Repair SD Card With Expert Tips

How To Fix Corrupted SD Card

A corrupted SD card describes media with logical damage that prevents it from reading data or being detected by the system.

Following a step-by-step process can address corruption and restore data on the memory card.

How To Know If SD Card Is Corrupted

There are two easy ways to tell if an SD card is corrupted. The first method is to check whether the data stored on the card is readable. The other step is to see if the memory card will mount.

Here are some common signs of a corrupted SD card:

• Files and folders have gibberish names or disappear
• Requests to format the device when inserted
• Frequent errors while reading or writing data
• The card displays the wrong capacity or a zero-byte file size
• The file system appears as RAW in utilities
• Inconsistent or sluggish performance during file transfers

Note: Do not choose to format the SD card when prompted. Resetting the file system will erase all data from the device. Doing so could make data recovery more complex.

Step 1: Test SD Card With Different Device

First, rule out a separate hardware issue by testing the microSD card in another smartphone, camera, or computer if possible.

If it works elsewhere, then the device itself is most likely the problem.

Step 2: Reinstall Card Driver

Using an SD card on a PC involves several layers. The media, card reader, driver, and file system must work in tandem.

A bad driver could make the card appear corrupted when it is fine.

To reinstall the SD card’s drivers on Windows:

1. Press the Windows key and X together to open Device Manager.
2. Search for the memory card under Disk drives or Other devices.
3. Right-click the SD card and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your computer and remove the card.
5. Reinsert the SD card after the restart.

Windows should detect the card and install fresh drivers.

You can repeat the same steps for the card reader to ensure the whole stack is functional.

Step 3: Check for Errors

Warning: Checking for errors can cause permanent data loss. Windows tries to relocate data on the card, but attempts can fail. Do not proceed without a working backup if the card stores important data.

To check for logical errors on Windows:

1. Insert the SD card into a reader connected to the desktop or laptop.
2. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on the Windows taskbar.
3. Choose This PC from the left sidebar.
4. Right-click the card and select Properties.
5. Go to the Tools tab.
6. Click Check to scan for file system errors.

To check for logical errors on macOS:

1. Press the Command key and Spacebar together to open Spotlight Search.
2. Type Disk Utility in the search box and open the app.
3. Select the card in the left sidebar.
4. Click First Aid in the toolbar.
5. Click Run to scan for file system errors.

The built-in tools could fix minor corruption on SD cards. However, severe issues demand more robust solutions.

Step 4: Run SD Card Recovery Software

Warning: Data recovery software can sometimes make the situation worse. Assess the value of stored data before running file recovery software. If you choose to continue, make sure to save recovered data to a new location to avoid overwriting files.

SD card recovery software is a great choice for simple cases of data loss. It can reduce downtime by restoring lost files in just minutes.

SecureRecovery® for Flash is free data recovery software that recovers deleted files and repairs corrupted files on SD cards. The program works with all types of memory cards and Windows versions.

To recover data with our software:

1. Install SecureRecovery® for Flash.
2. Launch the software once finished.
3. Select Open Partition from the menu.
4. Choose the device to scan.
5. Click OK.
6. Select files from the list.
7. Click Save Selected Items to a new location.

Note: Memory card recovery software cannot address physical damage or severe cases of file corruption. Especially if the SD card is not recognized by your system.

Step 5: Consider SD Card Recovery Services

SD card recovery services are the best option for cases with priceless memories or irreplaceable projects at stake.

An experienced engineer has the expertise and equipment to handle complex data loss events. They can use advanced tools and techniques to repair corrupted files on a memory card. SD card not showing up? No problem. A professional can often obtain low-level access to the flash memory cells and recover data from the device.

Contact us to speak with a specialist about your case and receive a free quote.

Last Resort: Format SD Card

Warning: Formatting the card will permanently erase data from the device. Do not format the device without a valid backup that contains all critical data.

As a last resort, formatting the SD card can return the device to working condition by resetting the file system. However, without a proper backup, formatting will result in data loss.

To format an SD card on Windows:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on the Windows taskbar.
2. Choose This PC from the left sidebar.
3. Right-click the SD card and select Format.
4. Choose exFAT for cards larger than 32 GB. Choose FAT32 for cards smaller than 32 GB and file sizes less than 4 GB.
5. Leave the default allocation size.
6. Name the volume.
7. Check Quick Format.
8. Click Start.
9. Click OK to confirm.

The computer will display a message when the format process is complete. You should be able to use the SD card again.

How To Repair Damaged SD Card

A damaged SD card describes a device with bent pins, broken connectors, or other physical defects that cause data loss.

Here are some common examples of physical damage on an SD card:

• Cracked or warped shell
• Worn contacts from frequent insertion and removal
• Bent or loose connectors
• Broken internal chips
• Exposure to water, extreme heat, or foreign substances

The best approach typically depends on the extent of the damage.

Minor Physical Issues

Lightly damaged SD cards are sometimes fixable.

For example, you can try cleaning dirty or damp contacts with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using water, abrasive pads, or excessive pressure. Rubbing contacts back and forth could strip their plating. Wiping in a single direction is the most effective method.

Slightly deformed housing makes it difficult to insert the card into a slot. Removing tiny burrs from the edges of the card might help on occasion. Be extremely careful not to reshape the storage device in the process, as it could create alignment issues.

A loose lock switch also occurs after heavy usage of the card. You can often still read data from the media before replacing it.

Major Physical Damage

Most cases of a broken SD card involve severe physical damage. The device’s compact, fragile nature often means that any visible damage suggests deeper issues.

A cracked shell could destroy traces on the circuit board. Bypassing damaged controllers requires cutting-edge hardware and software. Memory cards with fire damage or prolonged exposure to water need serious repairs.

Trying to repair this damage at home poses the risk of inhaling toxic fumes, facing electric shocks, and worsening data loss.

A certified data recovery service is the most reliable option for repairing damaged SD cards and restoring your valuable files.

SD Card Repair Service

Secure Data Recovery offers SD card repair services regardless of brand, form factor, or standard.

We specialize in NAND storage and monolithic flash memory on newer cards. Our engineers have custom tools and techniques to address physical damage and logical errors. No matter the issue, we can assist you. Our service features a 96% success rate across all devices and failure types. It even includes free diagnostics and a No Data, No Recovery Fee guarantee.

Call 800-388-1266 or request help to get a free quote and discuss service options with our team.