[Fixed] EmuDeck Error Detecting SD Card

EmuDeck is a software package designed to simplify the installation and configuration of emulators on the Steam Deck and other Linux-based systems. It provides an easy-to-use setup process that automatically installs and optimizes various retro gaming emulators, including those for classic consoles like PlayStation, Nintendo, Sega, and more. EmuDeck also integrates with Steam ROM Manager, allowing users to launch their emulated games directly from Steam.

However, encountering an "EmuDeck Error Detecting SD Card" can be frustrating. EmuDeck SD card not detected issues often stem from formatting errors, corrupted partitions, or compatibility problems. This guide provides possible reasons for this error, and step-by-step solutions to dive into the fixes and get your gaming experience back on track.

Why is EmuDeck error detecting SD card?

Understanding the root causes of EmuDeck not recognizing SD card errors is essential for effective troubleshooting. As an application utility, EmuDeck also has similar glitches as normal tools:

✘ App bugs: Some coding errors or glitches in EmuDeck may prevent it from detecting the SD card.
✘ Corrupted SD card: Data corruption can hinder EmuDeck from properly accessing or recognizing the SD card.
✘ Incompatible SD card format: Steam Deck primarily uses the EXT4 format. If the SD card is formatted differently, EmuDeck may be unable to detect or use it.
✘ Driver issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with EmuDeck’s ability to communicate with the SD card.
✘ Misconfigured EmuDeck settings: Incorrect configuration may prevent EmuDeck from identifying and utilizing the SD card.
✘ Permissions & security restrictions: User permissions or security settings may block EmuDeck’s access to the SD card.

5 Ways to solve EmuDeck not detecting SD card

You’ll learn several methods to fix the problem of EmuDeck not recognizing SD card. Carefully follow our guide, let’s start.

Method 1. Change EmuDeck settings (without format)

The No.1 solution is from EmuDeck and this way won’t ask you to format you SD card. So, to save and protect your precious games, we put this way as our first option. Steam OS continues to update and small details, which may also cause EmuDeck error detecting SD card, if the EmuDeck installer keeps recognizing your SD card as a valid installation path, you can try this way.

Step 1. Go to desktop mode. Click the Steam Deck icon on the bottom left.

Step 2. In the search bar type KDE Partition Manager.

Step 3. On the left panel under "Devices", left-click on "mmcblk0 - /your sd size/". And on the right panel click on the line saying "/dev/mmcblk0"

Step 4. Go to properties. Now on top where it says "Label" this is the name of your SD card. Change it to something without spaces ( like "mysdcard"). For example: If you change "my sd card" to "my_sd_card". And "_" is a special character that is invalid when naming something, that's why EmuDeck is unable to recognize it.

Step 5. After you change the name click "OK" on the bottom right, and click "Apply" on the top left. Now you can close the KDE Partition Manager.

Step 6. On desktop mode click on your SD card icon on the bottom right and "Safely Remove" it.

Step 7. Remove you SD card from your deck and put it back in.

Step 8. Open the EmuDeck installer.

If you had games installed in your SD, you might not be able to see them now and Steam might ask you to reinstall them. This is because we changed the SD card name and now it can't find it. Here's a second fix on this:

Step 1. Go to desktop mode, and open the Steam application.

Step 2. On the top left click "Steam" > "Settings" >"Storage".

Step 3. Now click on the top where it says "Internal Drive" and open the drop-down list.

Step 4. Click "Add drive" and add your SD card as an option, then close Steam.

Step 5. From the desktop open the File Manager.

Step 6. Click on your SD card. Now there should be a "steamapps" folder in your SD card and a "Steam Library" folder.

Step 7. Open the "steamapps" folder, select everything and right-click --> Cut (DO NOT COPY, ONLY CUT)

Step 8. Go into the "Steam Library" folder. In here there should also be an empty "steamapps" folder. Open the empty "steamapps" folder and right-click --> paste. You can now go to the root of your SD card and delete the original "steamapps" folder which should be now empty since we CUT files out of it.

Step 9. On the desktop right click the Steam icon on the bottom right and "Exit Steam"

Now open Steam again (from your desktop or anywhere you have it).

Method 2. Reinsert the SD Card & restart the Steam Deck

Reinsert the SD card into the Steam Deck's SD card port and restart the Steam Deck. This straightforward solution rectifies various random flaws and establishes a reliable connection, thereby potentially addressing the recognition issue present in your handheld gaming device.

Method 3. Update drivers on Steam Deck

Step 1. Press the "STEAM" button and go to "Settings" > "System."

Step 2. Click "Check for Updates."

Step 3. Focus on device drivers; if specific driver updates are listed, prioritize updates for "Device Drivers" and any related to storage or SD card functionalities.

Step 4. When all updates are installed, restart your Steam Deck and check if EmuDeck recognizes the SD card now.

Method 4. Format SD card to EXT4

Steam Deck utilizes the EXT4 file system for SD card formatting; therefore, an incompatible format may result in issues such as the device failing to detect or recognize the SD card. Consequently, it is advisable to format the SD card to EXT4.

Since your device can’t recognize the SD card, so, you need to connect your SD card to your computer to finish the format. Steam Deck needs EXT4 file system, but Windows doesn’t support it, so, you can turn to AOMEI Partition Assistant to quickly do this task. The “Format Partition” function is a FREE tool on this handy drive manager which supports NTFS, FAT32, EXT2, EXT3, EXT4, and exFAT.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

100% Secure

❗ Warning: Please be aware that this process will erase all existing data on the card. If there is any data present on your SD card, it is imperative to create a clone of the card as a backup before formatting, to prevent data loss. This precaution will facilitate the recovery of your data should any complications arise.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, and right-click on the SD card partition on the main interface. And choose “Format Partition”.

Step 2. Choose the file system you need, like “FAT32”, “exFAT”, and click “OK”.

Step 3. Click “Apply” on the top of the main interface to commit the change.

Method 5. Reinstall EmuDeck on Steam Deck

A complete reinstallation may potentially resolve the issue of EmuDeck failing to recognize the SD card on the Steam Deck. Please be advised that this process will result in the deletion of your EmuDeck configuration and saved states. Therefore, it is advisable to create backups if feasible. Additionally, kindly disconnect any external devices, except the problematic SD card, from your Steam Deck to prevent any potential confusion during the reinstallation process.

Step 1. Switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode (long-press the power button and choose it).

Step 2. Visit the official EmuDeck website and download the appropriate installer for your Steam Deck operating system (SteamOS).

Step 3. Transfer the downloaded installer file to your Steam Deck's desktop in Desktop Mode.

Step 4. Double-click the installer file on your desktop. This will launch the EmuDeck installation script.

Step 5. The installer will be started. Choose your preferred options (Easy Mode for simplicity, Custom Mode for more control).

Step 6. Select where to install EmuDeck: Internal storage or SD card when prompted.

Conclusion

The Emudeck error detecting SD card issue stems from formatting, hardware, or software conflicts. By following these steps, if you need to format your SD card, especially for Ext4 file system, utilizing AOMEI Partition Assistant can save you time. For advanced disk management such as clone disk/drive, wipe partition, releasing more free space, and more, you can explore AOMEI’s suite of tools to optimize storage health and performance.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7