While it is a weakness, the SD card is still widely used for expanding cellphone memory, storing photos in digital cameras, transferring files and more. Nevertheless, you may lose your data in various scenarios. For example, you accidentally delete files, your SD card is damaged, or your files are corrupted. This guide shares six efficient ways to recover data from an SD card on macOS, Windows, and Android in various situations.

Part 1: Ultimate Way to Recover Deleted Data from SD Card

If you are looking for the best software to recover data from an SD card, Apeaksoft Data Recovery is a good option. It is able to scan your SD card and find the lost files even if your SD card is formatted, damaged, or corrupted. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to use, especially for beginners.

How to Recover Deleted Data from an SD Card

Step 1. Scan your card
Run the SD card recovery tool once you install it on your computer. Insert the SD card into your computer. Go to the USB / SD Card Recovery tab in the software, choose the card from the dropdown option, and hit Scan Disk.

Step 2. Preview lost files
When the data scan finishes, go to the Type List tab on the left side to view your files by type. The Filter option enables you to quickly locate files by name or path. To view deleted files only, check Only Show Deleted.

Step 3. Recover SD card
Select the files you want to retrieve and click the Recover button. Set an output folder and confirm data recovery on the SD card.

Part 2: How to Recover Deleted Files from an SD Card on Windows

How to Recover Deleted Files from an SD Card with Backup

If you have configured File History, Windows will automatically back up your data. That gives you a chance to recover deleted data from an SD card before the files are overwritten or formatted.

Step 1. Insert the SD card into your PC.

Step 2. Open File Explorer and locate the folder on the SD card that contains the lost file.

Step 3. Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions.

Step 4. Select the right version.

Step 5. Click the Arrow button next to Open and pick Open in File History.

Step 6. Select the deleted file and click the Restore button.

How to Recover Data from an SD Card by Windows File Recovery

If you haven't set up the backup feature, Windows File Recovery can help you recover data from a corrupted SD card on Windows 11/10 for free. You can download the program from the Microsoft Store.

Step 1. After installing Windows File Recovery, press Win + X, and open Terminal(Admin).

Step 2. Input winfr source-drive: destination-drive: /extensive [/switches] and hit Enter.

Part 3: How to Recover Deleted Data from an SD Card on a Mac

How to Recover Deleted Files from an SD Card with Time Machine

Time Machine is the built-in backup feature on macOS. If you have created a backup before deleting files, you can recover deleted files from the SD card on a Mac from the Time Machine backup.

Step 1. Connect the SD card to your Mac.

Step 2. Run Finder and open the folder where the lost files were.

Step 3. Link the backup media to your computer.

Step 4. Open Time Machine.

Step 5. Use the Upward and Downward buttons to find the deleted files.

Step 6. Next, select the files and click Restore.

How to Recover Data from a Formatted SD Card with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an open-source data recovery tool for macOS. It can recover data from formatted SD cards using your MacBook. It is designed for photo recovery, but you can use it to recover other file types.

Step 1. Connect the SD card to your Mac.

Step 2. Run Terminal and type the command lines one by one:

brew install testdisk

sudo photorec

Press the Return key after each command.

Step 3. Next, select your SD card with the Arrow keys on your keyboard, and press Return.

Step 4. Select the file system for your card and press Return.

Step 5. If prompted, specify the location where you want to store the recovered files, and press C.

Part 4: How to Recover Deleted Files from an SD Card on Android

How to Recover Deleted Files from an SD Card on Android with DiskDigger

Some people use SD cards to expand their Android phones' storage. If you accidentally delete files from the SD card, you can recover them on your phone using a data recovery app, like DiskDigger.

Step 1. Install it from the Google Play Store.

Step 2. Run the app from your app tray.

Step 3. Tap Basic Scan.

Step 4. Choose Search for Lost Photos or Search for Lost Videos.

Step 5. If prompted, grant the app access to your storage.

Step 6. When you are presented with the results, tick the files you'd like to recover, and tap Recover.

Step 7. Finally, save the files to an app, like Google Drive, or a local storage location.

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