The memory card is not recognized by the camera and error message appears.

Before you start

• IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.
• The steps to open and close the memory card covers of the camera vary by model. For details, refer to your camera's Help Guide.
• This article describes the causes and troubleshooting steps when a memory card is not recognized and an error message is displayed. Please follow the steps in order, starting from Step 1.

Table of Contents

1. Check if the memory card is compatible with your camera
2. Check if the memory card is inserted properly
3. Check if the memory card is locked
4. Check for errors related to memory card formatting (initialization)
5. Check for errors related to folders
6. Check for errors related to management files
7. Check for model-specific errors
8. If the issue persists after performing the above steps

Troubleshooting

A memory card might not be recognized if it is not inserted properly into the camera's card slot. If the card is not recognized, an error message may be displayed on the camera's LCD screen. Please check the following items in order.

Step 1: Check if the memory card is compatible with your camera

The types of memory cards that can be used vary depending on your camera.
Please check if the memory card is compatible with your camera.

Error messages and troubleshooting

Step 2: Check if the memory card is inserted properly

First, please try the following:

• Turn off the camera, remove and reinsert the memory card several times, then turn the camera back on to see if the issue is resolved.
• Remove the battery, wait about 1 minute, reinsert the battery, then turn on the camera to see if the issue is resolved.

WARNING! If the memory card is inserted at an angle, it may become stuck and unable to be removed, which could damage the memory card, memory card slot, or image data. Please also refer to the following:

Error messages and troubleshooting

Icon / Error Message	Possible causes and troubleshooting steps
(Warning) icon / (Malfunction) icon	There is something wrong with the memory card. Replace the memory card with another one.
Unable to read memory card. Reinsert memory card. Reinsert the memory card	The terminal section of the memory card is dirty. If the terminal of the memory card is dirty, it may cause a loose connection and the camcorder may not recognize the memory card correctly. Clean the terminal with a dry cloth or cotton swab, and then re-insert the memory card. The memory card may be damaged. Please reinsert the memory card several times. If the camera still does not recognize the memory card, please try a different memory card. When using a microSD memory card with your camera, always insert it into the dedicated adapter. If inserted without the adapter, the memory card may become stuck and unable to be removed. When inserting the memory card into the adapter, check the correct insertion direction and insert it all the way in. If not fully inserted, it may not function properly. Note: This error message may also be displayed if there is a memory card compatibility issue. Please also refer to Step 1: Check if the memory card is compatible with your camera

Step 3: Check if the memory card is locked

Error messages and troubleshooting

Step 4: Check for errors related to memory card formatting (initialization)

When using a memory card with your camera for the first time, we recommend formatting (initializing) the memory card with your camera first to ensure stable operation of the memory card.
The method for formatting a memory card varies depending on the camera model.
For details, refer to your camera's Help Guide.

WARNING! When you format the card, all data will be deleted, including protected images.
If you accidentally delete data, please also refer to the following.
Mastering the Memory Card for your Sony Camera - Storage, Tips, Compatibility, and Data Recovery

Error messages and troubleshooting

Icon / Error Message	Possible causes and troubleshooting steps
Memory Card Error	Formatting has failed. Format the memory card again. Note: This error message may also be displayed if there is a memory card compatibility issue. Please also refer to Step 1: Check if the memory card is compatible with your camera
Unable to use memory card. Format?	The memory card was formatted on a computer and the file format was modified. Select Enter to format the memory card. You can use the memory card again, however, all previous data in the memory card is erased. It may take some time to complete the format. If the message still appears, try a different memory card.
Cannot recognize this memory card. Format and use again.	Format the memory card. Note that when you format the memory card, all the recorded movies and photos are deleted.

If you have more than one memory card, check if another card is recognized correctly.

If another memory card is recognized

There is a possibility that data in the first memory card is corrupt.

Insert the memory card into your computer to back up the data. Then, format the memory card with the camera.

If multiple memory cards are not recognized

The camera may need service.
For product repair, please refer to Step 8. If the issue persists after performing the above steps.

Step 5: Check for errors related to folders

The maximum number of folders that can be created is 999.
If the number of folders reaches 999, the following error will occur.

Error messages and troubleshooting

Icon / Error Message	Possible causes and troubleshooting steps
The maximum number of still image folders has been reached. Cannot record still images.	You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using this product. Format the memory card, or delete folders using your computer.
Cannot create more folders.	If there is a folder with "999" as the first three digits of the folder name on the memory card, it indicates that the number of folders has already reached the maximum limit of 999. Format the memory card, or delete folders using your computer.

Step 6: Check for errors related to management files

Error messages and troubleshooting

Step 7: Check for model-specific errors

For model-specific errors, please also refer to the following:

For Action Cam

Error messages and troubleshooting

Icon / Error Message	Possible causes and troubleshooting steps
MEDIA or a line of dashes (--------),	Please refer to the following: Error: MEDIA or a line of dashes (----), RCVER are displayed on the LCD screen

For Cyber-shot

Error messages and troubleshooting

Step 8 : If the issue persists after performing the above steps

If the issue is not resolved, repair service may be needed.
Please consult with the store where you made your purchase, or request repair service through the inquiry section on our support website.