Data recovery from flash memory
USB flash
drives
We recover data from all types of USB flash drives — from simple logical errors, through electronics and USB connector repair, to the most complex cases requiring direct NAND reading that bypasses the controller (Chip-Off procedure).
What we fix
What is happening
to your flash drive?
Identify your device's behaviour. Each scenario below requires a different service approach.
Drive asks to be formatted or appears empty
System shows "Drive needs to be formatted", "Insert disk", or the drive is visible but contents are empty despite used space? This is a sign of a corrupted logical structure — data is most likely still there.
Logical damageVery slow transfer, write errors
Transfer takes forever, the system automatically launches CHKDSK, files or folders disappear after disconnection? These are typical signs of progressive NAND cell degradation.
NAND degradationDrive is broken, flooded, or overheated
Cracked PCB, torn USB connector, water damage, or overheating? Despite visible mechanical damage, the NAND memory usually remains intact and its contents can be read.
Mechanical damageShows 0 B capacity or "USB device not recognised"
Drive is not detected, appears with 0 B capacity, refuses to format, or changed its manufacturer ID? The controller cannot see the memory space — direct NAND reading (Chip-Off) is required.
Controller failurePricing
How much does USB flash drive data recovery cost?
The cost depends on the type of damage and the drive's construction. Monolithic drives (single integrated chip) and cases requiring a Chip-Off procedure are priced higher due to technical complexity. We provide an exact quote after the analysis.
Logical
Logical problems
from 400 PLN
- Accidentally deleted files
- Formatted partitions
- File system error
- Drive in RAW format
Chip-Off
Controller failure / physical damage
from 700 PLN
- 0 B capacity / "No media"
- "USB device not recognised"
- Water damage, overheating, cracked PCB
- Drive not detected by the system
Process
How does data recovery work?
Ship your drive
Drop it off in person or send it by courier. Do not plug it in again before sending.
Analysis & quote
We examine the device's condition, identify the failure type, and assess recovery chances along with a quote.
File verification
You decide whether to proceed based on the technical report and the list of recoverable files.
Data delivery
Recovered data is copied to a new drive or made available for download from our server.
Video from the lab
UFD monolithic drive read and signal analysis
See what the process looks like in practice
We record our work to show the real service process. This video shows one cause of flash memory failure — due to extensive silicon structure degradation (partial memory bank damage) and a possible partial recovery only, the client decided not to proceed with the service.
Technical capabilities
Equipment
built for the toughest jobs
USB flash drive data recovery — especially for monolithic drives and after controller failure — requires equipment far beyond standard software tools. Chip-Off procedures and direct NAND reading are part of our everyday work.
Hardware & software tools
- AceLab PC-3000 Flash
- Soft-Center Flash Extractor
- Rusolut VNR
Diagnostic tools
- JBC and Quick soldering stations
- Fluke measuring equipment
- QIANLI SUPERCAM X 3D thermal camera
- DSLogic U3Pro32 logic analyser
Supported drive types
- Standard flash drives (PCB with soldered components)
- Monolithic drives (single integrated chip)
- FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, ext4 and other file systems
Logical damage on USB flash drives
Data can be lost not only through physical failure — a corrupted logical layer is often the problem.
This occurs, for example, after an interrupted write, improper USB removal, or a power failure. Typical symptoms include "Drive needs to be formatted", "Insert disk", or empty contents despite used disk space.
Do not format the drive and do not run CHKDSK — these actions can overwrite the file structure and make recovery much harder or impossible.
Electronics and USB connector failure
Electronics failure is one of the most common causes of flash drives not being detected by a computer.
Damage typically occurs after a power surge, water damage, cracked casing, or a broken USB connector. The device may get hot, disappear from the system, or trigger a "USB device not recognised" message.
In many cases it is possible to restore communication with the controller and safely read the data. In more serious situations, direct reading of the NAND memory (Chip-Off procedure) bypassing the damaged electronics may be necessary.
NAND memory cell degradation
The flash memory used in USB drives has a limited number of write cycles — it degrades naturally over time.
In frequently used drives that store and overwrite files regularly, this leads to read errors, data loss, or intermittent access problems.
Signs of progressive degradation include longer copy times, write error messages, automatic CHKDSK on connection, and disappearing folders or files with corrupted structures. As long as the drive can be mounted, recovery is possible.
Controller failure
and Chip-Off procedure
Corruption of the internal firmware or controller is one of the most serious USB flash drive failures.
The device may appear as a 0 B drive, refuse to format, or stop responding entirely when connected. It may also report an incorrect capacity or change its manufacturer ID.
Do not try to repair the firmware or restore capacity — re-initialising the controller permanently erases all memory contents. Recovery then requires direct access to the NAND chip, bypassing the damaged controller — that is exactly what we do in the Chip-Off procedure.
What not to do
with a USB flash drive
A few seemingly harmless actions can permanently destroy any chance of data recovery.
- Formatting again, even if the system suggests it — a quick format can trigger TRIM and overwrite the file structure
- Using repair or recovery software without a binary copy — most tools write data directly to the drive, destroying the original
- Plugging the drive into different ports and computers repeatedly — every attempt increases the risk of service area errors or controller damage
- Bending, cleaning with alcohol, or drying the drive — physical deformation and contact with substances can damage the PCB or electronics
- Restoring capacity or flashing firmware — these operations initialise the memory and permanently erase all content
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I try to recover data from a USB flash drive myself?
If the drive is recognised correctly by the computer, the first step should be to create a binary image and work from the image, not the original. This minimises the risk of further damage during analysis. We always recover data exclusively from a binary copy — never from the original device.
The flash drive shows a smaller capacity than before — can I recover the data?
Yes, but restoring the capacity involves complete data loss — the process re-initialises the memory. To recover data from such a drive, direct reading of the memory chip via an external programmer (Chip-Off procedure) is required. Only after data recovery should you consider restoring capacity.
Is the analysis included in the recovery price and what does it cover?
No. Analysis is a separate service paid upfront (250 PLN standard or 1,000 PLN express), which keeps the recovery itself cheaper than at labs offering "free diagnostics". It includes a thorough examination of the drive, identification of the failure type, and an assessment of recovery chances. Based on the results we prepare a report and quote.
How long does USB flash drive data recovery take?
Simple logical cases typically take 3–5 business days. Controller failure recovery or a Chip-Off procedure can take from a few days to several weeks — the time depends on the extent of damage and the drive's construction (monolithic drives in particular are time-consuming).
Can I format the flash drive again since the system suggests it?
No. Even a quick format can overwrite the file structure or trigger TRIM, which frequently makes subsequent data recovery impossible. Click "Cancel" and send the drive in for analysis.
Is it worth using free repair or data recovery software?
Do not use them on the original flash drive. Most tools write data directly to the drive, overwriting the original content. If you must test software, do it only on a binary copy — never on the original.
Can I keep plugging the flash drive into different ports or computers?
No. Each subsequent connection increases the risk of service area errors or complete controller failure. If you have plugged it in several times without success — stop and bring it in for diagnostic.
Can I restore the capacity or flash new firmware onto the drive?
No. These operations permanently erase all data and make recovery impossible. If your data matters, do not initialise the controller or flash firmware.
Get in touch
Problem with a USB flash drive?
You don't need to know the technical details. Just describe the symptoms or the situation in which the damage occurred — our engineer will assess the options and outline a plan of action.
During business hours we reply within 20 minutes. Outside business hours we respond as quickly as possible.