The Samsung Galaxy S7, despite its age, remains a reliable device for many. Its expandable storage via a micro SD card is a feature that many users still appreciate. Whether you’re upgrading your SD card, transferring files to your computer, or troubleshooting issues, knowing how to properly remove the micro SD card is crucial to prevent data loss or damage to the card and your phone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a safe and efficient removal.
Preparing To Remove Your Micro SD Card
Before physically removing the micro SD card, it’s important to take a few precautionary steps. This ensures that no data is being actively written to the card, which could lead to corruption or loss of important files.
Unmounting The Micro SD Card: The Safe Way
The most important step is to unmount the micro SD card from your Samsung Galaxy S7’s operating system. This essentially tells the phone to stop using the card and prepares it for safe removal. Skipping this step is akin to unplugging a USB drive from your computer without ejecting it first – it’s risky and can lead to problems.
To unmount the card, follow these instructions:
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy S7. You can usually find this icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.
- Scroll down until you find the Device maintenance option, and tap on it.
- Next, select Storage. This will display information about your phone’s internal storage and the micro SD card (if it’s mounted).
- Look for the SD card section. You should see details about its capacity and usage.
- Tap the Unmount button next to the SD card information. This might be represented by an eject icon or a button labeled “Unmount”. Your phone may ask you to confirm this action. Confirm to proceed.
Once the card is unmounted, you’ll receive a notification confirming that it’s safe to remove the SD card. This step is absolutely critical to avoid data corruption.
Powering Off Your Samsung Galaxy S7: An Extra Precaution
While unmounting the SD card is generally sufficient, it’s always a good idea to power off your Samsung Galaxy S7 completely before physically removing the card. This adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that there’s no possibility of any residual electrical activity that could potentially harm the card.
To power off your phone:
- Press and hold the Power button (usually located on the right side of the phone).
- Wait for the power options to appear on the screen.
- Tap the Power off option.
- Wait for your phone to completely shut down. The screen will go black, and there will be no lights or vibrations.
Locating And Accessing The Micro SD Card Tray
Now that your phone is powered off and the SD card is unmounted, you can proceed with physically removing the card. The micro SD card slot on the Samsung Galaxy S7 is combined with the SIM card slot and is located on the top edge of the phone.
Identifying The SIM/SD Card Tray
Look closely at the top edge of your phone. You’ll see a small, rectangular tray with a tiny pinhole next to it. This is the SIM/SD card tray. It houses both your SIM card and your micro SD card in the same compartment.
It’s important to distinguish this tray from the charging port or any other openings on the phone. Forcing the tray open with the wrong tool or in the wrong place can cause serious damage to your device.
Using The SIM Eject Tool
The Samsung Galaxy S7 typically comes with a small, metal tool specifically designed to eject the SIM/SD card tray. This tool is often referred to as a SIM eject tool or a SIM card removal tool. It’s a thin, straight piece of metal with a small pin on one end.
If you’ve lost the original SIM eject tool, you can use a small paperclip, a thin earring post, or a similar object. However, be extremely careful when using alternative tools, as they can easily bend or break inside the tray, causing damage to the phone. The diameter of the tool should be very small and the tool should be straight.
Ejecting The Tray
Once you have the SIM eject tool, carefully insert the pin into the pinhole next to the SIM/SD card tray. Apply gentle but firm pressure until you feel the tray release slightly. Do not force it. If the tray doesn’t release easily, double-check that you’re using the correct pinhole and that the tool is properly aligned.
Once the tray is released, you can gently pull it out of the phone using your fingers. Be careful not to pull too hard or too quickly, as this could damage the tray or the internal components of the phone.
Removing The Micro SD Card From The Tray
Now that you have the SIM/SD card tray removed, you can access the micro SD card. The SD card sits in a designated slot on the tray, typically held in place by a small clip or friction.
Identifying The SD Card Slot
Examine the tray closely. You’ll see two slots: one for the SIM card and one for the micro SD card. The SD card slot is usually slightly smaller than the SIM card slot. It’s also often marked with an SD card symbol or a small label.
Gently Removing The SD Card
Carefully push down gently on the micro SD card and slide it out of its slot. Be extremely gentle during this process, as the SD card is delicate and can be easily damaged. Avoid using excessive force or sharp objects to pry the card out.
If the card seems stuck, double-check that you’re pushing it in the correct direction and that there’s no obstruction preventing it from sliding out.
Storing Your Micro SD Card Properly
Once you’ve successfully removed the micro SD card from your Samsung Galaxy S7, it’s important to store it properly to protect it from damage.
Protecting The Card From Damage
Micro SD cards are susceptible to damage from static electricity, extreme temperatures, and physical trauma. To protect your card:
- Store it in a protective case or a small anti-static bag.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid bending or twisting the card.
- Keep it away from liquids and moisture.
Reinserting The Micro SD Card
To reinsert the micro SD card, simply reverse the process:
- Carefully place the micro SD card into the correct slot on the SIM/SD card tray. Make sure it’s oriented correctly and that it clicks into place securely.
- Gently slide the tray back into the phone until it clicks into place.
- Power on your Samsung Galaxy S7.
- Go to Settings > Device maintenance > Storage.
- If the SD card isn’t automatically recognized, tap the Mount button to make it accessible.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when removing or reinserting the micro SD card. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
The Tray Won’t Eject
If the SIM/SD card tray won’t eject, double-check that you’re using the correct pinhole and that the tool is properly aligned. Make sure you are using the right amount of pressure. Do not use excessive pressure. Try slightly wiggling the tool while applying pressure. If it still won’t eject, it’s possible that there’s debris or damage inside the tray mechanism. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional phone repair technician.
The SD Card Isn’t Recognized
If your Samsung Galaxy S7 isn’t recognizing the micro SD card after reinserting it, try the following:
- Make sure the card is properly seated in the tray.
- Clean the metal contacts on the SD card with a soft, dry cloth.
- Try restarting your phone.
- Check for software updates for your phone.
- Try inserting the SD card into another device to see if it’s working properly. If it doesn’t work in another device, the card may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Data Loss
If you’ve experienced data loss after removing or reinserting the micro SD card, it’s possible that the card was corrupted. There are data recovery tools available that might be able to recover some or all of your lost files. However, the success rate of these tools varies, and it’s always best to back up your data regularly to prevent data loss in the first place.
Conclusion
Removing the micro SD card from your Samsung Galaxy S7 is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid data loss or damage to your phone or the SD card. By unmounting the card properly, powering off your phone, and using the correct tools, you can ensure a safe and efficient removal. Always handle the SD card with care and store it properly to protect it from damage. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently manage your micro SD card and maximize the storage capacity of your Samsung Galaxy S7.
What Is The Correct Way To Eject A Micro SD Card From My Samsung Galaxy S7?
The recommended method for removing your micro SD card is through the phone’s settings to safely unmount it. This prevents potential data corruption. Navigate to Settings > Device Maintenance > Storage. Then, tap on the three dots menu (usually located at the top right corner) and select “Storage settings”. Find your SD card listed and tap “Unmount”. Wait for the process to complete before physically removing the card.
After the SD card is unmounted, you can proceed to physically eject it. Locate the SIM/SD card tray, usually on the top or side of your phone. Use the provided SIM ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip) to gently press into the small hole next to the tray. This will release the tray. Carefully pull the tray out and remove the micro SD card. Be sure to keep the tray in a safe place for reinsertion later.
Why Is It Important To Properly Unmount The SD Card Before Removing It?
Failing to unmount your micro SD card before physical removal can lead to data loss or corruption. When the card is actively in use, files may be being written or read. Interrupting this process without unmounting risks incomplete data transfers, leading to corrupted files, photos, or videos. This is because the phone’s operating system manages the storage and caching of data on the SD card. Simply pulling out the card abruptly bypasses this management.
Furthermore, forcefully removing the SD card without unmounting could potentially damage the card itself. The internal electronics of the card are designed to operate under specific power and data flow conditions. Suddenly cutting off power during a data transfer can lead to physical damage to the card’s memory chips, rendering it unusable. Therefore, always unmount through settings to avoid these potential issues.
What Tool Do I Need To Physically Remove The Micro SD Card?
You’ll typically need a SIM ejector tool, which usually comes included in the original packaging of your Samsung Galaxy S7. This tool is a small, thin piece of metal with a point at one end designed to fit into the small hole next to the SIM/SD card tray. If you’ve misplaced the ejector tool, you can also use a straightened paperclip as a substitute.
When using a paperclip, ensure it’s straightened enough to fit into the hole. Insert it gently and apply slight pressure until the tray pops out slightly. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the tray or the internal mechanisms. Once the tray is released, you can carefully pull it out to access the micro SD card.
Where Is The Micro SD Card Slot Located On The Samsung Galaxy S7?
On the Samsung Galaxy S7, the micro SD card slot is integrated into the same tray that holds the SIM card. This combined SIM/SD card tray is usually located on the top edge of the phone. The exact location may vary slightly depending on the specific model variant (e.g., S7 or S7 Edge), but it’s generally near the power button.
To access the tray, you’ll need to use the SIM ejector tool or a straightened paperclip. Look for a small hole next to the edge of the tray. Inserting the tool into this hole and gently pressing will release the tray, allowing you to slide it out and access both the SIM card slot and the micro SD card slot.
Can I Remove The Micro SD Card While The Phone Is Turned On?
While technically possible, it’s strongly discouraged to remove the micro SD card from your Samsung Galaxy S7 while the phone is powered on without first unmounting it. Removing the card without unmounting can lead to data corruption or even damage to the card, as mentioned earlier. The system might be in the middle of writing or accessing data when you abruptly cut the connection.
The safe procedure always involves unmounting the SD card through the phone’s settings. This ensures that any ongoing read/write operations are completed, and the file system is properly closed before the card is physically removed. Therefore, always prioritize unmounting before removing the card, even if the phone is on.
What Should I Do If The SD Card Tray Is Stuck And Won’t Eject?
If the SD card tray is stuck, avoid using excessive force to try and pry it open. This could potentially damage the tray mechanism or the phone itself. Instead, double-check that you’re using the correct tool (SIM ejector tool or straightened paperclip) and that you’re inserting it into the correct hole.
If it’s still stuck, try gently wiggling the tool while applying pressure. You can also try turning the phone over and applying gentle pressure from the other side of the tray. If none of these methods work, consider taking your phone to a professional repair shop. They have specialized tools and experience in dealing with stuck trays without causing damage.
How Do I Know If The SD Card Has Been Successfully Unmounted?
After tapping “Unmount” in the storage settings, your Samsung Galaxy S7 will typically display a notification indicating that the SD card has been safely unmounted. You may also notice that the SD card is no longer listed as a storage option in your file manager or other apps that access external storage.
Additionally, you can double-check the storage settings to confirm. If the SD card is unmounted, the option to “Mount” the SD card will be available instead of “Unmount”. This indicates that it’s safe to physically remove the card from the tray without risking data loss or damage.