How to Recover Deleted Data from SD Card for Free

SD Card (Secure Digital Memory Card) is a tiny portable storage disk used to add more space to read and write data on mobile devices such as smartphones, cameras, etc. Users can store various files on SD cards such as audio, photos, videos, documents, emails, and more. Also, it helps users save and transfer files between mobile devices computers, and laptops. This is why SD cards are very popular among users.

However, data loss is a common issue that can cause headaches. Like other storage devices, files stored on SD cards can be lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, file system corruption, physical damage, virus infection malware attack, etc. This post will guide you on how to recover deleted data from SD card for free.

Can You Bring Back Deleted Files from SD Card?

Generally speaking, if an SD card file is deleted, the files won't appear in the file manager, but it's not actually deleted immediately. The system just marks the file's disk space as "free" and waits for new data to overwrite it. Therefore, as long as the lost data is not overwritten, there is still a chance to retrieve it.

So, it's worth noting that to have a better chance of successfully recovering lost data from SD memory card, please stop using SD card to save new data to avoid data overwriting. At the same time, you need a reliable way and start memory card data recovery as soon as possible. Using powerful data recovery software like MyRecover will be a great choice.

Free but Powerful SD  Card Data Recovery Software

Once you are aware of data loss, you should perform recovery SD memory card as soon as possible. In reality, if your SD card was connected to your computer before deletion, you can recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin. If not, you can rely on data recovery tools like MyRecover to restore deleted SD data regardless of data loss scenarios and compatibility.

Free download and install this SD card data recovery software to get back your data in just a few clicks.

Note: MyRecover has 3 editions: Free, Pro, and Technician. The free edition is capable of recovering deleted data from SD card over 500MB. To recover more or unlimited data files, please upgrade to MyRecover Pro, or Technician. The Techcnian version is recommended for business users.

Stepwise Guide to Recover Deleted Data from SD Card for Free

Now, we will show you the easiest way to retrieve deleted files from SD card for free, i.e. using the data recovery software MyRecover, which has two advanced scanning methods that greatly increase the success rate of data recovery.

✔ Quick Scan: Quickly scan and locate recently deleted files by their file path and logs. If some of the metadata is corrupted, you may not find your files there.
✔ Deep Scan: Scan the disk or partition containing lost data more thoroughly and takes longer. It even supports RAW data recovery.

At the same time, this software also offers you 3 different directories to save the recovered files. There are some differences in the following:

✔Deleted Files: This directory contains all the recently deleted files found by Quick Scan.
✔ Recycle Bin: The files deleted from Recycle Bin will be listed there. 
✔ Other Missing Files: This directory will include files found by Deep Scan.

▶ How to  Free Recover Deleted Data from SD Card Step by Step 

If the files are inaccessible but the SD card is in working order, you can easily perform data recovery using MyRecover. However, if the card is physically damaged or broken, a technician is required to recover the lost data. Follow the steps below if you are in the previous situation:

Step 1. Locate the SD card and click "Scan".

Connect the SD card to your computer via a card reader and be sure it's recognized by Windows. Run MyRecover on your computer, hover the mouse over the drive, and click Scan.

Step 2. Find the deleted files.

It will automatically check the drive for all lost files using its Quick Scan and Deep Scan methods, and you don't need to wait for the full scanning process. choose the data you want to recover, and click the Recover x files button to complete.

To locate specific files, you have three methods in the following:

✔ File filter:

It has 3 options including types (Images, Documents, Videos, etc.), date modified, and size. To make it easy, you can type the specific file extension as well. To locate JPG images, click Filter, select Type > Image, then type .jpg in the search box.

✔ Search box: If you remember the file name, type it in the search box. 

✔ Sidebar directory: You can expand Deleted Files, Recycle Bin, and Other Missing Files to locate the desired files.

Step 3. Click Recover to submit data recovery.

In the following window, you will be asked to select a location to save the recovered files. Please select a new location instead of the original. Because restoring deleted files to the original will cause further data loss.

Tips to Prevent Data Loss from SD Card

You should follow some of the useful TIPS mentioned here to prevent losing it again from the SD card in the future:

▶ Safely Eject the Card

Always safely eject the memory card before removing it from a device. Improper ejection can cause file system corruption, leading to data loss.

▶ Regularly Back Up Data

Back up your memory card data frequently to a computer or cloud storage. In case of accidental deletion or corruption, you can restore files from backup.

▶ Do Not Overfill the Card

Avoid filling the memory card to its maximum capacity. Keeping some space free reduces the chances of corruption and makes recovery easier if something goes wrong.

▶ Avoid Interrupting Data Transfers

Do not remove the memory card while files are being transferred to or from it. Interruptions during transfer can corrupt files and lead to data loss.

▶ Avoid Using It on Multiple Devices

Frequently switching the memory card between different devices increases the risk of corruption. Use it primarily on one device to minimize compatibility and file system errors.

▶ Keep the Card Clean and Safe

Physically protect the card from moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures. Physical damage can lead to loss of data or make recovery difficult.

FAQs of Recovering Deleted Data from SD Card Free

In addition to MyRecover, there are other methods to recover files from SD card that you can refer to.

▶ How to Recover files from SD Card without Software

When you find that some files in your SD card are missing, they may have been hidden due to viruses/malware or accidentally formatted. Hence, you can use the ATTRIB command to find and recover your data.

Steps to recover files from SD card using CMD

Step 1. Connect the SD card to your computer, and press Windows + R to launch Run.

Step 2. In the Run window, type the” cmd” and click OK.

Step 3. Type the command in the Window: ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D G:*.* and hit Enter. After the command prompt returns to its original location, the process will be complete, and then you can go to the destination to check these files. (Replace the G in the command with the letter of your SD card.)

▶ How to Retrieve Deleted Data from SD Card using Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is Microsoft's official data recovery tool with complex parameters, which might be a bit complicated for a green hand. Try this software if you are a technician and the computer is Windows 10 2004 and later. 

There are some parameters you need to learn including the syntax, and how to select recovery mode & switches:

✔ The format and common syntax of Windows file recovery commands is: winfr source-drive:destination-drive:[/mode] [/switches].

• Source drive: the place where files are deleted or lost.
• Destination drive: the place where to store your recovered files.
• Switches: parameters to target the folders and file types.
• Mode: Regular & Extensive. Extensive mode includes two advanced modes: Segment & Signature.
• File System: It determines which mode you use. Check it by clicking This PC > Right-click the source drive > Tap the Properties.

✔Select your mode and switch according to the following chart.

Step 1. Download and install Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Open Windows File Recovery. To restore DOCX files from E: drive to D: drive with Segment mode, type as follow: winfr E: D: /segment /n *.docx.

▶ Can You Recover Files from a Wiped SD Card?

If you mean your SD card is formatted, it's possible to recover deleted files easily and quickly. Before that, you need to be sure of the formatting method.

• If it is Quick Format, your data is not overwritten and recoverable.
• If not, your data is not recoverable. The Full Format method not only deletes the file path but also overwrites data with "0", making it impossible to recover.

All in all, to protect your data, be sure you don't use the Full Format method.

Conclusion

These is all the methods to recover deleted data from SD card. From the above analysis, it can be found that it is the most sensible to use file recovery software to recover data from SD card, which does not require any complicated parameters and anyone can easily retrieve files.

BTW, regularly backing up your important SD card data will prepare you for any data loss. You can let one of the best free backup software for Windows 11/10/8/7, AOMEI Backupper Standard, help you.