How to Format TF Card for RecDual Dongle?

This guide provides detailed instructions for formatting your TF card on Windows and Mac computers.

Important Warning

Warning

Do NOT format the TF card using a smartphone!

Smartphones create non-standard partitions that RecDual Dongle cannot recognize. Always format on a computer.

Formatting will erase all data on the card. Backup important files first.

Formatting on Windows

Method 1: Windows Explorer (Recommended for cards under 32GB)

1. Insert TF card into a card reader

2. Connect card reader to your Windows PC

3. Open File Explorer (Windows + E)

4. Right-click on the TF card drive

5. Select Format…

6. Configure format settings:

   • File system: exFAT (or NTFS)

   • Allocation unit size: Default

   • Volume label: Optional (e.g., “RecDual”)

   • Quick Format: Checked

7. Click Start

8. Click OK to confirm

9. Wait for format to complete

10. Click OK and safely eject the card

Method 2: Disk Management (For all card sizes)

1. Press Windows + X, select Disk Management

2. Locate your TF card in the list

3. Right-click on the TF card partition

4. Select Format…

5. Configure:

   • File system: exFAT

   • Allocation unit size: Default

   • Perform a quick format: Checked

6. Click OK to confirm and format

Formatting on Mac

Using Disk Utility

1. Insert TF card into a card reader

2. Connect card reader to your Mac

3. Open Disk Utility (Applications → Utilities → Disk Utility)

4. Select your TF card from the left sidebar

   • Select the external device, not just the partition

5. Click Erase in the toolbar

6. Configure erase settings:

   • Name: Optional (e.g., “RecDual”)

   • Format: ExFAT

   • Scheme: GUID Partition Map (or Master Boot Record)

7. Click Erase

8. Wait for the process to complete

9. Click Done

10. Safely eject the card

File System Comparison

File System	Max File Size	Windows	Mac
exFAT	Virtually unlimited	Read/Write	Read/Write
NTFS	Virtually unlimited	Read/Write	Read only*
FAT32	4GB	Read/Write	Read/Write

*Mac requires additional software for NTFS write support

Recommendation: Use exFAT for best compatibility.

After Formatting

1. Safely eject the TF card from your computer

2. Insert the card into RecDual Dongle

3. Verify the REC LED turns solid green

4. Your card is now ready for recording

Troubleshooting

Format Option Greyed Out:

• Run as Administrator (Windows)

• Check if card is write-protected (physical switch on card adapter)

Format Fails:

• Card may be damaged; try a different card

• Use Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) instead

• Try a different card reader

Card Not Recognized After Format:

• Re-format as exFAT (not FAT32)

• Try reinserting the card

• Test with a different card to isolate the issue

Mac Shows “Disk Not Readable” Error:

• Click Initialize to open Disk Utility

• Format as exFAT following the steps above

Tips

• Always use Quick Format for regular formatting

• Perform a Full Format occasionally to check for bad sectors

• Label your cards for easy identification

• Keep backup cards formatted and ready

Related articles:

How to Prepare TF Card for RecDual Dongle? TF Card Not Detected - What Should I Do? Why Can’t I Format TF Card with My Phone?

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