How to Recover Data from a Formatted SD Card (2025)

Is your memory card accidentally formatted, and now you need to recover it? Perhaps you formatted it on purpose, and then sometime later, you remember those one-in-a-million photos or some crucial files are gone. Talk about instant regret. So, is all hope lost, or can you recover formatted SD card? Recovery’s not magic, but it might be possible to recover formatted SD card in some instances.

What Happens When an SD Card Is Formatted?

So, how to recover files from SD card after formatting? Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to understand what really happens during formatting. Is it really possible to recover a formatted SD card?

When you format an SD card, you’re resetting its file system so it looks empty and ready for new data. A “Quick Format” erases just the “map” that informs the system of the file location. However, the files remain until they are overwritten. With the right tools and approaches, you can recover files from a formatted SD card easily.

On the other hand, a “Full Format” overwrites the data, sometimes checking bad sectors as well, and thus, file recovery is almost impossible unless there is a backup.

Things to Do Before Recovering a Formatted SD Card

Actually, there are some things you can do to increase the chances of recovery from your memory card. They include:

• Stop using the SD card right away so old files don’t get overwritten.
• Take the card out safely from your camera, phone, etc, and keep it somewhere safe to avoid physical damage.
• Make a copy (disk image) of the card and use that to recover data from formatted SD card​, not the original.
• Pick a recovery method that matches your technical skill.
• Avoid running CHKDSK or other disk repair tools on the SD card, as they can overwrite data.

4 Easy Ways to Recover Data From a Formatted SD Card

As already noted, the formatted SD card recovery depends on certain conditions. For instance, you might have a backup of your SD card. If not, you can employ a formatted SD card recovery tool to reclaim files, but they must not be overwritten. Here’s how to recover files from SD card after formatting in 4 ways:

Fix 1: Use a Free SD Card Recovery Tool

You can find plenty of free SD card recovery tools, like Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery or SanDisk’s RescuePRO. But if you want to recover data from a formatted SD card, Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery is a more reliable choice. This powerful tool excels at retrieving deleted, formatted, missing, or corrupted files from all kinds of memory cards.

4DDiG can recognize more than 2,000 types of data, including images, videos, documents, emails, etc. What makes it even better is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get your files back. Plus, 4DDiG offers a free version if you want to try it out first.

Here’s how to recover photos from formatted SD card​ or other files with this tool:

Step 1: Download, install, and execute the program on your Windows or Mac. Next, connect your memory card to your computer. Select the formatted card. Then, pick the file types to recover. Hit “Scan.”

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Step 2: During the scan, 4DDiG will categorize recoverable data by file type or file path. You can also use filter tags or enter keywords in the search bar to find specific files. For formatted SD card recovery, it’s better to go to the Path panel on the left and click Lost Partition, as this usually gives more accurate results.

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Step 3: 4DDiG allows you to preview recoverable files by double-clicking on them. If everything looks fine, select the files you need and tap “Recover.” Export them to either a secure place on your computer or your cloud drive.

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Fix 2: Recover Formatted SD Card by the ATTRIB command

There are occasions when files appear to be lost from an SD card, and it appears that the card has been formatted. Usually, it’s not. This can be due to the fact that the card is damaged or has been infected by a virus, which puts it in read-only mode, and therefore, you can not see the files.

So, you will need to employ the ATTRIB command to remove the read-only attribute and recover data from formatted SD card​. Here’s how to recover pictures from formatted SD card​ or other files using this command:

Step 1: Plug the SD card into your computer for access. Type “cmd” in the Windows search field on the Desktop. Next, execute “Command Prompt.”

Step 2: Type the following command. Hit “Enter” afterward:

• attrib -h -r -s /s /d [place the SD card letter here]:\ *.*

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Fix 3: Recover Formatted SD Card Through Backups

In attempts to recover files from formatted SD card, you should also ascertain that you have a duplicate of your card somewhere. Here are the places to check for your memory card backup:

• You may have created your memory card backup utilizing File History on Windows or Time Machine on Mac. So, use these tools to retrieve your memory card data.
• There are certain software and devices that automatically synchronize files in the cloud storage. So, examine the cloud storage accounts (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, and so on).
• Check on other storage mediums like the external hard disk, USBs, or a spare SD card where you might have copied the files.
• Look into your computer’s hard disk (particularly in the Pictures, Downloads, or Documents folders).
• Don’t forget to check NAS devices or any other places you may have saved copies.

Fix 4: Seek Professional Help

If any of the above solutions are not able to recover data from formatted SD card​, then seek professional help. Some trusted data recovery services give free checkups, and others charge only if they recover your data. The cost for retrieval depends on the size of the files and the complexity of recovering them. If you decide to use the services of an SD card recovery service, keep the card safe in its current state and send it in as they instruct.

How to Avoid Losing Data on Your SD Card?

After you recover files from formatted SD card​ there’s no guarantee that you won’t lose them again. However, you can reduce the chances of losing data from your memory card. Here’s how:

• Back up your SD card often. Make three copies of the card and store two in different storage mediums, and retain one offsite.
• Keep the card dry, away from heat, moisture, dust, and bending, and stick it in a protective case
• Use a good card reader for transfers, not the camera battery.
• Avoid using the same card on multiple devices.
• Buy only from trusted brands and sellers to avoid counterfeits.
• Use the write-protect switch to prevent unwanted changes.
• Keep at least 10% free space and check for errors with tools when needed.

Final Words

Hopefully, we’ve cleared your doubts regarding your queries like “Can you recover formatted SD card,” and “How to recover files from SD card after formatting.” Yes, it’s viable to recover formatted SD card if it’s not overwritten yet, or you have copied its data somewhere. In some instances, the card may not be formatted, yet you can’t access it. So, utilize CMD for this purpose. However, first, stop using the card at once, remove it safely, and make a copy to protect the data.