3 Ways to Recover Data from a Formatted SD Card

Is it possible to recover data after formatting SD cards?

Yes, it is possible to recover data after formatting an SD card. The key factor in successful recovery is to avoid using the card for new data immediately after formatting. When you format an SD card, the files aren't erased right away; the space is simply marked as available for new data. If you continue to use the card for storing files, those files may overwrite the previous data, which makes recovery more difficult.

3 Ways to Recover Data from Formatted SD Cards

In most cases, using recovery software or methods like backups or system tools can help you restore your lost data. Let’s explore three effective methods to recover data from a formatted SD card.

Fix 1. Recover Data from Formatted SD Cards Using Software

One of the easiest and most reliable methods to recover data from a formatted SD card is by using data recovery software. AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery is an excellent choice for this task. It uses advanced recovery technology to restore files lost due to accidental deletion, disk formatting, system crashes, virus attacks, and more. With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly recover your valuable data.

Here’s how to recover data after formatting your SD card using AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery:

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery first, and then choose the exact partition or drive where your data is located to scan. If you're using an SD card, just plug it into your PC and select it.

Step 2. Scan your drive to find the desired data. It will execute the Quick Scan first to find your data fast, and then execute the Deep Scan for searching lost content comprehensively.

Step 3. After scanning, all missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the specific files and then click Recover.

Also, you can directly double-click the files to preview. If it is unable to preview the files, you can try to first recover the files and then view them.

Step 4. Choose a folder to save the recovered videos. It's best to pick a different drive to avoid overwriting anything.

Step 5. After the recovery is finished, you will get a successful window and it will display where you saved the recovered files.

Fix 2. Recover Data from Formatted SD Cards from Backups

If you have a backup of your SD card data, restoring your lost files becomes much easier. Regular backups through cloud services, external hard drives, or dedicated backup software ensure that your important data is safe. As long as you have access to your backup copies, your files are never truly lost. For example, if you back up your files on cloud services like Google Drive, follow these steps to recover them:

Step 1. Go to Google Drive and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2. Locate the files or folders you want to restore. You can use the search bar for easier navigation.

Step 3. Right-click on the file or folder you wish to recover.

Step 4. Select Download to restore the file to your computer.

Fix 3. Recover Formatted SD Cards Using CHKDSK

CHKDSK is a built-in Windows utility designed to check the health of your storage devices and potentially help you regain access to your files. Although it’s not specifically a file recovery tool, it can assist in fixing bad sectors that might be hiding important data.

Step 1: Search for Command Prompt in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select Run as Administrator to open the command shell.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter.

chkdsk /f /x (Replace X with the letter of your SD card.)

Step 3: The utility will take a few minutes to scan for errors and attempt to fix any issues with your SD card.

Step 4: Once CHKDSK finishes, try accessing your SD card to see if your data has been restored.

Common Issues in Data Recovery

While recovering data from a formatted SD card is often possible, there are some common issues that can complicate the process:

Overwritten Data:

If new files have been saved to the SD card after formatting, the old data may be overwritten and unrecoverable. It is highly recommended to leave your SD card alone after realizing it has been formatted.

Corrupted Files:

Sometimes, files can become corrupted during the recovery process, making them unreadable. It is advised to choose reliable data recovery software, as it carefully scans and recovers files without causing additional corruption.

Physical Damage:

If the SD card has been physically damaged, the recovery methods above may not be effective. Consider contacting a professional data recovery service for solutions.

Conclusion

Losing data from a formatted SD card doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. There are several methods available to recover data from a formatted SD card. AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery is highly recommended, as it supports data recovery from various loss scenarios on Windows PCs. Remember to back up your data regularly to prevent future loss.