User Guide

16
Inserting and Removing SD Cards
It is likely that you will need a memory card with at least 4 GB
capacity if you are intending to run an operating system on the
Pi. 4 GB SDHC microSD cards are widely available and generally
very cost-effective.
To insert an SD card:
1. Ensure the Pi is unplugged.
2. Locate the SD card socket on the underside of the
Pi’s board.
3. When looking from above, the SD card’s contacts
should be facing up.
4. Gently, but firmly, push the SD card into the socket
until it clicks into place.
Figure 6. Inserting SD cards into the Raspberry Pi
To remove the SD card:
• First push the microSD further into the device until it
clicks. Then pull the card out.
When inserting and removing SD cards in other computers, it is
not always necessary to turn off the device. However, as the
memory card contains its operating system, the Pi may access it
at any time. Removing the card while the Pi is accessing it can
corrupt data and, in extreme cases, may stop the card working
at all.