How to Recover Formatted SD Card on Windows & macOS

Jeff Picoult

By Jeff Picoult

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The files will be gone entirely, regardless of whether you formatted the SD on purpose or by accident. Maybe the first thing that springs to mind when an SD card is formatted is the possibility of data recovery, which is very small. Actually, there are efficient ways to recover data from a formatted SD card on both Windows and macOS systems, so there is still hope. 

Recover Formatted SD Card

Why can data be recovered after the SD card is formatted?

An SD card is formatted to its factory settings merely indicates that the card’s storage space is accessible without deleting the data. This procedure does not instantly erase the information beyond repair. Rather, it deletes the file system, making the space that the data had occupied appear empty and usable again. 

In essence, the card looks blank, but the files underneath are still there until they are overwritten by new information. Users can start by downloading an SD card format recovery program that can recover data because it has a higher chance of working well than other options.

Method 1. Recover Formatted SD Card with Software

Formatting just affects the card’s data organization, leaving the rest of the device “empty”. As a result, the data remains available. Therefore, you can effectively recover your images and videos if you have the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, a capable data recovery program that supports both Windows and macOS.

It supports a variety of SD card types, including CF cards, SDHC cards, and SDXC cards. You can use the given fixes to restore the corrupted device and recover files from your SD card, provided that it is not dead or fully failed.

Step 1. Immediately put the formatted SD card aside and stop using it.

Step 2.  Attach the formatted SD card to the computer. (Both Windows and Mac are available).

connect the SD card

Step 4. Launch the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.  Click “Scan” after selecting the formatted SD card from which you want to recover. This app’s deep scan technology is another fantastic feature that makes it simple to find lost data.

formatted SD card

Step 5. The screen will display every scan result. Use the “Filter” or “File Type” functions to find the files you’re looking for.

File Type

Step 6. Select the files from your formatted external drive that you wish to recover, then select “Recover.” A new box will appear where you can choose a different location for the files to be saved. Then click “OK” to confirm.

Recover file

After the repair procedure, you can open Disk Management to check to see if your USB drive has been fixed. 

Method 2. How to Recover Files from a Formatted SD Card on Mac

A Mac’s built-in backup and recovery utility is called Time Machine Backup. This powerful tool automatically creates incremental backups of your entire system, including data on the SD card. You can restore formatted data on your SD card from the backup files.

Step 1. Launch Time Machine from the top bar or Mac Spotlight.

Recover Files

Step 2. Choose the timeline to select the backup.

Choose the timeline

Step 3. Click “Restore” after previewing the files.

previewing the files

If the SD card is not detected on Mac, You can check whether your SD card is damaged or locked.

Method 3. Restore Data from a Formatted SD Card with CMD on Windows

Although it is only available to Windows users, the CMD is a popular and efficient way to recover formatted SD cards. Without any prior command line experience, this process could be complicated because it involves adding commands and actions.

Step 1. Launch a command prompt by typing “cmd” into the Windows search box.

Step 2. Choose “Run as Administrator” after that.

Step 3. Enter “chkdsk E: /r/x” in the ensuing popup.

CMD on Windows

Step 4. Enter the name of the formatted SD card in lieu of the letter “E.”

Step 5. To begin the recovery procedure, press “Enter.”

Method 4. Try Formatted SD Card Recovery Services

If none of the aforementioned fixes resolve the problem, there may be a hardware problem with your SD card that calls for expert repair and data recovery services

SD card errors can be caused by damaged or faulty internal hardware, the card reader, or the memory card slot. The best course of action in this situation is to get help from the manufacturer or a qualified camera repair specialist. They are able to identify the issue and suggest the necessary fixes to keep your SD card functioning properly.

  • Consult with EaseUS data recovery experts for one-on-one manual recovery service.
  • They will offer proper services after a FREE diagnosis.
Formatted SD Card Recovery Services

Causes of SD Card Formatting

Below are potential causes of SD card formatting and data loss to help prevent future mishaps:

  • File system corruption: Except for accidentally formatting the card manually, the SD card may become inaccessible due to abrupt corruption and needs formatting.
  • I/O error: A sign of hardware problems, an I/O error triggers troubleshooting actions like checking connections, upgrading drivers, and formatting SD cards.
  • Virus or malware: Without the user’s knowledge or agreement, malicious software may covertly format the SD card.

Conclusion

As previously said, formatting will remove all of the SD card’s current data and information. You must first backup all of your files if you wish to avoid losing any when formatting an SD card to its original size.

Due to the extensive use of SD cards, data loss on these storage devices happens virtually every day for a variety of causes, most commonly formatting errors. Using third-party software, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, is the direct method of recovering data from a formatted SD card.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a wonderful option for recovering formatted SD cards because it is completely safe, virus-free, and plug-in-free.


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Jeff Picoult

Jeff Picoult

Photographer

Jeff Picoult is a seasoned photographer, who blends artistry and innovation. With a humble approach, he captures moments resonating with depth and emotion, from nature's beauty to the energy of sports.

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