How to format a MicroSD to work with a Garmin GPS. The disk utility FAT32 format doesnt seem to do it.

I have a Garmin GPS unit that requires a MicroSD formatted to FAT32.

The disk utility program on High Sierra 10.13.2 seems to format the disk to FAT32 but the GPS unit still will not recognize it.

Garmin says its an Apple issue and not a Garmin issue.

I've followed the steps in the disk utility program a dozen times with two brands of microSD's. No luck.

Am I missing something?

Thank you

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch,Early 2015), iOS 10.1, The OS is 10.13.2

Posted on Jan 3, 2018 1:10 PM

32 replies

dialabrain

Level 10

137,013 points

Jan 3, 2018 6:04 PM in response to Ed Daniels

Well the SD cards should work out-of-the-box without formatting. Where do you see the cards are not formatted? On the device itself or on your screen?

Ed Daniels Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 4, 2018 8:59 PM in response to dialabrain

Talked to Garmin.

They agreed the problem was neither the card or Apple.

Had me reboot the GPS, reinsert the card and all is well.

thanks to everyone for the help and education.

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How to format a MicroSD to work with a Garmin GPS. The disk utility FAT32 format doesnt seem to do it.