Android USB Is Not Displaying the SD Card

Setting Up USB Mass Storage

Before beginning the troubleshooting process, try a standard connection. Press the 'Power' button on your phone, then unlock the screen. Connect the USB cable to the phone and the computer. Different phone handle the connection differently; some may have a pop-up window for the USB connection, others may require you to lower the notification bar (the black or white bar at the top of the screen) and tap 'USB connected.' In either case, tap 'USB mass storage' or 'USB storage mode' to initiate the mounting process.

Checking the Physical Connections

If you experience problems with the USB connection, make sure that the cable is the proper type (Mini USB for older Android phones, Micro USB for newer ones) and firmly connected at both ends. Connect a USB flash drive to your computer's USB port to make sure that the computer hardware is functioning correctly. If all else fails, remove the battery cover from the back of your phone and make sure that the MicroSD card is properly inserted into the slot - it will only fit one way, and should be flush. Some Android phones will require you to remove the phone battery before adjusting the card.

Cleaning The Card

If your computer still isn't recognizing your MicroSD card, you may need to clean the electrical contacts on the card itself. You'll need a microfiber cloth and a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Remove the card from your phone and place it on a clean surface. Place the cloth over the top of the bottle and flip it upside down for an instant, getting a small amount of alcohol on the cloth. Rub the damp part of the cloth on the gold contacts on the bottom of the card, being sure to remove and dust, dirt or residue. Wipe any excess liquid off with the dry part of the cloth. Let the card sit for five minutes to ensure that it is totally dry, then re-insert it into your phone and repeat the steps in the first section.

Alternatives

If your computer still isn't recognizing the MicroSD card and you have no replacement cards to test it with, the fault probably lies with your phone's hardware or software. At this point, you can either contact your phone service provider or manufacturer for a repair or replacement, or find an alternate means of loading and unloading data from the card. The simplest way to do the latter is to use a MicroSD card reader. Simply insert the card into the reader, then insert the USB plug or cable for the reader into your computer's USB port. You can access the MicroSD card from the 'My Computer' screen. Most MicroSD cards sold at retail locations come with a full-sized SD adapter, so you can slip the MicroSD card into the adapter and then insert the adapter into the card reader on your laptop or desktop.