X Series: Camera Prompts "SD card error" or "SD card format is incorrect, please format to the exFAT format"

X Series: Camera Prompts "SD card error" or "SD card format is incorrect, please format to the exFAT format"

Applicable Models: X3, X4, X4 Air, and X5

Scenario 1: The camera prompts "Recording stopped: SD card error" or "Recording stopped: SD card error. Please replace the SD card"

Reason

SD card hardware error or SD card file system format error.

Solution

1. Ensure you are using a Micro SD card that is UHS-I, V30, or faster and pre-formatted to exFAT.

1. If possible, try using a different compatible SD card to see if the camera returns to normal.

If the issue persists even though your SD card meets the requirements or after replacing the SD card, please contact Insta360 Customer Support for assistance.

We also recommend you apply for Insta360 Repair Service and send your SD card back for professional diagnostics. We will replace it with an Insta360 official SD card of the same capacity.

Please note:

• Hardware diagnostics of the SD card may permanently erase all data, which cannot be recovered. Please make sure to back up important files from the SD card to your computer in advance: On your computer, open the camera disk, navigate to the "DCIM" > "Camera01" folder, and copy the desired files to your local hard drive or another storage device.
• The SD card you send back will only be used for fault analysis, and your privacy will be strictly protected.

Scenario 2: The SD card space is occupied but media files cannot be found / Files get lost after the camera is connected to a computer

Please refer to the solution for "Scenario 3" in the guide: X Series: Camera Files are Lost.

Scenario 3: The camera prompts "SD card format is incorrect, please format to the exFAT format"

Reason

The SD card's file system format does not match the camera's requirements, or the card's format is corrupted.

Solution

1. Ensure you are using a Micro SD card that is UHS-I, V30, or faster and pre-formatted to exFAT.

1. We recommend formatting the SD card to exFAT. If you are using an X4, X4 Air, or X5 camera, you can perform a deep format on the SD card directly through the camera. Check if the issue is resolved after performing this operation.

Please refer to: X Series: How to Format a Memory Card

Please note: Formatting will erase all data on the card. Please make sure to back up important files from the SD card to your computer in advance: On your computer, open the camera disk, navigate to the "DCIM" > "Camera01" folder, and copy the desired files to your local hard drive or another storage device.

If none of the above solutions resolves your issue, please contact Insta360 Customer Support for assistance.