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12 September 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
GoPro cameras are popular for capturing high-quality videos and photos, but users frequently encounter SD card errors that can be disruptive. These errors may arise from a corrupted memory card file system, physical damage, using the same SD card on multiple devices, improper ejection, removing the SD card during data transfer, or virus infections. The article offers various methods to resolve these issues, ensuring the GoPro continues to function effectively.



Table of contents

table iconCommon Errors on a GoPro SD Card
table iconHow to Fix GoPro SD Card Errors for Physical Error
table iconHow to Fix GoPro SD Card Errors for logical Error
table iconSummary
GoPro cameras are widely used for capturing high-quality video and photos, but users often encounter SD card errors that can be frustrating. Whether you’re dealing with a corrupted memory card file system, physical damage, or other issues, these errors can disrupt your filming experience. This article will guide you through several methods to resolve these issues, ensuring your GoPro continues to function smoothly.
gopro sdcards

Common Errors on a GoPro SD Card

Understanding the common errors can help you diagnose and resolve issues more effectively. Here are some of the main errors you might encounter:
- Corrupted GoPro SD card: This can be due to improper ejection, firmware issues, or file system errors.
- Write protection: Your SD card might be locked, making it inaccessible and unusable.
- SD card isn’t recognized: Your memory card’s file system might be corrupted or incompatible.
- Formatting prompt: Indicates potential corruption in the file system.
Formatting is required to use the error message
- GoPro video corruption: Video corruption typically occurs when attempting to record footage on a faulty SD card.
- Physical damage: If you spot any physical damage on the SD card, contact a professional data recovery service.

How to Fix GoPro SD Card Errors for Physical Error

Fix 1: Check the Connection Between SD Card and GoPro / try another USB slot

One primary cause of GoPro SD card errors, such as the no SD card error, is a poor connection between the SD card and the GoPro camera. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:
1. Remove and reinsert your SD card to ensure it is properly inserted.
2. Turn off your camera and restart it to avoid temporary interference.
3. Ensure both the SD card and camera are dry when you insert the card.

Fix 2: Clean the gold finger of the SD card

Sometimes the SD card’s slot or gold finger gets contaminated with dust, hindering data reading. Here are some methods to repair the SD card and restore normal reading capability.
Prepare cleaning tools such as alcohol, rags, erasers, etc. Follow the steps below.
sd card damage restoration
1. Safely remove the SD card from the device to prevent any damage to the card slot.
2. Apply alcohol to the rag and gently wipe the gold finger part of the SD card to remove any dirt.
3. Use a clean rag or cotton swab to gently wipe the SD card slot to remove any dust or dirt.
4. Reinsert the SD card into the device and attempt to read the data. If it is still unreadable, proceed to the next method.
5. If data cannot be read even after cleaning the gold finger and card slot, it may indicate damage to the card slot. In such cases, replacing the SD card slot can resolve the issue.

Fix 3: Try Another Memory/SD Card

Using an inferior or low-quality memory card can result in a slow read/write speed, causing the SD card to take longer to process stored data. To resolve this, use a superior quality card for your GoPro. High-quality cards like the SanDisk Ultra Extreme Pro are recommended for their fast read and write speeds.

How to Fix GoPro SD Card Errors for logical Error

In this section, we’ll show you different ways to repair your GoPro SD card using a Windows PC. These methods are organized based on ease and importance.

Method 1: Recover Data From Your SD Card

Before attempting any fix, we strongly urge you to restore your data first and save it to a secure location. Use data recovery software like Renee Undeleter to scan your GoPro SD card even if it’s corrupted or not recognized by Windows.
What is Renee Undeleter?
Renee Undeleter is designed to restore system data files. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted files, emptied the recycle bin, or formatted a disk, this tool can retrieve lost data. It includes four functional modules: Fast Partition Scan, Whole Partition Scan, Whole Disk Scan, and Image Creation, addressing all data loss issues comprehensively.
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!

How to recover Micro SD card data with Renee Undeleter?
Step 1: Connect the Micro SD card to the computer through a card reader, download and install Renee Undeleter on the computer, and run Renee Undeleter. Select the (Whole Partition Scan) option on the main interface.
how to recover deleted pictures from the SD card when it is connected to pc
select whole partition scan in renee undeleter to recover deleted video from sd card
Step 2: Select the Micro SD card partition and click (Next).
Renee Undeleter Whole Partition Scan
Step 3: Wait for the scan, which will depend on the Micro SD card’s memory size. During the scan, you can double-click to preview files. If you find the file you need, check it and click the Recover button to terminate the scan and start recovery. Alternatively, wait for the scan to end, check the files to recover, and then click the Recover button.
preview deleted mkv video file
preview and select the files to recover in renee undeleter
Note: It is recommended to save the recovered files in other partitions instead of the original Micro SD card to avoid data overwriting.
recover the whole disk data

Method 2: Disable Write Protection

If your SD card is set to Read Only or Locked, your GoPro or PC may throw up an error message related to write protection. Locate the switch in the top-left corner of your SD card and try sliding it into the Unlocked position. If the switch is in the Unlock position and you’re still getting errors, recover your data and then format your memory card.
sd card lock to fix a sandisk sd card that wont format

Method 3: Run the Windows Error Checking Tool

The Windows Error Repair tool can detect and repair errors in your SD card’s file system structure.
1. Connect your SD card to your PC using a card reader USB.
how to recover deleted pictures from the SD card when it is connected to pc
2. Locate your SD card in File Explorer, right-click it, and click Properties.
sd card properties
3. Navigate to the Tools tab. In the Error checking section, click Check.
check disk
4. Click Scan and repair drive.

Method 4: Fix SD Card Using Command Prompt

Use the CHKDSK command to repair your SD card.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
run as administrator
2. Type chkdsk X: /f and hit Enter. Replace X with your SD card’s drive letter.
CHKDSK Command

Method 5: Update sd card drivers

Reinstalling the disk drivers can also help fix GoPro SD card errors. Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to the Start menu and search for the Control Panel.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. Double-click on the option Disk Drives.
4. Right-click on the removable drive option and select Uninstall.
5. Remove the SD card and restart your PC.

Method 6: Format the SD Card

If none of the above methods work, your last resort is to format your SD card. This wipes everything saved on it, including its file system and partitions, along with any errors.
1. Open Disk Management. Press Windows Key + R and enter “diskmgmt.msc“
run disk management
2. Right-click your SD card’s partition and click Format.
Format Option
3. Choose a volume label and file system format for your SD card (we recommend exFAT). Click OK to proceed.
quick Format
4. Click OK to confirm the formatting operation.

Summary

By following these steps, you can effectively resolve common GoPro SD card errors and ensure your camera continues to function smoothly. Remember to back up your data regularly and use high-quality SD cards to minimize the risk of errors. If you encounter physical damage or persistent errors, consider contacting a professional data recovery service.
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!