How To Recover Files From A Corrupted SD Card?

Why do so many of us use SD cards? Because it’s small, portable, and so easy to use. It is also compatible with our mobile phones, which we carry everywhere. So, the idea of storing data in it is great until you realize that it is corrupted?

Does that mean you’ve lost all the data? That is far from the truth since SD card recovery is an option under such circumstances. It ensures that you won’t lose your files despite this predicament. This relief leads to our million-dollar question of how to recover data from corrupted SD cards.

As usual, we have a detailed answer; you need to read on to figure it out. So, without much ado, let’s delve into corrupted SD card recovery.

Reasons for SD Card Gets Corrupted

SD card corruption compromises how data is represented on it. Consequently, issues arise when accessing or viewing the files in it. Some of the reasons why such issues occur include the following;

• Misusing your SD card
• Human errors that jeopardize this logical representation, such as improper removal of the storage device
• Virus attacks
• Accidental deletion and formatting
• Any physical damage to your SD card

How to Recover Files from a Corrupted SD Card?

If you want to recover files from your corrupted SD card, consider the following options;

Method 1: Use SD Card Recovery Tool

WondershareRecoverit is our first recommendation since its success rate is impressive. Despite doing such an amazing job, the tool is easy to use. Here’s how to recover files from a corrupted SD card using this software;

1. We will start with the obvious: downloading and installing Wondershare Recoverit.
2. Connect the corrupted SD card to your computer and launch the recovery tool only after confirming that the storage device is detectable.
3. Select the SD card from which you want to recover files,and then click on the Scan button to initiate the data scanning process.

• Wait for the tool to scan the data.
• Preview the recoverable files to confirm that what you are looking for is one of them.
• If that is not the case, try another scan and go for Deep Scan this time. Again, it might take a considerable amount of time, but the recoverable files will also increase, thus increasing the chances of spotting the files that the first scan missed.

• Remember to preview data to confirm the files are correct and accurate before clicking the Recover button to get them back.

Best Corrupted SD Card Recovery Tool-WondershareRecoverit

As mentioned earlier, Wondershare Recoverit data recovery is the best tool to recover files from corrupted SD cards. It is useful regardless of whether you deleted or lost data or files due to the corruption of your SD card.

Besides SD cards, this tool can also recover data from a crashed computer, external storage devices, laptops, internal hard disks, trash, and recycle bins.

Compatible storage devices include music players, audio recorders, camcorders, action cameras, drones, digital cameras, NAS servers, Linux devices, CF cards, SD cards, USB flash drives, external hard disks, HDD, and SSD.

The tool can recover various file formats, including emails, audio files, documents, photos, and videos. So, once data loss strikes, this software will not disappoint you.

More Features of WondershareRecoverit

Thanks to its compatibility, you can use it for corrupted SD card recovery on both Windows and Mac. It is also suitable if the drive at hand is BitLocker encrypted. Its Enhanced Recovery feature makes it ideal for huge 4K or 8K videos, including those deeply hidden.

Tech Spec

Well, the tool’s tech specs are as follows;

• It supports various file systems, including common ones such as ExFAT, FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS, etc.
• It is compatible with Windows and MacOS.
• It works with various computer screen resolutions, such as 100%, 125%, and 150%.

Method 2: Corrupted SD Card Recovery Service

In worst-case scenarios, your SD Card may be corrupted beyond recognition. Consequently, no device can recognize it as a viable storage device. You will deal with professionals with adequate knowledge to handle extremely corrupted and physically damaged SD cards.

That is possible thanks to the proprietary software and other advanced tools suitable for the job. Since the SD manufacturers provide the equipment, a recovery service will handle such extreme cases.

A good center also maintains cleanliness and ensures the facility is dust-free to avoid further damage. Finally, the icing on the cake is that most data recovery professionals only charge you after recovering your data; hence fair enough since there are also rare cases when this option fails.

Method 3: Use Windows File Recovery to Recover Files

It turns out that Windows has also provided its users with a solution for corrupted SD card recovery. The recovery tool is a command line-based software designed for Windows OS by Microsoft. It is popularly called Windows File Recovery.

If your Windows version is not below 10 2004, you can use this inbuilt feature. It works on various external and internal storage devices; your SD card is no exception.

Using this method, let us look at how to recover data from corrupted SD cards. The steps are as follows;

1. Go to Microsoft Store, download, and install Windows File Recovery.
2. Press both Windows and X buttons concurrently, thus opening the Windows PowerShell.
3. Use the command below.

winfr C: E: /extensive /n *.docx

The same applies to other storage devices, and here is the general syntax.

winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]

Here,

• the sourcedrive is the storage device you want to recover data from
• destination drive is the location you want to store data after recovering
• [/mode] refers to the intensity of the recovery, and the options are signature, segment, extensive and regular. The most recommended mode for an SD card is extensive.
• [/switches] increases your options when using Windows File Recovery, including scanning a file using wildcards, file type, file path, or file name to narrow the search

Tips to Protect SD Cards from Getting Corrupted

You can avoid corrupted SD card recovery through the following tips that protect the storage device from damage;

• Create data backup regularly, thus avoiding losing important data and files.
• Avoid removing your SD card while still in use
• Ensure you store the device in a dry and safe place after use
• The SD card should not operate in extreme temperature
• Confirm its compatibility with your device before inserting the storage device
• Equally important, only buy one from a brand known for high-quality SD cards

Final Words

How to recover files from corrupted SD cards got easier thanks to the above discussion. It recommends to you an excellent data recovery tool known as WondershareRecoverit. It is popular for successful recoveries and excellent features.

So, you can always count on it for corrupted SD card recovery. But if it doesn’t work, there are other methods to try out. The guide on how to use each method is crystal clear. You also know the causes of corrupted SD cards and preventive measures.