7 ways to fix problems with microSD cards

microSD cards are extremely popular, mainly because they are compact and not too expensive. But sometimes they can also be faulty. So, what happens when your microSD card crashes?

Will all the pictures and documents stored on it be lost? The good news is that you can quickly fix many common problems with microSD cards. So let's see 7 ways you can fix common problems with them.

Common problems with microSD cards

Before moving on to the troubleshooting section, let's go over the most common errors you may encounter with a microSD card. And to make it easier for you to follow, the article will also list applicable fixes below each error arranged in the order of recommendations to do when fixing errors. If the first suggested fix doesn't work, you should move on to the next step.

Warning : If there is important data on your SD card or microSD card, you should restore your data first, as recommended in fix #6, before formatting it.

1. Format error

One of the most common problems is formatting errors. This can happen for many reasons. For example, removing a card while in use can cause an error. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious bug.

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2. Error Write Protection

The Write Protection error is really annoying. In these cases, the tag will allow you to access the data in it, but not allow you to paste or write any more data to the tag.

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3. Corrupt file system

This problem is similar to a formatting error and is caused by many of the same causes. Improper removal while the card is in use, power failure, and software glitches can all cause file corruption.

Some of the symptoms that can be attributed to a corrupted file system include:

Unable to access file
Size displayed wrong
Display SD card as RAW
Error messages like File system error, Unable to read/write, Unable to access files or similar errors
Files or folders have incorrect names or are completely missing
Slow performance

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4. Defective card reader or adapter

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Sometimes the card itself is not at fault. Instead, the culprit is the card reader or adapter. This is more common with PC or Mac card readers but not so common on devices like phones or tablets.

The problem is mainly due to the high frequency of using these devices. Frequent card changes can lead to damage or even contamination of the contacts.

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5. Physical damage

Physical damage to the microSD card, such as bent pins or a damaged connector, can cause malfunctions. Often, this can render the card unreadable without a professional data recovery service.

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6. Firmware or driver problems

Outdated or incompatible drivers or firmware can cause errors when accessing the card. However, this is not a problem with the card. The main culprit in these cases could be the card reader or other host device.

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7. Card not detected

This is another common problem that causes your computer or device to not recognize the microSD card.

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Fixes for common MicroSD card problems

It is not possible to list every error that you will encounter. However, most errors fall into one of the above categories. Now let's see 7 ways to troubleshoot and repair your microSD card.

Fix 1: Try another device or card reader

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This fix can be tried first in any situation. Surprisingly, the problem is usually not with the card but with the reader or device. This also applies if you use an SD card adapter to access your data.

Using this as a first step allows you to verify that the problem is with the card. If the problem is with the card reader, it may just need to update the driver. See fix 4 for more details on how to do this.

Fix 2: Check the Write Protect switch

If your card doesn't allow you to write new files, it's possible that a physical write-protect switch has been turned on. Try to see if there is a switch similar to the one in the image below.

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Solution 3: Format card

If the card has lost its format, simply reformatting the card is enough. However, be careful; You will lose all data on the card after formatting. If the microSD card contains important data, you should restore the card using data recovery applications, as described in workaround 6, before formatting your card.

How you format the card depends on the device from which you are accessing the card.

Format instructions for Windows computers

There are several ways to format an SD card in Windows. Let's take a look at one of the simplest methods.

1, Open File Explorer window, right click on SD Card and select Format option .

2. In the Format window , select exFat or Fat32 as the file system; you can also enter a name for the drive in the Volume label box . Several factors can help you decide between exFat and Fat32.

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3. Make sure the Quick Format box is checked, then click Start .

This process only takes a few seconds; if it takes longer, there may be an underlying problem with the card.

Format instructions for Mac computers

Again, there are different ways to format any SD card on a Mac. Refer: How to Quickly Format SD Card on Mac for more details

Format instructions for Linux computers

Format instructions for Linux computers are a bit more complicated. For most users, using a Mac or Windows computer will be easier. If you need to use a Linux machine, there are many ways to manage and format SD cards in Linux.

If you primarily use your microSD card on your smartphone or camera, it's a good idea to format it with that device. This prevents potential problems when writing data to the card using your phone or camera.

Fix 4: Update card reader driver

Sometimes the problem lies with the card reader and not the microSD card. This applies to whatever device you are using to access the card. This includes devices such as:

Card Reader : This applies to both built-in and USB card readers.
Other devices : This can include devices such as cameras, phones, drones, and printers.

Drivers act as a bridge between the operating system and the hardware. Outdated drivers can cause card readers and other peripherals to malfunction. There are different ways to update the driver, but you should visit the manufacturer's website.

Fix 5: Repair the file system

Most operating systems will have a built-in tool to scan the SD drive to find and fix drive system errors.

Repair the file system on Windows computers

1. Open an Explorer window, right-click the appropriate drive and select Properties .

2. Go to the Tools tab and select the Check option .

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3. Select Scan and repair drive .

The file checker will scan the drive and fix any possible errors.

Repair the file system on Mac computers

1. Navigate to Applications/Utilities and open Disk Utility .

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2. Select the damaged drive from the sidebar (you may have to click Show All Devices if it's not visible).

3. Click First Aid .

The drive will now be scanned for errors and repairs will be made if possible.

Fix 6: Use data recovery software

There are many tools that can recover photos from a microSD card. One of my favorite ways to recover photos from SD card is to use Stellar Photo Recovery. You can get the app as a free trial, allowing you to scan and see what data you can recover before you buy it.

But if you don't want to spend money, Test Disk is a great free option. It doesn't have a flashy interface or is as easy to use as Stellar, but it's completely free. And while the lack of a GUI may seem daunting, recovering lost or damaged data using Test Disk is not so complicated.

Fix 7: Clean the MicroSD card

Your computer refuses to recognize the microSD card, if there is slight damage to its contacts. You may need to clean them carefully. This can be done with a lint-free cloth; Isopropyl alcohol can be used if necessary.

Remember to be as gentle as possible and make sure the card is completely dry before reinserting it into the slot.