SD Card Data Recovery Tips in 2026

If you’ve accidentally deleted photos, formatted your SD card, or found it unexpectedly empty, don’t panic. In most cases, your data is still recoverable, but your next steps are critical. Follow these steps carefully to maximize your chances of a full recovery.

Step 1. Stop Using the SD Card Immediately

The moment you realize data is lost:

Remove the card from your camera, phone, or device.
Do not save, copy, or transfer any new files to the card.
Avoid formatting if prompted by your device.

Why? When files are deleted or the card is formatted, the data remains on the flash memory until overwritten. Continuing to use the card risks permanent data loss.

Step 2. Ensure Physical Integrity

Inspect the card for physical damage. If it’s cracked, water-damaged, or has corrupted sectors (“card not recognized” errors), consider professional recovery services.

Use a reliable card reader connected directly to your computer—avoid USB hubs or cheap adapters that may cause connection issues.

Step 3. Select a Trusted Recovery Tool

For logical recovery (deletion, formatting, corruption), I recommend Stellar Photo Recovery. It’s a tool I often use in non-physical damage cases due to its: