Memory card data recovery
Most common memory card failures
What kind of memory card problems do we see most often?
- Accidental formatting or file deletion – files disappear from view, but the card is still detected by the device or computer
- Corrupted JPG, RAW, MP4, MOV files – interrupted writes, header errors and missing indexes
- File system or partition table damage – after removing the card during a write, a write error in the device, or a power failure. Typical symptoms include messages like “The card needs to be formatted”, “Insert card”, or an empty folder even though space is shown as used
- The card heats up, resets or disappears after a moment – electrical fault, damaged connections or an unstable controller
- “Card error” / “Błąd karty” messages – memory controller issues, loss of the block map or incorrect media initialisation
- Card detected as 0 B or not recognised by the reader – damaged controller firmware or errors in the memory’s service area
How much does memory card data recovery cost?
The cost of recovering data from a memory card depends on the type of failure and the device model. You’ll find example price ranges below, and you can get an approximate quote using our online calculator.
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Logical issuesfrom 100 €
- Accidental file deletion
- Formatted partitions
- Damaged file system or logical structure
- Card showing as RAW
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Chip Offfrom 170 €
- Zeroed card contents
- Incorrect device capacity reported
- Card not detected by any device
What the recovery process looks like
- Drive submission – filling online form out the and delivering the device
- Analysis and quote – detailed report and service cost
- Repair and data recovery – lab work on your device
- Delivery of recovered data – on a new device or via secure download
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try to recover the data from the card on my own?
If the card is correctly recognised by the computer or reader, the first step should be to create a binary image file and work on the image, not on the original card. This keeps the risk of damaging the media during analysis and recovery to a minimum.
If a failure occurs while creating the image, there is still a chance to preserve at least part of the data.
We always perform the recovery work only on a binary copy.
My memory card shows less capacity than before – can this be fixed?
Yes, but the repair involves complete data loss.
When restoring the correct capacity, the memory is reinitialised, which erases all existing data.
To recover data from such a device, the memory chip has to be read directly using an external programmer (Chip-Off procedure).
Is the diagnosis included in the recovery cost and what does it cover?
No. The analysis is a separate service, paid upfront (50 € for standard mode or 170 € for express mode), which keeps the actual data recovery cheaper than in companies that offer a “free diagnosis.” It includes a detailed inspection of the drive, identification of the type of damage, and assessment of the chances of data recovery. Based on this, we classify the case, prepare a report of the performed procedures, and provide an exact cost estimate.
How long does memory card data recovery take?
The turnaround time depends on the type of damage. Simple logical cases usually take 3–5 business days, while recovery after controller failure or using a chip-off procedure may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks.
Do you recover data from all types of memory cards?
Yes, we work with all common memory card types: SD, microSD, CFexpress, XQD, CompactFlash, CFast, Memory Stick and others. We handle media from most major manufacturers (including Samsung, Kingston, Lexar, SanDisk, KIOXIA and Toshiba). For unusual or very rare models, we’ll inform you about any potential limitations after the diagnostic stage..
Are my recovered data secure and confidential?
Yes. All work is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment. Your data is processed only on dedicated, encrypted workstations, and access is restricted to authorised specialists. Everything is covered by our confidentiality policy, and at the client’s request we can also sign an additional NDA.
Logical damage on a memory card
Data on memory cards can disappear not only due to hardware failures, but also as a result of logical errors.
This can happen after an interrupted write, a camera error, or reconnecting a card whose file system was not properly closed.
A typical symptom is a message such as “The card needs to be formatted” or an empty folder even though the space is still shown as used.
Electronics and connection failures
Electronic failures in memory cards are a common reason why they are no longer detected by devices.
Damage usually occurs after a power surge, liquid exposure, bending of the card or worn contacts.
The card may heat up, disappear from the system or trigger a “Card error” message.
In many cases it is possible to restore communication with the controller and safely read the data, while in more serious cases a direct readout of the memory chip (chip-off) is required.
NAND flash cell degradation
Flash memory has a limited number of write cycles, so over time it naturally wears out.
In cards that operate in harsh conditions (high temperature, frequent erase and write cycles), this can lead to read errors, data loss or unstable behaviour.
Typical symptoms of degradation include long read times, write error messages, and disappearing or corrupted files.
Controller or firmware issues
Damage to the internal firmware or controller is one of the most serious types of memory card failure.
The card may show as 0 B, refuse to format, or stop responding altogether.
In some cases it may also change the reported manufacturer ID or show an incorrect capacity.
Such faults should never be repaired on your own, because reinitialising the card will permanently erase its contents.
In these situations, data recovery requires direct access to the memory chip and bypassing the damaged controller.
What not to do with memory cards
Incorrect actions can significantly reduce the chances of successful data recovery and, in some cases, cause permanent data loss. Below are the most common mistakes you should avoid:
- Do not format the card again – even a quick format can overwrite file structures or trigger the TRIM mechanism, making later recovery impossible
- Do not use CHKDSK or repair/recovery software without creating a binary copy first – most of these tools write directly to the card, overwriting the original sectors
- Do not power on a camera, camcorder or phone with a damaged card – the device may try to format it or overwrite problematic areas
- Do not bend, clean or dry the card – physical deformation, contact with alcohol or high temperature can damage the contacts and the PCB
- Do not plug the card into multiple different readers repeatedly – each additional test increases the risk of write errors in the service area or may accelerate memory degradation
- Do not try to restore the capacity or flash new firmware – such operations permanently erase all data and make recovery impossible