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My SD card is stuck in "Read-Only" mode, "write protected", or otherwise won't format! What should I do?Updated 11 hours ago

If you have connected your SD card to your computer and attempted to format it, only to find that it is stuck in a "read-only mode", "write protected" or otherwise fails to format, then it is most likely that your SD card has gone bad and is no longer functional.

Some additional ways you can determine if your SD card has gone bad: 

  • Format with another SD card reader
  • Format with another computer
  • Format with another formatting tool on your computer
  • Format another SD card for reference
  • Inspect for physical damage
  • Ensure that your SD card adapter's lock switch is not turned on
  • Try a different format type

An SD card going bad due to use in a dash cam is normal and to be expected, as dash cams' read/write cycles are quite aggressive. On average, SD card have a lifespan of 6-12 months.

However, do note that many third-party SD card manufacturers don't warranty cards that are used in dash cams due to the abusive nature of loop recording. It's important to understand that cards are a consumable item and eventually will fail if used in a dash cam. We always recommend having a spare card handy, even if it's a smaller one, so that when your card does fail, you will not be out of a dash cam for too long. It's best to keep this spare card in your vehicle, perhaps in the centre console or glovebox.

BlackboxMyCar is proud to say that all the microSD cards we offer have been rigorously tested to ensure compatibility and to offer the longest lifespan as well. 

Our microSD cards are engineered specifically for use in dash cams, fulfill even the most demanding performance requirements that dash cams may have, and are fully covered for dash cam usage. No matter what card you buy from us, it is covered under a one-year in-house warranty, so you can rest assured that we’ll resolve any issues you may encounter.

For more information on what to look for in choosing an SD card for a dash cam, check out our SD card page here. 


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