You have formatted your drive, for better or worse, but you now want your data back. This article will teach you how to recover your data from a formatted SD card.
What Does Formatting Do?
There are two types of formatting that are used for varying numbers of purposes as
Quick Format-
- Removes file system structure and marks the space as available for new data. So your data is still intact and has a good chance of recovery.
- Extremely quick process.
- Usually used to create space by deleting all stored data or preparing it to be used with a device such as a phone or camera.
Full Format-
- Removes the filesystem as you do in a quick format, scans the SD card for bad sectors, and overwrites all pre-existing data reducing chances of recovery.
- Takes longer to to complete as it is more thorough.
- Used to repair minor issues when the SD card gets corrupted. It is also used as a security measure before disposal as it makes it hard for others to recover the previous owner’s data.
While it is easier to recover deleted data from an SD card, it is extremely hard to recover data after it has been formatted.
Note: To maximize the chances of a successful recovery, avoid using the formatted SD card until you have recovered your data.
Is it Possible to Recover SD Card After Format?
Yes. it is possible to restore data from formatted SD cards. However, after formatting your options are very limited. Apart from recovering your data using a backup, the two recommended options are-
- Using recovery software.
- Using a professional service.
Method 1: Recover Data from Formatted SD Card using SFware Data Recovery
Once you format an SD card, it becomes almost impossible to recover data by conventional means. In such a scenario, professional data recovery software like SFware data recovery is required. To easily recover files from formatted SD cards, download SFware now!
1: Download, Install, and Launch SFWare Data Recovery Software.
2: Select the SD card drive from which you want to recover your deleted files and click “Start Scan”.
3: You can view the recovered files during the scan.
4: After the scan is complete, locate Preview, select all the files that you would like to recover, and click on “After the scan is complete, locate Preview, select all the files that you would like to recover, and click on “Save”.
Method 2: Recover Data from Formatted SD Card by Consulting with a Professional Data Recovery Service
Professional data recovery services know how to retrieve data from formatted SD cards as they have all the required expertise and personnel. Locate and consult with a trusted center near you.
This service may be the most expensive out of all the options in terms of both time and money. However, this is the most effective option to recover files from SD card after formatting and during all possible data loss scenarios.
Conclusion
I hope that you were able to easily recover your data from formatted SD cards using this article. The best way to avoid such scenarios in the future is to create a backup folder in case your SD card is accidentally formatted. If you have any related doubts or queries, then feel free to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between formatting and deleting?
Deleting just marks your data’s location as empty, and traits it as a vacant space. When new data needs to be stored, it simply overwrites the previously deleted data.
Formatting an SD card will remove and replace the file system itself and may overwrite the entire drive with dummy data to prevent recovery in the future.
In the end, It is a lot easier to recover photos and other items if deleted but a lot harder if your SD card is formatted.
How to recover formatted SD card data?
The odds are low. However, you can safely recover your data from a formatted SD card by using a professional data recovery tool or consulting with a data recovery service.
What are the pros and cons of formatting an SD card?
Advantages of Formatting your SD card
- Compatibility: Some devices only work with certain file system formats. You can format your device according to the required format and do the same when using the same card with a different device.
- Fix corruption and inconsistencies: Formatting can fix small issues and repair SD cards with corrupted file systems, improving the card’s performance.
- Erase huge amounts of data: formatting helps to declutter an SD card by clearing the data on it, saving users time and energy.
Disadvantages of Formatting your SD card
- Data Loss: The biggest risk of formatting is accidentally losing all your data. Formatting clears out all the data on your SD card, so creating a backup is advisable, and you should proceed cautiously.
- Reduced Lifespan: Regular formatting can significantly reduce the overall lifespan of your SD card. If you frequently format your SD card, it is advisable to switch it out for a new one every two years or so.
