Quick fix: I had dropped mine and thought I have to buy a new reader. Before ordering a new reader, I just opened Switch according to video, and noticed the reader was unplugged. Pressed it back with my finger and now it works no matter how I squeeze my device. My advice: check if your existing reader is just out of place before ordering a new reader.
My problem is that it only detects it if you push it in deep. But of course if you let go it stops. Does this mean it needs to be replaced or can I just do what you did?
@@artgremlin4750 you could try that before replacing the card reader. Also, check if you observe the same issue with another memory card. If neither fix the problem, it is likely the memory card reader.
it's very important that you actually connect the connector, in the vid it just appears your are laying it on top - I had to line mine up and really push it into the connector but it worked after a few tries - knowing which screws to remove was very helpful! thanks for the vid
Thanks for pointing this out. My sd reader stopped working and I tried many times to reconnect it. Every time it looked like it was connected right, but it wasn’t until I removed the black soft square that I was able to connect it properly.
My switch would always show the "unable to access microsd card" message even though I tried everything. I purchased the iFixit kit and it actually works now. Thanks for the tutorial, I really appreciated it.
Thanks for the video. My daughter dropped her switch and the SD card reader wasn't working. Luckily, all I needed to do was reseat the connection for the reader. I would have never been able to do this without your video. Thanks for saving me a more costly repair at the store.
Bro, I was ready to open the witch up until I saw this video and a comment advising that they dropped their switch and plugged the sd reader again. I tried just pushing a little bit above the sd card, and now my switch is working like new. THANK YOU!
Worked like a breeze! It took me less than 10 minutes for the repair. Get yourself the iFixit kit, it also comes with a screwdriver and the 2 bits you need for the job. Be careful when connecting the card reader. When done, don't re-assemble everything yet... First, pop the SD card in and turn your Switch on to verify that the card reader works. Then, shut down again and re-assemble. Total cost: $25 and 10 minutes of my time vs $99 + shipping & insurance and 4-6 weeks wait time with Nintendo of America! 😁
My son is pretty rough with his switch. The SD card reader came unplugged. This video helped me open it and troubleshoot it before getting a new reader
I also bought an unpatched switch and I also had the problem reading sd cards, every time I put the card in, an error screen popped up asking me to restart the console, I would like to know if this also happened to you, since I plan to replace the piece to read sd cards
A previous commenter said this and it really helped me, make sure the pins on the little yellow square are lined up perfectly and they will click on so it’s not loose. You don’t just place it on top you actually have to click it in.
Happy to say this worked for me :D! Just popped in my old SD card, and it worked perfectly! Getting the motherboard plug to plug back in was one heck of a job though. I think by feeling around, you can find the sweet spot and than snap it in. This video did not show that required aspect very well, but all the rest of it was perfect. Thanks!
Just ordered a repair kit, hopefully this fix works because the error is constantly being triggered even though I have no micro sd cards inserted. I’m guessing there’s some degree of damage or debris that got into some tight spaces that keeps messing with the card slot.
@@tannies4450 late reply sorry, I got the Ifixit repair kit. Turns out I was right, the microsd card reader had been filled to the brim with dust and had been triggering the barrage of error messages. I installed a new reader just to be safe and I never had any issues ever since.
I'm having the same problem. I accidentally broke the pins on my old one, and now when I try to insert the new one, it doesn't make a firm connection. No snapping in or anything--it just rocks back and forth over the socket. I suspect the broken off pins may be stuck in the socket, but it's hard to tell if that's correct, because it's so small and I don't have any kind of magnifier.
@@movezig5I’m having the same issue a year later. I’m suspecting the motherboard connector has pins in it as well. Or just so messed up from me cramming it. Did you find any fix by chance? Pls respond xd
Before you replace ur reader make sure its connected well and if it keeps disconnecting when you hold ur switch put some sticky tape over the connector and reader (not the part when sd card goes in, put the tape on the top metal part). I did this and so far it works well.
Idk why, but I replaced our reader with a fresh one ( It literally came in yesterday and had no noticeable issues) and it's still saying it isn't reading. Thing is. My old one looks perfectly fine once removed. The issue is that the reader is kinda floating there?? The side that doesn't screw in doesn't touch the silver part and causes a disconnect I think
Did the connector on yours snap into place? It took quite a bit of maneuvering before I managed to get mine into precisely the right spot; until I did, it also just floated and (from experience on other handheld consoles) wouldn't have worked.
Very useful, thanks . My kidds drop it and unplugged,, its unplugged with any movement, and just by pressing it from outside without opening it , it work ..thanks very much
Followed this guide but my switch failed to recognise any micro sd card at all after replacing the card reader. Put the old one back in and that had completely stopped too even though prior to repair the switch recognised the sd card but then rejected it, which is why I sought to replace it. Oh well, new switch it is 🤦♂️
Is it possible for it to come disconnected on its own? My SD card reader stopped working after I went on a flight and I wonder if it just came loose somehow instead of breaking properly. My card is still good since my wife's Switch told me to format it as it was for a different Switch.
Quick question when I already replace the Ad card reader does it have to update with the card I’m gonna use or can I use a different SF card THEN change it to the one I’m gonna use
Absolutely don't try to just mash that connector down blindly like that. It needs to be perfectly aligned to gently snap together. Trust me, I know. I bent half the pins on mine after doing a battery replacement and had to order a new one. If you do like this and it works for you, you got lucky.
I have my SD card and I was wondering if do you need to get a new one or can you use the old one cuz I have all the photos and videos on the old one and data do I put no one or old one hopefully new one don't want to lose it
Here’s a question about the sd card reader. How do I know if I can fix it or if I should replace it? Mine looks normal I assume, but only works when I hold the micro sd card in place. Please help!
The SD card slot on my daughters Switch was coming up with an error saying it couldn't read the SD card. I took the back off and pressed down on the connector to the main PCB (where the sticky bit is) and tada!... fixed 🙂It had been a bit temperamental in the past, so I had ordered a spare from eBay before looking (only £3.50). 4 Switches in the house... so I guess I have a spare for the future now😆
So, maybe I might have to change the SD card reader. That's probably why my SD card isn't being recognised, even though I've tried everything to resolve the issue. So thanks, this really helped
Yes I did fix it. But I had to get a new Switch. Because the second time my SD card reader stopped working and a few of the screws were messed up. So I couldn't get the case off.
Is that why my games can not update I know I put my micro sd card in Wal it was turned on when I first got my Nintendo switch so could my problem be because my games are not updating is because I put my mirco Sd card in wal it was turned on so do I need to replace my sad card reader
I bought a new sd card and went through the whole process of converting my data over, and after that my switch wouldn’t read any sd cards anymore! I just replaced the reader and it still not working, anyone reading this have any suggestions?
@@scuevas1 Those ones aren't triwing. I had both tools for the job. As I said, the other one came out fine. It was just overly tight and couldnt get purchase on it.
@@radicalrobin9981 Yes and no lol. I could NOT sort the screw out so I ended up bending the back plate and absolutely sweating to get the replacement in... After all that, it didn't work. So either I got a dud replacement (highly likely) or the issue is on the board itself. Either way I am desperately awaiting an announcement on the fabled Switch Pro, cause I dont wanna buy a replacement now only to have a better one come out just after. Oof.
I put mine in and it did not work I’m going to reopen my switch do you know how I can make sure I put the new Sd card reader in correctly like some key things to make sure I do. Also could you link we’re you got the screws
I did everything in this video and it didn’t work. I bought everything required including a new Ed card reader and it still didn’t work. I’m super pissed
Can anyone help me mine works but it doesn't go all the way IN when I push it more it detects the SD card and works and I tried another SD card Same problem any advice
This worked the first couple of times, but what do you do when you've replaced the SD Card reader four times, and this final time it didn't fix anything. I just don't get it, the first 3 times, it fixed the damned thing, now, it STILL won't read a f****** card!
There are actually two approaches here. You should most definitely have the manufacturer repair your device if it is under warranty. If it is however not under warranty, this video may help you repair the device yourself at a lot lower cost than sending it to the manufacturer for an out of warranty repair.
![[FATAL ERROR]: Switch Doesn't Read SD Cards | Can I FIX It?](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ON_UOAkQl00/mqdefault.jpg)
Quick fix: I had dropped mine and thought I have to buy a new reader. Before ordering a new reader, I just opened Switch according to video, and noticed the reader was unplugged. Pressed it back with my finger and now it works no matter how I squeeze my device. My advice: check if your existing reader is just out of place before ordering a new reader.
That’s a great advice. It’s always good to check the basics first. Thank you for sharing.
@@bpetertube Thank YOU the tutorial. These videos save time and money. Some repairs are so easy, it's possible for novices like me to do!
My problem is that it only detects it if you push it in deep. But of course if you let go it stops. Does this mean it needs to be replaced or can I just do what you did?
@@artgremlin4750 you could try that before replacing the card reader. Also, check if you observe the same issue with another memory card. If neither fix the problem, it is likely the memory card reader.
maybe thats my issue after these years
it's very important that you actually connect the connector, in the vid it just appears your are laying it on top - I had to line mine up and really push it into the connector but it worked after a few tries - knowing which screws to remove was very helpful! thanks for the vid
Thanks for pointing this out. My sd reader stopped working and I tried many times to reconnect it. Every time it looked like it was connected right, but it wasn’t until I removed the black soft square that I was able to connect it properly.
This is really hard i kept failing attach the reader back
My switch would always show the "unable to access microsd card" message even though I tried everything. I purchased the iFixit kit and it actually works now. Thanks for the tutorial, I really appreciated it.
I have that problem how do I fix it?
@hideyawives tomorrow I’m going to unscrew it and press the reader down
Thanks for the video. My daughter dropped her switch and the SD card reader wasn't working. Luckily, all I needed to do was reseat the connection for the reader. I would have never been able to do this without your video. Thanks for saving me a more costly repair at the store.
Bro, I was ready to open the witch up until I saw this video and a comment advising that they dropped their switch and plugged the sd reader again.
I tried just pushing a little bit above the sd card, and now my switch is working like new.
THANK YOU!
Worked like a breeze! It took me less than 10 minutes for the repair. Get yourself the iFixit kit, it also comes with a screwdriver and the 2 bits you need for the job. Be careful when connecting the card reader. When done, don't re-assemble everything yet... First, pop the SD card in and turn your Switch on to verify that the card reader works. Then, shut down again and re-assemble.
Total cost: $25 and 10 minutes of my time vs $99 + shipping & insurance and 4-6 weeks wait time with Nintendo of America! 😁
My son is pretty rough with his switch. The SD card reader came unplugged. This video helped me open it and troubleshoot it before getting a new reader
I recently bought a unpatched switch, and the SD card reader was very buggy, and this is very simple and straightforward. I thank you kind sir!
I am glad the video was helpful.
I also bought an unpatched switch and I also had the problem reading sd cards, every time I put the card in, an error screen popped up asking me to restart the console, I would like to know if this also happened to you, since I plan to replace the piece to read sd cards
@@pezlanudo4545 And it is still a problem even after replacing it.
Same here, replaced mine and still error message. Every time sleep mode it gives error on wake up.
@@Bog8686 It's probably best to just buy a brand new one.
A previous commenter said this and it really helped me, make sure the pins on the little yellow square are lined up perfectly and they will click on so it’s not loose. You don’t just place it on top you actually have to click it in.
Happy to say this worked for me :D! Just popped in my old SD card, and it worked perfectly!
Getting the motherboard plug to plug back in was one heck of a job though. I think by feeling around, you can find the sweet spot and than snap it in. This video did not show that required aspect very well, but all the rest of it was perfect. Thanks!
I found that sometimes you have to put a small folded up piece of paper under the adhesive pad to have a stronger connection
I kept thinking that background voice was going to say “He puts the lotion in the basket”… Thanx for the tut!
Just ordered a repair kit, hopefully this fix works because the error is constantly being triggered even though I have no micro sd cards inserted. I’m guessing there’s some degree of damage or debris that got into some tight spaces that keeps messing with the card slot.
Which repair kit did u use?
EZ
@@tannies4450 late reply sorry, I got the Ifixit repair kit. Turns out I was right, the microsd card reader had been filled to the brim with dust and had been triggering the barrage of error messages. I installed a new reader just to be safe and I never had any issues ever since.
Very helpful because my SD card reader replacement didn't come with a tutorial
May I ask for the link for the sd card reader and the screw driver used in this video?
I tecommend buying an I fix it kit. I found a reader on Amazon
Duude it actually fucking worked. Not gonna lie, for me personally, i had to be fairly “rough” to get it in and actually click
Awesome :)
For anyone curious. You need a 2.0 tri-point screwdriver and 000 Phillips screwdriver. The 2.0 is for the four plate screws on the back.
Appreciate this guide. I fixed my son's today. It was just loose.
I got my switch with a broken reader. Thanks for the tutorial. I will be getting a new one soon.
this saved my little brother's switch I appreciate the vid and time you saved me with this
Awesome. I love to hear stories like this.
Any tips for plugging the sd-port into the mainboard?
I had to unplug the sd-port to check on the ventilator and now I struggle to fit it back in
I'm having the same problem. I accidentally broke the pins on my old one, and now when I try to insert the new one, it doesn't make a firm connection. No snapping in or anything--it just rocks back and forth over the socket. I suspect the broken off pins may be stuck in the socket, but it's hard to tell if that's correct, because it's so small and I don't have any kind of magnifier.
@@movezig5I’m having the same issue a year later. I’m suspecting the motherboard connector has pins in it as well. Or just so messed up from me cramming it. Did you find any fix by chance? Pls respond xd
Why is the plug to the motherboard borderline phyisically impossible to re-insert?
So u dont do it yourself
Was pretty easy for me
So Nintendo knows you'll call then to do it
Do you have to format the data if you have used the SD card in the switch already
Thank you for this video. Was able to fix my son's switch. The reader was just loose. 😊
Before you replace ur reader make sure its connected well and if it keeps disconnecting when you hold ur switch put some sticky tape over the connector and reader (not the part when sd card goes in, put the tape on the top metal part). I did this and so far it works well.
Thanks I’m going to need to order the parts to fix my switches SD card slot and I wanted to see how easy it would be
After three years of being limited to 29gb of storage for EVERYTHING I now have enough storage to download more than 1 games at a time.
Awesome!
Just replaced mine following this video!! 🌟🌟
Did it work? I'm about to but I'm not sure if it'll resolve my issue...
@@baranorak4080 Me either...
Thank you for the video, the advise of organizing the screws helped me a lot. One more time thank you.
Idk why, but I replaced our reader with a fresh one ( It literally came in yesterday and had no noticeable issues) and it's still saying it isn't reading. Thing is. My old one looks perfectly fine once removed. The issue is that the reader is kinda floating there?? The side that doesn't screw in doesn't touch the silver part and causes a disconnect I think
Did the connector on yours snap into place? It took quite a bit of maneuvering before I managed to get mine into precisely the right spot; until I did, it also just floated and (from experience on other handheld consoles) wouldn't have worked.
Very useful, thanks . My kidds drop it and unplugged,, its unplugged with any movement, and just by pressing it from outside without opening it , it work ..thanks very much
those screws are TINY! and man that connector isnt easy to snap in but it worked. thanks!
Wonderful. I’m glad the video helped.
@@bpetertube thanks again! 15 dollars saved me 350 for a new switch!
Would you know where to go from here if this doesn't work?
Followed this guide but my switch failed to recognise any micro sd card at all after replacing the card reader. Put the old one back in and that had completely stopped too even though prior to repair the switch recognised the sd card but then rejected it, which is why I sought to replace it. Oh well, new switch it is 🤦♂️
The same thing just happened to me 😭
FPC connector was probably chewed up. Would require very easyish soldering to repair if you have the knowledge.
Is it possible for it to come disconnected on its own? My SD card reader stopped working after I went on a flight and I wonder if it just came loose somehow instead of breaking properly. My card is still good since my wife's Switch told me to format it as it was for a different Switch.
It is possible, but less likely than other possible root causes.
@@bpetertube Makes sense. I'll look at getting the part and giving it a whirl. Thanks for the reply. Will let you know how it goes.
The first 4 screws are diffrent than the others 😓
Quick question when I already replace the Ad card reader does it have to update with the card I’m gonna use or can I use a different SF card THEN change it to the one I’m gonna use
Perfect tutorial, replaced in 5 min, cheers
Absolutely don't try to just mash that connector down blindly like that. It needs to be perfectly aligned to gently snap together. Trust me, I know. I bent half the pins on mine after doing a battery replacement and had to order a new one. If you do like this and it works for you, you got lucky.
should it click in and stay because mine keeps making a clicking noise but goes loose as soon as I touch it again
@@antoniorondao6642any answer to this? Feel like the motherboard connector might be messed up now. I’m having the same issue
I have my SD card and I was wondering if do you need to get a new one or can you use the old one cuz I have all the photos and videos on the old one and data do I put no one or old one hopefully new one don't want to lose it
The middle screw on the sides is not coming off rn 😒
Did you ever get it off? It won’t come off for me no what I do
@@SouthsMemes No, I have to send mines to nintendo manufacturers.
They made it like this purposely lol 😆
Here’s a question about the sd card reader. How do I know if I can fix it or if I should replace it? Mine looks normal I assume, but only works when I hold the micro sd card in place. Please help!
Do I need to put the sponge sticker
You probably should. I just did it and I put the sponge sticker.
Bottom screws are impossible to unscrew 😔
The SD card slot on my daughters Switch was coming up with an error saying it couldn't read the SD card. I took the back off and pressed down on the connector to the main PCB (where the sticky bit is) and tada!... fixed 🙂It had been a bit temperamental in the past, so I had ordered a spare from eBay before looking (only £3.50). 4 Switches in the house... so I guess I have a spare for the future now😆
Where did you buy the new reader?
Where did you buy the replacement ?
i noticed you edited the part where the plug wouldnt go in.
What screwdriver did u use
You will need a #000 phillips screwdriver and a tri-wing screwdriver.
@@bpetertube do u have the link for amazon
So does it click in, or does it just sit on top? Because I just CANNOT get it to work, and I wanna make sure I'm doing it right.
So, maybe I might have to change the SD card reader. That's probably why my SD card isn't being recognised, even though I've tried everything to resolve the issue. So thanks, this really helped
Have u figured this out?
Yes I did fix it. But I had to get a new Switch. Because the second time my SD card reader stopped working and a few of the screws were messed up. So I couldn't get the case off.
will replacing the SD card reader work if my switch cannot currently read my SD card?
Is that why my games can not update I know I put my micro sd card in Wal it was turned on when I first got my Nintendo switch so could my problem be because my games are not updating is because I put my mirco Sd card in wal it was turned on so do I need to replace my sad card reader
Did mine today.
Thank you so much for the video!
do you have to format it ? i’m attempting to use the same sd cars that already has most of my games saved to
jesus christ finally! that part at 2:19 is so damn hard to get snapped into place but i kept doing it and eventually it snapped in!
I am glad it worked :)
What screw driver are you using?
Worked beautifully! Thank you for the simple and easy tutorial!
Glad it helped!
Wow this video helped me a lot ! Without it i couldnt continue my switch modding tutorial , thanks a lot ! I will subscribe Directly :D !
I am glad to hear that the video helped.
What do you do if there are stripped screws? I bought the triwing screwdriver and all but the screw I guess gave out their shape with age?
i have the same issue....2 that wont come out. sucks. ill let you know if i find a fix
@@keithgoetting8051 yes please 🙏
Would this work on the switch lite as well?
I bought a new sd card and went through the whole process of converting my data over, and after that my switch wouldn’t read any sd cards anymore! I just replaced the reader and it still not working, anyone reading this have any suggestions?
Did this fix the Switch reading data from the SD card really slowly for anyone? I'm wondering if this will work for me
where did you get the replacement part from
You can buy the kits right through Amazon these days.
Why do you need to format the sd card with the new reader? Is it necessary?
Where do I get a microsd card reader?
I got mine from Ifixit
Also Amazon works
where did you find the card slot
Where can I buy one
Know this is an old video but thanks a bunch!
why is formatting needed after replacing the reader??
thank you! worked PERFECt.
Do U need to format it?
Thanks! Saved me some 😊
Managed to absolutely strip the middle screw on the right joycon slot. RIP. Such a tough screw, the other one almost stripped too :'(
they’re not normal screws! you need a special tool
@@scuevas1 Those ones aren't triwing. I had both tools for the job. As I said, the other one came out fine. It was just overly tight and couldnt get purchase on it.
omds literally the same
did you manage to fix it?
Im not sure how you take out a stripped screw of this size I am quite a beginner
@@radicalrobin9981 Yes and no lol. I could NOT sort the screw out so I ended up bending the back plate and absolutely sweating to get the replacement in... After all that, it didn't work. So either I got a dud replacement (highly likely) or the issue is on the board itself. Either way I am desperately awaiting an announcement on the fabled Switch Pro, cause I dont wanna buy a replacement now only to have a better one come out just after. Oof.
@@samparnell2494 well, not quite a pro yet...
Any risks?
Thanks brother
got a question
so my sd slot doesent click in anymore so should i replace the reader or what do i do
Did you find a solution? Same issue here
where do i buy this
I sent my OLED Switch to be repaired for this and they sent it back still broken...
Guess I'll have to do it myself. :/
I did exactly that and now it won’t read the sd
I put mine in and it did not work I’m going to reopen my switch do you know how I can make sure I put the new Sd card reader in correctly like some key things to make sure I do.
Also could you link we’re you got the screws
Is it obligatory to format the sd card? Because I've changed the reader too and it still doesn't read
If the SD card was never successfully used in the unit, you will need to format it.
I did this and the switch screen on handheld dosent work, it stays blavk but it is on. does anyone know how to fix this?
Hold power button for long time
@@Bog8686 no thats not the problem you can hear thats its on but the screen is black
I did everything in this video and it didn’t work. I bought everything required including a new Ed card reader and it still didn’t work. I’m super pissed
I just got a brand new switch lite and I have to replace it 😂
what tools do I need?
A tripoint Y00, and a Phillips #000 screwdriver.
@@bpetertube thank you when im 16 I will be old enough for a bank account so i will save up for ifix it nintendo switch kit
link?
THANK.YOU
Are there any risks of doing this repair? I can't afford to lose my Switch
Improper installation
Can anyone help me mine works but it doesn't go all the way IN when I push it more it detects the SD card and works and I tried another SD card Same problem any advice
same here bud
I was just trying to see how can I fixed a broken SD card from my Nintendo switch
Not working for me
Too easy! Thanks bro
Accidentally stripped 2 screws when trying this 😫
This worked the first couple of times, but what do you do when you've replaced the SD Card reader four times, and this final time it didn't fix anything. I just don't get it, the first 3 times, it fixed the damned thing, now, it STILL won't read a f****** card!
Flexing with the 14 gig SD card.
Also pain is enhanced
Like I have to take pain killers when I bite my tongue 😢
Do not follow his instructions, he opened it up and if you do the same, your warranty will void.
There are actually two approaches here. You should most definitely have the manufacturer repair your device if it is under warranty. If it is however not under warranty, this video may help you repair the device yourself at a lot lower cost than sending it to the manufacturer for an out of warranty repair.
Perfect, thank you very much!
You are welcome. I am glad the video helped.
Bruh i can't even connect the reader back it's too hard