How to Recover Deleted Files from XQD Cards | 3 Steps

Lost your valuable files from your XQD card? This guide explores an effective way to recover deleted files from a XQD card in just 3 simple steps. You can also get XQD card recovery tips.

By @Penny Last Updated October 25, 2024

What is an XQD card?

The XQD card is a flash memory card format specifically developed for high-definition camcorders and high-resolution digital cameras. It utilizes the PCI Express interface for efficient data transfer.

With target read and write speeds ranging from 1 Gbit/s to approximately 5 Gbit/s, the XQD card offers exceptional performance. Its storage capacities extend beyond 2 TB, catering to the needs of professionals in the photography and videography industry.

It’s important to note that XQD cards are not compatible with CompactFlash or CFast cards, despite some similarities in naming.The format was jointly announced by SanDisk, Sony, and Nikon in November 2010. On September 7, 2016, the CompactFlash Association (CFA) announced CFexpress as the successor to XQD, paving the way for even higher performance and storage capabilities.

Is it possible to recover deleted files from XQD cards? YSE! The next sections will discuss XQD card data recovery steps to help retrieve lost data.

How to recover deleted files from XQD card easily?

Before you start recovering data from your XQD card, here are some important steps to take:

Stop Using the Card: Don’t use the card after losing data. This prevents new files from overwriting the lost ones.

Look for Physical Damage: Check the XQD card for any visible damage. If it’s damaged, it’s best to get help from a professional recovery service.

Connect to a Computer: Use a card reader to connect the XQD card to a computer. If the computer can read the card, recovery software might be able to retrieve your lost files.

Choose a secure, trustworthy, and professional data recovery software can help you jump out of the dilemma of data loss. Here, powerful MyRecover does well in recovering deleted files from XQD cards and other brands of SD cards (Gigastone, Kingston, Samsung, etc.) because it offers an advanced scanning feature to detect all the recoverable files stored on your selected XQD card.

Highlights of MyRecover:
  • High-efficiency: Recover 1000+ types of images (JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, ORF, BMP, etc.), videos (MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, WebM, etc.), MS Office files, WPS files, folders, compressed files, audio, songs, and websites from SD cards, internal & external HDDs, SSDs, USBs, etc.
  • Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search all the recoverable files. Specify the filename, saved path, date, or size to filter your needed files.
  • Convenience: Retain the original filename, path, and format for the deleted files.
  • Excellent compatibility: Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems and work with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Server PC.
Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
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πŸ”₯ Bonus! If you only need to recover files from your XQD card within 500MB, you don’t have to pay for it because MyRecover can help users to recover 500MB files freely.

How to perform XQD card data recovery using MyRecover

Step 1. Connect card and start scan

Connect the XQD card to your Windows and launch MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the SQD card saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. Scan your XQD card

MyRecover will automatically scan your connected XQD card and search all the recoverable files.

🌟Tip: You can preview/filter specific files according to Documents Type, Name, Path, Date, or Size.
  • Name: Type the relevant filenames in the search bar to quickly locate your desired deleted/lost files.
  • Date modified: Set a customized date (today, yesterday, last 7 or 30 days, etc.)
  • Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~512MB, etc.)

Step 3. Recover XQD card data

In this case, under the Other Missing Files Folder, select your needed photos. Then click the “Recover x files” button.

Notes:✎...  
To prevent deleted/lost files from being overwritten, you’d better stop adding new files to your XQD card.  
After Sony SD card recovery, please store your recovered files in a new location rather than the original XQD card.
If you desire to recover a large number of deleted/lost files from SD cards or other local hard drives, upgrading MyRecover may be a better and more money-saving choice.

Common Causes of XQD Card Data Loss

Losing data on an XQD card can be frustrating and often happens unexpectedly. Here are some common reasons why data loss might occur:

  • Accidental Deletion: It’s easy to accidentally delete files while managing a lot of images or videos, especially when trying to make space.
  • XQD Card Corruption: XQD cards can get corrupted from issues like improper ejection, power surges, or viruses, making the card unreadable.
  • Formatting: Sometimes, your camera or computer might prompt you to format the card due to errors, which will erase all stored data if you do.
  • Physical Damage: Even though XQD cards are tough, they can still get damaged from drops, water, or extreme temperatures, leading to data loss.
  • Overwriting: Adding new files to a card after data loss can overwrite the lost files, making recovery difficult.

How to Prevent Data Loss from XQD Cards

You can take simple steps to care for your XQD card and reduce the risk of data loss:

Tip Description
Make Backups Regularly back up your data. Backing up your data is the most important. You can do this by copying files to another storage device, using a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive, or using free backup software for Windows, such as AOMEI Backupper Standard.
Eject Safely Always eject your XQD card properly when removing it from your computer to avoid data corruption.
Watch the Temperature XQD cards work best within specific temperature ranges. For example, a Sony XQD card operates between -13 to 149°F (-25 to 65°C). Be mindful of this, especially when traveling.
Store Safely Use a protective case for your XQD card to keep it safe from damage and extend its life.

Are XQD cards better than SD cards?

Because of these features, XQD cards are popular in sports photography, action photography, and full HD video recording. Major brands like Sony and Nikon produce XQD cards. XQD cards offer several advantages over SD cards:

  • Fast Speeds: They can read and write data at speeds up to 500 MB/s, which is great for high-end cameras.
  • Large Storage: XQD cards can hold more than 2 TB of data, making them perfect for storing lots of RAW images and high-resolution videos.
  • Quick Transfers: Moving data from XQD cards to your computer is much faster than with standard SD cards.
  • Durable Design: XQD cards are tough and built to handle challenging environments.

Related Q&A about Sony XQD card data recovery

What are XQD cards used for? How to recover deleted files from my XQD card? As demonstrated, it is really easy to recover deleted photos and videos from XQD cards. MyRecover also works with other forms of portable flash storage, such as CFexpress card data recovery. Download for free to try it out! 

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Besides, there’re related tips about XQD card recovery.