Use the SD and SDXC card slot on your Mac

Find out how to use the SDXC slot on your Mac.

Right side of MacBook Pro showing the SD card slot, Thunderbolt 4 port and HDMI port

These Mac models have an SDXC card slot:

Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later
14-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2021 or later
16-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2021 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in 2011 until 2015
Mac mini introduced in 2011 to 2014
13-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2013 until 2017
27-inch iMac models introduced in 2010 or later
21.5-inch iMac models introduced in 2010 or later

Supported cards

Your SDXC card slot supports the following cards:

MMC
Default Speed
High Speed
UHS-I
UHS‑II (Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later, MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later, iMac introduced in 2020 and iMac Pro only)

To use smaller cards such as MiniSD and MicroSD, use an adapter:

Top view of a microSD card and microSD card adapter

Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) cards are not supported. Avoid using cards that are thicker than 2.1mm, as they may damage the SD card slot if you try to insert them.

Insert an SD card

When you insert an SD card, make sure the metal contacts face down and point towards the computer. Don't force media into the SD card slot, as this may cause damage.

Eject an SD card

To eject an SD card, drag the icon that represents the card to the Bin. After the icon has disappeared from your desktop, you can remove the card from the slot.

Don't remove a card while your Mac is in sleep, as this could lead to data loss. Always wake your computer and eject the SD card before removing it from your Mac.

If your card doesn't mount

If you insert your card and it doesn't mount, remove the card and insert it again. Sometimes the SD card won't mount properly if you insert the card too slowly or too quickly.

If the card still won't mount, you may need to reformat your SD card.

If "cannot be modified" appears

If the message "cannot be modified" appears when trying to use the card, the SD card may be locked.

To unlock the card, eject the card, then remove the card from the computer. Adjust the lock slider tab on the card to unlock the card, then reinsert the card into the slot. See the manufacturer's instructions for the location of the slider tab.