Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Lumia 635 Recognizing All Songs on My SD Card Each Time the Phone Starts Up?

Are you experiencing issues where your Lumia 635 doesn't recognize all songs on your SD card each time the phone starts up? While each phone and SD card have their quirks, it’s essential to understand the possible reasons behind this behavior and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Checking Song Types and Consistency

First, let's address a couple of important questions: Are all the songs the same type, such as MP3s? And, of the songs it does recognize, are they always the same ones each time?

MP3 Consistency: Since most digital audio files are MP3s, it’s reasonable to assume that all songs are indeed MP3s. However, it’s always a good practice to verify this. You can check the file type in a file explorer or using an app designed for checking file types. Consistent Recognition: If the same songs are recognized consistently, then the issue might not be with the file types. It could be related to how the files are stored on the SD card or the way your phone reads them.

Common Causes of Recognition Issues

There are several common causes for such issues:

File Corruption: Sometimes, files on an SD card can become corrupted due to various reasons like frequent removal and insertion, power surges, or just natural wear and tear. When files are corrupted, they might not be recognized consistently or at all. SD Card Errors: Intermittent issues with the SD card itself, such as bad sectors, can cause the phone to fail to recognize some files each time it starts up. Storage media is not infallible, and errors can occur over time. Cache and File System Issues: Your phone’s file system or cache might need to be cleaned or repaired. This can happen if there are incomplete files or rollback points that your phone is reading as new songs.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue with your Lumia 635 and its SD card:

Check File Types: Ensure all songs are indeed in a recognizable file format. Sometimes, hidden files or partially downloaded files might cause issues. SD Card Maintenance: Use a SD card formatting tool to check the card for errors and correct them. You can do this in your computer or directly from the card itself if you have the proper software on Windows. File System Repair: If you’re comfortable with more technical steps, you can try repairing or reformatting the SD card. This eliminates bad sectors and ensures a clean file structure. Be cautious with this step, as it will erase all data on the card. Phone-Locked SD Updates: Ensure that your Lumia 635’s SD card file system is up-to-date. Sometimes, these updates contain fixes that can resolve recognition issues. Third-Party Software: Consider using third-party software designed to repair SD cards and organize files. These tools can be very effective in cleaning up and organizing the SD card contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to this issue:

Q: Do I need to format my SD card?
A: Formatting the SD card may be necessary if there are persistent recognition issues. However, it’s always best to try other methods first, as formatting will erase all the data on the card. If the data isn’t critical, this can be a good step to take. Q: Will formatting my SD card affect my phone’s performance?
A: Formatting an SD card can slightly affect phone performance due to the time needed for the formatting process. However, if the phone is consistently not recognizing songs, the performance hit from the phone having to read bad sectors can be much larger. Q: Can I avoid formatting my SD card and just use it as is?
A: Yes, you can continue to use the SD card as is. However, the problems you're experiencing may persist unless you take other steps to address the issue. These steps might include file system repair or manual organization of the files.

Conclusion

In summary, the issue with your Lumia 635 not recognizing all the songs on your SD card each time it starts up can be caused by a variety of factors, including file corruption, SD card errors, or file system issues. By following the steps outlined above and checking the consistency of your songs and SD card, you can progressively narrow down the cause and resolve the issue. If all else fails, formatting the SD card may be necessary, but it’s essential to weigh the potential impact on your data and phone performance.