Recover Missing Files from SD Card for Free-Quick & Easy Fixes!
This guide explains how to recover missing files from SD card, including missing video files on SD card. Learn step-by-step recovery methods, and prevention tips to restore your valuable media effortlessly.
Last Updated July 29, 2025
How to Recover Missing Files from SD Card?
Recover Deleted Files from SD card
Need to recover some deleted videos from an SD card that was in an android device.. what’s the best free software to preview the files before recovery?
- Question from reddit.com
My SD card files disappeared after mounting to a different phone
I recently acquired a replacement phone and as soon as I mounted my existing SD card, the files disappeared while the SD card is showing the storage is in fact used. When I looked at it further, it seemed that Android recognized the files as 'system'. Now, even mounting it on Windows through an SD card reader doesn't work. However, if I use the MTP USB storage mode, it does show but without the files (just shows an empty SD card).
Is there a way to undo or recover these files?
- Question from android.stackexchange.com
Stuck in the same situation just like the above users? What should you do to recover missing files from SD card? Don’t worry, check the effective solutions below to recover the needed files quickly.
Why Files Missing from SD Card?
Understanding the reasons for file loss is helpful before beginning recovery. Sometimes they're only concealed or corrupted, not truly gone. Common causes of SD card missing files are listed below:
⭕ Improper ejection (yanking the card out without safely removing it)
⭕ File system corruption (makes files invisible even if they're still there)
⭕ Virus or malware attacks (can wipe or hide your data)
⭕ Physical damage (water, bends, or electrical surges)
⭕ Hidden files (hidden files might let you think it’s gone, but it’s not)
Knowing the cause helps pick the best recovery method.
Stop Saving Data to the SD Card!
If your files are missing from the SD card, please stop using the SD card immediately to ensure it’s not overwritten. Or your precious files will be gone forever, even with professional data recovery software. Besides, please do not format the SD card as well for data intact.
Recover Missing Files from SD Card Effortlessly | 3 Ways
To recover deleted files from SD card effortlessly, check the following solutions one by one.
Way 1. Use MyRecover to Find Missing Files from SD Card
To recover deleted files from SD card without software on Windows computer, the powerful Windows data recovery software - MyRecover will do you a big favor. Check these benefits:
- Supports 500+ devices. MyRecover supports internal and external hard drive (HDD & SSD), external hard drive, USB flash drive, SD card, camera devices, PS4/5, and more.
- Over thousands of file formats. You can recover any files from SD card, because it supports JPG, PNG, PSD, DOC, XLSX, TXT, PPT, PDF, MP4, MOV, AVI, MP3, CDA, and many more.
- Support all Windows systems. You can use it on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2008.
- Fast Recovery. You can recover deleted or missing files from SD card in few clicks.
- Preview files before recovery. You can preview the file to find what you need for recovery, saving time and effort.
To show you how to recover missing files from SD card easily with MyRecover, please follow the below guide for reference:
1. Please connect your SD card with your computer, ensure it can be detected. And Install and run MyRecover.
100% Secure2. Choose USB/SD Card Recovery on the left side, and hit Scan when hovering over the SD card.
3. It start finding all missing files, deleted files, etc. Hit OK when completed.
4. Find the missing files and choose them, click Recover on the bottom right.
5. Select a safe location that not on the SD card, and hit Select Folder to recover missing files from SD card easily. Wait for the process to complete.
- Tip:
- You can also use file size and file type to filter the files you need quickly.
- Recover Deleted Files Easily with Simple Clicks
- 1000+ File Formats Supported
- Support HDD, SSD, External Hard Drive, USB Drive, SD Card, etc.
- Quickly Find Files Using File Types, Name, Size, etc.
- Preview Files Before Recovering
- Recover Unlimited Data
100% SecureWay 2. Show Hidden Files to Recover Missing Files from SD Card
Sometimes, it’s hidden files to cause the situation: missing video files on SD card. If there are hidden files, you can show them just like this to recover missing files from SD card on Windows:
1. Please open CMD as admin.
2. Type: attrib -h -r -s /s /d E:\*.* (replace E with your SD card's drive) and hit Enter to show hidden files.
Way 3. Restore Missing files from A Previous Backup
If you have backed up the SD card before using File History, you can restore them using a previous backup.
1. To recover data from an SD card using File History, first, ensure your SD card is connected to your Windows PC.
2. Open the Control Panel and navigate to "File History".
3. From there, select "Restore personal files".
4. You'll see a timeline of backed-up files; browse through to find the versions of the files you wish to restore. Select the files or folders you need and click the green "Restore" button to retrieve them to their original location or an alternative location if you prefer.
To recover missing files from SD card on Andorid without PC, you can refer to the linked post.
How to Fix SD Card Issues That Missing Files
After recovering files with a success, it’s time to fix SD card issues to keep files safe. There are multiple solutions:
Fix SD Card on Windows
Windows provides the built-in Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK) command to fix SD card, here it is: and macOS have basic tools to recover missing photos from SD card:
1. Please insert the SD card into your PC.
2. Open Command Prompt as admin.
3. Type: chkdsk g: /f /r (replace g with your SD card's drive letter), and hit Enter to scan and fix file system errors.
Fix SD Card on Mac
You can use Disk Utility First Aid on Mac to fix SD card problems, check the steps below:
1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Select your SD card and click First Aid.
3. Let it repair any errors.
Preventing Future Data Loss on SD Cards
SD Card Maintenance:
- Eject properly (always use "Safely Remove Hardware").
- Regularly back up (use cloud storage or external drives).
- Avoid cheap, counterfeit cards (they fail more often).
FAQs About SD Card Recovery
Can You Recover Permanently Deleted Files from an SD Card?
A: Yes, if the space hasn’t been overwritten. Tools like Recuva or EaseUS can scan and restore them.
Why Do Photos and Videos Disappear from SD Cards?
A: Common reasons include accidental deletion, corruption, or improper ejection. Always safely remove the card.
How Can I Recover Missing Video Files on SD Card?
A: Use video-specific recovery software like Stellar Photo Recovery or repair corrupted files with Grau GmbH Video Repair.
Does Formatting an SD Card Erase All Data Permanently?
A: No, formatting just removes the file index. You can still recover missing files from SD card with tools like Disk Drill.
What’s the Best Free Software to Recover Missing Photos from SD Card?
A: Recuva (Windows) and PhotoRec (Mac/Linux) are top free options.
How Do I Know If My SD Card Is Physically Damaged?
A: Signs include not being detected, weird noises, or visible cracks. If damaged, professional recovery services may be needed.
Bottom Line
File loss need not be irreversible. The correct tools and methods might come in handy whether you need to recover lost images from an SD card or restore lost video recordings. Please always back up files on any devices, including the SD card. Or you might need to recover data to keep work going.