Losing photos, videos, or important files from an SD card can be incredibly frustrating—especially when it happens without warning. Whether the issue is caused by accidental deletion, formatting, card corruption, or a failing SD card, your files may still be recoverable. This full guide explains the common causes of SD card data loss and provides safe, step-by-step methods to restore your data using both manual fixes and professional software like PcGoGo Data Recovery.
Common Causes of SD Card Data Loss
Before starting recovery, it's helpful to understand what might have caused the problem:
Accidental Deletion: You deleted photos or videos unintentionally. You cleared your camera gallery or formatted the card inside the device
Card Formatting: "SD card needs to be formatted" error. Accidental format via PC or camera
File System Corruption: SD card becomes unreadable. Folders turn into shortcuts. Errors like "The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable"
Physical Damage: Bent, cracked, burned, or water-damaged SD card. Card not detected by any device
Malware Attacks: Files become hidden or replaced by strange shortcuts. Card behaves abnormally after connection to an infected device
Essential Things To Do Before Recovery
To increase your chances of successful recovery, follow these rules:
Stop Using the SD Card Immediately: Any new data written may overwrite deleted files
Do Not Reformat (unless necessary for repair): Formatting can make recovery harder—perform only after backing up raw data
Use a Reliable Card Reader: A faulty reader can make the card appear corrupted
How to Check If Your SD Card Is Still Recoverable
Check Detection in Windows
Go to:
This PC → Check if SD card has a drive letter
If it appears but is inaccessible → logical corruption
If it does not appear → possible hardware failure
Check Disk Management
Open:
Win + X → Disk Management
If listed as RAW, Unallocated, or Unknown → recoverable using software
If completely invisible → physical failure (needs a data recovery lab)
Recover Data From SD Card Using PcGoGo Data Recovery (Recommended)
PcGoGo Data Recovery is a powerful tool for high success rates when recovering photos, videos, documents, and more from SD cards.
Step 1: Download and Install PcGoGo Data Recovery
Install the program on your computer—not on the SD card
Step 2: Insert the SD Card Using a Card Reader
Make sure the card is detected by the computer
Step 3: Select the SD Card Drive
Open PcGoGo Data Recovery and choose the SD card from the drive list
Step 4: Scan the SD Card
The program will begin scanning for: Deleted files, Formatted data, Lost partitions, and Hidden or corrupted files
Step 5: Preview Recoverable Files
You can preview photos, videos, and documents before recovery
Step 6: Recover and Save the Files
Click Recover, then save your files to a folder on your computer—not the SD card—to avoid overwriting
When You Need Professional Data Recovery Service
Seek a data recovery lab if:
The SD card is physically damaged
The computer never detects the card
Data is extremely valuable (wedding photos, work files, etc.)
The card is burnt, cracked, or submerged in water
Hardware-level recovery requires specialized tools and cleanroom environments
Tips to Prevent SD Card Data Loss in the Future
Always eject the SD card safely before removing
Avoid using the same card in too many devices
Replace SD cards that show frequent errors
Back up photos and videos regularly
Don't use low-quality or counterfeit SD cards
Never remove the card while recording or transferring files
Conclusion
Recovering data from an SD card is possible in most cases—especially if the card is still recognized by your computer and you stop using it immediately. Tools like PcGoGo Data Recovery offer fast, reliable recovery for deleted, formatted, or corrupted files. For severely damaged cards, professional recovery services may be required. With the right steps, you can protect your data and prevent future losses.
