A memory card error can be frustrating, especially if the card contains important photos, videos, or files. Whether you’re using a memory card in a camera, smartphone, or computer, seeing an error message like “Memory Card Corrupted”, “Card Cannot Be Read”, or “Card Not Detected”. They usually indicate a problem with the card's file system, compatibility, or even physical condition.

The good news is, in many cases, you can fix the memory card error and recover your files. Below, you can walk through the common causes, step-by-step solutions, and ways to prevent future issues.

Part 1: What Causes Memory Card Errors

1. File System Corruption: If you have ever directly unplugged your memory card before ejecting it on your computer, the file system may get corrupted, and you will encounter a memory card error like card corrupted.

2. Unsupported File System: Your computer, camera, or phone may not support certain file systems like NTFS. Most cameras and phones use FAT32 or exFAT.

3. Driver or Firmware Issues: If your computer has an outdated OS version and drivers, you may see memory card errors when you insert it to your computer.

4. Physical Damage: If your memory card get physically damaged, you cannot use it anymore, and your device won't recognize it properly.

Part 2: How to Fix Memory Card Error

Now, let's check the best methods to troubleshoot and fix a memory card that shows an error.

1. Try the Card in Another Device

Insert the memory card into a different camera, phone, or computer to test its condition. If you don't see memory card errors, that means your memory card has no problem.

2. Check the Card Reader and Adapter

A faulty card reader or adapter may cause errors. Test with another reader or use the built-in slot on your computer. You can also insert another memory card to test if the reader is good. If you won't encounter memory card errors, that means your card reader or adapter may have some problems.

3. Run Error Checking on Windows

Ensure that your memory card is connected to your computer. Then, right-click the memory card in File Explorer. Go to Tools and select Error Checking. This will scan and fix the memory card errors automatically. If there's no big problem with your memory card, you will easily solve the issue in this way.

4. Use CHKDSK Command

You can also fix memory card errors with this method. Press Windows and R keys on your keyboard. Then, type:

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X with your card’s drive letter, and then press the Enter key on your keyboard. It will detect and fix your memory card. There is a great chance you can fix memory card error.

5. Restart Your Device

Whether you encounter the memory card error on your camera, computer, or mobile phone, you can restart the device to see if you can solve the problem. Restarting can fix many system glitches on a device.

6. Format the Memory Card

You can use your computer to format your memory card. Remember to reformat it as FAT32 or exFAT. Check the guide below to try fixing the memory card error. However, note that you may need to perform memory card recovery to bring back your lost data.

Step 1. Insert your memory card into your Windows computer.

Step 2. Right-click your memory card in File Explorer and click the Format button.

Step 3. Here, click the File System dropdown button to select FAT32 or exFAT. Then, click the Start button to format your memory card.

Part 3: How to Prevent Data Loss Due to Memory Card Errors

What if your memory card gets corrupted and loses all data? What if you have to format your memory card? In that case, your data will get lost. How can you prevent data lose because of memory card errors? You can use Apeaksoft Data Recovery. This excellent program can quickly recover lost data on your memory card, even if it is reformatted.

Related Articles