DOS ( FAT)

MS-DOS (FAT) is the common name used and it can be useful for smaller SD cards and some older devices.

• Mac OS extended

Mac OS Extended is used when the memory card is mainly used with Mac and it is not compatible with camera, game or other devices.

• APFS

APFS is designed mainly for Apple devices and if you want to use an SD card for other devices then it is not suitable.

SanDisk Memory Card Not Showing on Mac: What to Do

1. Remove your SD card
2. Insert again
3. Try other USB port on Mac
4. Use other card reader
5. Check if Show All Devices is enabled in disk utility
6. Test your SD memory card on other compatible devices

If you follow all the steps but the SD card is not detected then it might be a hardware issue.

How to Erase SanDisk Memory Card on Mac Using Terminal

The Terminal process gives more control than Disk Utility, but you have to focus more because selecting the wrong disk can erase data from another drive also.

1. Open Terminal

Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

You can also open Terminal by pressing Command + Space and searching for Terminal.

2. Find the Memory Card

Type the following command in Terminal:

diskutil list

Then press Return and find your SanDisk memory card by checking its size and name. Make sure you select the correct disk before running the erase command.

3. Erase and Format the Card

For example, you can use the following command:

diskutil eraseDisk ExFAT SANDISK MBR disk4

You can replace SANDISK with any name you want to give the memory card.

If you need a compatible smaller card using FAT32, you can use the appropriate FAT format supported by your macOS version.

This Terminal method can be a good option when you want to erase a SanDisk memory card on Mac.

Problems With the Manual Method

Mac built-in method is useful but it has some issues and these are some common issues with manual methods

• Secure erase option may be limited

The erase option in Disk utility may depend on your Mac OS version and storage type. Flash memory cards may not offer the same secure erase options.

• No detailed erase report

Disk utility and terminal process generally does not provide detailed erase reports.

• Terminal requires care

Selecting wrong disk identifier can erase data from the wrong drive

• Damaged card not erased

If the memory card is physically damaged or has some serious storage problem then the SD card may not be erased.

• Large cards can take time

Actual time depends on your SD card size, capacity, card reader speed and on Mac.

How to Delete SanDisk Memory Card on Mac Permanently

If you want to use a stronger method to erase SanDisk memory card data then you may use dedicated data erasure software.

This software-based method is very useful when you want to remove your old data from an SD card like selling your old storage device, donating your SD card or disposing of it.

With the help of PCVITA SD card erasure tool you can easily delete your SD card data permanently. These are some general steps

1- Install the software and open it

2. 2. Connect SanDisk memory card with Mac
   3. Select the correct memory card

2- Select the erasing method you want to choose

3- Click the Wipe button and start the wiping process

4- A pop-up window shows a message like “All data will be wiped permanently.” Click Yes to continue.

5- Wait until the wiping process is complete

6- After the process is complete, click on Generate Report

7- Click on Save Report and choose the location where you want to save it on your Mac

8- After saving the report, review your wiping status

Tips for Securely Erasing a SanDisk SD Card

• Before erasing SanDisk SD card you should back up all important files and move to other location
• For deleting private or sensitive data you should choose a secure method so no one can recover your data
• During the deletion process you should not remove your SD card from your Mac
• After completing the process you need to check if your SD card works properly
• It is compulsory to generate your SD card deletion report when you use the software and save that report.

Conclusion

When you erase a SanDisk memory card on Mac, first check the card lock switch and connection. After that open Disk Utility and select Show All Devices and choose the correct SanDisk memory card and click on the Erase tab.

If your main purpose is only to re-use the SD card after erasing then the Mac in tool is good for you but if you have sensitive data on your SD card and you want to give that SD card to someone then you should use PCVITA permanent data deletion tool. Select a suitable method for the required level of data protection and storage type.