Yi Action Camera No SD Card How to Fix and What to Do Next

If your Yi Action Camera shows “No SD Card,” first power off the device and reinsert the SD card to ensure proper contact. This common issue is often resolved by checking the card’s seating, formatting it in-camera, or testing with a different card to rule out damage. Always use a high-speed, class 10 or UHS-I SD card for optimal performance and reliability.

Key Takeaways

• Check SD card insertion: Ensure the card is properly seated in the camera slot.
• Format SD card: Use the camera’s menu to format the card for compatibility.
• Test another SD card: Rule out card failure by trying a known-working one.
• Update camera firmware: Install the latest firmware to fix detection issues.
• Reset camera settings: Restore defaults if software glitches prevent card recognition.

Why You’re Seeing “No SD Card” on Your Yi Action Camera (And What It Really Means)

Imagine this: you’ve just returned from a weekend hiking trip, your Yi action camera packed with epic trail footage, sunset time-lapses, and maybe even a few close-up shots of wildlife. You plug it into your computer, eager to relive the adventure—only to be met with a frustrating message: “No SD Card.”

Your heart sinks. You know you inserted the SD card before the trip. You double-checked it. But now, the camera isn’t detecting it. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues users face with the Yi action camera, especially the popular Yi 4K and Yi 4K+ models. The good news? In most cases, it’s fixable—and often doesn’t mean your footage is lost. Whether you’re a vlogger, a weekend adventurer, or someone who just wants to capture life’s moments, a “Yi action camera no SD card” error can feel like a major setback. But with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get back to recording in no time.

Understanding the “No SD Card” Error: Causes and Misconceptions

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand what the “No SD Card” message actually means. This isn’t just a random error—it’s the camera’s way of saying, “I can’t communicate with the memory card.” But the cause can vary widely, and jumping to conclusions (like assuming the card is dead or the camera is broken) can lead to unnecessary stress—or worse, data loss.

Common Causes Behind the Error

The “Yi action camera no SD card” issue usually stems from one (or more) of the following:

• Loose or improperly inserted SD card: The card may not be fully seated in the slot, especially after being jostled during outdoor activities.
• Dirty or damaged SD card contacts: Dust, moisture, or corrosion on the gold contacts can prevent proper connection.
• Card compatibility issues: Not all SD cards work well with Yi cameras. Using a card that’s too fast, too slow, or from an incompatible brand can cause detection problems.
• File system corruption: If the card was removed without being safely ejected, or if the camera lost power mid-recording, the file system may become unreadable.
• Physical damage to the SD card or card slot: Bent pins, cracked cards, or a damaged slot can prevent communication.
• Firmware glitches: Occasionally, a software bug in the camera’s firmware can cause it to fail to recognize the card.

Misconceptions to Avoid

Let’s clear up a few myths that often circulate in online forums:

• “If the card shows up on my phone or computer, it’s fine.” Not necessarily. Your phone may read a corrupted card, but the Yi camera might not due to stricter compatibility or file system requirements.
• “The camera is broken—I need a new one.” In most cases, the camera itself is fine. The issue is almost always with the SD card, its connection, or its formatting.
• “I can’t recover my footage—it’s gone.” Not true! Even if the camera can’t read the card, data recovery tools often can. We’ll cover this later.

Understanding these causes helps you approach the problem methodically—starting with the simplest fixes before moving to more technical solutions.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: Fixing the “No SD Card” Issue

Now that we know what might be causing the problem, let’s walk through a practical, step-by-step troubleshooting process. Think of this as your go-to checklist—start at the top and work your way down. Most users find the solution within the first few steps.

Step 1: Reinsert the SD Card (Yes, Really)

It sounds too simple, but it works more often than you’d think. After a hike, bike ride, or any bumpy activity, the card can shift slightly in the slot. Here’s how to do it right:

• Power off the Yi camera completely.
• Open the SD card slot (usually on the side, secured with a small rubber cover).
• Use the ejection tool (or a paperclip) to gently pop the card out.
• Inspect the card for visible damage or dirt.
• Reinsert it firmly, making sure it clicks into place.
• Close the slot and power on the camera.

Pro tip: Wiggle the card slightly after inserting it to ensure it’s fully seated. If it feels loose, try again.

Step 2: Clean the SD Card and Slot

Dust, sand, and moisture are the enemies of electronics. Even tiny particles can prevent electrical contact.

• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the gold contacts on the SD card.
• For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and wipe gently. Let it air-dry completely before reinserting.
• Use compressed air to blow out the camera’s SD card slot. Avoid using cotton swabs—they can leave fibers behind.

Note: Never use water or household cleaners—they can cause corrosion.

Step 3: Try the Card in Another Device

This is a quick way to determine if the issue is with the card or the camera.

• Insert the SD card into a computer, phone, or another camera.
• If it mounts and you can browse files, the card is likely readable—meaning the issue is with the Yi camera’s detection or settings.
• If it doesn’t show up, or if the device prompts you to format it, the card may be corrupted or damaged.

Example: I once thought my Yi 4K+ was faulty because it wouldn’t read my 128GB card. But when I plugged it into my laptop, it mounted instantly. That told me the card was fine—so the issue was either formatting or firmware.

Step 4: Check for Physical Damage

Sometimes, the problem is visible.

• Inspect the SD card for cracks, bends, or warping. Even a slight bend can prevent contact.
• Look inside the camera’s SD slot for bent or missing pins. Use a flashlight for a better view.
• If you see damage, stop using the card. A damaged SD card can cause permanent data loss or damage to the camera.

Tip: If the slot looks damaged, contact Yi support or a professional repair service. DIY fixes can make it worse.

Step 5: Test with a Different SD Card

If you have a spare SD card (especially one known to work with Yi cameras), try it.

• If the new card works, the original card is likely the culprit.
• If the new card also shows “No SD Card,” the issue is probably with the camera’s slot or firmware.

This step helps narrow down whether the problem is hardware or software-related.

SD Card Compatibility: What Cards Work Best with Yi Cameras?

One of the most overlooked causes of the “Yi action camera no SD card” error is using an incompatible SD card. Yi cameras are picky about memory cards—not all UHS-I or U3 cards will work reliably.

Recommended SD Card Specifications

Yi officially recommends the following for their 4K models:

• Capacity: 16GB to 128GB (256GB may work but is not officially supported)
• Speed Class: U3 (UHS-I) or higher
• File System: exFAT (required for cards over 32GB; FAT32 for 32GB and under)
• Brand: SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, Kingston (avoid off-brand or counterfeit cards)

Important: Yi cameras do not support SDXC cards larger than 128GB unless they’re formatted correctly. Some users report success with 256GB cards, but it’s not guaranteed and can lead to instability.

Why Brand and Quality Matter

Cheap, no-name SD cards are a common culprit. They often:

• Fail to maintain consistent write speeds, causing buffer overflows and file corruption.
• Have poor error correction, making them more likely to fail under stress (like high-motion recording).
• Are counterfeit—labeled as 128GB but only contain 16GB of real memory (a scam known as “card spoofing”).

Real-world example: A friend once bought a “256GB” SD card for $10. It worked for a few weeks—then suddenly started showing “No SD Card” every time. When we tested it, it was a fake 32GB card with a spoofed label. Lesson learned: buy from reputable sellers.

Data Table: Top SD Cards for Yi Action Cameras

SD Card Model	Capacity	Speed	Compatibility	Notes
SanDisk Extreme U3	64GB, 128GB	160MB/s read, 90MB/s write	Highly recommended	Best overall performance; widely used by Yi users
Samsung EVO Plus	64GB, 128GB	100MB/s read, 60MB/s write	Good	Reliable; good value
Lexar 633x	64GB	95MB/s read	Good	Affordable; works well with 4K+
Kingston Canvas Go!	64GB, 128GB	90MB/s read, 45MB/s write	Good	Decent for budget users
Any “no-name” card	Any	Variable	Not recommended	High risk of failure and data loss

Stick to the cards in the top three rows for the best experience. And remember: always format your SD card in the Yi camera before first use. This ensures the correct file system and partition alignment.

When Formatting Is the Solution (And How to Do It Right)

If your SD card is readable on other devices but still shows “No SD Card” on your Yi camera, formatting might be the fix. But it’s not as simple as just hitting “format”—you need to do it the right way.

Why Formatting Helps

Yi cameras are sensitive to the file system and partition structure. A card formatted on a Windows PC (NTFS) or Mac (APFS) won’t work. The camera needs either:

• FAT32 for cards 32GB or smaller
• exFAT for cards larger than 32GB

Formatting in the camera ensures the correct file system and removes any corruption or incompatible partitions.

How to Format in the Yi Camera

Warning: Formatting erases all data on the card. Always back up your footage first if possible.

• Insert the SD card into the camera.
• Power on and navigate to Settings > Storage > Format.
• Confirm the action when prompted.
• Wait for the process to complete (usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
• Restart the camera and check if the card is now detected.

Pro tip: If the camera still shows “No SD Card” during formatting, try formatting on a computer first (using the correct file system), then insert it back into the camera.

Using a Computer to Format (Advanced Fix)

If the camera won’t format the card, do it manually:

1. Insert the card into a computer via a card reader.
2. Open Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac).
3. Select the SD card, delete all partitions, and create a new one.
4. For cards ≤32GB: Format as FAT32 (use GUIFormat on Windows if needed).
5. For cards >32GB: Format as exFAT.
6. Eject safely and insert into the Yi camera.

Note: Avoid quick formatting. Use full format for better reliability.

What If the Card Won’t Format?

If formatting fails on both the camera and computer, the card may be physically damaged or locked. Check for a physical write-protect switch (rare on microSD cards) or use data recovery tools before giving up.

Recovering Lost Footage and Preventing Future Issues

Even if your Yi camera shows “No SD Card,” your footage might still be recoverable. And once you fix the issue, you’ll want to prevent it from happening again.

How to Recover Lost or “Unreadable” Footage

If the card won’t mount on the camera but is detected by your computer:

• Use data recovery software like Recuva (free), PhotoRec (free), or Disk Drill (paid).
• Scan the card and look for .MP4, .MOV, or .AVI files.
• Recover to a different drive—never save recovered files back to the same card.

Example: I once recovered a full day of 4K video from a card that wouldn’t format. PhotoRec found over 20GB of files—saved the trip!

Preventing Future “No SD Card” Errors

Follow these best practices:

• Always safely eject the card before removing it from any device.
• Use a high-quality card reader—cheap readers can corrupt cards.
• Format the card in the camera before first use and after every major recording session.
• Carry a spare SD card—especially for long trips.
• Update your Yi camera’s firmware—new versions often fix compatibility bugs.
• Store cards in a protective case—avoid heat, moisture, and static.

When to Replace the SD Card

SD cards have a limited lifespan. Replace yours if:

• It’s over 2 years old and used frequently.
• You’ve had multiple formatting or corruption issues.
• It shows physical wear (scratches, bent corners).
• It’s been exposed to water or extreme temperatures.

Think of it like a tire—eventually, it needs replacing to avoid a blowout.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—You’ve Got This

Seeing “Yi action camera no SD card” can feel like the end of the world—especially if you’ve just captured something irreplaceable. But in most cases, it’s a fixable problem, not a disaster. The key is to stay calm, methodically work through the troubleshooting steps, and avoid making rash decisions like throwing out the card or buying a new camera.

Start with the simple stuff: reinsert the card, clean it, test it in another device. If that doesn’t work, check compatibility, format properly, or try data recovery. And remember—your footage is often still there, just waiting to be rescued.

By understanding how your Yi camera and SD card work together, you’ll not only fix this issue but prevent it in the future. Whether you’re filming a mountain bike descent, a family vacation, or a creative vlog, a little knowledge goes a long way. So next time you see that dreaded message, take a deep breath. You’ve got the tools to fix it—and get back to capturing life, one frame at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Yi Action Camera showing “No SD Card” even when one is inserted?

This error often occurs due to an improperly seated SD card, a corrupted file system, or incompatibility with the camera. Try reinserting the SD card or formatting it in the camera’s settings to resolve the issue.

What should I do if my Yi Action Camera doesn’t detect the SD card?

First, power off the camera, remove and reinsert the SD card, and ensure it’s clean and undamaged. If the problem persists, test the card in another device or format it (back up data first) to fix potential corruption.

Can I use my Yi Action Camera without an SD card?

No, the Yi Action Camera requires an SD card to record videos or take photos, as it has no internal storage. The “Yi action camera no SD card” error will appear until a compatible card is inserted.

Which SD cards are compatible with the Yi Action Camera?

Yi recommends Class 10 or UHS-I microSD cards up to 128GB (or 256GB for newer models). Avoid cheap or counterfeit cards, as they may trigger the “no SD card” warning or cause performance issues.

How do I format an SD card for my Yi Action Camera?

Insert the SD card, go to the camera’s settings, and select “Format SD Card.” This erases all data, so back up files first. Formatting often resolves “Yi action camera no SD card” errors.

Why does my Yi Action Camera keep ejecting the SD card?

Loose battery covers, damaged SD card slots, or low-quality SD cards can cause this. Ensure the battery cover is secure and try a different card. If the slot is damaged, contact Yi support for repairs.