How to Recover Files From a Formatted SD Card

Updated on Oct 17, 2026 | by Qiling

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What Formatting Changes on a Card
Before You Scan
Scan a Formatted SD Card
If File Names or Folders Are Missing
Frequently Asked Questions

Formatting an SD card can remove the file-system records that point to your photos and videos. Do not take new pictures, copy data to the card, or format it again. A scan may find files that have not been overwritten.

What Formatting Changes on a Card

A quick format usually rebuilds file-system structures; it does not promise that old data survives. A full format or later camera use can make recovery much less likely. The card's condition and how much new data was written matter more than the number of scans.

If you have a camera or cloud backup, check it first. Save any recovered files to the PC or another external disk, never back onto the formatted card during recovery.

Before You Scan

Remove the SD card from the camera and use a reliable reader. If Windows prompts you to format it again, cancel. Verify the card's displayed capacity so you do not scan a different removable drive.

If the card disconnects or reports an implausible capacity, do not repeatedly retry scans. A hardware or controller problem may require specialist help.

Scan a Formatted SD Card

Qiling Deep Data Recovery provides the scan modes shown below. The mode in Step 2 is chosen for this specific loss scenario; it does not change the need for a separate recovery destination.

Step 1. Connect the Card and Output Drive

Connect the card through a reader and prepare a separate drive for the restored files. Install Deep Data Recovery on the PC, not on the formatted SD card.

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Step 2. Select Format Scan

Choose Format Scan because the card has already been formatted. USB/SD Scan is useful for unformatted removable media, but the formatting event is the key detail here.

Select Format Scan for an SD card that was formatted

Step 3. Choose the Card by Capacity

In the location list, select the SD card or its volume by size and drive letter. Confirm that the output drive is not selected, then click Scan.

Step 4. Review Images and Videos

Filter to Pictures or Videos and preview several files. If the first pass misses expected folders, use Deep Scan and be ready for unnamed files.

Preview files from the formatted SD card

Step 5. Recover Off the Card

Click Recover for files that appear usable and choose a folder on a different drive. Open samples and compare file sizes before putting the card back into a camera.

If File Names or Folders Are Missing

A formatted file system may lose directory records even when photo data survives. Group results by file type, approximate date, and preview rather than depending on the old folder tree.

Do not reformat the card for reuse until you have checked the saved copies. Once the data is safe, test the card's reliability; replace it if errors continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover after a second format?

Possibly, but every format and later write can reduce the chance. Stop using the card and scan the original device.

Does Format Scan repair the card?

No. It searches for recoverable files. Card repair or reformatting should wait until after data is safe.

Formatted SD Card Recovery
SD Card Format Recovery
Windows SD Card Photo Recovery
Check picture previews and keep the original card unchanged during recovery.