Memory Card Not Working on Mac? Fix It Without Losing Data

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Memory cards are widely used for storing and transferring data between different devices, including cameras, smartphones, and computers. However, sometimes they may not work properly when inserted into a Mac. If your memory card is not being recognized, not mounting, or showing errors, don't worry - this guide will walk you through various solutions to fix the issue.

When a memory card stops working on a Mac, it can be due to various reasons, including:

• A faulty card reader or damaged ports
• Corruption of the file system
• Incompatibility with macOS
• Physical damage to the memory card
• Issues with macOS settings or software conflicts

In this article, we will cover step-by-step troubleshooting techniques to help you fix the "memory card not working on Mac" problem and recover your data if needed.

Recover Data from a Memory Card Which Is Not Working on Your Mac

Before reformatting or fixing the corrupted memory card on your Mac, you can use Donemax Data Recovery for Mac to help recover images and videos.

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery for Mac on your Mac, open it from Launchpad, select the SD memory card.

Step 2. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the memory card and find all recoverable files.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all images and videos. Select the wanted images/videos, click on Recover button to save them.

After data recovery, you can choose Disk Manager to mount the memory card, repair damaged memory card or reformat the memory card on your Mac.

Check if Data Recovery Services Are Needed

If your card is physically damaged, and software recovery tools fail, you may need professional data recovery services. Some reputable services include:

• DriveSavers – Offers emergency data recovery for memory cards.
• CleverFiles Data Recovery Center – Specializes in Mac-compatible devices.
• Gillware Data Recovery – Provides free evaluations before recovery.

Professional recovery services can be expensive, but they may be worth considering if the data is critical and irreplaceable.

Prevent Future Data Loss on Memory Cards

To avoid memory card corruption in the future, follow these best practices:

• Always eject the card properly: Right-click the memory card in Finder and choose Eject before removing it.
• Avoid sudden power loss: Don't remove the memory card while files are being transferred.
• Format cards in the device you use them with: If using a camera, format the memory card using the camera's built-in tool instead of macOS.
• Use high-quality memory cards: Brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, and Sony have better durability and reliability.
• Backup important data regularly: Use iCloud, an external hard drive, or Time Machine to keep copies of critical files.

How to Fix Memory Card Not Working on Mac?

Choose a solution to fix memory card not working on Mac.

#1 Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Fixing Memory Card on Mac

Before diving into complex fixes, perform these basic troubleshooting steps to rule out common issues.

1. Check Physical Connections

• Make sure the memory card is properly inserted into the Mac's built-in card reader or an external USB adapter.
• Try inserting it into another slot (if available) or using a different card reader.
• Inspect the card for physical damage, dirt, or dust. If needed, clean the metal connectors with a soft cloth.

2. Start Your Mac Again

Starting your Mac again can refresh the system and resolve minor glitches:

• In the upper-left corner, select the Apple menu.
• Select Restart and wait for your Mac to reboot.

• Once restarted, reinsert the memory card and check if it appears.

3. Try Another Port or Mac

• Try connecting the external card reader to a different USB port if you're using one.
• Test the memory card on another Mac or even a Windows PC to determine if the issue is with the card or the Mac.

If the memory card works fine on other devices but not on your Mac, the issue may be related to macOS settings, drivers, or software conflicts.

#2 Verify If the Memory Card Appears in Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a built-in macOS tool that helps manage storage devices. Follow these steps to check if your memory card is recognized:

Step 1. Open Disk Utility from Utilities via Applications.

Step 2. Look for the memory card in the left-hand sidebar.

• If it appears but is not mounted, click Mount.

• If it doesn't appear at all, proceed with advanced troubleshooting.

#3 Fix File System and Formatting Issues

If your memory card is recognized but not working properly, it may have a file system issue. Here's how to fix it.

Use First Aid in Disk Utility

The First Aid tool in Disk Utility can repair minor disk errors.

1. Open Disk Utility and select your memory card.
2. Click First Aid, then Run to scan and repair the disk.

3. If repairs are successful, eject and reinsert the card.

If First Aid fails, you may need to reformat the memory card.

Check Format Compatibility

macOS supports the following file systems:

• ExFAT & FAT32 – Best for cross-platform use (Mac & Windows).
• APFS & HFS+ – macOS-specific formats.
• NTFS – Read-only support on macOS (write access requires third-party software).

If your memory card is formatted in an unsupported file system, you may need to reformat it.

Reformat the Card (Warning: This Erases Data)

If the card is not working due to file system corruption, follow these steps to reformat it:

1. Open Disk Utility and select the memory card.
2. Click Erase at the top.
3. Choose a format:
   • ExFAT (for use on both Mac & Windows)
   • APFS/Mac OS Extended (Journaled) (for macOS only)
4. Click Erase and wait for the process to complete.

#4 Check for Driver or macOS Issues

If your memory card still isn't working, there could be an issue with macOS itself.

Update macOS

Ensure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS:

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, install it and restart your Mac.

Reset NVRAM/PRAM (for Intel-based Mac)

NVRAM/PRAM stores system settings, and resetting it can resolve disk-related issues:

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds after turning it on.
3. Check to see if the memory card is detected after releasing the keys.

Reset the SMC (For Intel-based Macs)

If the issue persists, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can help:

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. For ten seconds, press and hold the power button and Shift + Control + Option.
3. Let go of the keys, switch on your Mac, and take another look at the memory card.

#5 Check Finder Settings If the Memory Card Not Showing Up on Mac

If the memory card is recognized by Disk Utility, but not showing up on Finder or desktop, just check the Finder Settings.

• Open a Finder on Mac.
• Click Finder on Apple menu, choose Settings.
• Click General and Sidebar, ensure External disks is selected.

#6 Use NTFS Memory Card on Mac Without Formatting

NTFS is a Windows-based file system and it is not compatible with macOS. If the memory card has been formatted to NTFS, you can't use it on your Mac. To use a memory card on Mac, just install a third-party NTFS driver on your Mac.

Step 1. Download and install the best NTFS driver - Donemax NTFS for Mac.

Step 2. Open Donemax NTFS for Mac, select the NTFS memory card, click on Mount button.

Step 3. To read-write data to the NTFS memory card, you can click on Enable Writable button to add NTFS read-write support on your Mac.

#7 When to Replace the Memory Card

If none of the above solutions work, your memory card might be physically damaged or worn out. Signs include:

• The card is not recognized on any device.
• Frequent errors or corruption, even after formatting.
• The card becomes extremely slow.

If your memory card is failing, consider replacing it with a high-quality brand like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar.

Conclusion

To summarize, if your memory card is not working on a Mac:

• Check physical connections and try a different port or device.
• Use Disk Utility to check if the card is recognized.
• Run First Aid or reformat the card if necessary.
• Ensure macOS is updated and reset system settings if needed.
• Recover data using Terminal or third-party software.
• Replace the memory card if it is physically damaged.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix most memory card issues on Mac. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional data recovery software or services.