Troubleshooting a SanDisk OTG Pendrive Not Recognized After Formatting

If your SanDisk OTG pendrive is not recognized by your phone or PC after formatting, do not panic. Here are some comprehensive steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue. These steps can help ensure your data is safe and your device is functioning correctly.

1. Check Physical Connections

The first step in troubleshooting any hardware issue is to ensure that everything is connected properly. Check if the pendrive is securely inserted into the USB port. Try using different ports on your PC or different devices like another phone to rule out port issues. A loose or poorly connected device can cause recognition problems.

2. Try a Different Device

To determine if the issue is with the pendrive or the original device, insert the pendrive into another computer or phone. If it is recognized and functioning correctly on a different device, the problem may be with your original device or specific port. This is a simple yet effective way to narrow down the issue.

3. Check Disk Management (Windows Users)

If you are using Windows, you can check if the pendrive is recognized using Disk Management:

Right-click on the Start menu and select Disk Management. Look for your pendrive in the list. If it appears as unallocated space, you may need to create a new volume: Right-click on the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume. Follow the prompts to format it.

4. Use Disk Utility (Mac Users)

If you’re using a Mac, open Disk Utility to check if the pendrive is recognized:

Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Check if the pendrive appears in the list. If it does, try to format it again using the Erase option.

5. Check for Driver Issues (Windows)

If your pendrive is not recognized, there might be a problem with the driver. Fix this by checking:

Open Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting it. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. If your pendrive is listed, right-click it and select Update Driver.

6. Run a Data Recovery Tool

If the data on the pendrive is important and you cannot access it after formatting, consider using data recovery software. Popular options include:

Recuva EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Disk Drill

These tools can help you recover lost files and avoid unnecessary loss of important data.

7. Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above steps work, the pendrive might be faulty. You can try contacting SanDisk support for assistance or consider replacing the device. A physical check of the pendrive may reveal signs of damage such as visible cracks or bent pins.

8. Consider Reformatting

If the pendrive is recognized but not functioning properly, you may need to reformat it. Use the FAT32 or exFAT file systems to ensure compatibility with most devices. These file systems are widely supported across different operating systems and brands.

Important Notes

Always back up important data before formatting or making significant changes to storage devices to avoid any untimely data loss. Avoid frequent formatting as it can wear out flash storage over time, reducing the lifespan of the pendrive.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, the pendrive may be permanently damaged, and you should consider getting a replacement. Regular maintenance and proper use can help prevent such issues from arising.