SD card is not working anymore

I was filming with my camera when suddenly I received a notification to insert another SD card. I removed it and inserted a different one. Now I can’t access anything from my SD card anymore. Neither in my camera or in my MacBook is the SD card not usable. Could someone help me recover my data :frowning:

It sounds like the second SD card you inserted might have been incompatible with your camera or it could have had some issues. I would suggest that check the compatibility and format it correctly because it can happen if the card is formatted in a way that your camera doesn’t support or if it’s damaged.
Read here for more information, Troubleshoot: SD card undetected issue - Files by Google Help
Also, this article can help you fix the SD card not showing up error.

Losing access to your data can be distressing, but there are steps you can take to attempt data recovery from your SD card. Here’s what you can try:

  • Check the SD Card Slot: Sometimes, the issue might be with the SD card slot itself. Ensure that there’s no debris or dirt in the slot by blowing gently into it or using a can of compressed air. Insert the SD card again to see if it’s recognized.

  • Try a Different Card Reader: If you’re using an external card reader with your MacBook, try using a different card reader or inserting the SD card directly into your MacBook’s built-in SD card slot (if available). Sometimes, the card reader might be faulty.

  • Use Disk Utility (Mac): If your MacBook recognizes the SD card but you’re unable to access the data, you can try using Disk Utility to see if the SD card appears there. If it does, you might be able to repair it or extract data using Disk Utility.

  • Data Recovery Software: If the above steps don’t work, you can try using data recovery software like Disk Drill, PhotoRec, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. These tools are designed to recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices, including SD cards. Follow the instructions provided by the software to scan and recover data from the SD card.

  • Professional Data Recovery Services: If you’re unable to recover the data using the above methods, you might need to seek help from professional data recovery services. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices. Keep in mind that professional data recovery services can be expensive, so consider this option if the data is valuable and worth the cost.

  • Prevent Further Damage: Avoid using the SD card further until you’ve attempted data recovery. Continued use of the card might overwrite the existing data, making it harder to recover.

Remember that data recovery success isn’t guaranteed, especially if the SD card is physically damaged. However, trying the above steps should increase your chances of recovering your important data.

In such a case, the first step that you should take is to repair your SD card by using First Aid.

  • Open Disk Utility. You can find it by searching for “Disk Utility” in Spotlight or navigating to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Disk Utility.”
  • In Disk Utility, you should see your SD card listed on the left sidebar. Select the SD card.
  • Click on the “First Aid” button in the toolbar.

Additionally, you need to check whether the SD card is infected with viruses. If the problem is due to compatibility, you can use Disk Utility to format the problematic SD card. The only thing you need to worry about are the files stored on the SD card. After formatting the SD card, all data will be erased.

You can consider using free data recovery software to get back your lost files. Generally speaking, these software tools are very effective until the data is overwritten.