When you purchase a SanDisk memory card, it comes with a limited warranty. This warranty provides you with coverage in case your memory card fails or becomes defective during normal use within the warranty period. Knowing how long your SanDisk memory card is warranted for and what is covered can help you determine if you need to replace it or if SanDisk will repair or replace it.
What is covered by the SanDisk memory card warranty?
The SanDisk warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of the memory card. This includes failures or issues that arise during normal and intended use of the card within the warranty period.
Specifically, the warranty covers:
- Defective memory cards
- Memory cards that fail to store data accurately or reliably
- Issues arising from normal wear and tear during proper use
As long as you have used the card properly and the issue arises from a manufacturing defect, it should be covered.
What is not covered by the warranty?
The SanDisk memory card warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use, accidents, unauthorized service, or other exceptions. Specifically, the warranty does not cover:
- Damage from improper installation or insertion/removal from a device
- Damage from contact with liquids, dirt, dust, heat, or other environmental factors
- Damage caused by physical abuse, drops, shocks, vibrations, etc.
- Lost or stolen memory cards
- Normal wear and tear that does not affect function
- Cosmetic damage like scratches that do not affect performance
The warranty also does not cover indirect, incidental or consequential damages from the memory card failure. So you cannot claim compensation for things like lost time, lost data or lost profits.
How long is the SanDisk memory card warranty period?
The length of the warranty coverage depends on the specific type of SanDisk memory card.
- SD and microSD cards have a lifetime limited warranty
- CompactFlash cards have a lifetime limited warranty
- USB flash drives have a 5-year limited warranty
- SSD drives have 3-year or 5-year limited warranties
The lifetime limited warranties on SD, microSD and CompactFlash cards continue for as long as the card remains usable and functional. SanDisk will replace defective cards for the lifetime of the product.
For USB drives and SSD drives, the warranty is valid for either 3 years or 5 years from the original date of purchase, depending on the specific model.
How can I check the warranty status?
There are a few ways to check on the warranty status of your SanDisk memory card:
- Look for your original purchase receipt or invoice, which should have the purchase date.
- Find the serial number printed on the card itself and check it against SanDisk’s warranty verification page.
- Use SanDisk’s warranty verification tool by entering the serial number and other details.
- Contact SanDisk customer support by phone or online chat to inquire about warranty status.
Having the original receipt, invoice or packing slip with the purchase date is the best way to prove when you bought the card. The SanDisk serial number can also be used to look up warranty details.
Using the online warranty verification tool
SanDisk offers an online warranty verification tool on their support site. To check your warranty status:
- Go to the SanDisk Warranty Verification page.
- Select the product type (memory card, USB drive, etc).
- Enter the serial number printed on your card.
- Input any other required details like capacity.
- Click the “Verify” button.
The tool will output your warranty status along with duration, coverage end date, description and more. This is the easiest way to check warranty details if you have the serial number.
Contacting SanDisk support
You can also contact SanDisk directly to inquire about your memory card warranty:
- Online chat support: Initiate a chat at sandisk.com to ask support agents about your warranty status.
- Email support: Send an email to SanDisk customer support with your serial number and question.
- Phone support: Call SanDisk toll-free at 1-866-SanDisk and talk to a support rep.
When contacting support, have your serial number and any other identifying details ready. The support agents can look up your warranty in their system.
How do I start a warranty claim?
If your SanDisk memory card fails within the warranty period, here are the steps to make a warranty claim:
- Contact SanDisk support: Call or email SanDisk support to report the issue and start a claim. Provide the serial number, purchase date and describe the failure.
- Troubleshoot the issue: SanDisk will first try to troubleshoot the problem and identify if it’s a defect covered by warranty.
- Obtain RMA authorization: If the issue is determined to be a manufacturing defect, you’ll receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
- Mail in the card: Send the defective card along with a copy of the original receipt to the SanDisk returns center specified.
- Get your replacement: SanDisk will mail a replacement card to you, usually within 1-2 weeks after receiving your card.
Following this process, SanDisk will replace a defective card covered by warranty free of charge. Make sure you have the serial number and original purchase receipt on hand when starting your claim.
Common SanDisk warranty questions
Can I transfer the warranty to a new owner?
No, SanDisk warranties are not transferable to a new owner. The warranty only applies to the original purchaser of the card.
Can I make a warranty claim without the receipt?
You need the original purchase receipt, invoice or packing slip to prove your purchase date and submit a warranty claim. SanDisk may deny claims without purchase proof.
Is the warranty international or regional?
SanDisk memory card warranties are valid internationally and are not limited to specific regions. You can make claims from anywhere in the world.
Can I upgrade to a larger capacity card for my replacement?
When sending a replacement, SanDisk will try to replace with the same capacity card. Upgrades to higher capacity models are not guaranteed under the standard warranty.
How long does the warranty claim process take?
The process typically takes 2-3 weeks from reporting the issue to receiving your replacement card. The exact timeline depends on factors like troubleshooting, shipping times and inventory.
Can I get a refund instead of a replacement?
The warranty only provides free replacement cards, not monetary refunds. However, you may be eligible for a refund if you purchased an extended SanDisk Rescue Plan.
Tips for keeping your SanDisk memory card in warranty
Here are some tips to make sure your SanDisk memory card remains within the warranty coverage:
- Keep your purchase receipt to prove purchase date.
- Register your product at SanDisk.com to have warranty details on file.
- Avoid exposing the card to moisture, dust and extreme heat.
- Securely insert and remove the card from devices to avoid physical damage.
- Store in a protective case when not in use.
- Back up your data regularly as warranty does not cover data recovery.
- Check the warranty status periodically to make sure it’s still valid.
Following usage guidelines and preventing damage will keep your memory card working smoothly within the warranty period. Discover tips for improving the longevity of SanDisk cards.
Conclusion
Checking your SanDisk memory card warranty is easy using the online verification tool, contacting customer support, or referring to your purchase receipt. Standard warranties last up to a lifetime for SD and CompactFlash cards, and 3-5 years for USB drives and SSDs. Just be sure to buy from authorized retailers to get the full SanDisk warranty protection.
Knowing the warranty status allows you to quickly replace defective cards covered under warranty. SanDisk provides excellent support and fulfills warranty claims for manufacturing defects. Proper usage and care will keep your memory card working reliably within the warranty period.
