---
title: How to Rewrite the SD Card
description: "## Introduction This guide will walk you through the process of rewriting the SD card with a new image file. This is useful for updating your PilotMap system. You will need the image file provided via email and a program…"
url: "https://pilotmap.co/help/how-to-rewrite-an-sd-card/"
updated: "2024-05-25"
category: Update
---

# How to Rewrite the SD Card

## Introduction

This guide will walk you through the process of rewriting the SD card with a new image file. This is useful for updating your PilotMap system. You will need the image file provided via email and a program called balenaEtcher, which is available for both Windows and Mac. For a visual guide, there is a video tutorial available below.

### Requirements

- Image file specific to your PilotMap (provided via email)
- SD card
- [balenaEtcher software (available for Windows and Mac)](https://etcher.balena.io/)

### Steps

#### Step 1: Download balenaEtcher

1. Visit the [balenaEtcher website https://etcher.balena.io/.](https://etcher.balena.io/)
2. Click on the download button that corresponds to your operating system (Windows or Mac).
3. Install balenaEtcher by following the on-screen instructions.

#### Step 2: Download the Image File

1. Open the email that contains the image file.
2. Download the image file to your computer. Make sure you remember the location where you saved it.

#### Step 3: Insert the SD Card

1. Follow our guide's instructions for removing the SD card from the map [here](https://pilotmap.co/help/how-to-change-the-sd-card/).
2. Insert your SD card into your computer’s SD card slot or connect it via an SD card reader.

#### Step 4: Open balenaEtcher

1. Launch the balenaEtcher application.

#### Step 5: Select the Image File

1. Click on the "Flash from file" button in balenaEtcher.
2. Browse to the location where you saved the image file and select it.

#### Step 6: Select the SD Card

1. Click on the "Select target" button.
2. Choose your SD card from the list of available drives. Be careful to select the correct drive, as this process will erase all data on the selected drive.

#### Step 7: Flash the SD Card

1. Click the "Flash!" button.
2. On Windows, a User Account Control (UAC) prompt will appear. Click "Yes" to allow balenaEtcher to make changes to your device.

#### Step 8: Wait for the Process to Complete

1. The flashing process will begin. This may take several minutes.
2. Once the process is complete, you will see a message indicating that the flash was successful.

#### Step 9: Safely Remove the SD Card

1. Once the process is complete, safely eject the SD card from your computer.
2. Follow the instructions in our guide on how to insert the SD card back into the Map [here](https://pilotmap.co/help/how-to-change-the-sd-card/).

#### Step 10: Configure the WiFi

1. After flashing the SD card, you must configure the WiFi settings again.
2. Follow the instructions provided [here](https://pilotmap.co/help/how-to-connect-pilotmap-to-your-wifi/).

### Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, please watch the short video tutorial provided here. This video demonstrates how to use balenaEtcher to rewrite your SD card step-by-step.

[How to flash an SD card](https://player.vimeo.com/video/950371105?h=55209e9149&dnt=1&app_id=122963)

### Troubleshooting

- **Error during flashing:** Make sure you have selected the correct image file and SD card. Ensure that the SD card is properly inserted and not write-protected.
- **balenaEtcher not recognizing SD card:** Try reinserting the SD card or using a different card reader. Restarting the balenaEtcher application may also help.

If you encounter any issues or have any questions, please contact our support team for assistance.