SD Card Suddenly Stopped Working? 6 Ways to Fix

Jaden updated on Oct 11, 2024 to Storage Media Recovery | How-to Articles

Have you ever been in a situation where your SD card suddenly stopped working? Learn the 6 quick ways mentioned in this article to recover lost data. We'll also examine SD card failures and prevention.

Did your SD card suddenly stop working? This can be unpleasant when it contains essential data like images, videos, and documents. Fortunately, multiple SD card data recovery methods are available.

This article shows six techniques for repairing a failed SD card on your PC and recovering data. Furthermore, we recommend using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover faulted data. Data protection should come first before fixing. If your SD card fails, here's how to retrieve your essential data. We'll then discuss SD card fixes and loss prevention.

Recover Data When SD Card Suddenly Stopped Working

When your SD card stops operating unexpectedly, the danger of data loss is significant. Your data must be stored safely before any repairs are performed. Enter EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard! This tool recovers SD card data efficiently. It recovers crash, accidental, and file system data.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard recovers corrupted SD cards, hard drives, and USB devices. If your SD card is not showing up, It will first repair the SD card and then recover data.

Key Features of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard:

  • The utility recovers SD card-damaged photographs, movies, and documents.
  • FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and other SD card file systems are supported.
  • The program can restore data from SD card stops working in camera.

Step 1. Select the SD card to scan

  • Download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows PC.
  • Use the proper way to connect your SanDisk/Lexar/Transcend SD card to the computer. 
  • Open EaseUS SD card recovery software and choose SD Card Recovery on the left panel. All connected drives will display here. Select your SD card and click "Scan for lost data".

Step 2. Check for scan results

  • Wait for the scanning process to complete.
  • Specify one or several file types to show up, like Pictures or Videos.
  • Click "Preview" to check if they are the wanted files.

Step 3. Recover SD card data

  • Preview the recovered files and click "Recover".
  • Choose a different location to save the recovered files instead of the original SD card.

If you find this information helpful, please share it with others on social media to assist them in overcoming this common challenge.

 

6 Ways to Fix 'SD Card Suddenly Stopped Working on PC

If your SD card fails, saving crucial information may be problematic and frustrating. Here are some ways to revive your SD card and improve performance.

  1. Method 1. Reinsert the SD Card
  2. Method 2. Remove Write Protection With Command Prompt
  3. Method 3. Format the SD Card Properly
  4. Method 4. SD Card Driver Update
  5. Method 5. Scan and Repair SD Card Errors
  6. Method 6. Factory Reset Android

Method 1. Reinsert the SD Card

Removing and reinserting your SD card is another simple method. This helps fix connectivity issues by seating the card properly in the device. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Turn off your phone or computer and remove the SD card.

Step 2. Check the card for dust, scratches, or physical damage that might hinder performance.

Step 3. Use a soft brush or compressed air to brush the dust from your device's SD card slot.

Step 4. Gently reinstall the SD card.

Method 2. Remove Write Protection With Command Prompt

Your SD card will not store or modify data if it is write-protected. Using Command Prompt to remove this limitation may restore functionality. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Put your SD card in a computer card reader.

Step 2. Launch Command Prompt as administrator. Type cmd in the Windows search box, right-click, and choose "Run as administrator."

Step 3. Launch "DiskPart" in the Command Prompt by typing diskpart and pressing Enter.

Step 4. Enter list disk. Find your SD card in the disk list.

Step 5. Type select disk [number]. Substituting X with your SD card's disk number, tap Enter.

Step 6. Enter attributes disk clear read-only. This command deactivates SD card write protection.

Method 3. Format the SD Card Properly

Formatting an SD card with significant corruption or a file system issue may be ideal. Remember that formatting will delete all card data, so recover any crucial files first. Perform the following these steps:

Step 1. Connect the SD card to the PC and open "File Explorer."

Step 2. Right-click your SD card drive and choose "Format" from the submenu.

Step 3. Uncheck "Quick Format" and click Start in the format box to correct faulty sectors.

Step 4. "Confirm" Format when asked. The procedure may take a few minutes, depending on the SD card size.

Method 4. SD Card Driver Update

Outdated or corrupted drivers might cause SD card issues. Updates to drivers may solve the problem. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Start by connecting your SD card to your computer.

Step 2. Press Windows + X to launch the menu. Choose "Device Manager" from the menu.

Step 3. Right-click your "SD card" in Device Manager's Disk Drives and choose "Update driver."

Step 4. Let Windows search automatically for driver updates.

Step 5. After updating, restart your computer and test the SD card.

Method 5. Scan and Repair SD Card Errors

If your SD card not detected, checking for errors is a significant first step. Windows can automatically scan your card and fix any issues it finds. For this:

Step 1. Open "This PC" and locate your SD card drive.

Step 2. Continue by right-clicking on the drive and click "Properties."

Step 3. Click on the "Tools" tab, then select "Check" under the Error-checking section.

Step 4. After the scan, if issues are found, select "Repair drive" to fix them.

Step 5. Once the repair is complete, disconnect the SD card and restart your computer.

Did this help you check for SD card errors? Spread the word and share this guide with others!

Method 6. Factory Reset Android

A factory reset may work if all other solutions fail to fix Android SD card difficulties. Before continuing, back up crucial files since this step erases all phone data.

Step 1. Open "Settings," go to "About Phone," and select "Factory Reset."

Step 2. Select "Erase All Data" from the factory reset.

Step 3. Select "Reset Phone" to erase everything.

If these methods have helped you solve your SD card problem, please share this post on social media to aid others experiencing the same issue!

 

Why Your SD Card Suddenly Stopped Working

SD card failure without notice is annoying. Knowing why may help you avoid problems and secure your data. The error occurs on many systems, including Windows 10/11, owing to technical or physical issues. Key reasons your Windows SD card may cease working:

  • 💻The computer may not recognize a corrupted SD card.
  • 💾Windows may not identify SD cards with outdated or missing drivers.
  • 💿SD card scratches, fissures, and dirt may prevent data transmission and render it unusable.
  • 🔌Unsafely ejecting the SD card might corrupt data or harm the file system.
  • 💥Malware or virus infection may damage SD card files, causing errors or card failure.

To Wrap Up

This article covers six viable ways to restore data from a dead SD card. Understanding file system corruption, obsolete drivers, and physical damage might help avoid future issues.

If your SD card is unresponsive, restore your data before fixing it. We offer EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to securely recover deleted files and restore access to your valuable data. Grab the program now to be a potent weapon for any data loss emergency.

SD Card Suddenly Stopped Working FAQs

Look at the faqs below to resolve the SD card suddenly stopped working issue:

1. Why do SD cards suddenly stop working?

File system corruption, physical damage, viruses, and driver difficulties may cause SD cards to cease operating. Improper ejection or aging might reduce data or impede card recognition.

2. How do I fix an unresponsive SD card?

To solve an unresponsive SD card, reconnect it, check for file system issues, update drivers, or use disk management tools. Formatting the card or using the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard may help.

3. Do SD cards stop working over time?

Yes, the wear and tear from regular usage limits the SD card's lifetime. SD card memory cells deteriorate with time, producing decreased performance, read/write errors, or failure.

4. How do I revive a dead SD card?

You can revive a dead SD card by upgrading the driver, using a new device, or checking the disk. If recovery fails, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can restore lost data.