How to Recover Lost Data from a microSD Card/mini SD Card?

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microSD cards have become an essential part of our digital lives. These tiny storage devices store our most valuable data like photos, videos, documents, and much more. However, data loss is a common problem, and losing important files can be frustrating and stressful.

If you've accidentally deleted files, formatted your microSD card, or encountered a corrupted card, don't panic. The good news is that in many cases, lost data can be recovered using the right tools and techniques. This guide will help you understand the reason of data loss on a microSD card, precautions to take, and the best microSD card recovery methods to retrieve your files.

Common Causes of  Data Loss on a microSD Card

You can take the appropriate actions to recover your files and avoid problems in the future by being aware of the factors that contribute to data loss. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Unintentional Deletion

Human error is one of the most common reasons for data loss. You may have mistakenly deleted a file or folder from your microSD card, believing it was unnecessary. Sometimes, even using the "Delete All" option on a camera or phone can erase important data.

2. File System Corruption

microSD cards use file systems like FAT32 or exFAT. If the file system becomes corrupted, your device may no longer recognize the card or display your files.

3. Virus or Malware Attacks

Using a microSD card on multiple devices increases the risk of virus infections. Some malicious programs may hide, delete, or encrypt your files, making them inaccessible.

4. Physical Damage or Wear and Tear

microSD cards are delicate and can be damaged due to bending, exposure to water, extreme temperatures, or electrical surges. In such cases, data recovery can be challenging and may require professional services.

5. Formatting the Card

Accidentally formatting the microSD card erases all stored data. While formatting does not immediately destroy files, it marks the storage space as available for new data, reducing recovery chances if overwritten.

Precautions Before Attempting Recovery from a microSD Card:

To increase the probability of a successful recovery, take the following procedures before attempting to recover data:

• Stop Using the microSD Card Immediately

  Continued use of the card can overwrite lost data, making recovery impossible. Don't take pictures, record videos, or save new files on the card.

• Do Not Format the Card

  If your device prompts you to format the microSD card, decline the request. Formatting can make data recovery more difficult.

• Check the Card Reader and Adapter

  Sometimes, the issue may not be with the card itself but with a faulty card reader or adapter. Try inserting the microSD card into another device to see if it's recognized.

👍4 Solutions for Recovering Lost Data from a microSD Card

There are several ways to recover lost data from a microSD card. The method you choose depends on the cause of data loss and the tools available.

Solution1. Recover Lost Data from microSD Card With Data Recovery Software

These data recovery programs are designed to scan the storage device for deleted or corrupted data and restore it if it has not been overwritten. Below, we will explore in more detail how data recovery software works, the best options available, and a more detailed step-by-step guide to recovering your files from a microSD card.

How Does Data Recovery Software Work?

Data recovery software scans the card for the available files and reconstructs them.

The success of recovery depends on several factors:

• File Overwriting: If new data has been written to the card, it may have replaced the deleted files, making them unrecoverable.
• Type of Data Loss: Some types of damage (such as physical damage or severe corruption) may prevent recovery software from accessing the card.
• File System Used: Different file systems (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS) impact how files are stored and recovered.

Best Data Recovery Software for microSD Cards

Here are some of the best recovery tools available:

1. Recuva (Windows – Free & Paid Versions)

• User-friendly interface
• Supports photo, video, and document recovery
• Deep scan for difficult-to-find files
• Works well with formatted microSD cards

2. Donemax Data Recovery (Windows/Mac – Free & Paid Versions)

• Advanced recovery algorithms
• Can recover up to 200 MB for free
• Deep scan feature for severely damaged files
• Supports multiple file systems
• High data recovery rate.

3. Disk Drill (Windows/Mac – Free & Paid Versions)

• Offers preview before recovery
• Recovers from formatted or corrupted microSD cards
• Organizes recovered files neatly
• Beginner-friendly interface

4. PhotoRec (Windows/Mac/Linux – Free & Open Source)

• Best for recovering media files (photos, videos, etc.)
• Works on different file systems
• Can restore files even from severely damaged cards
• Command-line interface (not as user-friendly)

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Data Recovery Software

To maximize your chances of successfully recovering lost files, follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Download and Install the Software

• Visit the official website of the recovery software you choose.
• Download the tool on your computer (DO NOT install it on the affected microSD card).

In this article, we will introduce how to use Donemax Data Recovery to recover lost data from your microSD card.

Step 2: Connect Your microSD Card

• To link the microSD card to your PC, use a card reader or adapter.
• If your computer does not detect the card, try another card reader or USB port.

Step 3: Launch the Software and Select the Card

• Open the recovery software.
• Select the microSD card from the list of available drives.
• If the card does not appear, restart the software or check if the card is properly inserted.

Step 4: Start the Scanning Process

• Click on the Scan button and wait for the process to complete.
• The scan time depends on the size of the microSD card and the level of damage.

Step 5: Preview and Select Files for Recovery

• The tool will show recoverable files after the scan is finished.
• Most recovery tools allow you to preview images, videos, or documents before restoring them.
• Decide which files you wish to retrieve.

Step 6: Save Recovered Files to a New Location

• NEVER save the recovered files back to the same microSD card, as it can cause further data corruption.
• Store them on an external storage device or the hard drive of your computer.

Step 7: Verify the Recovered Files

• Open and check the recovered files to ensure they are intact.
• If some files are missing or corrupted, try running a deep scan again.

Issues During Recovery

Problem 1: The microSD Card Is Not Recognized by the Software

Solution:

• Try a different card reader or USB port.
• Check if the card is detected in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac).
• If prompted to format, DO NOT proceed - use recovery software first.

Problem 2: The Software Cannot Find Any Recoverable Files

Solution:

• Run a Deep Scan instead of a Quick Scan.
• Try a different recovery software (some work better than others).
• If files were overwritten, recovery might not be possible.

Problem 3: Recovered Files Are Corrupted or Incomplete

Solution:

• Try recovering the files again using another tool.
• Some media files may be partially recovered but missing data - use file repair tools for fixing damaged images/videos.

Pros and Cons of Using Data Recovery Software

Solution 2. Restore Lost microSD Card Data from Backup

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox)
• A local backup on your PC, external hard drive, or another device

How to Restore from Cloud Backup:

1. Log in to your cloud storage account.
2. Check the "Trash" or "Deleted Files" section (some cloud services retain deleted files for a limited time).
3. Download and restore the missing files.

Solution 3. Repair Corrupted microSD Card with CMD

If your microSD card is not showing files due to corruption, you can try using the Command Prompt to fix errors.

Fixing the microSD Card with CHKDSK:

1. Insert the microSD card into your PC.
2. Open Command Prompt (Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter).
3. Type the following command:

   chkdsk X: /f /r /x

   (Replace "X" with your microSD card's drive letter.)

4. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.

Unhiding Files Using the Attrib Command:

1. Open Command Prompt and type:

   attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

   (Again, replace "X" with your microSD card’s drive letter.)

2. Press Enter, and hidden files should now be visible.

Solution 4. Expert Data Recovery Services

If software recovery fails, or your microSD card is physically damaged, consider professional recovery services.

When to Seek Expert Help:

• The microSD card is not recognized by any device.
• The card has physical damage (e.g., water damage, broken circuit).
• Recovery software does not detect lost files.

Conclusion

Losing data from a microSD card can be awful, but recovery is possible with the correct approach. If you act quickly and avoid overwriting data, tools like Donemax Data Recovery, Recuva or Disk Drill can help retrieve lost files from your microSD card. For more serious cases, professional recovery services may be necessary.

The best way to prevent data loss is through regular backups and proper handling of your microSD card. By complying these steps, you can protect your valuable files and minimize the risk of future data loss.