What does the ‘SD card corrupted’ error message mean?
The ‘SD card corrupted’ error message indicates there is a problem with the SD card that is preventing data from being read from or written to it properly.1 This error typically pops up when trying to access files stored on the SD card.
The corruption prevents the operating system from fully communicating with the SD card. As a result, apps can’t save new files to the card, and existing files can’t be accessed. The phone essentially treats the card as if it is blank or unusable.
This error does not necessarily mean the SD card is permanently damaged. In many cases, the corruption can be fixed with some troubleshooting steps. However, it does indicate there is some type of problem with the card that needs to be addressed before it can be used normally again.
Possible causes of SD card corruption
There are a few common causes that can lead to SD card corruption errors on Android phones:
Physical damage to the card – If the SD card gets bent, scratched, or exposed to liquids, the physical components can get damaged leading to data corruption. This is one of the most common hardware-related reasons for the error message.
Removal of SD card without properly unmounting – If the SD card is removed from the phone when apps are still accessing data on it, corruption can occur. Always use the “Unmount SD card” option in your phone’s settings before removing it.
Formatting issues – If the SD card was formatted incorrectly or interrupted while formatting, it can cause file system errors. For example, formatting the card to the wrong file system like exFAT instead of the phone’s preferred FAT32.
File system errors – The file system keeps track of where data is stored on the SD card. If its structures get corrupted, the phone may not be able to properly access the card’s data anymore. This can happen from sudden removal, file transfers getting interrupted, or malware.
Overall, physical damage and improper unmounting are the most frequent reasons an Android phone will suddenly give the SD card corrupted error. Checking the physical condition of the card and always ejecting it properly can help avoid these issues.
How to troubleshoot the error
If your Android phone is displaying an SD card corrupted error message, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try before taking more drastic measures. The first thing to try is simply removing and reinserting the SD card. Turn off your phone, remove the card, inspect it for any visible damage, clean the contacts with a soft cloth, then reinsert it and restart your phone. Often, this simple step will fix minor software glitches that can make the card unreadable. If that doesn’t work, try inserting the card into a different device like a computer or card reader. If it’s not recognized there either, the card itself is likely corrupted or damaged in some way.
According to a guide on Lifewire, using a computer to access the card directly can sometimes allow recovery of data that the phone cannot read. They recommend plugging the phone into a computer via USB and seeing if the computer recognizes the SD card. From there, you may be able to copy the data off of it before attempting to format or replace the card [1]. However, if the computer also cannot read the card, physical damage is the most likely culprit. Inspect the card closely under good lighting and feel for any warping or other defects. Even hairline cracks along the casing can disrupt the card’s function.
As a last resort before reformatting, you can try using the CHKDSK command in recovery mode to scan and repair some SD card errors. This guide from EaseUS provides instructions for accessing recovery mode and running chkdsk from the command line: [2]. However, this should not be attempted until you’ve exhausted the simpler options above.
Attempting SD Card Data Recovery
If your SD card is corrupted or damaged, you may be able to recover data from it using data recovery software. Some popular recovery software options include:
Disk Drill – User-friendly data recovery app for Windows and Mac. Scans storage devices and restores lost files.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – Widely used Windows data recovery software with free and paid versions.
Recuva – Free Windows recovery tool from Piriform. Restores deleted or lost files.
Photorec – Open source, cross-platform recovery utility targeted at photos, videos, documents.
Recovery software scans the SD card to find recoverable data. It attempts to rebuild corrupted file systems and retrieve data. However, results vary based on the severity of the corruption.
Advantages of DIY recovery software include being fast, inexpensive, and convenient. However, free versions may lack advanced features. Paid software with full capabilities delivers the best recovery success.
For severely damaged cards, a professional data recovery service may be required. Pros include advanced tools, clean room facilities, and manual extraction of data. Cons are high costs starting around $300-500+. Also slower and you must mail the device.
Overall, recovery software should be attempted before resorting to paid data recovery. But for critical or unrecoverable data, professional services offer the best chance, albeit at a premium price.
Backing up your SD card
It’s crucial to regularly back up the data on your SD card to avoid permanent data loss if it becomes corrupted. According to CBackup, backing up your SD card allows you to restore your files if the card is corrupted.
You have two main options for backing up an SD card – using cloud storage services or saving to an external hard drive. Popular cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox allow you to automatically back up SD card contents. An external hard drive also lets you create your own backups manually. EaseUS recommends using the Google Drive app to easily back up an Android SD card to the cloud.
Regularly backing up the SD card to cloud storage or an external drive ensures you have a copy of your files if the SD card becomes corrupted. This protects against permanent data loss.
Replacing a corrupted SD card
If you’ve tried various troubleshooting options but your SD card still appears corrupted, it may be time to replace it with a new card. When shopping for a replacement SD card, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Storage capacity – Make sure to get a card with enough storage for your needs. Popular capacities are 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, etc.
- Speed rating – Faster cards have higher speed classes (2, 4, 6, 10, U1, U2, etc.). Higher speeds allow quicker saving/transferring of photos/videos.
- Brand – Stick with major, reliable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Sony, Lexar, etc. Avoid obscure, generic brands.
- Format – Confirm the card uses a compatible format like FAT32 or exFAT for Android.
Once you have a suitable new SD card, you’ll need to properly install and set it up:
- Insert the new SD card into your phone’s card slot.
- Go to Settings > Storage and tap on the new SD card.
- Tap “Format” to format the new card to be compatible with your device.
- Choose a name for the SD card and tap “Format” again.
- The card will now be formatted and ready to use.
Be sure to backup any data you need from the old corrupted card before formatting the new one. And going forward, regularly backup your SD card data as a precaution.
Fixing software-related SD errors
Sometimes software issues like buggy apps or outdated device software can cause the ‘SD card corrupted’ error. Before replacing the card, it’s worth trying some software troubleshooting steps:
Reset app preferences – Go to Settings > Apps and reset preferences for apps that access the SD card. This clears any problematic app settings that could be causing crashes or glitches when trying to read the card.
Clear application cache and data – While in Settings > Apps, clear cache and data for apps that frequently use the SD card storage. This forces the apps to reload fresh data from the card next time they are launched.
Update device software and apps – Install any pending software updates for your Android device, as these often include bug fixes that could resolve SD card errors. Also update apps from the Play Store, focusing on those that utilize SD card storage.
If the SD card corruption appears tied to a specific app, updating or reinstalling that app may resolve the issue. See this guide for more details on software troubleshooting for SD card errors.
Cleaning the SD Card
One way to troubleshoot SD card corruption is by cleaning the SD card’s metal contacts. Dust, dirt, and debris on the contacts can interfere with the connection between the card and device, potentially leading to errors.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to gently rub the contacts. Allow the contacts to fully dry before reinserting the card. Take care not to get any moisture inside the SD card slot itself. Refer to your device’s manual for guidance on properly cleaning the internal card reader contacts.
Specialized SD card cleaning kits are also available for purchase. These kits contain swabs, cleaning solution, and brushes designed to scrub away stubborn deposits on the contacts. Carefully follow the product instructions.[1]
While cleaning may resolve simple dirt or grease buildup issues, it likely won’t fix cards that are truly corrupted or damaged. But cleaning is an easy first step before trying other troubleshooting methods.
When to reformat the SD card
Reformatting the SD card erases all data stored on it. As a result, you should only reformat the card as a last resort if none of the above troubleshooting steps are able to fix the corruption issue.
Formatting completely wipes the SD card and removes any corrupted data. However, it also deletes any files and information you wanted to keep. So you should first try the other solutions like using data recovery software, cleaning the contacts, testing on different devices, etc.
If you’ve exhausted all other options and the SD card is still unreadable or unusable, reformatting may be your only choice. Just make sure to backup anything important first, as the reformat will wipe everything on the card. Also, if corruption seems to happen frequently even with newly formatted cards, your phone or camera may be causing the issue.
In summary, reformatting an SD card is a last ditch troubleshooting step after trying other methods. It erases all data, so only do it after backups and when the SD card is too corrupted to read otherwise. Frequent reformatting can point to a problem with your device rather than just the SD card.
Preventing Future SD Card Corruption
You can take steps to prevent SD card corruption in the future. Some best practices include:
Safely eject the SD card before removing it from your device. On Android, go to Settings > Storage and tap the “Unmount” button next to your SD card. On Windows, click the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon and eject the card. Improperly removing the card increases corruption risk.
Handle the physical card carefully. Avoid drops, impacts, liquids, dust, etc. Store the card in a protective case. Environmental damage can ruin the card.
Store the SD card properly when not in use. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and magnets. Ideal storage is in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Harsh conditions degrade the card over time.
By following these precautions, you can maximize the lifespan of your SD card and avoid corruption issues.
