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How to set up a microSD card

A microSD card allows you to expand the storage capacity of your Fairphone, which gives you more space for your favorite photos, videos and music.

ⓘ Some of these steps only work if your Fairphone has Android 13 or above. Find out How to check and update your software version.

 

How to choose a microSD card

Check the table below to find the compatible microSD card type for your Fairphone.

Device Card type Speed class Max. capacity
Fairphone (Gen. 6) microSDXC (SD 3.0) UHS-I Up to 2TB*
Fairphone 5 microSDXC (SD 3.0) UHS-I Up to 2TB*
Fairphone 4 microSDXC (SD 3.0) UHS-I Up to 2TB*
Fairphone 3(+) microSDXC (SD 2.0) Class 10 Up to 400GB*

*Some amount of storage space will always be reserved for system files.

 

How to insert or remove a microSD card

Select your Fairphone model below for instructions on how to insert or remove your microSD card.

Important:

  • These steps may permanently erase all data on your microSD card. Always back up your data before you begin.
  • If your microSD card is formatted as internal storage, make sure you move any important data back to your Fairphone's internal memory before taking out your microSD card.
  • Never force a microSD card into the SIM slot, as this can cause damage and void your Fairphone's warranty.

  1. Find the SIM card removal tool in your phone's Getting Started Kit.
    • Note: If you can't find the tool, a toothpick or a safety pin will work.
  2. Look at the bottom of your phone and push this tool into the tiny hole.
  3. The SIM tray will pop out after you hear a tiny click.
  4. If you're inserting a microSD card:

    • Look for the side with the notched corner that matches the shape of your microSD card. Place the card into the tray with the gold contacts facing upward, and press down firmly until you feel it click or snap into place.

  5. If you're removing a microSD card:

    • Hold the tray over a flat surface, and gently lift the microSD card to remove it. If the card is hard to remove, use your SIM tool to gently poke through the small holes in the tray to push the card out from the other side.

  6. Slide the tray back into your phone until it clicks shut.

  1. If your Fairphone is on, turn it off: Turn your phone on and off.
  2. Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
  3. Inside the battery compartment, look for the "MicroSD" icon.
  4. If you're inserting a microSD card:
    • Align the card to match the "MicroSD" icon, paying attention to the cut corners.
    • Insert the microSD card slowly, pressing gently until it clicks in place.
  5. If you're removing a microSD card:
    • Gently push the card into the microSD slot, until you hear a click.
    • Release and take out the microSD card.
  6. Reinsert the battery and click the back cover in place.
  7. Hold the Power button to turn on the phone.

  1. If your Fairphone is on, turn it off: Turn your phone on and off.
  2. Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
  3. Inside the battery compartment, look for the "MicroSD" icon.
  4. If you're inserting a microSD card:
    • Align the card to match the "MicroSD" icon, paying attention to the cut corners.
    • Insert the microSD card slowly, pressing gently until it clicks in place.
  5. If you're removing a microSD card:
    • Gently push the card into the microSD slot, until you hear a click.
    • Release and take out the microSD card.
  6. Reinsert the battery and click the back cover in place.
  7. Hold the Power button to turn on the phone.

  1. If your Fairphone is on, turn it off: Turn your phone on and off.
  2. Remove the back cover and take out the battery.
  3. Inside the battery compartment, look for the "MicroSD" icon.
  4. If you're inserting a microSD card:
    • Align the card to match the "MicroSD" icon, paying attention to the cut corners.
    • Insert the microSD card slowly, pressing gently until it clicks in place.
  5. If you're removing a microSD card:
    • Gently push the card into the microSD slot, until you hear a click.
    • Release and take out the microSD card.
  6. Reinsert the battery and click the back cover in place.
  7. Hold the Power button to turn on the phone.

 

How to set up a new microSD card

After inserting your microSD card and starting your Fairphone, a notification will appear to guide you through the setup process.

Important: These steps may permanently erase all data on your microSD card. Always back up your data before you begin.

To set up a new microSD card:

  1. From the top of your screen, swipe down to see your notifications.
  2. Tap the SD card detected notification.
    Tip: If the microSD was previously set up on another device, you may see a different notification.
  3. To set up your microSD card for:
    • Portable storage, tap Format.
    • Internal storage, tap Format another way → Format.

If you're not sure which storage type to choose, see Understanding storage types for more details on portable and internal storage.

 

Reformat an existing microSD card

Reformatting your microSD card can be helpful if you're experiencing software or storage issues. 

For example, if you're facing an issue with not being able to use your apps or store your photos and your microSD card is formatted as internal storage, it may be helpful to reformat your microSD card as portable storage instead.

If you're not sure which storage type to choose, see Understanding storage types for more details on portable and internal storage.

Important: These steps will permanently erase all data on your microSD card. Always back up your data before you begin.

To reformat an existing microSD card:

  • Reformatting from Internal to Portable storage:
    1. On your Fairphone, go to Settings → Storage.
    2. Tap This device and select your microSD card.
    3. In the top right corner, tap the three dots to show more options.
    4. Tap Format → Format card.
  • Reformatting from Portable to Internal storage:
    1. On your Fairphone, go to Settings → Storage.
    2. Tap This device and select External.
    3. In the top right corner, tap the three dots to show more options.
    4. Tap Format another way → Format card.
      • Note: During this process, you can move files, media and certain apps to your microSD card. This will free up your phone's storage, but some apps won't work.

 

Understanding storage types

Your microSD card can be formatted as two main types of storage: portable or internal. Your choice depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use your Fairphone.

Portable storage (Recommended)

  • Fewer compatibility issues.
  • You can use it for media storage (photos, videos and music).
  • You can use your microSD card with other devices, for example, to transfer data between your laptop/PC and your Fairphone.
  • You won't be able to install apps on your microSD card.
  • Your data is not encrypted.

Internal storage

  • You can install apps on your microSD card.
  • You can use it for media storage (photos, videos and music).
  • You won't be able to use your microSD card with other devices.
  • May slow down your phone (accessing data on a microSD card can be slower than your internal storage).
  • May cause compatibility issues.

 

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