SD Card (Read Only) Why Can't I Delete Photos On My Mac?

MrMavic · Jun 17, 2017

I don't understand why I cannot delete photos on my own SD card. I cannot find a way to change permissions to do so. I want to delete the photos after I move them to a Thumb Drive instead of having to turn on the Mavic and connect to the app every time to Format it. Does anyone else have this annoying problem?

Plawa · Jun 17, 2017

Are you using a MicroSD to SD adapter? They have a mechanical read lock on the side..

jamesw · Jun 17, 2017

I use a USB microSD adaptor and I have the same issue as the OP.

MrMavic · Jun 17, 2017

There is no lock on this adapter that I can tell. Maybe it's a hidden one I cannot see ..... Grinding my teeth.

Michael Ainsworth · Jun 17, 2017

Why not just format the card when you turn on the Mavic next time you fly.
Only takes a few seconds to do.

hookalakupua · Jun 17, 2017

MrMavic said:
I don't understand why I cannot delete photos on my own SD card. I cannot find a way to change permissions to do so. I want to delete the photos after I move them to a Thumb Drive instead of having to turn on the Mavic and connect to the app every time to Format it. Does anyone else have this annoying problem?

View attachment 15246

Try this: Drag and drop to trash can. if this doesn't work right click the file to select it and then choose file get info. At the bottom is an option for permissions. Click the little lock on the bottom right, enter your password and try to change your permission to read/write. Once it says read and write, then it should delete.

Worst case, try reformatting the card with Disk Utility from the Mac.

Let me know if that doesn't work.

Cyberpower678 · Jun 17, 2017

I'm guessing you are using a MacBook? SD cards with the read lock slider are notoriously going to switch to the read lock when shoved into a MacBook. I stopped using those adapters and switched to a cheap Micro SD to USB drive.

Plawa · Jun 18, 2017

MrMavic said:
There is no lock on this adapter that I can tell. Maybe it's a hidden one I cannot see ..... Grinding my teeth.

Well there's your problem.. there IS supposed to be a lock (the gray slider), yours is most likely stuck in the locked position internally..

MrMavic · Jun 18, 2017

Not using a MacBook, it's a iMac. I tried all this things you mentioned, hook, but no good. Looks like I nee to order another adapter and get rid of this Chinese made piece of junk.

MrMavic · Jun 18, 2017

Why ? When you're 65 years old you will understand why. Do it now or risk forgetting it, plus why take all the extra steps when you can do it after downloading the pics .If you ever go in to the service you will learn about efficiency....LOL

SeaComms · Jun 18, 2017

That adaptor does have the erase lock in the side in that last pic, the little grey tab on this closest edge. Can't remember which way is locked but have a play with that.

Michael Ainsworth · Jun 18, 2017

MrMavic said:
Why ? When you're 65 years old you will understand why. Do it now or risk forgetting it, plus why take all the extra steps when you can do it after downloading the pics .If you ever go in to the service you will learn about efficiency....LOL

Yes but I am 65 in July maybe I will go downhill then lol.
I include the format when I fire up the MP.

hookalakupua · Jun 18, 2017

MrMavic said:
Why ? When you're 65 years old you will understand why. Do it now or risk forgetting it, plus why take all the extra steps when you can do it after downloading the pics .If you ever go in to the service you will learn about efficiency....LOL

Haha. I've got a feeling a new SD Adapter will sort out your issue. Any chance you're near Dillon? If you are I've got someone that can help make sure you're sorted. Enjoy the day.

Mission North · Jun 18, 2017

The 'switch' on the side doesn't actually connect to anything in the card. It is detected by the reader to decide if the card is read-only.

MrMavic · Jun 18, 2017

OK guys, I did my best to look closely at this card, and there IS NO slider switch on it. Those are just little indentations where you can snap the two halves apart. I'll just get a new one at Best Buy today and make sure it has the slider switch option on it. Now that you guys jogged my memory, I recall having one with the slider on it, but cannot find it.
I'm not near Dillon. Northwest of there about 200 miles. Near the Montana Idaho line headed towards Spokane.
Michael, I'm just trying to save a step and eliminate the chance of forgetting to format. I have a good memory, it's just short sometimes ... LOL

Did these macro shots this morning. The indentations are not sliders of any kind, just indentations.

Kilrah · Jun 18, 2017

As you can see your adapter has split and the selector fell off.

Nearly every microSD card comes with an adapter so you probably already have a few. I have a bag full of them.

kneeL · Jun 18, 2017

I've got a million of these adapters - hopefully you also have more. I throw more of them away than anything.

In short theres no reason to be using that old broken thing, get a new one. If you don't have one private message me I will happily mail you a few

MrMavic · Jun 18, 2017

LOL, I appreciate it, but I'll just go get a new one.

Mission North · Jun 18, 2017

Then the next problem you'll have is that the Mac doesn't actually erase the files, it 'recycles' them. Unless you then empty the recycle bin the space will still be used. Easier to just format the card in the drone.