Having a micro SD card that is write protected can be very frustrating. You want to add files or make changes, but get error messages that you don’t have permission. Thankfully, removing write protection from a SanDisk micro SD card is usually simple. Here are some quick tips to get your card writable again:
Check for a Physical Lock Switch
Many SanDisk micro SD cards have a tiny lock switch on the side. Slide the switch up to unlock the card and enable writing. If your card doesn’t have a visible lock switch, move on to the next options.
Use Diskpart in Windows
Diskpart is a command line utility in Windows that can remove write protection. Here are the steps:
- Insert your micro SD card into your computer’s card reader
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type “diskpart” and press enter to open the utility
- Type “list disk” and note the disk number of your micro SD card
- Type “select disk x” replacing x with your disk number
- Type “attributes disk clear readonly” to remove write protection
- Type “exit” to close diskpart
Your micro SD card should now allow writing again through diskpart.
Format the Card
If the card still won’t allow writing, the next step is to format it. Formatting will wipe all data, so be sure to back it up first. Here’s how to format a card:
- Backup any data you want to keep from the micro SD card
- Insert the card into your computer’s card reader
- Open File Explorer in Windows or Finder on a Mac
- Right click on the card’s icon and choose “Format…”
- Choose FAT32 or exFAT file system
- Click start to format and wait for it to finish
The card should now be writable again after formatting. Copy your files back and enjoy your newly unlocked micro SD card.
Try a Different Card Reader
In some cases, the card reader itself can cause write protection issues. Try inserting your micro SD card into a different reader connected to your computer. If it is recognized as writable on the new reader, the original reader is likely faulty.
Check for Damage
If you are still unable to write to the micro SD card, it’s possible the card itself is damaged. Look closely for any physical damage or corrosion on the gold contacts. If you see scratches, dents, or other issues, the card may need to be replaced.
Contact SanDisk Support
If you still can’t remove write protection after trying all troubleshooting, reach out to SanDisk support. They can help determine if your micro SD card is defective and eligible for warranty replacement.
Conclusion
Write protected micro SD cards are usually easy to unlock. Toggle the lock switch, use diskpart, or format the card to remove read only status. If issues persist, try a new card reader, check for damage, or contact SanDisk. With a few simple steps, you can have your micro SD card writable again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my SanDisk micro SD card write protected?
The most common reasons a SanDisk micro SD card becomes write protected include:
- The lock switch is slid to the lock position
- The card format is flagged as read only
- There is physical damage to the card
- The card reader is faulty or incompatible
How can I tell if my micro SD card is locked?
You can tell if a micro SD card is locked or write protected if:
- There is a lock icon shown in your operating system
- You get errors trying to format, erase, or write new files
- The lock switch on the card’s side is slid down to the lock position
Will formatting a micro SD card remove write protection?
Yes, formatting a micro SD card will remove write protection in most cases. The format process erases any read only flags on the card. Just be sure to back up any files you want to keep first.
Can lock switches on micro SD cards be unlocked?
The lock switches on micro SD cards are physical toggles that slide up to unlock and down to lock. You just need to gently slide the switch up with your fingertip or edge of a coin to unlock the card and enable writing again.
Will a new card reader allow me to write to a protected micro SD?
It’s possible a new or different card reader will recognize the micro SD card as writable again. The reader essentially overrides lock statuses. If a new reader doesn’t help, the card itself likely has an issue.
Steps to Remove Write Protection
Follow these steps in order to remove write protection from a micro SD card:
- Check for a lock switch on the micro SD card and slide it upward to the unlocked position
- Try using the diskpart utility in Windows to clear the read only attribute
- Format the micro SD card to erase lock flags
- Attempt to use the micro SD card in a different card reader
- Check the micro SD card for any physical damage
- Contact SanDisk if you are still unable to write to the card
Using Diskpart to Remove Write Protection
Diskpart is a command line utility built into Windows that can remove write protection from disks. Here are the steps to use it on a micro SD card:
- Insert the micro SD card into your computer’s card reader
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type “diskpart” and press enter to launch the tool
- Type “list disk” to see disks – note the number of your micro SD card
- Type “select disk x” where x is your micro SD card’s disk number
- Type “attributes disk clear readonly” to remove write protection
- Type “exit” to close diskpart
After using diskpart, your micro SD card should allow writing again. This bypasses any software write protection.
What Causes SD Card Write Protection?
These are the most common causes of an SD card becoming write protected:
- The lock switch is enabled – slide it to unlock
- Partition or disk format is flagged read only
- SD card reader problem prevents writing
- Damage to the SD card’s controller chip
- Corrupted files or file system errors
- Virus or malware infection of the SD card
Formatting and using diskpart can fix software issues like file system flags. Physical damage requires card replacement.
How to Avoid Write Protected SD Cards
You can avoid many write protection issues by:
- Be careful not to physically toggle the lock switch on your micro SD cards
- Eject the card properly before removing from devices or readers
- Store micro SD cards properly in a clean, dry, cool environment
- Don’t expose cards to liquids, debris, heat, or bending
- Scan cards occasionally with antivirus software
- Use high quality name brand micro SD cards
Following these tips will help prevent the most common causes of write protection.
SanDisk Micro SD Card Troubleshooting
If you are having issues writing to a SanDisk branded micro SD card, here is some troubleshooting to try:
- Make sure the lock switch is in the unlocked position
- Try formatting the card after backing up data
- Use the diskpart utility to remove read only attributes
- Try a different high quality card reader
- Check for damage and replace if necessary
- Contact SanDisk support if the issue persists
With a step-by-step approach, you should be able to resolve most SanDisk micro SD card write protection problems. Just take it slow and systematically work through each potential solution.
Removing Write Protection on Other Brands
While SanDisk has its own utility for removing write protection, the process is mostly the same for other brands:
- Check for a physical lock switch and make sure it is unlocked
- Format the micro SD card to wipe software locks
- Use the diskpart utility in Windows to clear attributes
- Try the card in a different reader
- Inspect for damage and replace if needed
- Check manufacturer support site for brand specific instructions
The steps may vary slightly between brands, but the general process involves checking for physical issues, using software tools, and contacting support if needed.
SD Card Write Protection FAQs
Why is my SD card suddenly read only?
Common reasons an SD card may suddenly become read only include:
– The lock switch was accidentally toggled
– The card was improperly ejected causing file system issues
– The SD card has become corrupted or damaged
– There is a problem with the card reader
Trying a new reader, formatting the card, or inspecting it physically can often resolve sudden write protection issues.
How do I fix a permanently write protected SD card?
If an SD card seems permanently write protected, try these steps:
– Slide the lock switch back and forth several times
– Use diskpart in Windows to remove the read only attribute
– Format the SD card to wipe any software write protection
– Check for physical damage to the card
– Try the card in a different reader
If it remains read only after all troubleshooting, the SD card is likely defective and needs replacement.
Why does my SD card keep becoming read only?
Frequent reoccurrence of SD card write protection is typically caused by:
– A faulty card reader that corrupts the card’s file system
– Damage to the SD card’s internal components
– A malware or virus infection that makes changes to the card
– Issues with the operating system or disk utilities
Replacing the reader, scanning for malware, formatting the card, or trying a new SD card are the best solutions for repeat write protection.
How can I recover data from a write protected SD card?
To recover data from a write protected SD card:
– Use data recovery software to scan and extract data from the read only card
– Attach the SD card to a different device or operating system that can still read it
– Carefully remove the card and use professional data recovery experts if needed
– Once data is recovered, fix the underlying issue before attempting to reuse the card
As long as the SD card is not physically damaged, the data is likely still there and recoverable with the right tools or techniques.
Tips for Using SanDisk Micro SD Cards
To avoid issues like write protection when using SanDisk micro SD cards, keep these tips in mind:
- Be gentle – don’t bend, drop, or roughhouse the cards
- Watch out for debris and dust getting into the card slot
- Don’t remove a card while it’s being written to
- Review the position of lock switches to prevent accidental toggling
- Keep cards away from liquids, heat, and strong magnets
- Store micro SD cards in a protective case when not in use
- Back up your data frequently in case a card becomes corrupted
Following basic precautions for physical handling and care of micro SD cards will help prevent problems like write protection.
Summary
Write protection errors on a SanDisk micro SD card are usually simple to resolve. Check for physical issues, toggle switches, reformat the card, leverage diskpart, and try different readers. With basic troubleshooting, you can remove read only limitations and regain full access to store, edit, and manage data.