How to Fix If Insta360 One X2/ X3 Not Recognizing SD CARD?

Insta360 One X2 or X3 is a camera that has proved to be an essential accessory for creators and vloggers. These devices can capture videos at a 360-degree angle as well. Despite its rich features, it is still not free of bugs and faults. One particular issue that has troubled many Insta360 One X2/ X3 is the SD card not detected issue.

This device relies on an SD card for storage, but sometimes it does not recognize an SD card even when it is appropriately inserted into the camera. Some people have found a way around it, and here in this article, we will look into it. So without any further ado, let’s get into it.

How to Fix If Insta360 One X2/ X3 Not Recognizing SD CARD?

How to fix Insta360 One X2/ X3 not recognizing SD card?

Troubled users see the No SD card message at the top of the Insta360 camera’s screen even when the SD card is inside the SD card slot. To fix this, there are two simple fixes you can try. Let’s look into it.

Re-insert SD card:

Take out the SD card from the device and then re-insert it. In some cases, this is enough to fix this problem. If the re-insertion does not help you, you need to try the comprehensive solution.

Format SD card:

  • Take the SD card from your camera and connect it to your PC via a USB dongle. If you have an SD card reader built into your PC, you can also use that.
  • Right-click on the SD card’s drive and choose Format.
  • Uncheck the box next to “Quick Format.”
  • Click on Format and wait till the process completes. Depending on the size of the SD card, the time taken for the Format process will differ. If you have an SD card with high storage, that might also take a few hours.
  • After the Format is complete, insert the SD card into your Insta360 camera. It should work well without any issues now.

So this is how one can fix the Insta360 One X2/ X3 not recognizing the SD card issue. If you have any questions or queries about this article, comment below, and we will get back to you. Also, check out our other articles on iPhone tips and tricks, Android tips and tricks, PC tips and tricks, and much more for more helpful information.

Discussion

34 Comments
  1. I did the format in my laptop. After I insert the SD card with insta360 x3. When I power on it doesn’t proceed. It’s just flashing yellow. My SD card becomes error. What should I do?

    1. I’m sorry to hear that the issue persists even after formatting the SD card on your laptop. The flashing yellow light on your Insta360 One X3 camera indicates that it is still having trouble recognizing the SD card. Here are a few additional steps you can try:

      Double-check the format: Ensure that the SD card is formatted in the correct file system (exFAT for 64GB or larger cards, FAT32 for 32GB or smaller cards). Please refer to our article or the camera’s user manual for the correct formatting guidelines.

      Clean the SD card contacts: Carefully clean the SD card contacts using a soft cloth or an eraser. Make sure there is no dust or debris on the contacts that could interfere with the connection between the card and the camera.

      Verify the SD card compatibility: Check the Insta360 One X3 camera’s specifications to confirm that the SD card you are using is compatible with the camera. Some devices may not work well with certain brands or capacities.

      Test with another SD card: If possible, try using a different SD card in the camera to determine if the issue lies with the original card or the camera itself.

      Check for firmware updates: Ensure that your Insta360 One X3 camera is running the latest firmware, as updates may include fixes for known issues.

      If none of these steps resolve the issue, it would be best to contact Insta360 customer support for further assistance. They can guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or help you determine if your camera or SD card requires servicing or replacement. Good luck, and please keep us updated on your progress or any further questions you may have.

    2. I’ve been having the same issue as others. The SD is the one that Insta360 provided with the purchase. It appears to be an issue when I connect the camera to my MAC. If I connect the card to the computer using an SD reader, it doesn’t create the problem..

  2. I did this, formatting the SD card through the Insta360 app, and now my Insta360 OneX2 is not recognising the card.. displays the red card icon on the camera view screen and on the app says card is not inserted. This was a brand new SanDisk Extreme card so wasn’t cheap and isn’t old. And this only happened after I used the app to format it. Yes, I have taken it out and put it back in multiple times. I even left the camera on for about an hour just to see if it would eventually process that the card is there. What to do now?

  3. same problem as Ethan, I had already just formatted the SD card with the SD formatter app that Insta 360 told me to use, it worked today to record then tonight when I tried to offload storage, error. Traveling, can’t buy a new SD card, need it for use tomorrow, need the footage on there, don’t have a dongle to read the SD card. This x3 is a hot piece of garbage :( using an SD card from the approved list

  4. same problem as Ethan, I was using the x3 no problems tried to download to my computer and that’s where all the problems started. It’s an official insta360 SD which I purchased as a bundle from an Apple Store. So much for that as I have a card with which I recorded some fantastic footage and now I’m left with a red error no SD Card. I am so upset!
    The footage was an invaluable time with the elders now seemingly lost!

  5. Same problem as all the above, only started after I plugged the cam into my computer to read the card. Prior to that I used the app on my phone via bluetooth multiple times and no issue. Now I had footage I can’t access because of the card read error. Anyone figure anything out without using a dongle? I don’t have one.

    1. Test with another SD card: If you have access to another SD card, try using it in the camera to determine if the problem is specific to the original card or if it’s an issue with the camera itself.

      If still doesn’t work. I recommend reaching out to Insta360 customer support for further assistance. They may have more insight into this problem and can provide additional troubleshooting steps or guidance. Don’t hesitate to share any updates or questions you may have, and good luck in resolving this issue

  6. I have the same issue as everyone else seems to have. Did anyone get a response or corrective action to this issue. I would love to retrieve all the footage that I’ve taken.

    1. Same here, man! First day with the camera! I feel so disappointed and angry 😡😡😡

  7. same issue. i use quick reader to transfer the files into my external hard disc, then insert bakc the sd card into the X3 camera, it can be read in the camera and i did trying to shoot a short video for testing. Then i start to charge the camera, it suddenly shown no SD card. I tried many times to re-insert again, it still same, yellow light blinking. I tried to use quick reader again on my computer, the card is readable. but when putting back to camera no matter it is by quick reader or SD card direct inserted into the camera, it can’t read……oh….my….god….. this branding SD card 256GB is recommended by the seller.

    1. Thank you for sharing your experience in the comment section. It’s unfortunate to hear that you are facing a similar issue with your Insta360 One X3 camera and the recommended 256GB SD card.

      Based on your description, it seems that the card is readable on your computer via the quick reader, which is a positive sign. However, it’s concerning that the camera is not recognizing the card after multiple attempts.

      I would suggest trying the following steps:

      Ensure that the SD card is properly formatted. You can refer to the formatting guide in our article.
      Check for any firmware updates for your Insta360 One X3 camera and apply them, if available.
      If the issue persists, try using a different SD card (preferably from another brand) to see if the problem is with the card itself or the camera.
      If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to reach out to the Insta360 customer support for further assistance.
      I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck in resolving this issue. Please feel free to share any updates or further questions you may have

    1. I apologize if my previous response did not address your concerns adequately. It seems that a number of users are encountering similar issues with their Insta360 One X2/X3 cameras and SD cards. This could indicate a more widespread problem, and it’s essential to gather as much information as possible to help identify the root cause.

      If you have tried the suggested troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, I encourage you to report your experience to Insta360 customer support. They may be able to provide further assistance or even identify a pattern that could lead to a solution for this recurring problem.

      In the meantime, please continue sharing your experiences and any additional information that may be helpful for other users facing the same issue. The more we collaborate and share our knowledge, the better equipped we’ll be to find a resolution

  8. Same issues as all above and tried your ‘always the same’ suggestions. 100% frimware problem, so please fix this ASAP.

    1. I’m sorry to hear that you’re still facing the same issue even after trying our suggestions.

  9. I just firmware updated my X3 to 1.0.35 and after update, the SD is not detected. 1 minute before It worked fine. Please Insta360, fix this and create a new firmware or show me how I can downgrade the firmware (obviously without using a CD-Card for the process)

    Thanks guys

  10. Same issues!!! Plug my X3 into my mac book air to charge, I look and the same SD card I’ve been using is no longer readable. This is ridiculous. Please help!

    1. Mine was the exact same issue! This is ridiculous. The SD card was working perfectly fine with all my footage before I plugged it into my mac to transfer files. Ever since then it’s not working.

    2. I am also having the same problem. I connected Insta 360 x3 to my computer to transfer videos to my Macbook Air, and now Insta 360 x3 is not recognizing the sd card. Anyone able to solve the problem?

    3. This happened to me and I don’t know if by changing the format in the computer will delete anything? I can’t afford to lose everything I have in that SIM card. I don’t know how to fix it

  11. sending back, I’ve only had it for 30min! Useless, if it is this hard to just get a new SD card to work in.

  12. I just firmware updated my X3 to 1.0.35 and after update, the SD is not detected. before update It worked fine.

  13. Same problem here! Formatting the card actually did the trick for me.

    A couple of things that then helped me avoid the problem with the sd card.
    I believe that my problem probably happened for some of the following reasons:
    – I recorded a long HDR 5K videos in one piece. I was told that when its working with large volumes of data on the card, the file may lead to an error. I recommend trying to record and save shorter videos.
    – Sometimes I accidentally press the start and end recording buttons several times in quick succession. It is good to take your time and wait for the camera to finish recording and saving the video before taking the next action.
    – It is important to properly disconnect the camera/sd card from the computer. It is necessary to virtually eject the card before it is physically disconnected.
    – It is good to wipe the camera occasionally and delete the all videos.
    – The most important advice: Always back up videos that are important to you immediately :)

    Hope it will help maybe

  14. I just had the same problem. The Light suddenly was yellow, as the day before everything was working perfectly.
    I could fix the problem and restore the data!
    On my mac i just opened the disk utility and there is a button “First Aid”, i clicked it and the sd card could be read again! Life saver! Thanks Apple!

  15. I am also having the same problem. I connected Insta 360 x3 to my computer to transfer videos to my Macbook Air, and now Insta 360 x3 is not recognizing the sd card. Anyone able to solve the problem?

  16. I have gone through the whole process with Insta360 service desk and this worked eventually :
    Download SD formatter program from this site
    https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/
    Re-write the SD card, don’t use quick format.
    It will take a while but after the re-write the SD card was recognised againa.

  17. Same issue plus sometimes it recognizes SD card but when I press on record it gets freeze wit message “ start recording “ in blue text
    I think Insta360 is garbage called Apple Store to return it

  18. My insta 360 x3, was working well, after recording video content, just decided that the sd card wasn’t there. Tried different cards, quick reader will let me transfer to another device, but not record either. Losing a lot of good stuff on my trip.

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