Forum Discussion

fjfagergren's avatar
fjfagergren
Reel Rookie
2 years ago

Roku 3 - Micro SD Card format fails

My Roku 3 accepts my Sandisk microSD 2 gb card and the microSD card detected - format-cancel screen comes up.  However, when I select format, the screen quickly shifts to the channel lineup screen.  I do not see anything showing format is occurring and I could not find anything that would allow me to verify if the microSD card was formatted correctly or not.  I also noticed initially that when the microSD Card detected-format-cancel screen appeared, if I did not shift to "format" very quickly, the screen shifted to the Channel lineup; I restarted Roku 3 and then quickly shifted to "format" but nothing happened except the unit quickly shifted to the Channel Lineup screen.

Would appreciate any information on what might be happening?

tv & player features

14 Replies

  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    You might try formatting it in a computer and then putting it back in the Roku again. The computer formatting will be reformatted but if there was something interfering with the Roku format that might clear it.

    But if you can't get it formatted, don't worry about it. The SD card doesn't make the Roku work any better/faster. All the card does is provide additional channel storage space. If you don't have a lot of channels, the card won't even be used. If you do have more channels installed that space to store them, the Roku will offload the least used channel and download/install the channel if you want to use it again. Since most people probably only use a handful of channels with any regularity, that offload/download won't happen often.

    Yes, if you really do use a lot of different channels on a regular basis the SD card will make a slight difference in the speed it will load a channel. But once that channel is loaded, there's no difference in performance. 

    • fjfagergren's avatar
      fjfagergren
      Reel Rookie
      2 years ago

      thank you for your reply and suggestions.  In fact, I did format the SD card in my computer and then try it in the Roku 3.  I experienced the same thing; saw the card detected screen, quickly selected "format" option and Roku 3 immediately shifted to Channel screen.

      The fact that the SanDisk quickly formatted in my computer would suggest there is nothin wrong with the SD card itself.  What might the problem be?

      I understand the card may make no difference but having purchased the 2 gb card, I'd like to use it; its capacity is so small, it doesn't have much value for me otherwise.

      Can you or someone else tell me what I should see if formatting actually occurs?  Also, is there a way to check the status of the SD card; please describe menu selections I would make to see status of SD card?

      • atc98092's avatar
        atc98092
        Community Streaming Expert
        2 years ago

        I've never used an SD card, so I have no idea what messages might appear or any menu items for checking status. Sorry. 

  • Mlbranson's avatar
    Mlbranson
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    Same problem.m on Roku 3. Formatted 4gb sandisk sd and it works on laptop. Roku quickly asks about formatting it then moves on to channels without letting me respond. Under systems it says there is no sd. I tried reformatting but same result. Please help-shifting between channels is so slow. 

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      2 years ago

      While an SD card would be of some help, the bigger problem is your Roku 3 is now 8 or 10 years old, depending on the model number. It's really a slow device compared to the newest models. The Roku 3 was a fantastic player for many years, but it simply can't keep up with the newest apps written in a language that didn't exist (or was in its infancy) at the time your player was new. 

      The SD card won't work with the formatting done on the computer. Rather than formatting it again in your computer, instead delete the partition and let the Roku work with a raw SD card. On Windows you can delete the partition using the Disc Manager app.

      • McFate's avatar
        McFate
        Reel Rookie
        2 years ago

        I'm having a similar issue.  I have a half-dozen Roku Premiere+ (model no. 4630X).  I bought a 5-pack of cheap micro SD cards.

        I put one card in one of the Rokus, and when it was powered back up, I was given the dialog to format the card.  I accepted "format" and it took about 2 minutes to finish.  After that, it apparently worked without issue.

        I put a second card in another of the Rokus.  When it was powered up, it did show the format/cancel dialog, but only for a second or so.  The dialog went away very quickly, not giving me time to select "format." I haven't tried all of the other 20 combinations, but every other Roku and micro SD card combination that I've tested has had the same problem.

        When the format dialog vanishes, an ad for the Roku channel at bottom-left of the screen becomes active.  Is it possible that the ad is somehow overriding or canceling the dialog?

  • Username4's avatar
    Username4
    Channel Surfer
    2 months ago

    Have a Roku 2 XD (model compatible with my tv) and micro SD card would not format on Roku or after I formatted on computer per Roku advisor. Very frustrating. Roku device keeps telling me an micro SD card would benefit me but it won't accept one.

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      2 months ago

      Username4​ The Roku 2 XD was released in Jul 2011, so it's 14 years old. And frankly, it's worthless as a player. I have a 2 XS which is the same vintage, and I haven't used it for 10 years. It's useless for most streaming sites today, and even if one still works it's going to perform miserably. It's time to replace your device.

      I realize from your description that you're likely using the analog outputs, but there simply isn't any modern streaming player that still supports those connections. Analog is limited to standard definition, two channel analog sound (with some simulated surround possible with the right AVR) and is completely out of date. It sounds like it's time for a new TV as well. 

  • Username4's avatar
    Username4
    Channel Surfer
    2 months ago

    thanks for the follow up

    seems sloppy for Roku to be repeatedly recommending an option that won't work/apply--Roku knows what model I'm using and the advisors spent close to an hour trying to get it working for me...

    throwing away a perfectly great tv with fantastic picture and audio makes no sense, will just watch less tv; where is "away" btw, folks?

    seems like a smarter way to hold on to a larger customer base would be to offer options that are hdmi compatible and one's that are not

    customers are likely as disposable as decade old electronics

     

    • JWS9518's avatar
      JWS9518
      Roku Guru
      2 months ago

      You might be able to find a converter that works, but I would research that carefully as there are a bunch out there and some work better than others.