Having an SD card suddenly become unreadable can be frustrating and concerning. There are several potential causes for an SD card to become unreadable. The good news is that in many cases, it may be possible to recover data from the SD card and get it working again.
Quick Overview
An unreadable SD card is one that can no longer be accessed or that fails to mount when inserted into a device. This means the device is unable to read the file system information or data stored on the card. Some potential causes include:
- Corrupted file system
- Physical damage to the card
- Formatting errors
- Outdated card readers
- Incompatible devices
- Virus or malware infection
Before determining the card is permanently unusable, there are several troubleshooting steps to try such as using a different device, checking the physical condition of the card, trying data recovery software, and reformatting the card. If the card remains unreadable after exhausting troubleshooting options, it likely needs to be replaced.
What Causes an SD Card to Become Unreadable?
There are several potential reasons an SD card may become corrupted or unreadable:
File System Errors
The file system is how data is organized and stored on the SD card. If this gets corrupted or damaged, it can make the contents unreadable. File system errors can occur from sudden removal of the card without properly ejecting, virus infections, flaws in the formatting process, or file system fragmentation over time.
Physical Damage
SD cards have delicate electronic components inside that can be damaged by external forces. Dropping the card, getting it wet, or excessive heat can all cause physical damage making the card unusable. Even small scratches on the gold contacts can interfere with the ability to read data.
Improper Formatting
Formatting prepares the card to receive data by organizing the file system. Interrupting the formatting process or using incompatible devices to format can lead to corruption. Formatting with the wrong file system for the device can also cause readability issues.
Outdated or Faulty Card Readers
If the card reader is damaged, of low quality, or has outdated drivers, it may fail to properly read some SD card formats. Using generic card readers instead of device-specific ones can also sometimes lead to issues.
Incompatible Devices
Using SD cards in devices they are not designed for can cause technical conflicts leading to unreadable cards. This includes trying to use different types of SD cards like SDXC in incompatible cameras or devices.
Virus or Malware Infection
Viruses or malware like crypto-locking ransomware sometimes target connected drives like SD cards and can corrupt or encrypt the data on them.
How to Troubleshoot an Unreadable SD Card
Before replacing an unreadable SD card, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try to get it working again or recover the data:
Try the Card in a Different Device
Insert the SD card into another device like a computer, tablet, phone, camera, etc. If it mounts successfully, the issue is with the original device, not the card. Try updating drivers and compatibility if it only works in some devices.
Check the Card for Physical Damage
Closely inspect the SD card for any signs of damage like cracks, chips, bent pieces, or scratched gold contacts. If visible damage is present, the card is likely permanently unusable. But there still may be hope for data recovery.
Clean the Contacts with Rubbing Alcohol
Use a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol to gently clean the gold contact points on the SD card. Allow it to fully dry before reinserting. Debris buildup can sometimes interfere with connectivity.
Try Data Recovery Software
Data recovery programs may be able to restore corrupted files that make the card unreadable. They scan the raw data looking for intact portions of damaged files. Popular options include Disk Drill, Recuva, and Photorec.
Reformat the Card
Reformatting rewrites the file system which can fix corruption issues. Be sure to backup data first as this will erase the card. Use the device settings or SD Association formatter app for best compatibility.
If the SD card remains unreadable after exhausting troubleshooting, it means there is likely permanent physical or logical damage. The card will need to be replaced.
How to Recover Data from an Unreadable SD Card
Before replacing a malfunctioning SD card, it is often possible to recover some or all of the data on it using the right techniques:
Try Plugging it into a Different Device
As a first step, connect the problematic card to another device like a phone, computer, camera, etc. If that device recognizes the card, you can transfer all the data or formatted files off of it for backup before running diagnostics and repairs.
Use Data Recovery Software
Data recovery programs like Recuva, Disk Drill, and Stellar Phoenix specialize in restoring data from corrupted drives and cards. They comb through the raw data looking for familiar file signatures that indicate a recoverable file.
Send to a Professional Recovery Service
For mechanical failures or significant logical damage, professional data recovery services may be able to physically repair the card and use specialized tools to extract data. This can be expensive but is sometimes the only option.
Extract the Memory Chips
As a last resort, the memory chips can be carefully removed from the SD card and read using a chip reader. This is complex and risks further damage, so only recommended for unusable cards with critical un-backed-up data.
The best way to avoid unreadable cards is taking preventative measures like proper ejecting, frequent backups, storage in optimal conditions, and using high-quality name brand cards designed for your specific device.
Best Practices for Avoiding Unreadable SD Cards
Following some best practices around storage and handling can help avoid SD card corruption leading to unreadable cards:
- Safely eject before removing – Unmounting cards before removal reduces risk of file system damage
- Use name brand cards – Branded cards from reputable manufacturers are higher quality and less prone to defects
- Buy cards optimized for your device – Cards designed for specific devices have greater compatibility
- Store cards properly – Protect cards from moisture, dust, high heat, and magnetic fields when not in use
- Handle gently – Dropping cards or scratching the gold contacts risks physical damage
- Format cards in the device – Use device settings instead of your computer for best results
- Don’t max out storage – Leave 10-20% free space to reduce the chance of corruption
- Frequently backup data – Keep duplicates of your SD card contents for easy recovery
Adopting these practices reduces the likelihood of running into technical issues or physical damage that can render cards unreadable. But it is still wise to be prepared through regular backups and understanding data recovery options in the event problems do occur.
Can an Unreadable SD Card Be Fixed?
In many cases, it is possible to fix and regain usability of an unreadable SD card using the right troubleshooting techniques:
- Try a different device – Issues reading the card are sometimes tied to the device, not the card
- Reformat the card – Reformatting rewrites the file system, fixing many software errors
- Clean the contacts – Debris on the gold contacts can prevent connectivity
- Update card reader drivers – Outdated drivers sometimes fail to read new card formats properly
- Repair file system – Utilities like chkdsk can fix file system errors like corruption and fragmentation
- Delete corrupted data – Removing problematic files may allow card access to be regained
If troubleshooting measures do not restore card functionality, physical damage is likely preventing access. While data recovery is still often possible, the card itself would need replacement in this scenario.
When to Replace an Unreadable SD Card
Replacement becomes necessary for an unreadable SD card when the following scenarios occur:
- Visible physical damage – Any physical damage like cracks, scratches, or bent connectors will require a replacement card
- Failed data recovery attempts – If data recovery tools cannot access readable files, the card is likely beyond repair
- Card error displayed on multiple devices – Consistent error messages across different devices indicates unrecoverable failure
- Reformatting does not work – If reformatting cannot rebuild a working file system, the card needs replacing
- Card frequently becomes corrupted – Frequent unreadable states likely mean an inherent defect
An SD card with advanced physical deterioration or uncorrectable logical damage cannot reliably store data. At that point replacement is the most cost-effective option vs repeated data recovery efforts.
How to Avoid Corrupted and Unreadable SD Cards
Utilizing some best practices around SD card use, storage, and handling can help avoid corrupted cards and readability issues:
- Safely eject before removal – Use the eject function before removing cards to avoid data losses or file system damage
- Store in optimal conditions – Keep cards away from moisture, heat, and magnetic fields when not in use
- Handle gently – Be careful not to bend, drop, or scratch cards as the components are fragile
- Only use branded cards – Generic cards are less reliable than major brands like SanDisk and Samsung
- Check compatibility – Make sure the SD card is designed for the device you intend to use it in
- Keep slightly under capacity – Fill cards to only 80-90% max capacity for best performance and stability
While following guidelines helps reduce the chance of readability issues, still remember to backup SD card contents regularly in case unexpected failures do occur.
SD Card Corruption Symptoms
Some common signs your SD card may be corrupted or damaged include:
- Errors accessing files or transferring data
- SD card is recognized but some or all data is missing
- Complete failure to detect or mount the card
- Frequent disconnects and reconnects
- Card locking up device when inserted
- Visible physical damage like dents, scratches, or bent pieces
- SD errors like “Card cannot be accessed” or “Memory card is not formatted”
Corruption can happen spontaneously, but risk rises with practices like removing cards without ejecting, using generic low-quality cards, maxing out card capacity, and exposing cards to damaging conditions. You may be able to recover from software corruption, but physical damage requires replacing the card.
Summary
SD card corruption leading to unreadable cards is common but can often be repaired with troubleshooting. Begin by trying the card in multiple devices and running data recovery software. Reformatting and cleaning the contacts may fix many readable errors. If physical damage is present or problems persist after troubleshooting, replacement becomes the necessary option. Practicing proper handling, storage, and ejection goes a long way towards preventing SD card corruption in the first place.
