If you see a message on your phone stating that the SD card is damaged, it likely means there is some corruption or issue with the data on the card that is preventing your phone from being able to properly read it. Here are some quick potential reasons your phone may be displaying this error message:
Corrupted Data
One of the most common reasons for the “SD card damaged” error is that some of the data on the card has become corrupted. This could be due to improper removal of the card, sudden power loss while writing data, faulty card readers, malware or viruses, or even just degradation of the card over time.
Improper Formatting
SD cards need to be formatted properly for a phone to be able to read them. If the card format is not compatible with your phone, you may get the damaged card error. Reformatting the card to a compatible file system like FAT32 can often resolve this issue.
Physical Damage
Dropping or bending an SD card can physically damage it and make your phone unable to read data off of it. Physically damaged cards will likely need to be replaced.
Old or Slow Card
Older SD cards or cards with slow data transfer speeds can sometimes not keep up with the speed your phone expects. This can result in read/write errors that present as the SD card damaged message. Upgrading to a newer, faster SD card may fix this.
If you are seeing the SD card damaged message, don’t panic yet. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue:
Try Removing and Reinserting the SD Card
As simple as it sounds, just removing the SD card and reinserting it can sometimes clear up a false damaged card error. The connection may have just gotten slightly loose or dirty.
Inspect the SD Card
Take the card out and inspect it visually and with your fingers. Look for any signs of damage like cracks, bends, corrosion, or scratched metal contacts. If damage is found, the card will likely need replacement.
Check the SD Card in Another Device
Try inserting the SD card in another phone, computer, camera, or card reader. If the card works fine in another device, then the issue is isolated to your phone. If it doesn’t work anywhere, the card itself is likely damaged.
On a computer
If the card works in a computer, you can try reformatting it to a compatible file system like FAT32 or exFAT using the computer’s SD card reader. Then replace the card back into your phone and see if this resolves the damaged card error.
On another phone
If the card works in another phone but not your original phone, it may be a compatibility issue isolated to your phone’s hardware or software. You can try updating your phone’s software to see if that resolves any incompatibility issues with reading the SD card.
Try Cleaning the SD Card’s Contacts
Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris on the metal contacts of the SD card. Contacts need to be clean to make proper electrical connections.Cleaning them can help resolve SD card errors.
Check for Malware, Viruses, or Corrupt Files
If your phone allows it, scan the SD card for viruses and malware using antivirus software. You can also directly check for corrupt files. Deleting problematic files may help get the card working again.
Reformat the SD Card
Back up any data you need from the SD card, then reformat it on your phone or computer. Reformatting will wipe all data but can fix file system issues that cause the damaged card error. Be sure to use a compatible format like FAT32 or exFAT.
Try a Different SD Card
The easiest way to determine if the issue is your SD card and not your phone is to try inserting a different known good SD card. If another card works fine, then you know your original card is likely damaged and needs replacement.
Update Phone Software
Check for any available operating system, firmware, or app updates for your phone. Software updates frequently include bug fixes and compatibility improvements that could resolve SD card issues.
Factory Reset the Phone
As a last resort, try a factory reset of your phone to wipe away any potential software bugs corrupting the SD card. Be sure to fully back up your data first.
Contact Customer Support
If all else fails, contact your phone or SD card manufacturer’s customer support. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting tips specific to your device and determine if a hardware repair or replacement is necessary.
Replace the Damaged SD Card
If you’ve tried the above steps without success, the SD card is likely damaged and needs replacement. Fortunately SD cards are inexpensive to replace. Just be sure to buy one compatible with your phone.
Common Causes of SD Card Corruption and Damage
Now that you’ve got your SD card working again in your phone, it helps to understand what may have caused the “damaged SD card” error to begin with. Here are some of the most common reasons SD cards can become corrupted or damaged.
Improper Ejection of the Card
Always use the “Eject” or “Unmount” option before removing an SD card when it is in use. Removing it incorrectly can lead to file corruption and read/write issues that may appear later as a damaged card error.
Power Loss During a Write Operation
Losing power unexpectedly while files are being written to the SD card can lead to corruption. Using a UPS backup power supply can help prevent damage from power interruptions.
Low-Quality or Counterfeit Cards
Low-end SD cards often use slower memory chips and controllers. Counterfeit cards may be low quality or deliberately corrupt. Stick to reputable brands and sellers to avoid unreliable cards.
Exceeding the Card’s Write Cycles
SD cards can only be erased and rewritten to a limited number of times before wearing out. Excessively deleting and rewriting files will shorten the lifespan of an SD card.
| SD Card Type | Typical Write Cycles |
|---|---|
| SDHC | 10,000 |
| SDXC | 5,000-10,000 |
| microSDHC | 10,000 |
| microSDXC | 5,000-10,000 |
Overheating
Heat can degrade the memory chips and circuitry over time. Avoid exposing your SD cards to high temperatures for long periods.
Malware or Viral Infection
Viruses and other malware like ransomware can infect your phone and deliberately corrupt or encrypt data on the SD card.
Physical Damage
Dropping, bending, or rough handling of SD cards can break internal components causing read/write failures.
Being aware of what causes SD card corruption and taking preventative measures can help maximize the lifespan of your cards.
Tips to Prevent SD Card Errors
Following proper usage and handling guidelines for your SD cards can help prevent annoying damaged card errors from popping up in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your cards working reliably:
Safely Eject Before Removing
Always eject the SD card properly through your phone or computer before removing it from the card slot. This ensures any pending write operations complete.
Handle Cards Gently
Be gentle when handling SD cards to avoid bending or snapping the cards. Don’t force them into slots.
Keep Cards Away from Moisture & Debris
Avoid exposing SD cards to moisture, dust, dirt, and other contaminants which can degrade the card contacts.
Store in a Protective Case
Use a rigid protective case or sleeve when not in use to prevent physical damage.
Don’t Expose to Extreme Heat
Avoid leaving cards in hot vehicles or other hot environments for extended periods of time.
Back Up Important Data
Maintain backups of your important photos, videos, and other data in case a card becomes corrupted.
Use Quality Name Brand Cards
Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston when buying new SD cards.
Reformat Cards Occasionally
Periodically reformatting your SD cards can clear out any developing corruption issues.
Replace Older Cards
Swap out cards that are several years old with newer ones for better performance and reliability.
Following these guidelines will help keep your SD cards in optimum shape and avoid those pesky damaged card errors.
Recovering Data from a Corrupted SD Card
If your SD card becomes significantly corrupted, you may lose access to valuable photos, videos, documents, or other data stored on the card. While the card itself may need to be replaced, it is sometimes possible to recover much of the data for backup before discarding the damaged card.
Use Recovery Software
Specialized data recovery software is designed to scan corrupted media like SD cards and retrieve recoverable data. Popular recovery software options include:
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Stellar Photo Recovery
- Remo Recover
- Ontrack EasyRecovery
Remove and Insert Card in Another Device
If the card is not physically damaged, carefully remove it from your phone and insert it into a card reader attached to a computer or other device. The new device may be able to access data that your original phone couldn’t.
Check Backup Locations
Many phones automatically back up photos and other data to cloud storage services like Google Photos or iCloud. Check your accounts to see if your data was saved there before the card became corrupted.
Contact a Data Recovery Service
For very valuable or irreplaceable data, consider sending your damaged SD card to a professional data recovery lab. They have specialized tools that can repair cards and recover a high percentage of data in many cases.
While an SD card damaged error is annoying, in most cases you can resolve it or recover your data with a bit of effort. Properly maintaining your cards can help avoid issues and keep your phone working smoothly.