7 Methods To Fix SD Card Not Detected [A Complete Guide]

Have you ever experienced the frustration of inserting your memory card or SD card into your device only to find that it’s not being detected? It can be very inconvenient, especially if you rely on the SD card to access important data or store files. But don’t worry; you’re not alone. SD card detection failures are a common problem, and there are several reasons why they can occur.

In this article, we’ll explore the various causes of the problem – an SD card not detected on Windows PC and Android devices. We’ll also provide troubleshooting techniques to get your SD card back up and working again. So, if you’re tired of dealing with the SD card not showing up issue, keep reading!

Part 1: Why Is Your SD Card Not Showing Up?

There are several causes of an SD card not showing up on your computer or device. Let’s check out some of the most common ones.

Physical Damage to the SD Card

Like any other physical component, SD cards are susceptible to wear and tear over time. The delicate connectors and circuitry on the SD card can become damaged, leading to detection issues. Additionally, physical damage, such as cracks, bends, or exposure to extreme temperatures, can render the SD card unreadable.

Compatibility Issues

Not all SD cards are created equal. Different SD card formats, such as SDHC and SDXC, have varying compatibility requirements. Ensure that the SD card you’re using is compatible with your device. Check the device’s specifications to confirm the supported SD card formats and capacities.

Corrupted File System

Just like any storage device, SD cards can develop file system errors. An SD card not reading errors can arise due to sudden power outages, improper removal of the SD card, or even software glitches. A corrupted file system can prevent the device from recognizing the SD card or accessing its contents.

Faulty SD Card Reader

The problem might not lie with the SD card itself but with the device’s card reader due to debris buildup. A faulty reader can interfere with communication, leading to the “SD card not detected” error. If you’re using an external card reader to access the content of the micro SD card on your phone and other devices, try using a different one.

Outdated or Incompatible Device Drivers

Device drivers are software programs helping your operating system communicate with hardware components, including SD card readers. Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause an “SD card not working” issue.

Improper Insertion or Ejection

While it may seem straightforward, inserting and ejecting SD cards requires proper care. Abrupt insertions or removals can damage the card’s contacts or connectors and may result in the micro SD card not being recognized on your phone.

Part 2: Recover Data From Unrecognized SD Cards Before Fixing

When your SD card throws you a curveball with an “SD card not detected” or “micro SD card not detected” issue, your first instinct might be to fix it. However, before tinkering with your SD card, take a step back and prioritize data recovery.

Overwriting the SD card during repairs can permanently erase your valuable files. By recovering data first, you can also restore access to your files.

Wondershare Recoverit: A Must-Have Memory Card Data Recovery Tool

Fortunately, sd card recovery tools like Recoverit can help you retrieve lost data from your unrecognized memory card. It is a robust and user-friendly data recovery software that supports several SD card types, including SD, micro SD, and micro SDHC cards.

Key Features:

Having powerful data retrieval capabilities, Wondershare Recoverit can breathe new life into your lost files. Here’s why it is a go-to solution for recovering data from an unrecognized SD card:

• Unrivaled versatility: Recoverit can restore deleted files from any memory card, including CF cards, SD cards, nano memory, memory sticks, and more. It’s an all-rounder that can handle any memory card-related data loss scenario.
• High recovery rate: Recoverit boasts a high recovery rate, successfully retrieving data from various data loss scenarios, including “micro SDHC not detected” issues.
• Extensive file format support: Recoverit’s reach extends beyond restoring images and videos. It can retrieve 1000+ file types, including audio, office files, emails, and archives. No matter the file type, Recoverit has you covered.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and Windows Server
• macOS X or later

How To Recover Data From an SD Card Not Detected on Devices?

Now, let’s dive into a guide in steps on how to use Recoverit to get your files back from an unreadable SD card or micro SD card not recognized on your phone:

Step 1: Download Recoverit and install it on your desktop. Start the software and connect your SD card to a computer through a card reader or directly inserting it into the computer’s SD card slot.

Step 2: Recoverit will automatically detect your connected SD card. Select the SD card from the list of available devices.

Step 3: Click Start, and Recoverit will thoroughly scan your SD card to locate lost files.

Step 4: After the scan finishes, preview the recovered files to confirm they’re the ones you need.

Step 5: Select the files you need and click Recover to put them in a safe location on your computer.

Remember to prioritize data recovery before attempting fixes for your SD card not showing up on your devices. Recoverit provides a reliable and user-friendly solution to retrieve your valuable data, ensuring you don’t face permanent data loss. Now, you can proceed with fixing your SD card with peace of mind, knowing that your data is securely backed up.

Part 3: 7 Ways To Fix SD Card Not Detected on Phone and Windows PC

Facing the frustrating “SD card not detected” or “no SD card detected” problem can be a big problem, especially if you rely on your SD card for storing important data. To help you, Here are 7 tried-and-tested methods to get your memory card accessible again, whether you’re using it on a Windows PC or an Android phone.

Method No. 1: Checking for Driver Updates

Outdated or faulty drivers can prevent your computer from recognizing the SD card. Update your SD card drivers by following these steps:

Step 1: Connect the SD not showing up to the computer, then right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand the Disk drives category, right-click on your SD card, and choose Properties.

Step 3: Go to the Driver tab in the Memory Properties pop-up window.

Step 4: Click Update driver and follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

Method No. 2: Set Drive Letter for SD Card

Sometimes, the SD card might not be assigned a proper drive letter, causing it to disappear in File Explorer. To assign a new drive letter:

Step 1: Open the Disk Management tool (search for “diskmgmt.msc” in the Start menu).

Step 2: Right-click on your SD card in the Disk Management pop-up window, then select “Change Drive Letter and Paths…“

Step 3: Click Add and choose a new drive letter from the drop-down menu.

Method No. 3: CHKDSK Command

The CHKDSK command can repair file system errors that might be preventing your SD card from being detected. To run this command:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator).

Step 2: Type “chkdsk /f [SD card drive letter]:/” and press Enter.

Step 3: Replace “[SD card drive letter]” with the actual drive letter assigned to your SD card.

Method No. 4: Remove SD Card Write Protection

Check if your micro SD card adapter has a write-protection switch. If it does, ensure it’s unlocked. However, if the SD card adapter is unlocked and still has problems with a micro SD card not detected, follow these steps to remove write protection.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type diskpart, and press Enter.

Step 2: List all disks by typing list disk and pressing Enter.

Step 3: Identify your SD card by its size and disk number.

Step 4: Select the SD card by typing “select disk #” (replace # with the disk number) and press Enter.

Step 5: Type “attributes disk clear readonly” and press Enter.

Step 6: Exit Diskpart by typing “exit” and pressing Enter.

Method No. 5: Clear Virus From SD Card

Viruses can corrupt the SD card’s file system, making it unreadable. Please consider using a reliable antivirus program to scan and remove potential threats from your SD card.

Method No. 6: Unmount and Remount the Micro SD Card

Smartphones typically use micro SD cards for expandable storage since they are physically smaller. While some new phones have opted for internal storage only, many still offer the option to expand storage with a micro SD card. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues such as micro SD cards not recognized on Android devices. Here’s how to unmount and mount the micro SD card on your Android phone:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Storage, locate your micro SD card and tap on it.

Step 2: Tap on the Unmount or Eject option.

Step 3: Wait for the card to be unmounted completely, then restart your phone.

Step 4: After a few seconds, tap on the Mount or Mount SD card option, then check if the mini SD card not detected before has been fixed.

Method No. 7: Format the SD Card

If all else fails, formatting the SD card may be the last resort. It will erase all data on the card, so make sure you have recovered any important files using a data recovery tool like Recoverit. To format your micro SD card on your Android device:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Storage, select your SD card and tap Format.

Step 2: Confirm your action and wait for the formatting process to complete.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and resources to solve SD card not detected issues. From driver updates and disk management to formatting, you now have a toolbox of solutions on your Windows PC and Android phone.

While these solutions have proven effective in most cases, some SD card detection problems may need professional assistance. However, even in such scenarios, hope isn’t lost. With the help of Recoverit, it is possible to retrieve your files, even if you accidentally deleted them, formatted the card, or faced virus attacks, disk corruption, and other data loss scenarios.

Also Read: Ways To Perform SD Card Recovery and Free Recovery Software