How to Format a Write-Protected SD Card and Repair It to Make It Usable Again [2024 Latest Guide]

Are you attempting to format your SD card, but receiving an error message stating "The SD card is write protected"? If your card is write-protected, you can access its files but are unable to modify, delete, or copy them. This can be frustrating when you have important data visible yet cannot write to it. Until the write protection on the SD card is disabled, the card essentially becomes useless.

Well, there's no need to worry – this article is here to provide relief and teach you some simple solutions. You can easily remove the protection from your SD card and format a write-protected SD card. Let's delve into the subject and learn how to format a write-protected SD card and repair it for reuse.

Topics you may also be interested in: SanDisk Write Protected.

Can I Format a Write-Protected SD Card or Micro SD Card?

Alright, first off, you'll need to remove the write protection on your SD card, and then format it easily. However, this will depend on why the SD card is write-protected and what's causing the issue. Here are the most common reasons for encountering this error:

Here are the translations for the given languages into English:
• Your SD card has a physical lock switch activated
• You may have enabled write protection, or the SD card is encrypted with a BitLocker password
• The SD card might be write-protected due to viruses or unknown malware
• The card could be corrupted or have bad sectors, causing write protection
• The SD card might be write-protected by third-party encryption software

Unfortunately, you can't format a write-protected SD card until you enable it to write information. Keep reading to get quick and easy solutions to remove the security from your SD card.

The solutions provided on this page also work for:

How to Format a Write-Protected SD Card on Windows 11/10

There are two ways to format a write-protected SD card in the Windows system. The first method is highly recommended as it's easier and more efficient to format the write-protected SD card back to normal. Plus, anyone can use it without any issues.

#1. Format a Write-Protected SD Card with Write Protection Removal Software

If you're not tech-savvy and need to format a write-protected SD card, you can utilize a trustworthy and reliable software like tools Partition Master. This tool provides advanced write protection features to unlock and remove the write-protected status from the SD card.

This write-protection removal tool features a straightforward user interface that streamlines the process for the quickest results. Download the Partition Master tool and follow these steps to format a write-protected SD card:

1. Remove Write Protection from SD Card

Step 1. Download and install Partition Master. Go to the Toolkit section and click "Write Protection".

Click Remove write protection

Step 2. Select your write protected USB, USB external disk or SD card, and click "Disable".

Click Remove write protection

Step 1. Find your SD card and right-click the partition you want to format, then choose "Format".

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Yes" on the pop-up window to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button on the toolbar, then click "Apply" to start formatting your SD card.

Furthermore, Partition Master tools can also effectively handle storage media operations, whether it be HDD, SSD, USB, memory card, SD card, and so on. The utility offers remarkable features to assist you in managing all your storage devices efficiently.

#2. Format a Write-Protected SD Card Using CMD

The Command Prompt (CMD) tool allows Windows users to locate and fix errors on the selected disk. It assists in clearing the write-protected attribute of storage devices. Follow these steps carefully to remove the read-only status of your SD Card using CMD:

Step 1: To begin, connect your SD card to the computer and check if it appears under Devices and drives in This PC.

Step 2: Press the Windows + R keys. In the dialog box, type cmd, then click OK.

Step 3: Type diskpart and press Enter.

Step 4: Now, paste or type the following commands individually and press Enter after each one.

Here are the translations for the provided language commands: 1. `
• list disk
` Translation: `
• list disks
` 2. `
• select disk # (# is the number of the SD card.)
` Translation: `
• select disk # (Replace # with the number of the SD card.)
` 3. `
• attributes disk clear readonly
` Translation: `
• attributes disk clear read-only
` Please note that these commands appear to be from a command-line interface, typically used in operating systems like Windows. The translations maintain the original syntax for accurate execution in such environments.

Remove write protection using cmd

Once the disk attributes have been successfully cleared, type "exit" and press Enter. The protection will be removed, and you can now format the data. You can now easily format your SD card using the command line. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open CMD, type Diskpart, and press the Enter key.

Step 2: Type the list disk command and press Enter.

This command will display a list of available disks in the system.

Step 3: Use the following commands and press Enter after each one.

• select disk + disk number (for example, select disk 2)
• list volume
• Select volume + volume number (for instance, volume 10)
• format fs=ntfs quick (or format fs=exfat)

Step 4: Type exit and press Enter to close the CMD window.

Check if your SD card has been formatted successfully.

?Read More: How to Format SD Card Using CMD | Full Details

Bonus Tip: How to Protect SD Card from Write Protection Error Translation: Additional Tip: How to Guard Against Write Protection Errors on an SD Card

Encountering a write protection issue with an SD card can be frustrating. It can take considerable time to identify the causes and find solutions. When your SD card displays a write-protected message, you'll need to explore some basic remedies to resolve the problem and avoid data loss. Here are essential tips to prevent your SD card from becoming write-protected: 1. **Check the Physical Switch**: Ensure that the small sliding switch on the side of the SD card is in the unlocked position. If it's in the locked position, move it to unlock and enable writing. 2. **Connect with a Different Device**: Try using the SD card in another device, like a camera or computer, to see if the write protection issue persists. This can help determine whether the problem lies with the card or the original device. 3. **Format the SD Card**: If the card is not important and you don't mind losing data, formatting it can often resolve write protection issues. However, back up your data first if possible. 4. **Update Drivers**: Make sure your computer's SD card reader drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause write protection errors. 5. **Use Disk Management**: In Windows, access Disk Management, right-click on the SD card, and choose "Format." If the format option is grayed out, the card might be genuinely write-protected. You can try the "Change Drive Letter and Paths" option to see if that helps. 6. **Run Error Checking**: Check for any file system errors on the SD card by right-clicking it in File Explorer, selecting "Properties," then "Tools," and finally "Check." 7. **Third-Party Software**: Utilize reliable third-party software tools designed to fix SD card issues, such as disk utilities or partition managers. 8. **Contact Manufacturer Support**: If none of these steps work, reach out to the SD card manufacturer's support for further assistance. By following these tips, you can effectively address write protection issues and safeguard your SD card from becoming write-protected.

1. Backup SD card data to a secure location
2. Remember the BitLocker or encryption password for the SD card
3. Remove viruses and malware from both the PC and the SD card
4. Safely insert and eject the SD card from the PC or other devices
5. Check the free space and properties of the SD card
6. Remove any protection using the Disk Utility on your laptop
7. If the SD card or micro SD card is not locked but is write-protected, inspect the metal contacts on the card

Final Verdict

We hope this article has helped you format your write-protected SD card. This guide presents two solutions to address the issue. You might find the second solution less appealing due to the time-consuming and confusing nature of using the Command Prompt. Therefore, we recommend utilizing the tool Partition Master. It offers a reliable method to overcome the problem and format your write-protected SD card efficiently.

Please leave your feedback or suggestions in the comments box, and share the article if you enjoy it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Formatting an SD Card from Write-Protected to Normal State

If you have any issues with write-protected SD cards, please refer to this FAQ section.

**1. Can I format a write-protected SD card online?**

As far as we understand, you cannot format a write-protected SD card online. However, you can download a trusted and reliable write-protection removal software from the internet.

2. How to format a write-protected SD card using CMD?

CMD is a convenient method to resolve the write-protected issue. To proceed, open the Command Prompt on your computer and type 'CHKDSK.' This will display any errors or corruption present on your SD card and rectify them automatically.

**3. Can I format write-protected Micro SD cards?**

You can't format a write-protected SD card unless you disable the read-only mode. To do this, use the Command Prompt or a write-protection removal utility on your Windows computer.

4. Why is my SD card saying write-protected?

Your SD card displays "write protected" because it's in read-only mode, which stops you from saving or removing new files on the card. This could be due to the lock switch being engaged or potentially because of malware or virus infection.