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Successful Ways for SD Card Recovery on Android

Have you recently lost some valuable files from your Android SD card? Follow these methods and steps to learn how to perform SD card recovery on Android successfully.
David Darlington
David Darlington Originally published Jun 27, 24, updated Nov 26, 24

Using an SD card for your Android device can significantly impact your experience. You'll have much more space to work with and store your valuable files. Sometimes, things may go sideways, and you may lose your precious files. For instance, you may have moved your valuables from your phone to an SD card and accidentally formatted it, leading to data loss.

If you're currently in this position, we've prepared the best SD card recovery for Android solutions, such as the trash app, Wondershare Dr.Fone, Wondershare Recoverit, cloud services, and professional recovery services. In this way, you can recover photos from SD cards on Android, together with other valuable data.

Without further ado, let's jump into the guide.

In this article

Is Android SD Card Recovery Possible?

Absolutely! Recovering data from an Android SD card is possible if you use the right tools. For instance, you can quickly restore your files from the trash bin if you've accidentally deleted them. However, if you've formatted the card or reset your Android phone, you may need a professional solution to get your data back.

We'll name all solutions below to help you choose the right one and start the recovery process. You can compare the methods and learn which one to use in this table.

SD Card Recovery for Android
Scenario Full Review
The trash app If you've accidentally deleted your data less than a month ago, use this solution. It's able to recover images, videos, and documents, but not all Android devices provide this feature.
Wondershare Dr.FoneIf you deleted your files over a month ago and don't have a desktop to recover them, use this method. It's capable of recovering deleted and corrupted data within a few minutes.
Wondershare RecoveritUse this method for the worst loss scenarios, such as formatting, corruption, viruses, and others. It can recover any file type from any data loss scenario.
Cloud servicesIf you have a backup of your lost files in cloud, you can easily retrieve them with cloud services. It's ideal for individual file loss, but it may not be suitable for complete SD card data loss.
Professional recovery solutionsContact professional services in case of physical damage to the SD card. The professionals will take care of your card and ensure to get everything they can out of it.

Way 1: Perform SD Card Recovery on Android With the Trash App

Newer Android models will have an application similar to the trash app on desktop devices. This application will also hold onto your deleted memories for a month, and you can easily retrieve them by following the guide below.

We must note that the location of the trash option may differ depending on the make and model of your phone, so you should first explore the location and then start the recovery experience.

  1. Open the My Files application on your device.
    open my files
  2. Next, scroll down to discover the Trash/Recently Deleted option or click the three dots.
    the recently deleted folder
  3. Once you open the Trash/Recently Deleted folder, select the files you wish to retrieve and tap the Recover button, as presented in the image below.
    recover data from the trash bin

Once you complete these steps, the file will appear at its original location.

Way 2: Using SD Card Data Recovery Software for Android- Without PC

Other data loss cases, such as corruption, viruses, and malware, may require professional data recovery software solutions. However, if you don't have a desktop or simply don't want to add another step to your routine, we advise you to use Wondershare Dr.Fone.

This powerful solution uses one of the most advanced recovery algorithms on the market, so you can easily retrieve everything that's been lost. Wondershare Dr.Fone is easy to use and intuitive, meaning you can navigate your journey even with no previous experience. Moreover, the tool uses advanced security mechanisms, such as encryption, to protect your valuables. This means that you can recover your sensitive files worry-free.

Moreover, the tool was designed as a phone management solution, so you can continue using it after recovery to get the most out of your Android journey.

Download Dr.Fone
Download Dr.Fone

Visit the official store, download the tool to your Android phone, and follow these steps for a successful recovery experience:

  1. Open the app and tap Recovery from the bottom menu.
    open dr. fone recovery
  2. Next, select the types of files you want to search for.
    select the file types
  3. As soon as you tap the button, the program will start scanning for lost files.
  4. After the scanning process, tap the Recover Now option under the file.
    recover the files

Once you complete these steps, the files will appear in their original locations.

Way 3: Recover Android SD Card Data With Recovery Software (SD Card Reader Connection)

If, on the other hand, you own a desktop device, you can take your recovery experience to the next level. The most efficient way to get your data back from the worst loss scenarios is by using designated recovery software solutions like Wondershare Recoverit. This tool uses advanced mechanisms that will retrieve your valuables from any loss scenarios.

It's compatible with all file types, so you won't have to worry about leaving some of your files behind. Wondershare Recoverit is suitable for all data loss scenarios, such as SD card corruption, viruses, formatting, accidental deletion, electrical damage, and more.

Moreover, the average success rate is 98%, meaning it's a trustworthy product that will enhance your experience and help you on the recovery journey. The tool can recover all file types from all SD cards in all loss scenarios, so you can be worry-free and watch your data come back in just a few moments.

You'll need a card reader to recover data from an Android SD card. Most newer laptops will have SD card reader ports, but you can invest in one if you use this recovery method.

Free Download
Free Download

Download the tool to your desktop device, insert the SD card, and follow these steps to get your valuables back:

  1. Open the app and click on the Hard Drives and Locations option.
  2. Next, select your Android SD card from the available options.
    choose the location
  3. As soon as you select the SD card, the program will start scanning. The program provides quick scanning (for accidental deletion or recently lost files), and a deep scan for more serious scenarios. Choose the one that fits your recovery needs. You can track the progress or pause the process in this window.
    scan the location
  4. Filter your files according to their type and size for easier access.
    filter by file type
  5. You can also search for specific files by their names.
    filter by Image name
  6. After scanning, preview the recovered files and select the ones to save. Click the Recover button.
    preview and recover
  7. Choose where to save the files.

And just like that, you'll have all of your files back.

Way 4: Recover Android SD Card Data From the Cloud

Most Android users have cloud backups, especially if you have a Google account. Cloud solutions will usually automatically backup the saved data, leading to data loss prevention. You can quickly regain access to your favorite memories by downloading the content from the cloud platform.

The guide for this method will depend on the cloud service you use. We'll present a guide for Google Drive since it's one of the most used and universal platforms available. Let's check out how to recover Android SD card data using cloud services:

  1. Open the Google Drive application on your Android phone.
    open the google drive app
  2. Select the files you wish to retrieve.
  3. Tap on the three dots from the top right corner.
    options
  4. Select Download.
    download the files

After this, you can find your files in the download folder on your phone.

Way 5: Recover Deleted Files From SD Card on Android Via Data Recovery Services

If your SD card experienced physical damage, such as dents, drops, or water damage, the best solution is to send your card to professional recovery services. These services specialize in physical damage and data recovery from all devices, ensuring the best possible experience.

The first step is to discover professional services in your area/country and explain the issue. They'll create a quote based on your problem so you'll know how much to pay. Then, you'll ship the SD card to their location and let the professionals do their magic.

For instance, some of the most reliable recovery services you can find on the market today include Salvage Data, Proven Data, and Secure Data Recovery. The service you choose will depend on your location and needs.

sd card recovery

More Information: How Can SD Card Data Get Deleted on Android?

Numerous reasons may lead to data deletion or missing files on your Android SD card. We'll present some of the most common issues below to give you insight into your journey.

  • Accidental deletion – You may have accidentally selected some of your important files while trying to clean up space, leading to accidental data loss scenarios.
  • Viruses and malware – A virus entering your system can wipe away everything from your SD card, leading to data loss and stressful experiences.
  • Physical damage – Your SD card may experience normal wear and tear, or you may have accidentally dropped or damaged it, leading to an unresponsive card.
  • Formatting – This is one of the leading causes of data loss. You may have wanted to give your card a fresh start by formatting it, which resulted in a clean card with all of the data missing.

Conclusion

Losing valuable data from an Android SD card can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you've never encountered such issues. If you've recently noticed your files are missing, our guide above will help.

We've presented the five best ways to recover your data from an Android SD card using mobile apps, cloud services, trash, professional applications, and recovery services.

If you don't know the cause of the data loss and want the ultimate recovery experience, we advise you to try Wondershare Recoverit. It has the most powerful mechanisms to retrieve everything you've lost from your SD card.

Free Download
Free Download

FAQ

  • How to recover deleted files from an SD card Android without a PC?
    You can use professional recovery applications like Wondershare Dr.Fone to retrieve your valuables. All you have to do is download the app from the official store and follow these steps to enable the recovery feature:
    1. Open Dr.Fone on your Android phone and click on the Recovery option from the bottom menu.
    2. Select the file types you wish to recover.
    3. Wait for the app to scan the lost files.
    4. Tap the Recover Now option next to the file to save it.
  • How do you repair a corrupted SD card on an Android phone?
    The best way to repair a corrupted SD card on an Android phone is to format it. It will wipe away all the damage from the card, leaving you with a clean slate. Don't forget to recover your data before jumping into the process since it'll delete everything stored on the SD card.
  • Is there free SD card recovery software?
    Yes, you can find free SD card recovery software solutions like Recuva Data Recovery. However, these solutions may not have the best recovery mechanisms, so it's better to use free trials from professional tools like Wondershare Recoverit.
  • Can you recover an SD card without the software?
    It depends on the data loss scenario and the recovery process. For instance, if you've accidentally deleted your files, you can quickly recover them from the trash bin. If you don't want to DIY the process, you can ship your SD card to professional data recovery services and let them work their magic.
David Darlington
David Darlington Nov 26, 24
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