My HP Chromebook x360 won't read micro SD card. There is no way to turn on card reader in utilities.

[pychomainer]

How do access a micro SD card on my HP Chromebook x 360? I have a card slot, but the computer doesn't acknowledge there is a card loaded. When I go to utilities there no way to switch the card reader on. What good is a laptop that has a card slot but no way to activate the reader?

[Nal_NR · Accepted solution]

Hi @pychomainer,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

If your HP Chromebook x360 does not recognize the micro SD card, it could be due to several reasons. Here are steps to troubleshoot and access the micro SD card:

1. Check the SD Card for Compatibility and Condition:

• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the micro SD card is formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, as ChromeOS does not support the NTFS file system.
• Test the Card: Try inserting the micro SD card into another device to verify if it is working correctly.

2. Ensure ChromeOS is Updated:

• Make sure your Chromebook is running the latest version of ChromeOS. To update:
  1. Go to Settings by clicking on the time at the bottom-right corner.
  2. Click Settings (gear icon).
  3. Scroll down and select About ChromeOS.
  4. Click Check for updates and apply any updates available.

3. Insert the SD Card Correctly:

• Ensure that the card is inserted properly into the slot. Push it in until it clicks into place. Sometimes, the Chromebook won't detect the card if it isn't fully inserted.

4. Check for the Card in the File Manager:

• After inserting the SD card, open the Files app.
  • The SD card should appear under the "External" section on the left-hand side of the Files app.
  • If it does not appear, try removing and reinserting the card.

5. Restart the Chromebook:

• Sometimes a simple restart can resolve detection issues.
  • Click on the time in the bottom-right corner.
  • Select Power Off or Restart and try again after the reboot.

6. Test Another Card:

• If possible, test a different SD card to determine whether the issue is with the card or the Chromebook itself.

7. Inspect the Card Slot:

• Ensure there’s no dirt or obstruction in the SD card slot. You can gently clean the slot using compressed air to remove any dust.

8. Factory Reset (Powerwash):

• If none of the above steps work, you may need to reset the Chromebook to factory settings as a last resort:
  1. Go to Settings > Advanced.
  2. Select Reset settings.
  3. Click Powerwash and follow the prompts to reset your Chromebook.

If none of these steps work, it might be a hardware issue with the card reader. You could consider contacting HP support for further assistance or repairs.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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