If you are experiencing SD card errors or recording issues, complete this checklist before formatting. Formatting permanently erases all recordings and cannot be undone.
Step 1 — Preserve incident footage first
If your SD card contains footage you may need — for an insurance claim, incident report, or personal record — copy the files to your computer now.
- Remove the SD card and insert it into a computer via card reader.
- Copy any footage you need to a local folder before proceeding.
⚠️ Warning: Formatting will erase all data and recordings and cannot be undone. Back up any important files before proceeding.
Step 2 — Test the card on an alternate device
Before formatting, verify whether the card itself is functional:
- Insert the SD card into a computer or another device.
- If the card is not recognized or shows errors on another device, the card may be faulty. Formatting will not resolve underlying hardware failure — replace the card.
- If the card reads normally on another device, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3 — Confirm the correct file system for your model
Formatting with the wrong file system will cause recurring errors. Use the table below:
| Model Series | Required Format |
|---|---|
| ELITE 10, 9, 8 Series | FAT32 or exFAT (both supported) |
| DR970X Series | FAT32 |
| DR770X Series | FAT32 |
| DR750X, DR750X Plus | FAT32 |
| DR900X, DR900S, DR750S | FAT32 |
| DR590X, DR590W, DR590 | FAT32 |
Important notes:
- For SD cards over 64GB: your OS may default to exFAT. Always use BlackVue Viewer to format to FAT32.
- On Windows: high-capacity cards may only show NTFS and exFAT as options. Use BlackVue Viewer or a dedicated third-party formatting tool to apply FAT32.
- Allocation unit size: always set to 64KB when formatting manually.
- If your model is not listed above, do not format. Contact support for confirmation.
Step 4 — Format using BlackVue Viewer or the BlackVue app, not your OS
Always use one of the following methods:
- BlackVue Viewer (Windows/Mac): Launch the app → click Format → select the SD card drive → confirm.
- BlackVue app: Go to your dashcam in the app → More → Format microSD card → confirm. (Wi-Fi connection to dashcam required.)
- Via dashcam button: Model-specific button timing applies. Confirm your model before proceeding — refer to your model's guide for exact instructions.
Do not format using Windows Explorer, Mac Disk Utility, or third-party tools unless specifically using them to apply FAT32 with 64KB allocation unit size.
📖 Full guide: SD Card Compatibility & Formatting Guide