Secure Digital (SD) memory cards are widespread data storage devices mostly used in digital cameras, GPS navigators, e-books, some gaming consoles, etc. People entrust all their valuable data to these devices, including photos, videos, books, and all the other precious memories. Nevertheless, as with any media, SD cards are exposed to damage.
There are various consequences of SD memory card damage, and one of them is inaccessibility. Often, after the malfunction, the memory card stops being recognized by your computer. Neither is it recognized on the main storage – camera, GPS, or e-book. In a moment, all the files stored on the SD become lost.
Reasons for an SD Card Not Being Detected
One common issue that can occur with SD cards is a connection problem. This can happen when the points on the card are not working properly, which can prevent files from being seen on your device. In most cases, the SD card itself is not damaged but rather the connection between the card and the device.
To troubleshoot this issue, try removing the card and reinserting it, ensuring it is properly seated in the device’s card slot. You can also clean the contacts on the card with a soft, dry cloth to get rid of any debris or dirt that may be interfering with the connection.
Another issue that can prevent an SD card from being recognized is if it is in write-protect mode. When an SD card is in this mode, it will not be read or detected by other devices, and the data on the card will not be accessible. To resolve this issue, you will need to remove the write-protect setting by sliding the switch on the side of the card to the “unlock” position.
Incorrect maintenance of an SD card can also cause issues with recognition. This can happen when the card is constantly plugged in and unplugged during operation, which can cause damage to the card and the device.
To avoid this issue, be sure to always properly eject the device before removing it from the device, and avoid unnecessary plugging and unplugging.
Sometimes, an SD card may not show up because the driver’s letter is missing. This means that the card is not assigned a drive letter by the system, which can prevent it from being recognized. To fix this issue, you can assign a drive letter to the card in the Disk Management tool.
Damaged drivers can also cause problems with SD card recognition. If the drivers for the SD card are damaged, Windows File Explorer may not be able to recognize it. You can check for this issue in the Device Manager, where the problem card’s drivers will be displayed with a yellow mark.
Another issue that can occur with SD cards is when the partition is lost. This can happen if the partition is accidentally deleted, leaving the card with a lot of unallocated space.
Finally, physical damage to the SD card can also cause issues with recognition. Water or fire damage can severely affect the card and make it unreadable, while dropping the card can also cause physical data loss. To prevent this issue, always handle your SD card with care and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
Preventative Measures Against SD Cards Not Working
- Handle SD cards with care. SD cards are fragile and can be easily damaged if mishandled. Avoid dropping or bending the card, and always store it in a protective case if not used.
- Avoid exposing SD cards to extreme temperatures. SD cards are sensitive to temperature changes, and exposure to extreme heat or cold can cause them to malfunction. Store SD cards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Use high-quality SD cards. Not all SD cards are created equal, and using low-quality or counterfeit SD cards can increase the likelihood of card failure. Stick to reputable brands and always purchase from a reputable vendor.
- Format SD cards correctly. Proper formatting can help prevent SD card errors. Before using an SD card, make sure to format it correctly for the device you plan to use it in. Avoid using the “quick format” option, as this can lead to errors.
- Keep SD cards clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can damage SD cards and cause them to malfunction. Keep SD cards clean by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth before use, and avoid touching the metal contacts on the card.
- Avoid removing SD cards during use. Removing an SD card while it is in use can cause data corruption and potentially damage the card. Always turn off the device and remove the card properly before removing it.
- Update device firmware and drivers. Outdated device firmware and drivers can cause compatibility issues with SD cards. Keep your device’s firmware and drivers up to date to ensure optimal performance.
What to Do When SD or Micro SD Card is Not Detected
When facing the inaccessibility of your memory card, there are several steps you should go through. However, when none of these actions help, there is always another option:
Solution 1. Test the SD card on another PC or using a new card reader. This way, a user can understand whether the problem is with an SD card or a computer/reader. If it works with a new SD card reader or another computer, then the card is not defective. However, you should continue going through the other steps if using another computer or connector does not work.
Solution 2. Change the drive letter of the unrecognized SD card. This method applies when the SD card has no drive letter or a drive letter conflict problem occurs.
Solution 3. If the SD card driver gets outdated, the memory card stops being recognized by your system. By updating the drivers, a user can regain access to the essential files.
If none of these options helped to access the files on an SD memory card, you need to request help from a professional data recovery company. SD is a small and fragile device that requires the highest level of precision and an individual approach. PITS provides such a service for SD card users in the United States.
Data Recovery for SD Card Not Recognized
PITS Global Data Recovery Services is an entrusted SD data repair service provider. With deep knowledge and years of experience, our technicians recover data from corrupted, failed, or non-functioning memory cards. We support the highest success rates, working on various brands of SD cards.
Our company does not stay in one place and regularly develops recovery methods. We aim to restore the maximum amount of data from the device regardless of the data loss scenario. Working with the latest recovery tools in advanced facilities, we achieve this goal.
Is the SD card not Reading? We can Help!
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So if you're facing a data loss situation, don't hesitate to contact us. Our 24/7 data recovery services are available to you, 365 days a year. Let us help you recover your precious data today.
Over 50 Locations Across the US
We offer data recovery services from over 50 locations across the US. This means that no matter where you are located, you can access our services and get the support you need to recover the data.
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So if you're facing a data loss situation, look no further. With our certified data recovery labs and 99% success rate, we are confident that we can recover your precious data and get you back on track.
ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom
Our engineers work in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of your device. We recover data in ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom and achieve high results.
Risk-free Evaluation and Assessment
We start the recovery process with a risk-free evaluation. Our technicians estimate reasons for data loss and the level of damage. Based on it, we select the most suitable recovery strategy.
100% Customer Satisfaction Rate
With years in the data recovery industry, our company supports the highest customer satisfaction rate. We do everything to provide a positive experience for our clients.
PITS starts the recovery process by performing a risk-free SD card evaluation. This way, our specialists estimate what caused file inaccessibility and the level of damage. Based on the results of the device assessment, we find the most suitable recovery method for your card.
Engineers at PITS recover files from the SD memory cards in specialized facilities to prevent external damage. Working in ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom, we safely restore lost data from your SD card.
Start your SD data recovery process with us by filling in the request help form below. You can get in touch with the PITS team by calling our customer service, and they will gladly help you with your data loss issue.
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