Is Online SD Card Data Recovery Possible?

Micro SD cards are increasingly gaining popularity with the escalating use of mobile devices and digital cameras. Concurrently, unforeseen data loss situations on these SD cards due to diverse reasons are also becoming quite prevalent. This swiftly turns into an issue that bothers numerous users.

If you accidentally delete a file or lose data on your card due to mistaken formatting or other issues, can you effectively retrieve your data? The answer is yes – data recovery from an SD card is entirely possible. In this guide, we will introduce reliable SD card data recovery software and walk you through the step-by-step process of recovering lost or deleted files.

For quick access to SD card recovery, watch this video:

What Is the Best SD Card Recovery Software?

To retrieve data files from an SD memory card, we recommend using data recovery software. This is a trustworthy data recovery tool that efficiently recovers various types of data files from Micro SD cards with minimal effort and time. It effectively restores lost, deleted, damaged, or formatted photos and video files from different memory cards. Don't panic over SD card data loss, as data recovery software will always come to your aid.

Why does Data Recovery Wizard stand out among countless data recovery programs? Experts from LifeWire have evaluated 20 prominent data recovery tools, and we've delved into the top five. The details of this comparative analysis are as follows:

Comparison tools Data Recovery Wizard Puran File Disk Drill Recuva Glary Undelete
Usage Limitations 2GB Free for home use 500MB Free Free
Last Update 14th Nov 2019 Jun 2016 23rd Oct 2019 8th June 2016 10th Oct 2016
Quick Scan ×
Optional Deep Scan ×
File Preview ×
File Filter/Search × × ×
Lost Partition Recovery × × ×
Supported File Systems FAT12/16/32, exFAT, NTFS, ext2/3, HFS+, ReFS FAT12/16/32, NTFS FAT, exFAT, NTFS, HFS+, ext2/3/4 NTFS, FAT, exFAT FAT, NTFS, NTFS + EFS

How Can I Recover My SD Card Data? If you've lost or deleted important files from your SD card, don't worry; there are several methods to potentially recover your data. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it: 1. **Stop Using the SD Card**: The first and most crucial step is to avoid using the SD card further. This is because new data might overwrite the deleted files, making them irrecoverable. 2. **Use a Reliable Data Recovery Software**: - **Windows**: Download and install a reputable data recovery software such as tools Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Disk Drill. - **Mac**: Options include Stellar Data Recovery, Disk Drill for Mac, or Data Rescue. 3. **Connect the SD Card**: Insert the SD card into your computer using a card reader or directly if your device supports it. Make sure it's properly connected. 4. **Scan the SD Card**: Launch the data recovery software and select the SD card from the list of available drives. Initiate a deep scan, which may take some time depending on the size of the card. 5. **Preview and Recover Files**: Once the scan is complete, the software will display the recoverable files. Preview them to ensure they're the ones you need, then select and choose to recover them to a safe location on your computer, not back to the SD card. 6. **Check Recycle Bin/Trash**: If the files were simply deleted and not overwritten, they might still be in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). Check these folders before proceeding with data recovery software. 7. **Format Recovery**: If the SD card is formatted, some recovery tools have a "Formatted Recovery" option. Choose this to increase the chances of retrieving your files. 8. **Contact Professionals**: If all else fails, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. They have advanced tools and techniques that might be able to retrieve your data, but this can be expensive. Remember, prevention is key. Always keep backups of important data to avoid potential loss.

As per the table, data recovery software is the ideal solution for your needs. It is proficient in locating and retrieving deleted, formatted, or lost pictures and images. Its user-friendly wizard-style interface enables you to complete the recovery process in just three straightforward steps. Now, it's time to follow the step-by-step guide below to initiate your data recovery journey. The software supports all brands, including SanDisk, Kingston, PNY, Lexar, Transcend, PQI, and more. It is compact and readily available online, allowing you to download it within minutes. Once downloaded, simply run the executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it effortlessly on your computer.

Step 1. Connect the SD card, memory card, or CF card to your computer and launch the memory card recovery software on your PC. The SD card will be listed under the "Devices" section. Select the SD card and click "Scan" to initiate the search for your lost data.

Select a location and click Scan

Step 2. The software will initiate an automatic scan. This scan is powerful enough to locate all lost files, including those with missing file names. Upon completion of the scanning process, you can navigate through the deleted items from the tree-view panel on the left. If you're searching for a specific file type, such as photos, documents, videos, or emails, click on "Filter."

Scan and preview memory/SD/CF card files

Step 3. You can directly double-click the files to preview their content. Following this, select the desired files and click "Recover" to restore them to a secure location on your PC or other external storage devices.

recover memory/SD/CF card files

Can a Damaged SD Card Be Recovered?

In theory, it's feasible. As long as your card isn't physically damaged, you can retrieve data from it. If your SD card is damaged, you can first repair the damaged SD card, and then proceed with data recovery. Initially, insert the card into your computer or try using a different SD card reader or another computer to see if the SD card is recognized. If it doesn't show up, refer to the guide on SD card not working or showing up for additional assistance. If it does appear, it indicates that the card is corrupted. In this scenario, follow the methods below to resolve the issue without losing data:

1 - Change the SD Card Drive Letter Step 1: Connect the SD card to your computer, either through a card reader or directly via a USB adapter. Step 2: Open File Explorer on your Windows PC or Finder on a Mac. Windows: - In File Explorer, locate the SD card, which is usually labeled as "Removable Disk" or a similar name. - Right-click on the drive letter assigned to the SD card (e.g., D:) and select "Properties." Mac: - In Finder, you'll see the SD card listed under "Devices" on the left sidebar. - Click on the SD card's icon to view its contents. Step 3: Change the Drive Letter (Windows): - In the Properties window, click on the "Drive letters" tab. - Click the "Change..." button next to the current drive letter. - From the drop-down menu, select a new drive letter that's not currently in use (e.g., E:) and click "OK." - A warning message may appear; click "Yes" to confirm the change. Step 4: Change the Volume Name (optional, for both Windows & Mac): - You can also rename the SD card by changing the "Volume label" in the Properties window on Windows or the "Name" field in the Get Info window on Mac. Step 5: Apply the Changes: - Close any open windows and eject the SD card safely. - Re-insert the SD card, and it should now have the new drive letter assigned. Note: Changing the drive letter may affect any programs or devices that rely on the original letter. Make sure to update their settings accordingly.

Step 1. Insert the SD card into your computer and then head to Disk Management.

Step 2. Right-click on the SD card and select "Change drive letter and paths...".

Step 3. Assign a new drive letter to the card.

2 - Check and Repair File System Errors on the SD Card Step 1: Connect the SD Card to Your Computer First, insert the SD card into an SD card reader and connect it to your computer. Make sure it's properly inserted and recognized by the system. Step 2: Open File Explorer On Windows, press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. On macOS, click on the Finder icon in the Dock. Step 3: Locate the SD Card In File Explorer or Finder, locate the SD card, which should be listed under "Devices with Removable Storage" (Windows) or "External Disks" (macOS). Step 4: Open Disk Utility (macOS Only) If you're using macOS, skip this step if you're on Windows. Otherwise, open Disk Utility by searching for it in Spotlight (press Command + Space) or find it in Applications > Utilities. Step 5: Run Check Disk (Windows) For Windows users, right-click on the SD card and select "Properties." In the Properties window, navigate to the "Tools" tab. Click "Check" under the "Error Checking" section. If prompted, restart your computer to allow the scan to proceed. Step 6: Repair Disk (macOS) For macOS users, select the SD card in Disk Utility, then click on the "First Aid" tab. Click the "Run" button to start repairing any file system errors. Step 7: Wait for the Process to Complete Both Windows and macOS will take some time to scan and repair the SD card. Do not remove the card or interrupt the process. Step 8: Verify Results Once the scan and repair are complete, check if the SD card is functioning properly. Open it in File Explorer or Finder and see if you can access your files without issues. Step 9: Format the SD Card (if Needed) If the errors persist, you may need to format the SD card. Be aware that formatting will erase all data, so back up any important files beforehand. In File Explorer (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS), right-click or click the "Erase" button and follow the prompts to format the card. Remember that regular maintenance, like checking for errors and keeping your SD card clean, can help prolong its lifespan and prevent data loss.

CleanGenius is a user-friendly computer repair tool that is both secure and lightweight. It serves as an excellent alternative to the CHKDSK command. With its one-click functionality, you can effortlessly fix a damaged file system.

Step 1: Download CleanGenius on your computer and complete the installation process.

Step 2: Run the software. Click "Optimization," and then select "File Showing."

select the file showing option

Step 3: Select the drive with a corrupted file system. Check the "Check and fix file system error" option and click "Execute."

fix file system

Step 4. Wait for the tool to perform the repair task. After that, click the "here" button to check the drive.

fix file system

3 - Update SD Card Driver

Step 1. Connect the corrupted SD card to your computer, right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer," and choose "Manage."

Step 2. Click "Device Manager" and expand "Disk drives".

Step 3. Right-click on the SD card and choose "Update driver".

update sd card drive letter

Now, you can attempt to recover data from your damaged or corrupted SD card using data recovery software. (Skip to Part 1.)

How to Prevent SD Card Data Loss 1. **Regularly Backup**: Make it a habit to backup your SD card data to a computer or cloud storage on a regular basis. This ensures that you have a copy of your files in case of any unexpected data loss. 2. **Use Reliable Hardware**: Invest in a high-quality SD card from a reputable brand. Low-quality cards may be more prone to failure, leading to data loss. 3. **Avoid Full Storage**: Don't always fill up your SD card to its maximum capacity. Leaving some space can help prevent file system corruption, which might lead to data loss. 4. **Safe Ejection**: When removing the SD card from a device, always follow the proper procedure (e.g., safely ejecting on a computer). Sudden removal can cause data corruption. 5. **Antivirus Protection**: Keep your devices free from malware and viruses by using antivirus software. These can potentially damage or delete files stored on your SD card. 6. **Update Firmware and Software**: Regularly update the firmware of your devices and the software used to access the SD card. This ensures compatibility and reduces the chances of data loss due to system errors. 7. **Handle with Care**: Physically protect your SD card from damage, such as bending, water exposure, or extreme temperatures. Physical damage can corrupt the card and lead to data loss. 8. **Format Properly**: If you need to format the SD card, do so using the recommended settings for your device. Improper formatting can lead to data loss. 9. **Avoid Multiple Read/Write Cycles**: Frequent and rapid read/write operations can shorten the lifespan of an SD card. Try to minimize these actions, especially with large files. 10. **Use Data Recovery Tools**: In case of accidental deletion or corruption, use reliable data recovery software to restore lost files before attempting any further action. By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing data on your SD card.

Data loss occurs daily and ubiquitously. It's crucial to safeguard your data事先. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve that:

1. Backup photos, files, or other data. Save them to your external hard drives, cloud storage services, or computers. If needed, set up a scheduled backup to automatically back up the contents of your SD card.

2. Always maintain a professional and reliable antivirus program on your computer. It will assist you in eliminating almost all harmful files that could wreak havoc on your crucial data.

3. When the device's battery is low, avoid writing any new data to the SD card (such as taking photos, recording videos, etc.) to prevent data loss.

4. Do not remove the SD card or shut down the system while a read/write operation is in progress. Doing so may damage the card.

5. Avoid using or storing the memory card in environments with high temperatures and high humidity.