author avatar
2 October 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
When files keep disappearing from an SD card, it often indicates that the physical memory is corrupted. This can be caused by unsafe ejection or removal of the SD card, file system corruption, or other underlying issues. Although this situation can be alarming, there are data recovery techniques available to salvage important files. Additionally, there are several solutions to address the problem of an SD card deleting files by itself.



Table of contents

table iconWhat Does it Mean When Files Keep Disappearing From an SD card
table iconHow to Recover Files That Disappeared From an SD Card
table iconHow to Fix an SD Card That is Deleting Files by Itself
table iconFinal Thoughts
We depend on SD cards and flash drives for storing and safeguarding our data. So, when files mysteriously vanish from an SD card, it’s natural to panic, fearing the loss of precious data. But don’t worry! You can recover important photos using data recovery techniques. Additionally, there are several solutions to address the issue of an SD card deleting files on its own. Let’s explore these solutions in detail below!

What Does it Mean When Files Keep Disappearing From an SD card

“The files on My SD card is disappeared. Why is this happening? ” When storage devices start to malfunction this way, it is often a sign that the physical memory is corrupted. There are many possible reasons behind this, namely:
* Unsafe ejection or removal of the SD card – Improperly removing the SD card without using the “eject” function or during data transfer can corrupt the file system.
eject USB flash drive
* File system corruption – This can happen due to various reasons, like sudden power outages or errors during file transfer.
* Viruses and other malware – Malware can damage the SD card by deleting or corrupting files.
* Physical damage – Dropping the SD card, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or bending it can cause physical damage.
* Factory or manufacturing defects – In rare cases, the SD card might have had a manufacturing defect that’s now causing issues. When this happens, any existing data saved on the SD card is in danger of being compromised.
You can try to repair your SD card to help it regain its normal function, but note that any attempt to do so can lead to data loss. Because of this, we strongly suggest that you stop using your SD card right away and recover any important files before you try to fix the memory card.

How to Recover Files That Disappeared From an SD Card

Whether the files disappeared from a micro SD card on Android or a regular SD card in a camera, recovering lost data is pretty easy. You will be able to salvage SD card missing files using trusted data recovery software.
Renee Undeleter is a professional data recovery tool that can help you retrieve lost or deleted files from your computer. It is a user-friendly and comprehensive tool that offers a high success rate for file recovery. With it, you can find and recover around 500 file formats after overwriting, and the process is incredibly simple thanks to its modern user interface and numerous quality-of-life features. In addition to signature scanning, Renee Undeleter also supports file system-based recovery, with support for all major Windows file systems, so you can use it to also find files that haven’t actually been overwritten but simply misplaced.
Step 1: Connect the faulty SD card to your PC with card reader.
use sd card reader to connect to the computer
Step 2: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 3: Select the Fast Partition Scan option in the main interface.
Tips: Please avoid installing the software on the disk containing the data to be recovered in order to prevent data overwriting. Also, refrain from saving new data to the same disk partition after a file is lost to avoid further damage or complete loss of the lost file.
Renee Undeleter, select Fast Partition Scan
Step 3: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located, and click Next.
select partition to scan for fast partition scan
Step 4: Select the Fast Scan option and click the Next button to scan. The Fast Scan mode scans the initial 30GB of available space on the chosen disk. If desired files are not found, the Deep Scan mode can be used for a thorough scan of the hard disk partition, though it will require additional time.
Select Fast scan in Fast Partition Scan
Step 5: Wait for the scan to complete You can double-click the file to preview, then check the files that need to be recovered, and click the Recover button to recover the files to other disks.
preview before recovery
Please select a disk without any important data when installing the software to avoid overwriting it. If the quick scan mode doesn’t find the necessary files, we suggest trying the deep scan mode for a full search. Using a professional software like Renee Undeleter can greatly increase your chances of successful file recovery. It is important to note that the longer you wait to use this method, the lower your chances of successful recovery become.

How to Fix an SD Card That is Deleting Files by Itself

An SD card that deletes files by itself is likely corrupted and should be repaired. There are several methods you can use to fix your SD card. Again, make sure you’ve already recovered all important files from the SD card before you proceed to the techniques outlined here.

Method 1: Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes be the root cause of disappearing files on an SD card. Just to be sure your card is free from malicious software, use Windows Defender to run a thorough scan:
1. In the search bar type Windows Security, and open the app.
open Windows Security
2. Navigate to Virus & threat protection and select Scan options.
Windows Security
3. Choose Full scan to perform a full check of all files and programs on your computer, including any connected SD cards.
4. Click Scan now to begin. This process can take some time depending on the amount of data to be scanned.
5. If any threats are found, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve them, which might include quarantining or removing infected files. Running this check can help restore the SD card’s functionality and protect your data against future threats.

Method 2: Use the CHKDSK Command

The CHKDSK command is a Windows utility for checking a disk or drive for logical and physical errors. It looks a tad intimidating because the command prompt is used, but it’s actually way easier to perform than it appears. Here’s how you can use CHKDSK:
1. Make sure the SD card is connected to your PC.
2. Type cmd on Windows search. Look for Command Prompt then click Run as administrator.
run as administrator
3. Type the following text on the Command Prompt: CHKDSK G: /f /r
4. Make sure to replace E with the designated letter of the SD card you want to repair. In our case, the SD card is assigned to G.
chkdsk not available for RAW drives
5. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.
The CHKDSK command will scan the SD card and fix any error it finds. Once the process is complete, go back to the SD card and check if it is back to its normal function.

Method 3: Repair with Windows Troubleshooter

If the previous method doesn’t work, try fixing your SD card with Windows Troubleshooter. This is another built-in tool for checking and troubleshooting faulty drives and devices. Simply follow these steps to use Windows Troubleshooter:
1. Connect the faulty SD card to your PC with card reader.
2. Go to the Windows Control Panel using the search bar. In the control panel, open Devices and Printers.
search windows Control Panel
3. Look for the faulty SD card under the list of devices. Right-click on the icon and select Troubleshoot.
4. Wait for the troubleshooter to finish running.
Make sure that no other Window is using the SD card when you run the troubleshooter. The dialogue box will display a list of errors and recommended actions if it detects issues in your SD card. If the problem persists after using this approach, you should go ahead and proceed to Method 4.

Method 4: Format the SD Card

Formatting corrupted SD cards may seem like a drastic measure, but it is a powerful approach you can use as a last resort when your SD card is deleting files for no reason. Formatting a flash drive, hard drive, or SD card will permanently delete all files contained therein, so it’s extremely important that you recover or back up the contents of the storage device before you format it. Here’s the formatting process for when an SD card erased itself:
1. Open File Explorer and click on This PC on the left pane.
2. Look for the SD card under Devices and drives. Right-click on it and select Format.
recover data from formatted sd card select to format sd card if you dont't know how to repair a undetected micro sd card
3. Choose the desired File system and type in a Volume label. Untick the Quick Format option then click Start.
Format the SD card

Final Thoughts

Dealing with files that disappeared from an SD card? No need to panic. There are various approaches you can try to fix a malfunctioning memory device. What’s more, recovering any missing files is fuss-free with the help of data recovery software like Renee Undeleter. This two-step combo of file recovery + SD card repair will protect you from unnecessary data loss and get your memory card back up and running in tip-top shape.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!