How to recover files from microsd card that won’t read​?

When you attempt to access your microSD card, but your device refuses to read it, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether it’s due to a corrupted file system, a physical malfunction, or a failure in the card’s interface, the inability to access your microSD card can prevent you from accessing important files such as photos, videos, documents, or other types of data. Fortunately, there are ways to recover files from a microSD card that won’t read.

1. Problem: Why Won’t the MicroSD Card Read?

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s important to understand why your microSD card is not being read. Several factors could contribute to this issue:

1.1. Physical Damage to the Card

MicroSD cards are susceptible to physical damage from exposure to extreme heat, moisture, or mishandling. If the card has been dropped, bent, or exposed to water, it may fail to work properly or stop functioning altogether. Physical damage could prevent your device from reading the card.

1.2. Corruption of the File System

The file system on the microSD card (typically FAT32. exFAT, or NTFS) may have become corrupted due to improper ejection, system crashes, or power interruptions while the card was in use. When this happens, the data stored on the card becomes unreadable by your device.

1.3. Device Compatibility Issues

Sometimes, the problem may lie with the device you are using to read the card. If you are using an older device or one that does not support the specific format of your microSD card, it may not be able to read it properly. This could also happen if the device’s card reader is faulty or outdated.

1.4. Faulty Card Reader or Adapter

If you are using an adapter or card reader to access the microSD card, a malfunctioning reader could be the cause of the issue. The reader itself might be damaged or incompatible with your card, causing it not to read the microSD properly.

1.5. SD Card Locking Mechanism

Many microSD cards come with a physical lock switch that prevents writing or modifying files. If the lock switch is engaged, the card may not be accessible for writing or reading on your device. Check to ensure the card’s lock switch is in the “unlocked” position.

2. Preliminary Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex recovery solutions, you should first perform a series of simple troubleshooting steps to rule out the most basic issues.

2.1. Test the MicroSD Card on Multiple Devices

One of the first things to try is using the microSD card on different devices. For instance, insert the card into a smartphone, tablet, camera, or computer that has a compatible card reader. If the card is recognized on any device, this indicates that the problem may lie with the original device you were using.

2.2. Inspect the Card for Physical Damage

Carefully examine the microSD card for visible signs of damage. Look for bent or broken connectors, scratches on the surface, or signs of water exposure. If the card is physically damaged, it might need to be replaced, and recovery options may be limited.

2.3. Check the Card Reader and Adapter

If you are using a USB card reader or an SD card adapter, test the reader with a different microSD card to ensure that the reader itself is working. If other cards are not being read either, the issue could be with the card reader. Similarly, if you are using an adapter, test it with another known-working microSD card to rule out adapter issues.

2.4. Confirm the MicroSD Card is Not Write-Protected

As mentioned earlier, many microSD cards have a small physical switch that locks the card, preventing any modifications. If this switch is set to the locked position, the card will be read-only, and some devices may fail to recognize it. Ensure that the lock switch on your microSD card is in the “unlocked” position.

3. Advanced Solutions to Recover Data

If the preliminary troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue, there are several advanced solutions you can try to recover files from a microSD card that won’t read.

3.1. Use a Different Operating System or Device

If you have a desktop or laptop with a Windows or Mac operating system, try accessing the microSD card from a different operating system. Sometimes, operating systems encounter issues reading certain file systems, but switching devices or systems could resolve the issue. Additionally, if you’re using a smartphone or tablet to read the card, consider transferring the microSD to a computer or vice versa.

3.2. Run a Disk Check (Windows)

If you’re using a Windows computer, running the built-in disk check tool (CHKDSK) can sometimes fix minor file system corruption that may be causing the microSD card to be unreadable.

Here’s how to run CHKDSK:

Insert the microSD card into your computer’s card reader.

Open File Explorer and locate the microSD card (usually listed as a removable disk).

Right-click on the microSD card and select Properties.

Click the Tools tab and then click Check under the “Error checking” section.

Follow the on-screen instructions to allow Windows to check and repair the file system.

Running CHKDSK can repair many types of file system corruption, but keep in mind that this process can sometimes result in data loss if the file system is severely damaged.

3.3. Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the data recovery process, even for non-technical users. With its advanced scanning algorithms, it can perform quick and deep scans to recover files from damaged or formatted storage devices. The software allows users to preview files before recovery, ensuring that only the necessary files are restored.

In addition to basic file recovery, Panda Assistant also offers partition recovery and the ability to retrieve files from external storage devices. Whether you’re recovering data from a system crash, accidental deletion, or corrupted files, Panda Assistant provides an efficient and secure solution. The software prioritizes privacy, ensuring that no data is exposed during the recovery process.

With its effective recovery methods and user-friendly design, Panda Assistant is an excellent choice for anyone looking to recover lost or damaged files. Whether for personal or professional use, it offers a comprehensive and reliable data recovery solution.

3.4. Format the MicroSD Card (If No Files Are Accessible)

If you’ve tried all other recovery methods without success and your microSD card is still unreadable, formatting the card might be your last resort. Formatting the microSD card will erase all data, so it should only be done if you have tried all recovery options and cannot access your files.

You can format your microSD card using the following steps:

Insert the microSD card into your computer.

Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

Right-click the microSD card and select Format.

Select a file system (FAT32 is commonly used for microSD cards).

Click Start to format the card.

After formatting, your microSD card will be usable again, but all files will be permanently erased.

3.5. Use a Professional Data Recovery Service

If your microSD card is physically damaged, the data recovery software fails to detect the card, or you cannot recover your files through any of the above methods, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These services are equipped with specialized tools and expertise to recover data from severely damaged or unreadable cards.

Keep in mind that professional data recovery can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee that all data can be recovered, especially if the card is physically damaged beyond repair.

4. Prevention Tips for Future Use

While data recovery can help you retrieve files from a microSD card that won’t read, it’s always better to prevent such issues from occurring in the first place. Here are some preventive tips to ensure your microSD card stays in good condition:

Safely Eject the Card: Always eject your microSD card from your device before removing it physically. Improper ejection can cause file system corruption.

Keep the Card Dry and Protected: Keep your microSD card away from extreme heat, moisture, and dust, which can damage it.

Backup Your Files Regularly: Regularly backup the data on your microSD card to another storage device or cloud storage. This way, even if the card becomes unreadable, you won’t lose your files.

Avoid Overuse: Avoid inserting and removing the card too frequently, as repeated use can cause wear and tear on both the card and the device’s card reader.

Start with basic troubleshooting steps like testing the card on different devices and checking for physical damage. If those don’t work, try software-based recovery tools or run disk checks to fix any corruption. If all else fails, consider seeking help from a professional data recovery service. Finally, always back up your data regularly to avoid future data loss.