How to undo write protection on micro sd card​?

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to undo write protection on a micro SD card:

I. Write Protection

What is write protection?

Write protection is a security feature that prevents any data from being written, modified, or deleted on a storage device like a micro SD card. It can be either a physical or a software – enabled mechanism. Physical write protection is usually achieved through a small switch on the SD card itself. When this switch is in the “locked” position, the card is write – protected. Software – based write protection can occur due to various factors such as incorrect device settings, file system errors, or virus/malware infections.

Why is it important to remove write protection?

If your micro SD card is write – protected, you won’t be able to save new files, update existing files, or delete unwanted data. This can be a major hindrance, especially if you need to use the card for tasks such as storing photos from a camera, adding music to a media player, or using it as storage for a smartphone or other mobile devices.

II. Physical Solutions

Check for a physical write – protection switch

Location: The physical write – protection switch is usually located on the side of the micro SD card. It’s a small tab that can be slid up or down.

Operation: If the card has a physical write – protection switch, make sure it’s in the “unlocked” position. The “unlocked” position usually allows for writing to the card. In some cases, the position may be labeled with symbols such as an open lock (for unlocked) and a closed lock (for locked).

Clean the SD card and the card slot

Dust and debris: Sometimes, dust, lint, or other debris can cause a connection problem that might trigger a false write – protection state. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust from the micro SD card and the device’s card slot.

Corrosion: If the card has been exposed to moisture, there might be a chance of corrosion on the contacts. Gently wipe the contacts of the micro SD card with a clean, dry, lint – free cloth. Be careful not to damage the contacts while doing so.

III. Software – based Solutions for Windows

Using Diskpart Utility

Open Diskpart: Press the Windows key + R, type “diskpart” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. This will open the Diskpart command – prompt utility.

List the disks: In the Diskpart window, type “list disk” and press Enter. This will display a list of all the disks connected to your computer. Identify the disk number of your micro SD card. It’s usually a small, removable disk.

Select the disk: Type “select disk [disk number]” (replace [disk number] with the actual disk number of your micro SD card) and press Enter.

Check the attributes: Type “attributes disk clear readonly” and press Enter. This command will clear the read – only attribute of the disk, effectively removing the write – protection.

Exit Diskpart: Type “exit” and press Enter to close the Diskpart utility.

Changing Registry Settings (Advanced and Risky)

Warning: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems if not done correctly. It’s recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.

Access the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type “regedit” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.

Navigate to the relevant key: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies. If the “StorageDevicePolicies” key doesn’t exist, you may need to create it. Right – click on “Control”, select “New” -> “Key”, and name it “StorageDevicePolicies”.

Modify or add a DWORD value: Inside the “StorageDevicePolicies” key, look for a DWORD value called “WriteProtect”. If it exists, double – click on it and change the value data from “1” to “0”. If it doesn’t exist, right – click on an empty space in the “StorageDevicePolicies” key, select “New” -> “DWORD (32 – bit) Value”, and name it “WriteProtect”. Then, set the value data to “0”.

Restart your computer: After making the registry changes, restart your computer to apply the changes.

IV. Software – based Solutions for Mac

Using Disk Utility

Open Disk Utility: You can find Disk Utility in the Applications/Utilities folder. Launch it.

Locate the micro SD card: In the left – hand side panel of Disk Utility, you’ll see a list of all the disks and volumes. Locate your micro SD card. It might be listed under “External” or “Removable” devices.

Check the permissions: Click on the micro SD card in the list and then click on the “First Aid” button. Disk Utility will check and repair any file system errors and permissions issues that might be causing the write – protection.

Format the card (as a last resort): If the above steps don’t work, you can try formatting the card. But be aware that formatting will erase all the data on the card. Click on the “Erase” tab in Disk Utility, select the appropriate file system (such as FAT32 or exFAT), give the card a new name if you like, and click “Erase”.

V. Software – based Solutions for Linux

Using the Command Line

Check the disk information: Open a terminal and type “sudo fdisk -l”. This command will list all the disks and partitions on your system. Identify the partition of your micro SD card.

Mount the disk: If the card is not already mounted, you need to mount it. For example, if the partition of the micro SD card is /dev/sdb1. you can mount it using the command “sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /mnt” (assuming you want to mount it to the /mnt directory).

Check and change the file system attributes: Use the command “sudo chattr -i -R /mnt” (replace /mnt with the actual mount point of your micro SD card). The “-i” option in the chattr command is used to remove the immutable flag, which can be a cause of write – protection.

Unmount the disk: After making the changes, unmount the disk using the command “sudo umount /mnt”.

VI. Troubleshooting and Additional Considerations

Device – specific issues

Some devices, such as cameras or mobile phones, may have their own internal settings that can cause write – protection. For example, in a camera, there might be a setting to protect the images from accidental deletion, which can also affect the write – ability of the SD card. Check the device’s user manual to see if there are any such settings and adjust them accordingly.

File system errors

If the file system of the micro SD card is corrupted, it can lead to write – protection. Formatting the card can often solve this problem, but as mentioned before, it will erase all data. Before formatting, you can try using data recovery software to salvage any important data from the card.

Virus and malware infections

Malicious software can sometimes set write – protection on a micro SD card to prevent you from removing or modifying the files it has infected. Use a reliable antivirus or anti – malware program to scan and clean your system and the micro SD card.