Recover files from sd card after format​

Fortunately, there’s a silver lining SD cards that have been formatted don’t automatically erase the data completely. Instead, the space is marked as available for new data to overwrite the old. This means that with the right tools and knowledge, it’s often possible to recover files from an SD card even after it has been formatted.

What Happens When an SD Card is Formatted?

Before diving into recovery, it’s crucial to understand what happens when you format an SD card. Formatting an SD card is often a straightforward task that prepares the storage for reuse by clearing the file system and removing file structures. However, depending on the type of format performed, the data on the card may not be immediately gone.

There are typically two types of formats:

Quick Format: This is the most common type of formatting, where the file system is simply reset, and the directory structure is erased. The data itself remains intact until it’s overwritten by new files.

Full Format: In a full format, the card is completely erased, and each sector is checked for errors. The data is less likely to be recoverable after a full format, but in some cases, it may still be possible to recover it.

In both cases, the data is still physically present on the SD card until it’s overwritten with new data. This is why it’s crucial to stop using the card immediately after formatting if you want to recover the files.

Step 1: Stop Using the SD Card

The first and most important rule when you’ve accidentally formatted an SD card is to stop using it. Every time you write new data to the card, it could overwrite the sectors where your old files were stored, making them much harder, or even impossible, to recover.

Do not take new pictures, add files, or do anything that involves writing to the SD card. Instead, remove the SD card from the device immediately to prevent further data from being saved onto it.

Step 2: Choose the Right Data Recovery Software

To recover your files from a formatted SD card, you will need data recovery software. There are many options available, both paid and free, but not all are created equal. Choosing the right tool will depend on factors like ease of use, recovery capabilities, and support for your SD card type.

Here are some of the top data recovery software tools:

1. Panda Data Recovery

Panda Data Recovery is an excellent tool for recovering lost or formatted files from an SD card. With its user-friendly interface, it allows you to scan your SD card for deleted files and even files from formatted partitions. Panda also provides advanced scanning options for users who need a deeper recovery process.

Step 3: Install and Launch the Recovery Software

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate data recovery software, the next step is to install it on your computer. It’s essential to install the recovery software on a different drive from the one you want to recover data from—preferably on your computer’s main hard drive.

After installation:

Open the software.

Connect your SD card to your computer using a card reader, if it’s not already in your computer.

Select your SD card from the list of available drives in the recovery software.

Step 4: Scan the SD Card for Recoverable Files

After selecting your SD card, the next step is to initiate a scan for deleted or formatted files. Most recovery software offers two types of scans:

Quick Scan: This scan looks for recently deleted files and is usually faster.

Deep Scan: This scan performs a more thorough search, often taking longer, but it can find files that were deleted a long time ago or files that have been overwritten.

For formatted SD cards, the deep scan is the better option. It may take a while, depending on the size of your SD card, but it’s much more likely to recover files from a formatted SD card.

Step 5: Preview and Select Files for Recovery

After the scan completes, the recovery software will display a list of recoverable files. Some software, such as Recuva and Disk Drill, will allow you to preview files like images, videos, and documents to ensure they are intact and usable.

At this stage:

Review the recoverable files to confirm they’re the ones you want to restore.

Select the files you wish to recover.

Choose a location on your computer (or another storage device) to save the recovered files. Do not save the recovered files to the SD card this could overwrite other recoverable files.

Step 6: Complete the Recovery Process

Once you’ve selected the files you want to recover, click the “Recover” or “Restore” button to begin the recovery process. Depending on the size and number of files, this process may take a few minutes or longer.

After the recovery is complete, verify that the files have been successfully restored and can be opened without issues.

Step 7: Back Up Your Files Regularly

The best way to prevent data loss is to create regular backups of your files. Even though data recovery is often possible, it’s far easier to restore from a backup than to go through the recovery process. Consider using cloud storage, external hard drives, or other backup methods to ensure that your important files are always protected.

Tips for Preventing Future Data Loss

Always Eject Properly: Safely eject your SD card from your device before removing it to avoid data corruption.

Avoid Full Formats: If possible, avoid performing a full format on your SD card unless absolutely necessary.

Use Backup Software: Set up automatic backups for your important files to ensure they are regularly saved and protected.

Regularly Check SD Card Health: Over time, SD cards can degrade. Keep an eye on your SD card’s health using diagnostic tools to catch problems before they lead to data loss.

Store SD Cards in a Safe Place: Protect your SD cards from physical damage by storing them in a safe, dry place.

Recovering files from a formatted SD card is entirely possible, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can retrieve lost data with ease. The key is to act quickly, stop using the SD card to avoid overwriting data, and use reliable data recovery software like Panda Data Recovery, Recuva, EaseUS, or Disk Drill.