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Article ID : 00112094 / Last Modified : 28/07/2025

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

Applicable Products and Categories of This Article

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 differ based on the model. For details, refer to your camera's Help Guide.

Troubleshooting

A memory card might not be recognized if the card does not connect properly with the memory card slot in your camera. Any of the following error messages may be displayed on the camera LCD screen when the memory card is not recognized.

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 use memory card. Format?	The memory card was formatted on a computer and the file format was modified. Select Enter and then 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, change the memory card.
Memory Card Error	An incompatible memory card is inserted. To check for Memory Card, Memory Stick, and SD Card compatibility with Sony cameras and camcorders, refer to our Accessories Compatibility Information page. Formatting has failed. Format the memory card again.
Unable to read memory card. Reinsert memory card.	An incompatible memory card is inserted. To check for Memory Card, Memory Stick, and SD Card compatibility with Sony cameras and camcorders, refer to our Accessories Compatibility Information page. The memory card is damaged. 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.
Memory card locked.	You are using a memory card with a write-protect switch or a delete-protect switch with the switch set to the LOCK position. Set the switch to the record position. Take the memory card out of the camera and move the Lock tab to Unlock position. A: Lock Tab
This memory card may not be capable of recording and playing normally.	An incompatible memory card is inserted. To check for Memory Card, Memory Stick, and SD Card compatibility with Sony cameras and camcorders, refer to our Accessories Compatibility Information page.
Cannot create more folders.	A folder in the memory card has the first three digits 999. You cannot create any more folders on this camera.
Reinsert the memory card	Reinsert the memory card a few times. If the indicator continues to flash even after reinserting, the memory card could be damaged. Try with another 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.
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.