Solid Fixes for Corrupted SD Card Recovery: How to Recover Data from Corrupted SD Card?

by Lorena Hill

Updated on 2023-04-24

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5min read

A tiny, portable, and functional device, the SD card is widely used as "walking" storage in numerous devices like digital cameras, tablets, Android phones, etc. for extending storage capacities. However, the SD card is likely to cause file system corruption or bad sectors on the card as it is frequently plugged in and out without safe ejection. Again, the suffering gets doubled if the data of your SD card belongs to a precious event. In this post, we are going to provide solid fixes for corrupted SD card recovery and describe how to recover data from corrupted SD card.

Part 1: How to know that Your SD Card is corrupted?

Sometimes you may find your SD card acting abnormally, which shows something is disturbing it. Different types of symptoms intimate that your SD card is slowly becoming corrupted. If you discover those symptoms, you can reduce the risk of data loss. At least, you will be able to move your precious data before it gets lost from the corrupted SD card. The below-given list is the most common indications that will help you to know that your SD card is corrupted.

  • Data Missing Issue: Your SD is on the verge of corruption if you realize that some of your pictures, videos, notes, sheets, or any other kind of data is missing.
  • The card cannot be Recognized: The SD card is experiencing data corruption if you see the instant message that the SD card is not recognized.
  • Error Texts: The SD card gives alerts such as "Access Denied" or "SD Card won't format" when you insert and try to access it.
  • Unknown Files: If a virus attack damages your card, it may result in unknown files that cannot be opened or deleted.
  • Unable to Read and Write: Corruption can cause a card to become difficult to read from or write to, so if you encounter such issues, the card may have been corrupted.
  • Device Malfunction: If an SD card with corruption is connected to a device, it may cause the device to malfunction.
  • Blank SD Card: Your device may show an empty SD card even if it contains data that has been corrupted.

Can You Recover Data from Corrupted SD Card?

It might be possible to recover data from corrupted SD card in some cases. But it depends on the extent of the damage to the card. It might not be possible to recover the lost data if the card is physically damaged or the data has been overwritten. However, there are data recovery tools and services available that may be able to recover the data if the SD card is only partially corrupted or has suffered from a software issue. You need to note that attempting to recover data from a corrupted SD card can be a complex process and should be done carefully to avoid further damage to the card or loss of data.

Part 2: How to Recover Data from Corrupted SD Card? - Best Corrupted SD Card Recovery Software

The best way to recover data from corrupted SD card is using an SD card data recovery tool. Eassiy Data Recovery is one of the best and most remarkable recovery tools to recover files from corrupted SD card. This software supports 1000+ file types including photos, videos, documents, audio, emails, and more. It can recover lost data from 2000+ storage devices in any circumstances. You will get two scanning modes in this program to scan smoothly. Before recovering your lost data, it allows you to preview your files. This program provides both free and paid versions for MacOS and Windows PC.

Key Features:

  • Able to recover data from multiple storage devices like internal and external hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and more.
  • Fast and deep scan mode is offered to ensure all recoverable files are located.
  • A preview function before recovery is provided.
  • Search results can be filtered via file type, size, and date.
  • Supports recovering various file types including images, videos, documents, emails, archives, etc.

Here are the steps to recover data from corrupted SD card

Step 1: Connect an SD card from which you want to put back deleted data to your computer after launching Eassiy Data Recovery. The program will automatically detect the SD card and add it to a list that can be scanned under the Removable Drive option. From the list, you will be able to select the SD card by a check mark under the Removable Drive option.

Eassiy Data Recovery step 1 | corrupted sd card recovery

Step 2: This program offers two scanning modes for you: Quick Scan and Deep Scan. For recent data loss, Quick Scan is faster and more suitable. While Deep Scan is more recommended for complex data loss situations.

Eassiy Data Recovery step 2 | corrupted sd card recovery

To see if the data you want to recover is found, check the external drive scanned results by type list and path list.

Step 3: Pick the files you want to recover after scanning and tap the “Recover” button.

Eassiy Data Recovery step 3 | corrupted sd card recovery

Part 3: 10 Working Fixes for Damaged SD Card Recovery

Here we are listing 10 working fixes for damaged SD card recovery

Way 1: Search for hidden files in a corrupt SD card

If your SD card is corrupted and not displaying any data, the following steps may help you recover your files:

Step 1: First of all, you have to attach the SD card to your computer.
Step 2: Open File Explorer and go to "Tools" > "Folder options" > "View" tab.
Step 3: Check the "Hidden items" option to reveal any hidden files on the SD card. This may help you locate and recover your missing data.

Search for hidden files | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 2: Use the CHKDSK command to check the issue

To fix a corrupted SD card, there is a straightforward and fast-responding command-line utility available. For relevant file errors, CHKDSK checks the file system. With its help, it is surprisingly effortless to fix and recover files from corrupted SD card.

Step 1: Open the taskbar and type "cmd" into the search bar.
Step 2: To run as an administrator, select "Command Prompt" and then right-click, choosing "Run as administrator".
Step 3: Type "chkdsk X: /f" into the command prompt, replacing "X" with the letter assigned to your SD card.
Step 4: Tap on the “Enter” button.
Step 5: Wait for the CHKDSK command to complete, which may take some time depending on the amount of data on your SD card.

Use the CHKDSK command | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 3: Assign a new drive letter

If your SD card cannot be read, you can try assigning a new drive letter to it. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Disk Management from the menu list.
Step 2: Find your SD card in Disk Management.
Step 3: Right-click on the SD card and from the context menu, choose "Change Drive Letter and Paths".
Step 4: Click on "Change" from the menu that appears.
Step 5: Choose a new drive letter from the drop-down list and click "OK".

Assign a new drive letter | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 4: Reinstall the SD card driver

If you're having issues with a damaged SD card, reinstalling the driver for your card reader may help fix the problem. Follow the below steps:

Step 1: Open the "Computer Management" window and go to Device Manager.
Step 2: Look for "Memory technology devices" and find your card reader.
Step 3: Note down the brand and model of the card reader.
Step 4: Right-click on the card reader and select "Uninstall device."
Step 5: Uninstall after choosing "Delete the driver software for this device".
Step 6: Restart the computer.
Step 7: Visit the card reader's website to download and install the latest driver.

Reinstall the SD card driver | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 5: Use Windows Troubleshooter to fix SD Cards issues

If you're experiencing hardware-related errors, the troubleshooter can help you identify and fix the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Connect the SD card to your desktop or laptop.
Step 2: Open Windows Settings and go to the "Update & Security" tab.
Step 3: Choose "Troubleshoot" and then tap on "Run the troubleshooter".

Use Windows Troubleshooter | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 6: Use the manufacturer's repair solution

If your SD card has become corrupt, reputable manufacturers may offer services to help you recover your data. While seeking help from the manufacturer can be costly and time-consuming, it may be worth it if the data on the card is valuable and other solutions have failed. This should be considered a last resort for fixing corrupted SD cards.

Way 7: Use the drive "Error Checking" feature

If you want to recover data from a corrupted SD card, running Error Checking and repairing the card yourself can be a practical option. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Launch Windows Explorer.
Step 2: Visit the Properties of the SD card.
Step 3: Tap on the “Check” button located in the “Tools” tab.

Error Checking | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 8: Use Diskpart in CMD command

Before proceeding with the diskpart in the cmd command, you need to determine the disk number assigned to the SD card. Follow the below-given steps:

Step 1: Right-click on "Computer" in the start menu and select "Disk Management."
Step 2: Select “Manage” and choose “Disk Management”.
Step 3: Note down the disk number after looking for the drive.

Once you have determined the disk number, follow these steps to use diskpart in the cmd command:

Step 1: Launch a Command Prompt window.
Step 2: Choose “Admin” from the pop-up menu.
Step 3: Press “Enter” after typing “diskpart”.
Step 4: Hit “Enter” after writing “list disk”.
Step 5: Choose the disk number.
Step 6: Press “Enter” after typing clean.

Use Diskpart in CMD command | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 9: Format corrupted SD card

If you want to recover a corrupted SD card, formatting it can often fix the issue. Follow the given steps:

Step 1: First, you need to connect your SD card to the PC.
Step 2: Open Windows Explorer by double-clicking on "My Computer" or "This PC".
Step 3: Select "Format" after right-clicking on your SD card under Devices and Drives.
Step 4: Click on the "File System" box and choose either NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT.
Step 5: Tap "Start" to begin the formatting process.

Format corrupted SD card | corrupted sd card recovery

Way 10: Reconnect SD Card – Change SD Card Reader, USB Port, or New Computer

If your SD card is unreadable, it could be due to connection or power issues. Before attempting to recover your data, it's important to eliminate any external factors that can be fixed with a few tricks. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Unplug and reconnect your SD card to your PC.

Step 2: If your SD card still fails to show up, try the following three tips:

  • Get a new SD card reader, place the SD card in it, and link it to the computer.
  • Reconnect the SD card to your computer by switching to a different USB port.
  • Attach your SD card to a different and unused computer.

Step 3: Once you have tried these tips, check if your SD card shows up or is readable.

Part 4: FAQ for Corrupted SD Card Recovery

1. Is it possible to retrieve data from a corrupted memory card without having to format it?

To retrieve data from an SD card, it is recommended to use trustworthy recovery software such as Eassiy Data Recovery. This tool is quick, user-friendly, and provides a free trial option.

2. How does an SD card differ in terms of being corrupted or damaged?

You cannot differentiate until you know the SD card has been physically damaged. An SD card is considered corrupt or damaged when it is not unrecognizable or not working.

3. Are there any risks of running chkdsk on the SD Card?

Running chkdsk on the SD Card involves the potential risk of data loss. Before running chkdsk on an SD card, you'd better use a professional data recovery tool like Eassiy Data Recovery.

Conclusion

In this post, we have provided solid fixes for corrupted SD card recovery and described how to recover data from corrupted SD card. It is challenging to recover data from an SD card because of its vulnerability and small size. It is recommended to use a recovery tool if you have important data on your SD card. Eassiy Data Recovery is the best recovery tool that is expert in recovering any data effortlessly. However, you are free to use the other fixes discussed in this post if you don't have the fear of losing whatever is inside the SD card.

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