Fixed: Card Cannot Be Accessed Cannon Camera (G7x, 7D, T7, 600D, Etc)

User Query

What Cause "Card Cannot Be Accessed" Error on Canon Camera?

The "Card Cannot Be Accessed" error on Canon cameras, like your EOS 60D, G7X, 70D, T7, etc, occurs when the camera cannot properly read the memory card. This can happen for several reasons:

1. Corrupted Memory Card

Improper removal of the SD/CF card while the camera is on. Interrupted data writing during photo capture or transfer.

2. Unsupported or Damaged Card

Using a card not compatible with your Canon camera (e.g., too high capacity or unsupported speed class).Physical damage, like scratches, bent pins, or water exposure.

3. Card Lock Enabled

Some SD cards have a physical "write-protection switch". If it’s locked, the camera cannot write or access files properly.

4. File System Errors

Cards formatted on a computer or another device may use a file system that the Canon camera cannot recognize.

5. Camera Firmware Issues

Outdated firmware may sometimes cause the camera to fail in reading certain memory cards.

6. Excessive Card Usage

Cards that are old or heavily used may start failing due to wear and tear.

How to Fix the "Card Cannot Be Accessed" Error on Canon?

If your Canon camera shows the "Card Cannot Be Accessed" error, you can try the following methods to fix it and recover your photos safely.

1: Ensure the SD Card is Inserted Correctly

Turn off your camera before inserting or removing the SD card to prevent corruption. Hold the card with the label facing the correct direction ( most Canon cameras have the label facing up when inserting). After inserting, power on the camera and verify that it recognizes the card. You should see the available storage or a blank screen if empty.

If the card is still not detected, try it in another camera or a card reader to rule out camera slot issues.

2: Check the Physical Lock Switch

Many SD cards have a small sliding switch on the side that controls write protection. If the switch is in the locked position, the camera cannot write to or access the card, which can trigger the "Card Cannot Be Accessed" error.

Remove the SD card from your camera. Locate the lock switch on the left side of the card. Slide the switch up (unlocked position). Reinsert the card into your camera, making sure it is fully seated. Turn on your camera and check if the card is recognized.

3: Recover Data and Then Formatting

If the first two methods do not resolve the issue, you can try reformatting the SD card as suggested by the error message. This often fixes file system problems and allows the camera to access the card again.

Before reformatting the SD card, it is essential to recover your photos and videos since formatting will erase all data on the card, and once that happens, it becomes much more difficult to retrieve your files. To recover important files from SD card, you can connect it to a working Windows computer and use a professional data recovery tool like MyRecover.

MyRecover

Easy Data Recovery Software

• Two Scan Modes — Quick Scan for recently deleted files and Deep Scan for thoroughly lost data.
• Over 1000 File Formats Supported — Documents, photos, videos, CAD files, emails, and more.
• Compatible with All Drives — HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and external hard disks.
• Easy to Use — Just 3 clicks to complete recovery.
• Preview Before Recovery — Verify the content before restoring files.

Download It Free
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Server

100% Secure

Step 1. Insert the card into a computer using a card readeror a slot if available in your situation.

Step 2. Run your recovery software and "scan" the card for deleted or corrupted files.

Step 3. Filter the file type and select the photos/videos to recover.

Step 4. Click "Recover" and save recovered files to your computer (not back to the same card).

Wait for a while, the recovery will be done.

When all photos or videos have been recovered from the SD card, now you can format the card in the Canon camera with a peace of mind. Use Directional (up, down, left and right) buttons to choose what you need.

Step 1. Turn on your Canon camera. Go to "Menu > Setup > Format Card".

Step 2. Press the buttons to choose "Low Level Format", and then select this option. Finally choose "OK" to confirm the operation.

Reinsert the card and check if the camera can now access it.

4: Update Camera Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause "Card Cannot Be Accessed"error on canon cameras. Updating it can help fix compatibility issues with SD/CF cards and improve overall camera performance.

Step 1. Turn on your camera and check the current firmware version in the menu under Setup/Tools.

Step 2. Visit the Canon official support website and select your camera model. Navigate to the Drivers & Downloads section and locate the latest firmware for your model.

Step 3. Download the firmware file to your computer and prepare a blank SD card. Copy the firmware file to the root directory of the SD card without placing it inside any folder.

Step 4. Insert the SD card into your camera and ensure the battery is fully charged or use an external power supply. Access the Firmware Update option in the camera menu and follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

After the camera restarts, check the firmware version in the menu to confirm the update was successful.

5: Replace the Memory Card

If the card is physically damaged or repeatedly causes errors, replace it with a high-quality, Canon-recommended card.

Closing Thoughts

The error “Card Cannot Be Accessed” may occur on Canon G7X, 7D, T7, 600D, and other Canon series cameras. The solutions above can effectively resolve the issue, especially when it’s caused by software or connection problems.

If you have to reformat the SD card to make it usable and accessible again,be sure to recover your files first with MyRecover — a professional data recovery tool designed for restoring data from SSDs, HDDs, USB drives, SD cards, and other storage devices safely and efficiently.