Having an SD card that suddenly stops working can be incredibly frustrating. All your precious photos, videos, documents and other files seem lost when your device can’t read the card anymore. But don’t panic! In most cases, it is possible to recover data from an SD card that appears corrupted or faulty. This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to attempt getting your files back.
Why Does an SD Card Become Unreadable?
There are several common reasons why an SD card may become unreadable by your device:
- Physical damage – Dropping or bending the card can damage the connections or circuitry inside.
- Corruption – Errors or interruptions while writing data can corrupt the file system or directory.
- Improper ejection – Removing the card from a device before it is properly unmounted can cause issues.
- Incompatible device – Using the card in a device with different file systems can make the card unreadable.
- Card failure – With frequent use, cards can simply wear out over time and fail.
The specific reason doesn’t matter too much when it comes to file recovery. Just know that the files themselves are likely still intact, but the way they are organized and accessed is disrupted. The goal then is to repair the file system enough to extract the individual files off the card.
First Steps When SD Card Won’t Read
When you first notice your SD card is not being read properly, there are a few initial things you should try:
- Try the card in a different device – Insert the card into another camera, computer, tablet, etc. If it doesn’t work anywhere, the issue is with the card.
- Check the physical condition – Look for any signs of damage or dirt/debris on the contacts.
- Re-insert card properly – Remove and re-insert the card to make sure it is making full contact.
- Inspect card slot – Check that the device’s card reader slot is clean, undamaged and free of obstructions.
This basic troubleshooting can help identify any simple issues. If the card works normally in another device, the issue is with the original device’s card reader. If re-inserting the card fixes it, the insertion wasn’t fully seated before. But if the card itself seems damaged or still isn’t recognized properly, data recovery tools will be needed.
Software Options for SD Card Recovery
If your SD card is not working properly, a software-based data recovery program can help restore access to the files. Here are some of the best options:
1. Recoverit Data Recovery
Recoverit by Wondershare is one of the most popular and effective recovery tools. It retrieves lost and inaccessible data from hard drives, SD cards, USB drives and more. The interface is very intuitive and easy to use with just a few clicks.
Recoverit supports all major file types including photos, videos documents and more. It scans deeply to locate lost and deleted files. An advanced video repair function specifically handles corrupted video files. And a partition recovery feature can fix issues with partition maps and boot sectors.
The free trial allows recovering up to 100 MB of data to preview what can be restored. Pricing starts at $79.95 for a 1-year plan.
2. Disk Drill
Disk Drill is another top-rated, full-featured recovery program. It is designed to recover data from virtually any storage device or file system. This includes internal and external hard drives, memory cards, flash drives, digital cameras and more.
Recovery methods include quick scan, deep scan and undeletion of files removed from the Recycle Bin. Filtering features help find specific file types, and preview functionality lets you selectively choose which files to restore.
Disk Drill is available for both Windows and Mac. The Basic version is free and allows up to 500 MB of recovery. Upgrade pricing starts at $89 for Pro version.
3. PhotoRec
For specifically recovering lost photos, videos and audio files, PhotoRec is an excellent free option. It uses powerful data carving techniques to extract media files from card and drive partitions that are damaged or erased.
An easy wizard guides you through choosing the drive or card to scan. PhotoRec then searches every sector looking for the tell-tale signatures of common file formats. Files are restored to a separate folder based on type.
PhotoRec works very well at finding media files when other software fails. Being free and open source, it’s great for anyone needing to recover photos or videos on a budget.
Using Removable Media Tools
If software recovery apps can’t access your files, the file system itself is likely corrupt. Specialized removable media tools can help fix these issues by repairing or rebuilding the partition tables, boot sectors and directory structures.
1. Remo Recovery
Remo Recovery offers a comprehensive recovery toolkit including both data recovery software and removable media repair features. The QuickScan and DeepScan modes can rescue photos, videos, documents and other deleted files from cards, drives and other devices.
For more serious file system problems, Remo’s SD Card Recovery software has specialized tools to fix unreadable cards. It can rebuild damaged FAT and FAT32 boot sectors as well as re-create broken partition tables. This allows copying data off cards with corrupted partitions or boot sectors.
Priced at $99.97, Remo Recovery provides an expansive recovery toolkit for SD cards and other removable media in a single purchase.
2. TestDisk
TestDisk is a widely used open source tool for fixing partition and boot issues. It supports numerous file systems and operating systems. By deeply analyzing the drive, TestDisk can repair corrupted partition tables, recover deleted partitions, rebuild FAT/NTFS boot sectors, and automatically fix some filesystem errors.
Those needing to recover data from repartitioned cards that no longer mount properly should find TestDisk useful. It’s also helpful for recovering data from cards with deleted or lost partitions. Being free software, it’s a good first choice before purchasing paid solutions.
Physical Damage and DIY Fixes
If your SD card has visible physical damage, DIY fixes may allow you to temporarily recover data. Bent pins can be gently bent back in place using fine tweezers. Pencil erasers can fix minor corrosion spots on the contacts. Small amounts of rubbing alcohol help clean contacts.
However, these are temporary measures on damaged cards. As soon as critical data is recovered, the card should still be replaced. The internal memory chips or controller may also be damaged in ways not visible externally.
Using a Professional Data Recovery Service
For SD cards with advanced physical damage or cases where DIY software can’t recover data, a professional recovery lab may be needed. Experts have specialized tools and clean room facilities to physically access memory chips and directly read data off them.
This type of advanced recovery can cost several hundred dollars. But for irreplaceable photos or data, it can be worthwhile. Be sure to research companies and read reviews since skills and capabilities vary widely across providers.
Preventing SD Card Data Loss
To avoid needing data recovery in the future, proper handling and maintenance of SD cards is important:
- Eject cards properly before removing them from devices.
- Format cards in the device they will be used in for compatibility.
- Regularly back up important files stored on cards.
- Store cards properly in cases when not in use.
- Avoid subjecting cards to extreme heat, cold or moisture.
- Handle cards carefully and avoid touching the contacts.
- Reformat cards that start performing erratically.
Following these tips will help avoid file corruption, physical damage, and maximize the lifespan of your memory cards.
Recovering Data from an Unreadable SD Card
Here are some key takeaways on restoring data from a damaged, unreadable SD card:
- Try the card in multiple devices to isolate issues.
- Inspect card and slot for any signs of physical damage or debris.
- Use data recovery software to rescue corrupt files.
- Removable media tools can fix partition and boot sector problems.
- DIY fixes may temporarily help cards with physical damage.
- For advanced cases, professional recovery services are available.
- Prevention via proper maintenance and handling is important.
An unreadable SD card doesn’t necessarily mean your data is lost forever. Following these tips maximizes the chances for a successful file recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my SD card suddenly stop working?
Common reasons an SD card fails include: physical damage, file system corruption, improper ejection before removing from a device, incompatibility with the card reader, or simply wearing out from excessive use over time.
How can I access my files on an SD card that is not detected?
Use data recovery software or removable media tools to access the files on an SD card that is no longer detected or read properly. Software can rescue data from corrupted cards while tools can fix more serious partition and boot sector problems.
Is it possible to recover photos from a damaged SD card?
Yes, specialized recovery software like Disk Drill and PhotoRec can recover lost and corrupted photos from damaged cards in many cases. If physical damage prevents software recovery, professional data recovery services can often still retrieve photos.
Can you fix an SD card not readable by camera?
An unreadable SD card often has file system issues preventing access to images and other files. Removable media tools like Remo Recovery can fix SD card errors related to partitions, boot records and file system corruption. This can make data on the card readable again.
How do I recover data from dead SD card for free?
Some free options for potentially recovering data from a dead SD card include trying the card in multiple devices, inspecting the card slot and contacts, using PhotoRec software, and performing minor DIY repairs. But for more reliable results, invest in paid solutions.
Conclusion
Recovering files from an SD card that can’t be read properly often takes some persistence and trying multiple methods. But in most cases, recovery is possible through software tools, removable media utilities, manual techniques or professional data recovery services. The key is not giving up too soon and utilizing the options available.
With proper care and handling, SD card failures can be minimized. But when disaster does strike, this guide outlines effective ways to get your precious photos, videos, documents and other information off the card.