[Updated] How to Recover Data From Corrupted SD Card

You’re sitting at your desk, feeling clammy because your presentation is due in 10 minutes which could make or break your career. But your slides? They’re stuck on a memory card, which you’re unable to access.?

You try every way you can imagine to recover files from corrupted SD card, but nothing happens, nada. That’s the cue for panic to take over your thoughts. Here the big question that might come to your mind might be, “How to recover data from corrupted SD card, and is it even viable? But don’t panic and let’s find out its answer below!

Part 1: Can You Recover Files From Corrupted SD Card?

Yes. You can recover files from corrupted SD card but, success depends on whether your card is logically or physically damaged. Logical corruption happens due to software issues like file system errors, accidental deletion, or malware, and can usually be fixed. If your memory card is logically damaged, there are several ways to recover data.?

You can use a corrupt SD card recovery. While advanced users can try manual methods, such as running CHKDSK command in Windows to fix file system errors. But it’s important to act quickly, as continuous use of your SD card might overwrite data, making recovery harder. Also, avoid formatting card, as that can permanently erase files.?

On other hand, if your SD card displays symptoms of physical damage, you’ll have to repair SD card and then recover data afterward. If damage is severe, professional data recovery services are also an option, as they have specialized tools and expertise.

Part 2: What to Do Before Performing Corrupt SD Card Recovery?

Before learning how to recover data from corrupted SD card you must determine the type of damage your memory card has so as to choose the best remedy. Many times the problem might not be in your memory card but with its connection, card reader, recognition, or driver. So, make certain to check them before going full throttle on corrupt SD card recovery. Here’s what to do:

1. Identify SD Card Damage - Look for visible issues like cracks or water damage. If present, seek professional help. But if there are no visible problems, the damage is likely software-related.
2. Check Connection - Make certain your SD card is properly inserted into card reader. Try using a different slot or device to rule out connection problems.
3. Verify SD Card Is Recognized - Check if your SD card appears in “Device Manager” and “Disk Management.” If it doesn’t in either then issue might be with your card reader. But if it appears but its files are inaccessible the problem lies with your memory card’s software.
4. Update Disk Driver - Outdated drivers might give a false appearance that your memory card is corrupted. So, download latest drivers automatically through Windows or from your card reader’s manufacturer’s website.

Part 3: How to Recover Data From Corrupted SD Card?

Here’s how to recover corrupted SD card with help of 4 methods mentioned below. Pick a solution based on whether your memory card is logically or physically damaged:

Solution 1: Use the CHKDSK command

CHKDSK is a Windows tool that scans and repairs file system errors on storage devices like SD cards. While it can’t recover files from corrupted SD card directly, it can fix lost clusters, cross-linked files, bad sectors, or directory errors to restore file system’s integrity. After repairing your memory card, you can learn how to recover corrupted SD card with specialized software. But first, follow steps below to use CHKDSK to fix your memory card’s logical errors:

Step 1: In Windows search field, write “cmd.” Then, choose “Command Prompt” and execute it.

Step 2: Input following command. Hit “Enter” afterward:

• chkdsk F: /x /r. (Here replace “F” with your your memory card’s letter, /x dismounts disk for repairs, /r finds bad sectors and recovers readable data from them. While /f fix errors in SD card).

Step 3: Wait for CHKDSK to complete memory card repair process.

Solution 2: Employ 4DDiG Data Recovery

Now after repairing your memory card with CHKDSK if you want to learn how to recover data from corrupted SD card, 4DDiG Data Recovery offers the best solution.?

Even if you’re unable to fix your memory card with CHKDSK, this tool can retrieve data successfully. It can reclaim corrupted, formatted, deleted or hidden files from SD card and various other external and internal devices. The tool can do following feats:

• Can recover files from memory cards, drones, digital cameras, USBs, hard drives, and more.
• Can reclaim 2000+ file types from SD cards, including images, audio, video, and documents.
• Lets you choose only those files you wish to recover from your memory card.
• Can retrieve SD card files corrupted due to system crashes, boot failures or other unknown reasons.
• Supports various kinds of SD cards like SDHC, SDXC, and microSD.
• Allow Windows users to recover a corrupted SD card for free.

Here’s how to recover data from corrupted SD card with help of this tool:

Step 1: Download and install this corrupt SD card recovery tool on your computer. Then, connect your corrupted memory card to same PC.?

Step 2: Select “SD Card” from left menu. Hit “Scan.” Choose file types you wish to recover, scan for them and pause when you find them.

Step 3: Preview recovered memory card files beneath “File View” or “Tree View. Next, export recovered SD card files to a different location, like your computer or cloud storage.

Solution 3: Use Previous Backup (Cloud or Another Hard Drive)

If you’re particularly looking for a way to know how to recover broken SD card data without software, a previous backup can be helpful. It could be on cloud or another disk. A previous backup is also a good option in the event your memory card is physically damaged.?

If you’ve copied your SD card files on an external or internal disk you can reclaim them from there. Otherwise, if you have a cloud backup like on Google Drive, here’s how to recover broken SD card data:

Step 1: Visit your “Google Drive.” Then, choose files or folders that existed on your memory card.

Step 2: Next, press and hold “Ctrl”while you select multiple files.

Step 3: Tap “three-dot” menu. Then, choose “Download,” or right-click a file and select “Download” to send it to your computer.

Solution 4: Contact Data Recovery Services

Still asking how to recover broken SD card data? It could be that you don’t possess a backup or your SD card is physically damaged that’s why data recovery software is not able to fix it. In both cases, reach out to a data recovery service to retrieve files from your memory card.?

They have the tools and skills to reclaim files from a physically damaged SD card. However, they can be expensive depending on your memory card size, amount of data to reclaim and severity of damage.

FAQs About How to Recover Data From Corrupted SD Card

Q1: What are the signs of a corrupted SD card?

A corrupted SD card may show symptoms like missing or unreadable files, error messages such as “SD card not detected” or “SD card is corrupted.” It may also display signs of slower performance when loading files, and unexpected device issues like freezing, crashing, or restarting when card is used.

Q2: Does formatting fix a corrupted SD card?

Yes. Formatting can fix a corrupted SD card, if file system is damaged. However, it will also clear away all data. So, use a data recovery software like 4DDiG Data Recovery before formatting your memory card.

Bottom Line

Knowing how to recover data from corrupted SD card is dependent on whether your card is logically or physically damaged. If it has logical errors, you can first repair it with CHKDSK and then recover its data with specialized software like 4DDiG Data Recovery.?

It can retrieve files from corrupted, formatted, virus-infected, and crashed internal/external storage devices with high success. In the event your memory card is physically broken, contact data recovery services immediately.