How to fix "Cluster Size Wrong - Please Format" error?

Updated by

Sherly 

Updated on April 22, 2024

"Cluster size incorrect, please format or reformat. An error may occur."

• The SD card has been used in another device.
Translation: The SD card has been used in another device.
• SD card larger than 32GB.
Translation: SD card with a capacity greater than 32GB.
• The SD card contains data from other devices.
Translation: The SD card holds data from other devices.

Don't worry. Formatting the SD card and resetting the correct Cluster Size usually does the trick. This article from tools outlines three methods to help you format the SD card. Method 1 enables you to alter the cluster size without data loss. If you have crucial data on your SD card, adhere to Method 1 to modify the Cluster Size.

Way 1: Fix Incorrect Cluster Size without Data Loss by Formatting

tools Partition Master is a highly dependable tool equipped with a Change Cluster Size feature that enables you to alter the cluster size of a storage device without the need for formatting. This process ensures no data loss. Additionally, it is incredibly user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners. As long as you have a Windows computer, you can effectively utilize it to modify the cluster size.

Install this free tool and follow the steps below to change the cluster size for your Dash Cam:

Step 1. Right-click the partition whose cluster size you want to change and select “Advanced”. Then click “Change Cluster Size”.

Step 2. Click the size list under the New size section, and select a desired cluster size you want to adjust for the disk partition, click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Execute 1 Task(s)" and then click "Apply" to confirm the operation.

This tool can easily change the cluster size without formatting. It can fully ensure the safety of your data. Dash Cams often encounter incompatible cluster sizes issues, and this tool can effectively help you fix this error.

Method 2: Fix Incorrect Cluster Size by Formatting SD Card in File Explorer Step 1: Connect your SD card to the computer using a card reader or directly through your device if it's compatible. Step 2: Open File Explorer on your Windows computer by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. Step 3: Locate the SD card in the list of drives usually displayed under "This PC" or "My Computer." It might be labeled as "Removable Disk" or have a drive letter assigned to it, like "D:" or "E:." Step 4: Right-click on the SD card and select "Format" from the context menu. Step 5: In the Format window that appears: - Ensure "Quick Format" is checked. - Select the desired file system (usually "FAT32," "NTFS," or "exFAT" depending on your needs). - Important: If you're having cluster size issues, choose the default allocation unit size. For most SD cards, this should be 4096 bytes (4KB). Avoid manually selecting a custom cluster size unless you have specific requirements. - Click "Start" to begin the formatting process. Step 6: Wait for the formatting to complete. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the SD card. Step 7: Once the format is finished, click "OK" to close the Format window. Step 8: Safely eject the SD card from your computer and then reinsert it. The incorrect cluster size issue should now be resolved, and the card should work properly. Remember, formatting will erase all data on the SD card. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding with the format.

You can also use the File Explorer that comes with Windows to fix the "wrong cluster size" issue for action cameras or dash cams. However, before you proceed, you should be aware that this method will format your SD card and delete all data on it. If you have important data, make sure to back it up beforehand or consider using tools like Partition Master.

Here's how to use File Explorer to fix the "wrong allocation unit size, please format" error:

Step 1. Insert the SD card with the memory error into your computer and press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.

Step 2. Click "This PC" and locate your SD card.

Step 3. Right-click on it and select "Format".

Step 4. A new window will pop up, and you should choose the appropriate cluster size. Typically, for video recording, the best cluster size is 64KB. However, it's advisable to consult your device manufacturer for specific details.

< strong > You May Also Like: < / strong >

Step 5. Finally, click "start" and wait patiently for the formatting to complete.

Method 3: Change Cluster Size by Formatting SD Card on Camera < a id="3" name="3">Method 3: Alter Cluster Size through SD Card Formatting on the Camera

Most action cameras might show an error that says, "Cluster size wrong; please format." You can format it directly on the current action camera. Here's how:

< strong >Step 1. Launch your camera app and access "settings" or "Setup." The route to Settings may vary across different brands and devices.

Step 2. Select "Format" and press the OK button.

Click "Format" and select the file system from the drop-down list, such as "FAT32", "NTFS", "EXT2", "EXT3", or "EXT4".

Step 3. Click OK to start formatting. Wait patiently for the formatting to complete. Finally, take a picture to see if any memory error message appears.

Conclusion

The Allocation Unit Size is the minimum disk space required to save the file. Choosing the right cluster size can help you save storage space effectively. When using action cameras or dash cams, the SD card might prompt an “incorrect cluster size” error. This could be because you've used the SD card on other devices, its capacity exceeds 32GB, or it contains data from other devices like computers, Macs, or gaming consoles.

This article offers you 3 practical ways to change cluster size, and the safest one is to use Partition Master. This tool enables you to adjust the allocation unit size of the SD card without formatting it. Don't forget to share this article with others.

FAQs About Incorrect Cluster Size

Many cameras will give incompatible errors or memory errors if the SD card has been used in other devices or contains files from other devices. Read on to learn more about this issue.

**1. What is a cluster size error on an SD card?** A cluster size error on an SD card refers to an issue where the allocation unit or cluster size, which determines how data is stored and managed on the card, is either incorrect or incompatible with the device attempting to read or write to it. This can lead to problems in file storage, corruption, or difficulty in accessing files. The optimal cluster size varies depending on the capacity of the SD card and the type of device it's used with. To resolve the issue, you may need to format the SD card with the appropriate cluster size for the specific device.

Incorrect cluster size is a common issue that can arise when using a camera to scan/write to an SD card that has been previously used on other devices, contains data from another device, or surpasses the 32GB limitation.

2. How do I fix the SD card format error? To fix the SD card format error, follow these steps: 1. **Connect the SD Card to Your Computer**: Insert the SD card into an SD card reader, and then connect it to your computer. 2. **Download a Data Recovery Tool**: Before formatting, it's essential to recover any important files. Download a reliable data recovery software, such as tools Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Stellar Photo Recovery. 3. **Scan the SD Card**: Launch the data recovery software and select the SD card from the list of available drives. Start the scan to recover your files. 4. **Preview and Recover Files**: After the scan, preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to save. Save them to a different location on your computer or another storage device. 5. **Format the SD Card**: Right-click on the SD card in File Explorer (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac), and choose "Format." Select the appropriate file system (e.g., FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS) and ensure the "Quick Format" option is checked. Click "Format" to proceed. 6. **Wait for Formatting**: The formatting process will erase all data, so make sure you've recovered your files beforehand. Wait for the process to complete. 7. **Check the SD Card**: After formatting, insert the SD card back into your device (camera, phone, etc.) and check if it's working correctly. If not, try using the SD card on another device to confirm if the issue persists. 8. **Update/Install Card Reader Driver**: If the problem continues, update or reinstall the card reader driver on your computer to ensure compatibility. 9. **Contact Manufacturer Support**: If all else fails, reach out to the SD card manufacturer's customer support for further assistance or consider replacing the SD card if it's damaged.

You can fix an SD card format error by formatting it:

• Insert the SD card into a Windows computer and launch File Explorer.
• Click "This PC" and locate your SD card.
• Right-click on it and select "Format."

Or you can scan or repair SD card format errors by CMD.

3. How do you format an SD card if it's not formatted?

Here are the steps to format an SD card on a Windows PC: 1. **Insert the SD Card**: First, insert the SD card into your computer's SD card reader slot. If your computer doesn't have a built-in reader, use an external USB card reader. 2. **Open File Explorer**: Click on the Start button, and then click on the File Explorer icon typically located on the taskbar or search for "File Explorer" in the Start menu. 3. **Locate the SD Card**: In File Explorer, navigate to the left panel, under "This PC" or "Devices with Removable Storage," you should see the SD card listed (usually named as "SD Card" or a similar label). 4. **Right-click on the SD Card**: Hover over the SD card, right-click on it, and from the context menu, choose "Format." 5. **Format Options**: A new window titled "Format" will appear. Here, you can set the following options: - **File System**: Choose the file system you want. For general use, "FAT32" is a good choice, but if you need to store larger files, choose "NTFS." - **Allocation Unit Size**: Leave this at its default value unless you have specific needs. - **Volume Label**: You can give a new name to your SD card here, or leave it as it is. - **Format Options**: If you want to perform a quick format (faster but less thorough), check the box next to "Quick Format." Otherwise, leave it unchecked. 6. **Start Formatting**: Click on the "Start" button. A warning message will appear asking for confirmation. Click "OK" to proceed with the formatting process. 7. **Wait for Completion**: The formatting may take a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the size of the SD card. Do not remove the SD card during this process. 8. **Verify and Use**: Once the formatting is complete, Windows will notify you. Now, you can safely eject the SD card and use it on any compatible device. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the SD card, so ensure you have backed up any important files beforehand.

Here are the translations for the given text in English:
• Open Disk Management in Windows 10/11 by right-clicking the Windows icon and selecting "Disk Management."
• Locate and right-click on the target SD card, then choose "Format."
• Select an appropriate file system and set the desired cluster size.
• Check "Perform a quick format." Click "OK" afterwards.