4 Ways to Fix Unreadable SD Cards and Their Causes

  • By Desain Arena
  • Tutorial

Desainarena.com - Encountering issues with reading memory cards on smartphones can pose a significant obstacle to accessing stored data on SD cards. Despite the inconvenience, fixing unreadable SD cards can be a straightforward process. In this article, we will explore four methods to address this issue and delve into the common causes behind it.

4 Ways to Fix Unreadable SD Cards and Their Causes

Causes of Unreadable Memory Cards

  • Dust Contamination: Dust particles adhering to small components can disrupt the reading process and potentially damage the entire memory card, rendering it unreadable.
  • Oil Spills: Accidental oil spills, though rare, can occur when using a memory card near oily sources or with greasy hands.
  • Excessive Usage: Overusing the memory card, especially by storing files exceeding its capacity, can lead to permanent damage and make it unreadable.

Methods to Fix Unreadable SD Cards

Try Another Device

  • Some compatibility issues may arise due to the SD card's type not matching the phone's specifications.
  • Users should attempt to insert the card into a different device or use an alternative card reader.
  • Researching compatible SD card types for the specific phone model is advisable.

Clean the SD Card

  • Remove the SD card from the device (smartphone, camera, etc.).
  • Clean the copper contact points gently using an eraser until they appear clean.
  • Reinsert the card into the device and check if the damaged SD card is detected.

Format Through the Smartphone

  1. Access the 'Settings' menu on the mobile device.
  2. Select the 'Storage' option.
  3. Find and click on 'Erase SD card.'
  4. Wait for the formatting process to complete before using the memory card again.

Check on PC/Laptop

  1. Insert the SD card into the smartphone and connect it to a PC or laptop using a suitable data cable.
  2. Change the connection mode from Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) to Mass Storage Mode (MSC).
  3. Open Explorer by pressing Windows + E.
  4. Right-click on the drive icon representing the SD card.
  5. Choose 'Properties > Tools > Error Checking,' and wait for the process to finish.
  6. Safely eject the SD card after the checking process and verify if it has returned to normal.

Conclusion

These methods provide practical solutions for fixing unreadable SD cards, and it's essential to address the issue promptly. Users can follow these steps independently to restore their SD cards' functionality and access their data seamlessly.

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