mounting/unmounting clarification

[AC Question]

Just got TracFone Optimus Fuel. Battery not installed yet. Phone never been turned on. Can I remove the 4gig memory card and insert a 32gig card without problem since the phone is off without worrying about mounting/unmounting? When I turn the phone on for the first time with the new memory card, will I have to manually format the card or will that happen automatically?

Thanks for any help.