Ultimate SD Card Recovery Guide: Answer All Questions (2025)

If you are looking for SD card recovery help, here's a hub page that can answer most of your questions. Explore FAQs on recovering SD cards, fixing corrupted SD cards, finding free SD card recovery tools, etc.

Are you troubled with SD card data loss and know nothing about data recovery? Or your camera displays a card error when you insert an SD card, and you don't know how to access your data on the card again? We fully understand that accidental deletion, formatting, or a corrupted SD card is incredibly stressful.

To help you better, we provide all the information about SD card data recovery on this page. We've compiled all the essential information, step-by-step recovery methods, and expert tips you need to successfully recover SD cards.

Can an SD Card Be Recovered

Want to know where deleted files go on the SD card? Need to figure out if it's possible to recover data from your SD card? Check the following questions and answers!

Where do deleted SD card files go?

Firstly, you should know that if you delete the SD card files on the PC, the deleted items will not go to the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file on the SD card of cameras, such as DJI action cameras or Canon digital cameras, it does not immediately delete or remove your files. Instead, the deleted files still remain on the memory card until new data overwrites them.

The space it occupied is simply marked as "available" for new data. The actual file data still remains on the SD card until that space gets overwritten by new photos, videos, documents, or other files. A good way to picture this is like scratching out a chapter in a book's index - the actual pages remain until somebody writes right over them.

That's why your "deleted" files stick around invisibly. And that's also what makes SD card recovery possible - until new data takes its place.

Is it possible to recover an SD card?

YES. It's possible to recover data from an SD card in most cases, but the success rate still depends on the problem. If videos and photos were accidentally deleted or your memory card was formatted by mistake, professional SD card recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can find the "marked deleted" data before it's overwritten.

If your card is corrupted or physically damaged, things get a bit tougher. But even then, you still have a shot with EaseUS SD card recovery tool because this software has advanced camera recovery technology that can recover more camera files. Just remember: once you realize there's a problem, stop using the SD card right away to avoid overwriting your precious files.

Is it possible to recover permanently deleted photos from an SD card?

First of all, you need to understand what "permanently" means in SD card deletion. Files that have been “permanently deleted” are those that have been deleted from the SD card and then overwritten by other videos or pictures. The "permanently" deleted files cannot be recovered with any method because the data has been overwritten.

But you should know that files are not permanently deleted if you just delete the photos by pressing the Delete button on the camera or choose the quick format option for your SD card.

If you don't want the files to be gone forever and become unrecoverable, stop using the card and apply the SD card as soon as possible, the files are still recoverable.

Is it possible to retrieve data from a corrupted SD card?

Sure, you can follow 4 simple steps to recover a corrupted SD card without losing data.

1. Sometimes, your SD card is not showing up in File Explorer or Disk Management because of a loose connection or card reader damage. It's necessary to check the slot, card reader, and the card itself for physical connection issues.
2. Then, recovering data from a corrupted SD card with a specialized recovery tool is always your best choice, like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. It's a reliable SD card recovery tool that supports most SD card brands.
3. Next, try to repair a corrupted SD card with methods like changing the drive letter, running the CHKDSK command, updating the driver, or formatting the card.
4. If the repair methods are not working on the PC, you should contact professional SD card data recovery services for help.

How to recover a SanDisk SD card?

Recovering a SanDisk SD card requires choosing the proper methods and handy card recovery tools, even if you don't have any backups. SanDisk SD cards are usually used on digital cameras, so it's essential to find a recovery tool that is good at camera recovery.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is an ideal choice, its advanced camera video fragment reconstruction feature can make sure the recovered videos on the SD card can be playable as usual.

Usually, you may lose data on an SD card because of accidental deletion, SD card formatting, file system corruption, computer viruses, or physical damage. It's hard to recover data from a physically damaged SanDisk SD card. Still, you can easily recover data from the SanDisk SD card with a robust SD card recovery tool or reliable data recovery labs.

Does removing an SD card corrupt it?

Actually, it depends.

• For computers. Removing an SD card on a Windows PC or Mac without safely ejecting it can corrupt the data. This happens because the card might still be in the middle of a read/write process, causing file system errors
• For digital cameras. Removing the SD card from the digital camera can cause corruption if your camera is still processing photos or videos. If your SD card is not reading or writing data, it's safe to remove it directly from the camera.

To prevent the SD card from being corrupted due to removal, always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option on your computer or ensure your camera/device is entirely off before removing the card.

What is the lifespan of an SD card?

Actually, the SD card is not designed for long-term photo and video storage because of the inherent NAND flash memory's limited write cycles, so its lifespan is relatively short (usually about 10 years).

The more often you write and read the card, the more likely the SD card may fail. If you want to use an SD card longer, purchase a high-quality SD card and always leave free space on the card. It's also essential to store it in a cool, dry place.

It's wise to keep copies of your SD card on both the cloud and an external hard drive.

Don't hesitate to share these questions and answers about SD card recovery on social media to help more readers!

What's the Best SD Card Recovery Software

Losing precious photos, important documents, or other valuable files from your SD card can be incredibly frustrating. If you want to restore deleted photos from an SD card or recover important files from a corrupted/formatted memory card, you're now searching for the best software to recover your data.

The "best" SD card recovery software depends on your needs. This FAQ guide will answer some of the most common questions about memory card recovery software, highlight key options (both free and paid), and provide practical advice to increase your chances of a successful recovery.

Is SanDisk recovery software free?

Yes, SanDisk does offer a free data recovery tool called SanDisk RescuePRO. This software is specifically designed to recover lost or deleted files from various SanDisk flash storage devices, including recovering data from SanDisk SD cards, USB flash drives, and CFexpress cards. It can recover a variety of file types, including photos, videos, documents, and music. The interface is noted for being intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.

Is EaseUS free to use?

Is EaseUS data recovery free? EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers a free version with limited capabilities, which is sufficient for recovering a small amount of data. For more advanced features like unlimited data recovery and deeper scanning, you need to purchase a license (Professional or Technician version).

Is EaseUS data recovery legit?

Yes, EaseUS is safe and a legitimate and well-regarded data recovery software provider. It's been in the industry for years and offers comprehensive data recovery solutions for various data loss scenarios. EaseUS' company provides official downloads, customer support, and regular software updates. It's crucial always to download the software from the official EaseUS website to avoid malware risks associated with cracked versions, which can lead to further data loss or security issues.

Is PhotoRec completely free?

Yes, PhotoRec is completely free and open-source data recovery software. It's a powerful tool that works by recognizing the underlying characteristics of files to recover them, often even if the file names have been lost. However, it's important to note that PhotoRec operates primarily through a command-line interface (MS-DOS platform), which can be complex and intimidating for users without technical expertise. It also lacks dedicated customer support.

How much does it cost to recover an SD card?

The cost of SD card recovery software varies widely, from free tools to professional packages:

• Free Software: Tools like PhotoRec or the free version of Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard are available at no cost but may have limitations in features, user-friendliness, or success rates in complex scenarios.
• Budget-Friendly Paid Software: Many reliable options fall in this range, such as Recuva Professional: Start at $24.95.
• Professional/Greater Depth Software (Recommended for most users)​​​​​​: For more advanced features and higher success rates in complex cases (e.g., formatting, RAW drives):

1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro: Start at $69.95
2. Disk Drill Pro: Start at $89
3. Stellar Data Recovery Pro: Start at $89.99

• Professional Data Recovery Services: For severe physical damage (e.g., broken chips, water damage), the cost can be significantly higher, ranging from $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the complexity.

How to retrieve data from the SD card?

The general process for retrieving data from an SD card using recovery software is similar across most tools:

Step 1. Stop using the SD card immediately. Prevent any new data from being written to the card, as this can overwrite your lost files.

Step 2. Connect the SD card to your computer using a reliable card reader.

Step 3. Choose an SD card data recovery tool, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and install it on your computer —never directly on the SD card.

Step 4. Launch the software, select your SD card from the list of drives, and start the scan. Most software offers a Quick Scan and a more thorough Deep Scan.

Step 5. After the scan, the software will display the found files. Preview them if possible (a key feature in many paid tools). Then, select the files you want to recover and save them to a different location on your computer or another drive—not back onto the same SD card.

How to recover permanently deleted data from SD card?

Files that are "permanently deleted" (e.g., bypassing the Recycle Bin) are not immediately erased from the storage medium; instead, the space they occupy is marked as available for new data. This is why recovery is possible. The process is identical to retrieving any other lost data:

• Cease all use of the SD card immediately after deletion to avoid overwriting.
• Use data recovery software as described in the previous question.
• A Deep Scan (or similar advanced scan) mode in your chosen software is often necessary for recovering files that have been permanently deleted for some time, as it performs a more thorough sector-by-sector analysis of the card.

Success is not guaranteed, especially if new data has been saved to the card after deletion.

What is the best SD card data recovery software?

The "best" SD card recovery software depends on your needs, but top-rated options include EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, R-Studio for complex recovery scenarios by professionals, and the free, open-source tools PhotoRec and TestDisk for those comfortable with less intuitive interfaces. Other strong contenders are Disk Drill and Stellar Data Recovery for a balance of user-friendliness and power.

How to Recover a Corrupted SD Card

To provide you with a wide range of options when you notice signs of SD card corruption, let's examine more questions and answers for recovering a corrupted SD card.

How to tell if an SD card is corrupted?

Signs of corruption include: 

• Devices like a computer, a camera, and an Android phone fail to recognize it. 
• Frequent error messages like "SD card needs to be formatted" or "cannot read/write."
• Files on the SD card appear corrupted, missing, or display strange information.
• Extremely slow access or freezing when browsing files.
• Frequent disconnections or "unexpected removal" notifications.

If multiple issues occur, the SD card is likely corrupted. Immediately stop using it to avoid data overwriting.

How do I uncorrupt an SD card without losing data or deleting files?

To repair corruption without data loss: 

• Safely eject and reconnect the SD card. 
• Use a trusted data recovery tool like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
• Scan the data in the damaged SD card first and restore it to a safe device.
• Fix the corrupted SD card file system in CMD or Windows error checking.

Only format if all else fails, knowing it'll delete data. Avoid writing new data to the card until recovery is complete.

What happens if my SD card is corrupted?

Corruption risks data loss, device incompatibility, system errors, and potential permanent damage if unresolved. Continued use can overwrite recoverable data, worsening the issue. Act promptly to salvage files and prevent them from deteriorating.

Using a corrupted card risks irreversible data overwriting. Immediate action is crucial to recover files and avoid further harm.

How to repair a corrupted SD card?

Repairing a corrupted SD card involves checking for physical damage and cleaning contacts. To repair a corrupted SD card: 

• Check for physical damage (cracks, bent pins) and clean contacts with a soft cloth. 
• Use Windows' "chkdsk" tool (chkdsk X: /f in Command Prompt) or Mac's "Disk Utility" to fix errors. 
• Try formatting the card (backup data first!): FAT32 for <32GB; exFAT for larger cards.

 If tools fail, use professional data recovery services for severe cases. 

How to fix a corrupted SD card without a computer?

If you need to repair an SD card without a computer, insert it into a compatible smartphone or camera that supports formatting. Navigate to the device's settings, locate the "SD card format" option, and follow instructions.

If this fails, try an alternative card reader or device. Additionally, clean the card's metal contacts with a dry cloth and inspect for physical damage (e.g., cracks). If issues persist, obtain a computer for advanced troubleshooting.

How to recover a corrupted SD card using CMD?

To recover a corrupted SD card using CMD (Windows): 

• Connect the SD card to your computer. 
• Open Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator".
• Type chkdsk X: /f /r /x and hit Enter. (replace "X" with your SD card's drive letter, e.g., "E:").
• Wait for the tool to scan and fix errors. 
• Congratulations if the command window displays "Windows has made corrections to the file system" after completing all of these procedures.  You can now access and utilize your data again, as the corrupted SD card has been properly restored.

How to reformat an SD card?

To reformat an SD card: 

• Connect it to your computer and open "File Explorer" (Windows) or "Finder" (Mac). 
• Right-click the SD card's drive and select "Format" (Windows) or use "Disk Utility" - "Erase" (Mac). 
• Choose a file system: FAT32, which is compatible with most devices, or exFAT. 

On Windows, enable Quick Format for faster completion. Confirm the action, noting that formatting will delete the data. Always back up critical files beforehand.

How to fix a corrupted SD card for free?

To fix corruption for free: 

• Use Windows' built-in "chkdsk" tool (chkdsk X: /f in Command Prompt).
• Try Mac's "Disk Utility" to repair disk errors.
• Use open-source SD Card recovery tools, such as TestDisk or PhotoRec, to recover files. However, the optional GUI of these tools is very basic, and the user experience it provides is behind that of the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free version.

As a last resort, you can format the SD card using the device it's used in, such as a camera, or through Windows Disk Management, which will erase all data but often resolves corruption. 

How to Recover an SD Card that Cannot Be Read

What if you have already inserted the SD card into your device, but only to find that it cannot be detected/recognized/read by your PC or mobile device? Read the following tips:

What to do when an SD card is not detected?

1. 1. Do some basic troubleshooting. For instance, you can clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth or remove debris or dust.
2. 2. Then, try inserting the card into a different USB reader or connecting the reader to a different device to see if the card shows in Disk Management. If you are using a Mac device, check the Disk Utility.
3. 3. The ultimate method is to format the SD card and repair it. But remember, avoid this fix if you still need data on it.

Can you recover an unreadable SD card?

YES. Data recovery is mostly possible from the unreadable SD card. To recover data from an unreliable SD card, the first step is to stop using it immediately once you notice data loss, preventing data from being overwritten. Then, you can consult a trustworthy and reliable data recovery tool, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Data recovery tools can bypass the file system and scan for recoverable files. If the data recovery tool fails to detect your lost files, professional data recovery services exist. You can ask and describe your problem in the live chat for help.

How to recover a dead SD card?

The term dead is somewhat ambiguous. If you mean the SD card cannot be detected by any device, then the dead SD card recovery is likely impossible because there is a physical or electronic failure inside, like a damaged controller or broken connectors. You can try to consult a local data recovery service.

However, if your SD card is occasionally detected, shows up in your device, or gives you an error message when you insert it, you still have a chance to salvage your data. However, be aware that time is critical, so you should stop writing new data and immediately look for a data recovery tool. 

How to fix an unreadable SD card?/How to fix a non-readable SD card?

If you want ro fix an unreadable SD card and you accept the data loss, the quickest method can be formatting. However, the tip is to avoid using the quick format in your operating system. Instead, use the Official SD Memory Card Formatter tool for a safer format.

But you can still try using the Windows Disk Management to check your card condition like this:

• Hold Win+R and type diskmgmt.msc
• Then you can locate your SD card in the list to see how it appears

How to repair a read only micro SD card?

To fix a read-only SD card, the first step is to understand why it has become read-only. Is it because of the protective measure or something else? In most cases, the SD card locks itself to prevent data loss and corruption. If there is no physical damage on your SD card, you can try clearing the Write Protection with Command Prompt:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Type diskpart and hit Enter
• Type list disks and press Enter
• Choose the SD card and then type disk X (replace X with your card's disk number) and press Enter

How to reset SD card?

If you mean to factory reset the SD card, you mean to format your SD card, and you will lose all data on it. Here are two types of formats you can choose from:

• Quick Format: To perform a quick format, locate your SD card in the File Explorer and then choose "Format" from the drop-down menu
• Full Format: To format, select "Full Format" from the drop-down menu.

Can an SD card be erased and reused?

Of course. Yes, absolutely. An SD card is specifically designed to be erased and reused thousands of times. This is its primary function as a reusable storage medium for cameras, phones, and other devices.