Memory Card Errors and Solutions on Canon Camera - Ultimate Guide

Eleanor Reed

Apr 14, 2025 • Filed to: Photo/Video/Audio Solutions • Proven solutions

Are you experiencing a memory card error on your Canon camera? If so, you've come to the right place for a comprehensive guide on how to resolve this common issue.

Canon cameras are known for their reliability and widespread usage around the globe, but occasionally, users may encounter unpredictable memory card errors. Don't fret, as we have compiled an extensive list of the most frequently encountered Canon memory card errors and their corresponding solutions to help you get back to capturing stunning photos in no time. Let's dive into the world of memory card error Canon solutions and ensure your camera is functioning at its best!

Part 1 How to Fix Canon Memory Card Errors?

A lot of times while working on Canon cameras, users get unwanted errors. There could be a hardware or a software reason behind these common issues. While some of them can be related to your memory card, others can be triggered by something else. Here are some of these common Canon errors with their quick solutions.

1. Err 02

Users mostly get the Err 02 displayed on their camera screen when there is an issue with the memory card. Ideally, the camera is not able to read the memory card or access its stored information. Here are some ways to fix card cannot be accessed error on Canon.

• Turn off the camera and eject the memory card from it. Wait for a while and insert it once again. Restart the camera after inserting the memory card.
• Make sure that the memory card you are using is compatible with your Canon camera.
• If nothing else works, then format the memory card. You can do it by visiting your camera’s settings. Also, you can attach it to your computer and do a quick format as well.

2. Err 03

The Err 03 usually happens when there are multiple folders and sub-folders in your memory card. This confuses the camera as its software can’t access the default folder to save the photos.

• Simply connect your card to your computer and arrange the folders properly. Get rid of unwanted folders and make sure that there is only one root folder (like DCIM).
• You can also take a backup of your photos, format the memory card, and reinsert it to your Canon.

3. Err 04

We get the Err 04 on our Canon camera when the memory card storage becomes full. This means, the camera is not able to save the new photos and is running out of space. Thankfully, it can easily be fixed in the following way.

• Just get rid of the photos you no longer need. You can go to the camera’s menu and delete all photos at once. Alternatively, you can delete one photo at a time as well.

• Insert your memory card into the system and transfer some of the photos to a safe location. This will make more space on the card.
• If you are not able to delete the contents of a memory card, then make sure it is not locked. The left slide should be up (and not down). If the lid is up, then it means the card is unlocked and its photos can be deleted.

4. Err 10

The Err 10 on a Canon camera occurs when there is an issue with the file system of the memory card. There could be a software-related issue with it as well.

• Turn off the camera, remove the memory card, and reinsert it. Turn it back again after a while.
• Switch off your Canon camera and remove its battery. Wait for a while and insert the batteries again. Now, switch it on and see if it resolves the issue.

5. Err 99

This is one of the most commonly faced Canon camera errors. It displays a message that shooting is not possible, which can happen due to a corrupt Canon camera, a software or hardware problem, a contact issue between the lens and the body, defective storage, or anything else. Here’s how you can fix it.

• Make sure that the shutter is not dirty by quickly cleaning it.
• Turn off the camera and remove its battery. Wait for a while, install the batteries, and turn it on.
• Remove the memory card and insert it again after a while.
• Use a dry cloth and clean the lens as well as the electric contacts carefully.

Part 2. How to Keep Data Safe while Solving the Canon Memory Card Error?

To keep your data safe and prevent from any data loss or corrupted, it’s recommended to back up all the data stored on the SD card first before solving the Canon memory card error.

How to Backup the Data on a Canon Memory Card?

To backup the data stored on the Canon memory card, you can choose Recoverit data recovery software. It supports recovering data from various storage devices, including USB flash drives, SD memory cards, NAS/Linux servers, hard drives, SSDs, and more. And for a complete data backup, Recoverit supports creating disk images as well, which you can use for recovering the data from the memory card. Here are the specific steps:

Step 1. Disk Image Creation

1. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit, then launch it.

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2. Connect the SD card to your computer. Locate the Disk Image option under the Hard Drives and Locations section. And click on it.

3. Select the drive or partition to create a disk image. Here, you need to select the Canon memory card to continue the disk image creation.
4. Wait for the process to complete.

Step 2. Recover Files

1. Still, go to the Disk Image option.
2. Import the disk image file you created before, and click Scan.

3. Once the scanning process completes, you can find all the data stored on the memory card. You can select the files to preview and recover.
4. Select Recover, then download the files locally.

Mac users can turn to the page: How to Recover Deleted Files from an Formatted SD Card on Mac.

2. Video Tutorial on How to Recover Files from Disk Image?

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Part 3: How to Fix Specific Memory Card Problems on Canon Camera

Besides the above-listed memory card errors on Canon, users can encounter some specific problems as well. For instance, your attached memory card can be inaccessible or even be corrupt. The good thing is that most of these problems can easily be resolved. Here are some of these common memory card errors related to Canon cameras with their easy fix.

Problem 1: Photos & Videos Are Inaccessible

Too many times, the photos and videos stored on the memory card become inaccessible. That is, users are not able to view them or even transfer them to another location. If ignored, this can lead to a permanent loss of data.

Causes

There could be different reasons behind this. The attached memory card could have been corrupted by a virus attack. It can be physically damaged or the file system could have been tampered with as well.

Solutions

Problem 2: Memory Card Can't Be Read

A Canon camera can’t always read all kinds of memory cards. If you have attached a corrupt, non-compatible, or damaged memory card, then you might encounter this issue. If the card can’t be read, then the camera won’t be able to store your photos.

Causes

A corrupt memory card is one of the major reasons for this. Also, if the card is not compatible or runs on a non-supported file system, then it can lead to this problem.

Solutions

Problem 3: Slow Speed while Transferring Data

Sometimes, while transferring data from one source to another, users face unwanted lags. The processing speed of your card or camera could be affecting this.

Causes

This mostly happens when the memory card has no free space. Also, an old non-compatible card can be a reason behind this.

Solutions

Problem 4: Memory Card Is Locked

Almost all the memory cards have a write protection switch at the top left corner. When it is turned on, it prevents us from making any modifications to the card. Therefore, if the memory card (or even the card slot) is locked, then you won’t be able to delete/modify its content.

Solutions

To resolve this memory card error on Canon, simply unmount the card from the camera first. Now, check the position of the lid. If it is up, then it means the card is unlocked. If the lid is down, then the card would be locked.

Simply turn it up to unlock the card and connect it to your camera again.

Problem 5: Photos & Videos Are Lost

While the situation might seem like a nightmare, chances are that you might end up losing your stored photos or videos out of the blue. In this, users are not able to access their stored photos/videos anymore.

Causes

There could be different reasons for unexpected data loss. Accidental deletion, corrupt card, software issue, formatting of data, malware attack, change in file systems, etc. are some common reasons.

Solutions

Part 4 How to Maintain Your Canon Camera Memory Card

If you want to make your memory card more durable and avoid any unwanted memory card error on Canon, then consider following these suggestions.

Closing Words

In conclusion, by utilizing the information provided in this comprehensive guide, you can effectively tackle and resolve the most common Canon memory card errors. Our aim is to equip you with a diverse set of solutions to ensure that you can overcome any major memory card error that may arise with your Canon camera.

To safeguard against unexpected data loss and further enhance your experience, consider using Recoverit Photo Recovery. This user-friendly and reliable photo recovery solution will quickly become your go-to tool for preserving your cherished memories, even in the face of a memory card error on your Canon device.