Memory Card Errors and Solutions on Canon Camera

Eleanor Reed

Jan 31, 2023 • Filed to: Photo/Video/Audio Solutions • Proven solutions

If you own a Canon camera and are facing some unwanted errors related to its memory card, then you have come to the right place. While Canon cameras are quite reliable and are widely used the world over, they can be a bit unpredictable.

For instance, users often complain of memory card errors on Canon cameras. Don’t worry – this will be the last guide that you will read about memory card issues on Canon. We have listed all the commonly occurred errors on Canon and have provided their solutions as well. Let’s get it started!

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 this memory card 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 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 3 How to Recover Inaccessible or Lost Data from Canon Camera

If you have lost some (or all) of your photos/videos from your Canon camera, then you should use a data recovery tool. A good recovery software will be able to retrieve all kinds of lost and inaccessible data from the SD card.

1. Recoverit Photo Recovery - Best Canon Photo Recovery Tool

Out of all recovery software out there, Recoverit Photo Recovery is a recommended option. This is because the tool is extremely easy to use and has the highest success rate in the industry. It can help you get back all kinds of saved photos (even raw images) from your Canon camera. Anyone can recover their lost and deleted photos since it is extremely easy to use.

2. Video Tutorial on Photos and Videos Recovery from Memory Card

Recent Videos from Recoverit

View More >

2. How to Recover Camera Photos and Videos

Recoverit Photo Recovery is compatible with Windows as well as Mac. Here’s how you can recover your photos from Canon using Recoverit for Windows. Mac users can turn to the page: How to Recover Deleted Files from an Formatted SD Card on Mac.

Step 1: Select a location

1Firstly, the software lists all detected data storage devices for you. So please unmount your memory card from your Canon camera and connect it to your computer in advance.

2Now, just choose the location (drive) where you wish to perform the recovery operation and start the process.

Step 2: Scan the camera SD card

Your Canon camera memory card will be scanned thoroughly to search for all your lost photos and videos. We also offer a deep scan mode in case you need it.

Step 3: Preview and recover data

Once the scan is done, you can preview the retrieved photos. Select the photos of your choice and recover them to a safe place by hitting on the "Recover" button.

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

By following this guide, you would certainly be able to resolve the common memory card errors on Canon. We have covered a wide range of solutions here so that you can get rid of every major kind of memory card error on the Canon camera.

To make sure that you don’t suffer from any unexpected data loss, give Recoverit Photo Recovery a try. It is a user-friendly and reliable photo recovery solution and will be your go-to tool for sure.