Introduction
Formatting an SD card erases all data on the card, including photos, videos, and other files. However, with the right software and techniques, it is often possible to recover deleted photos from a formatted SD card. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at the options for recovering photos from a formatted SD card in 2024.
Understanding the Formatting Process
When you format an SD card, the file structure is recreated and a new empty file system is written. The actual data on the card is not immediately erased, but the links to access that data are removed. This makes the files seem to disappear from the card.
Over time, the formatted spaces may be partially or fully overwritten by new data as the card is reused. But often a large percentage of the original data remains intact in the memory chips, hidden from view. Specialized data recovery software can scan the formatted areas of the card and rebuild the file structure to access deleted photo files.
Requirements for Photo Recovery
To recover deleted photos from a formatted SD card, you will need:
- The formatted SD card containing the lost photos
- A card reader to connect the SD card to a computer
- Data recovery software designed to recover deleted media files
- Patience and proper handling of the card to avoid overwriting data
Best Photo Recovery Software in 2024
Data recovery software has improved tremendously over the past decade. Here are top programs to consider for recovering photos from a formatted SD card:
1. Disk Drill
Disk Drill is a popular all-round data recovery app for Windows and Mac. It reconstructs the original file structure of formatted media and includes optimized recovery methods for photos, videos, and other common file types.
Disk Drill is easy to use with a simple interface. It offers a free quick scan to preview recoverable files as well as deep scan and advanced file recovery options in the premium version.
2. Recuva
Recuva by Piriform specializes in recovery of deleted media files. It is available for Windows and has an advanced deep scan mode to locate photo remnants based on file signatures.
A free version recovers files up to 1 GB in size. The premium pro version removes file size limits and adds virtual hard disk support.
3. Photorec
Photorec is a free, open source photo recovery utility designed for Linux, Mac, and Windows. It works well for recovering image and video files from formatted or corrupted media cards.
Photorec rebuild files based on file headers and metadata. It has advanced options for recovery experts but is not as user-friendly as commercial software.
4. Stellar Photo Recovery
Stellar offers optimized recovery of photos, videos, and audio files. It resurrects files from formatted, deleted, or corrupted SD cards and other media.
The software scans for lost media, previews recoverable files, and includes options like repairing corrupt photos. There is a free limited version and paid pro version with full capabilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Photos
Follow these key steps to recover your photos using data recovery software:
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Connect the formatted SD card – Use a card reader to connect the SD card to your computer. Do not save new files to the card to avoid overwriting deleted data.
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Select a recovery program – Choose software like the options mentioned above that is designed to recover media files. Install the program on your computer.
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Scan the SD card – Run the program and select the SD card drive to scan for recoverable photo and video files. An initial scan should find deleted files.
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Preview and recover – The software will display photos found as recoverable. Select the files you want to restore and use the software to recover them to your computer.
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Save recovered files – Be sure to save the recovered photos to a new location, such as your computer hard drive, and not back to the formatted SD card.
Tips for Improved Photo Recovery
Follow these additional tips for optimal results when recovering lost photos from an SD card:
- Try not to use the SD card after formatting until recovered – new data can overwrite deleted files
- Use the deep scan or advanced recovery mode for more complete results
- Select only the file types you need – like JPG or PNG for photos – for simpler results
- Recover to a different drive than the SD card to avoid file overwriting
- Check preview images before recovery to avoid retrieving corrupted/partial files
- Try more than one software if needed – each program may yield slightly different results
Conclusion
Thanks to advancing data recovery technology, restoring deleted photos from a formatted SD card is often possible with the right software and techniques. Specialized programs like Disk Drill, Recuva, Photorec and Stellar Phoenix can successfully recover JPG, RAW, PNG, and other common photo file formats. With some effort and patience, you stand an excellent chance of rescuing your lost photos and getting back important memories even after mistakenly formatting an SD card.
