SD cards are tiny, portable, and not-too-expensive storage devices that many people use. However, just like any other storage, they can lose your data. It could be because you deleted something by mistake, formatted the card, or had a power problem while using it. Data loss can be really annoying and upsetting.
But if you’re facing this problem, don’t worry. We have a list of 5 free online software tools that can help you get your lost files back from your SD card. To find out more, just keep reading.
Is it possible to recover SD cards online?
If you’ve accidentally lost or deleted files from your memory card, you might be searching for an online solution to recover your data. That’s a good effort on your part. However, it’s important to note that there’s no such thing as an online SD card recovery service. Despite claims made by some websites, they are usually scams.
To recover lost files, an online SD card recovery service would need to access your card. However, allowing an online service to do this can risk your private data being exposed. Do you want your personal information to be seen by everyone? Of course not. But don’t worry, there’s still a way to retrieve your lost data from an SD card.
In this situation, you can download memory card recovery software for Windows, Mac, or Android to help you with the task. There are plenty of places where you can find free tools to recover deleted files from an SD card. With so many options, it can be overwhelming, but we’ll guide you in selecting the best one.
5 best free software to recover SD cards online
Losing a file by accident can be really frustrating and sometimes even expensive. The good news is that there are lots of free online programs for SD card recovery that can help you find your lost files. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get confused about which one to pick. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the top five free recovery programs for you to consider.
1. ibeesoft free data recovery
When it comes to recovering files from any type of drive, iBeesoft Free Data Recovery stands out as a dependable and easy-to-use option. This software employs advanced scanning techniques to locate all your lost files on an SD card, leaving no file behind thanks to its quick scan and deep scan modes. What makes it even more impressive is its ability to repair damaged data, setting it apart from similar tools. Even if your memory card data is severely damaged, iBeesoft Free Data Recovery can restore it to its original state. If you’re in need of a trustworthy and user-friendly online solution for SD card recovery, this is a great choice.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Utilizes unique algorithms for recovering photos and videos | The free version allows recovery of up to 2GB of data. |
| Compatible with over 2000 devices, including all SD card brands. | |
| Fully works with recovering deleted files from SD cards and handling format recovery on Windows 11/10/7/8 and Mac. | |
| Offers pre-recovery preview and can repair damaged files. |
2. TestDisk
Testdisk is a reliable and free file recovery tool that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. It’s primarily designed to recover deleted files and fix partition table errors caused by human errors, viruses, or system issues, as stated on its official website.
| Pros | Cons |
| Besides data recovery, it can also repair damaged partitions and systems. | Testdisk operates through the command line, which may not be suitable for beginners. |
| It supports a wide range of disk-based storage devices. | It doesn’t provide a preview option for found files. |
| It quickly examines disk data structure and restores partition tables. | Recovery from formatted drives may not be as effective. |
| A portable version is available, and it scans rapidly. |
3. Recuva
Recuva is a robust file recovery software that swiftly retrieves lost files from memory cards, flash drives, and hard drives. It’s user-friendly and compatible with various file types. Furthermore, it can help recover data from formatted or damaged drives. This online tool for SD card recovery has a simple interface that efficiently locates and restores lost files.
| Pros | Cons |
| It supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT file systems. | Works exclusively on Windows PC. |
| Available in over 37 languages. | The basic version has limitations in terms of functionality. |
| Can recover lost music from iTunes or iPod, even if you haven’t accessed the files directly. | It may not recover files from severely damaged memory cards or other drives. |
4. FreeUndelete
FreeUndelete is a highly valuable tool for retrieving deleted files from both internal and external disks. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for even non-tech-savvy individuals to recover their data swiftly. With its robust scanning capabilities, it can delve deep into your drives and bring back anything that was once stored there. It’s an excellent choice for efficient, accurate, and secure online SD card recovery.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. | Designed for individual users only. |
| Completely free, with no functional limitations. | May not perform well when it comes to recovering data from formatted drives. |
| You can install this free SD card recovery software on both Mac and Windows systems, as well as on removable drives. |
5. Windows File Recovery
Microsoft introduced a data recovery tool known as Windows File Recovery in 2020. This tool not only helps recover accidentally deleted files at no cost but also assists in retrieving files from formatted or damaged drives. It’s primarily designed for use via the command line and works well for online SD card recovery, supporting a range of file types like documents, photos, and videos.
| Pros | Cons |
| Recovers deleted files from Recycle Bin after emptying. | Requires command line expertise. |
| Supports various storage devices. | Limited to local file recovery. |
| Offers three recovery modes for different data loss situations. | Lacks file preview before recovery. |
A few tips for keeping your memory card files safe
Have you ever deleted important photos, videos, or files from your memory card by accident? It’s a tough experience. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent data loss in the future.
Back-Up Regularly
To avoid losing data from your SD card, it’s a good idea to regularly save your important files on your computer or use cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive. You never know when problems might pop up!
Create Multiple Copies:
Making several copies of your files ensures you’ll have a backup if one gets lost or damaged.
Use a Good Card Reader
Using a high-quality card reader reduces the risk of data loss when transferring files.
Keep Them Cool and Dry
Memory cards don’t like heat and humidity, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Because of privacy issues, there’s no online service to recover data from your SD card. However, you can try the free software mentioned above to get your files back on your Mac or Windows PC. If that doesn’t work, you might have to consider using a professional data recovery service. These services can be a bit costly, but they could be your final option to recover your lost files.