What are the common signs of a damaged SD card?

Common signs of a damaged SD card include error messages when accessing files, slow read/write speeds, corrupted files, or the card not being recognized by the device.

How to recover data from a damaged SD card?

1. Download Wondershare Recoverit. 2. Use Recoverit to scan the damaged SD card. 3. Preview and download the recovered files.

How to Recover Data from Damaged SD Card

Eleanor Reed

Apr 14, 2025 • Filed to: SD Card Solutions • Proven solutions

How can I recover my data from a damaged memory card? I got an error message, "SD card is damaged. Try reformatting it." It is used on my Android phone from my SD card. Should I format it? How can I fix the damaged SD card, and get my data back?

SD memory card is the most popular photo storage device used in Android phones and digital cameras. The car will get corrupted with a message "SD card is damaged. Try reformatting it. ". If you format the card, you will lose all data files stored in it. How to fix a damaged SD card? The next guide will show you the best way to fix the damaged SD memory card. We will also introduce the best Damaged SD card recovery software to help you retrieve all data files back.

Part 1. 7 Ways to Fix Damaged SD Card
Part 2. Video Tutorial on SD Card Repair: How to Fix Corrupted SD Card
Part 3. How to Recover Data from Damaged SD Card

The common reasons that cause SD card damage error:

SD memory card file system got corrupted ;
Improper eject the micro SD card from the computer or other devices;
The SD card got virus attacks;
Using the same SD memory card on multiple devices;
Removing the card from a device during data transfer.

Part 1. 7 Ways to Fix Damaged SD Card

While your SD card got damaged, you should turn off your Android phone and take out your SD card, and try to insert the card into your Android phone (or digital camera). If it works, you can copy your data files to another storage device and format the card. If the card is still unreadable, you can follow the next solution to fix your SD memory card:

Solution 1. Connect Your SD Card to the Computer

You need to get a card reader and connect your damaged SD memory card to the computer. Scan and repair the SD card on your computer.

Go to "My Computer" and click the connected SD card.
Right-click the card section and click its "Properties."
Click the tab "Tools," and you can click the "Check" button.
After the process of scanning is completed, close the Windows.
Eject your SD card from the PC.

Solution 2. File Attributes Repair

The display of files is determined by their various attributes. If these attributes are corrupted, it may result in the inability to access the files. In such a scenario, the following method can be used to repair the file attributes and unhide the hidden files stored on the SD card.

Search for "cmd" in the search box and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
Next, input the following command and press Enter:
ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.*

Solution 3. Repair Damaged SD Card Using Command Prompt

Connect your SD card to the computer and go to "My Computer."
Make sure your SD card is detected on your computer.
Go to the start menu, and type in "cmd." The window will come out.
Type "chkdsk X: /r", where "X" is the card’s letter.

repair corrupt sd card using cmd

The chkdsk command will scan the damaged SD card and check the issues to repair the damaged micro SD card. After the scanning, try to connect the card to the device to check if the error "SD card is damaged. Try reformatting it" has been solved or not.

Solution 4. Disable the SD Memory Card

Connect the card to the computer and go to the "Device Manager."
Right-click on the Micro SD card and select "Disable."
Waite for a while and click "Enable."
After the changes, you can restart your computer.

disable sd card

Solution 5. Assign a New Drive Letter

Connect your Micro SD card to the computer and go to "Disk Management."
Please get to the SD card and right-click on it.
Select the option of "Change Drive Letter and Paths."
After the changes are completed, restart your computer and try to connect your SD card again.

disable sd card

With all the above solutions, you can try to fix the damaged SD card. The most effective way to recover data from a damaged SD card is to get a powerful SD card data recovery software to help you recover a corrupt Micro SD card.

Solution 6. Reinstall SD Card Drivers

An incorrect driver update can prevent you from accessing your SD card's content. To resolve this issue, you need to reinstall the SD card drivers.

Right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager.
Expand the Disk drivers section, then right-click the SD card.
Select Uninstall device.
Disconnect the SD card and restart the computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the appropriate drivers.

uninstall the drive

Solution 7. Format the SD Card

The final option to repair the damaged SD card is to perform a format. While this process erases all data on the SD card, it also establishes a new file system, potentially resolving specific logical or software-related issues that may be causing the disk to malfunction.

Tip: To safeguard important data, it's advisable to create a data backup before proceeding with the format.

Right-click the Start menu and choose Disk Management.
Locate the SD card, right-click it, and select Format.
Ensure that the Quick Format option is unchecked for a comprehensive format.
Select a file system, then click Start to initiate the formatting process.

format the disk

Part 2. Video Tutorial on SD Card Repair: How to Fix Corrupted SD Card

Part 3. How to Recover Data from Damaged SD Card?

The Best Damaged SD Card Recovery Software

Recoverit Data Recovery is the best-damaged SD card recovery software. It can help you recover data from damaged or corrupted SD cards easily and effectively.

Recover data files from damaged SD memory cards effectively, safely, and completely.
Recover data from SD card due to accidental deletion, formatted, and virus attack.
Recover photos and videos from damaged SD cards with a high success rate.
Supported OS: Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista and Mac OS X 10.10 and later.

How to Recover Data from Damaged SD Card?

Download and install Recoverit SD Card Data Recovery Software on your computer. Connect your SD card to the computer and follow the next steps to perform damaged SD card recovery on a Windows computer. If you are working on Mac, you need to download Recoverit Data Recovery for Mac.

Free Download | Win Windows Version Free Download | Mac Mac Version

Security Verified. 3,591,664 people have downloaded it.

Step 1. Select your SD Memory Card

Launch Recoverit Data Recovery software on your computer. Then select the SD card from the SD Card section, and click the "Scan" button to process.

select damaged sd card

Step 2. Scanning the Damaged SD Card

Recoverit Data Recovery will start scanning the card to search your files. After the first scan, if you cannot find your data, you need to scan with the "Deep Scan" mode, which will search for more files from the card.

scanning the damaged sd card

Step 3. Preview and Recover Damaged SD Card

After the deep scan, you can check all recoverable data files on the results. Preview some recovered photos, click the "Recover" button and save all your recovered files on the computer hard drive. (Note: do not save any recovered data on the damaged SD card in case of data loss again.)

recover damaged sd card

If your damaged or corrupted SD memory card is repaired in success, you could easily get your data files back with Recoverit SD Card Data Recovery software. It will keep your data files private and get them back in simple steps. Download and try it for now.

Free Download | Win Windows Version Free Download | Mac Mac Version