Your Samsung SD Card Corrupted Fix - Recover Data Now
Facing the dreaded "samsung sd card is corrupted tap to fix" error? Don't panic. This guide provides a complete samsung sd card corrupted fix. We will walk you through several methods, from simple phone taps to advanced data recovery techniques, to restore your files and get your storage working again.
Last Updated September 30, 2025
Samsung S9 SD Card Corrupted, Please Help!
Corrupted SD card whilst copying/moving files
I was moving some photos from my internal storage to a SanDisk SD Card. I have a Note 9.
Whilst it was doing so, slowly, the SD card corrupted. I was using ES File Explorer Pro to do the transfer.
Now I can't access the storage. What are my chances of recovering anything?
I do have the photos backed up with Google Photos, but I like to have a local copy, and I couldn't say what was on my SD card in order to just download those ones from Google Photos.
Can anyone tell me what storage format is used for the SD cards? Is it FAT32?
My MacBook, running OS Mountain Lion, couldn't read the card but said it was.
- Question from eu.community.samsung.com
About the Samsung SD Card Corrupted Error
A corrupted SD card isn't a physically broken one; rather, it's often a severe logical error. The card's file system—the map that your phone uses to find files—has become damaged or unreadable. Your Samsung device, unable to make sense of this map, throws up the white flag and shows the SD card corrupted Samsung error to prevent further data loss or damage.
In simple terms, it means the communication between your phone and the microSD card has broken down. The phone can detect that the card is there, but it can't access the data stored on it coherently. The most common prompts are the straightforward "Corrupted SD card. SD card is corrupted, Tap to fix" message.
Common Causes of a Corrupted SD Card on Samsung
So, what causes this digital map to get scrambled? It's rarely just one thing.
✔️ Unexpected Shutdowns: Your phone crashing, the battery dying completely, or a sudden reboot while data is being transferred to the card.
✔️ Bad Sectors: Over time, physical wear and tear on the memory cells can create bad sectors—parts of the card that can no longer reliably store data. As these accumulate, corruption can follow.
✔️ File System Errors: The card might have been formatted in a system that doesn't play nicely with Android, or a minor error might have snowballed into a major one.
✔️ Physical Damage: While less common, exposure to water, extreme heat, or even a slight bend can damage the card's internal components.
Your card might send out distress signals before it completely fails. Watch for these warning signs: your phone becoming sluggish when accessing the SD card, files mysteriously disappearing or becoming unreadable, frequent error messages when trying to save photos or apps, or your Samsung device unexpectedly asking to format the card.
So, how to fix a corrupted SD card on a Samsung? Try the following proven ways.
Actions for a Samsung SD Card Corrupted Fix
When the notification "Samsung SD card is corrupted. Tap to fix" appears, go ahead and tap it. The phone will attempt to scan the card and repair minor file system inconsistencies. it does not delete your files. For minor glitches, this can be a magic bullet, making the card accessible again in a matter of seconds. It's always worth a shot as the very first, zero-effort troubleshooting step. If it fails and prompts you to format it, Do Not Format the Samsung SD card! Formatting will erase the data, making data recovery much more difficult.
- The first step is to stop using the card immediately. Do not take any more photos, save files, or download anything to it. Every new action risks overwriting the data you're trying to save.
- Power down your Samsung phone completely. Once the device is off, carefully remove the SD card tray (you might need a SIM ejector tool) and take out the microSD card.
- Inspect it for any obvious physical damage or dirt on the metal contacts. If it looks dirty, gently clean it with a soft, dry cloth. This simple physical check can sometimes resolve what seems like a complex software issue.
Samsung SDCard Corrupted! Fix in 6 Ways
To fix a corrupted Samsung SD card, you can try the following methods to troubleshoot.
Way 1. Reinsert the SD Card
Sometimes, the corrupted Samsung SD card is not damaged; it’s just connected not correctly according to Samsung support. Try to reinsert the SD card, or try another SD card reader to connect to your computer again. Now, check if your Samsung SD card can be used and accessed normally.
Way 2. Restart the Device
You can restart your Samsung phone, tablet, or other devices to check if the error occurs again. Because restarting fixes most of the problems. If it’s not working, please try the next way.
Way 3. Try Another Device
Some users report that Mac can’t find the SD card reader; they tried another Windows 10 computer to make the Samsung SD card readable and show all the files on it. So, you can try another Windows computer with a Windows 11/10 system installed, then check if your SD card corruption error is fixed or not.
Way 4. Error Checking for SD Card
Sometimes, the Samsung SD card might have errors due to improper ejection. So, you can fix these errors using the error checking feature, which is a simple way to check for and fix file system errors.
To run error checking on a Samsung SD card using a Windows PC：
1. Insert the Samsung SD card using a card reader into your Windows computer.
2. Then right-click the Samsung SD card in File Explorer, select "Properties" > "Tools".
3. Click "Check" in the Error Checking section to scan and repair any detected errors.
Way 5. Try CHKDSK
Besides, you can also use the CHKDSK to fix the Samsung SD card corruption problems.
1. Please connect your Samsung SD card to a Windows computer.
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Input the command and hit Enter:
chkdsk G:/f /r
Way 6. Format the SD Card
Formatting the SD card is the last option. Please ensure you have backed up all the files on the SD card if possible.
You can format the SD card on your Windows computer. Here is how:
1. Please connect your SD card to your computer, then go to Disk Management.
2. Right-click the SD card, then choose Format.
3. Choose the file system, volume label, and other options, and hit OK.
In terms of the format used, cards under 32GB use FAT32, and cards over 32GB use exFAT.
On your Samsung, you can do this by going to Settings > Device care > Storage > Advanced > SD card > Format.
Recover Files from A Corrupted Samsung SD Card
Before any operation that might cause data loss, it’s highly recommended to recover files from the corrupted SD card with a professional data recovery software MyRecover.
- MyRecover stands out because it combines powerful recovery algorithms with a very simple interface, making it perfect for users who aren't tech experts.
- It not only allows you to recover files from a corrupted SD card but also recovers files from a RAW partition and any other complex situations.
- You can preview the files before recovery and ensure all the files are intact.
Here is how to use MyRecover to recover files from a corrupted Samsung SD card:
1. Connect your corrupted Samsung SD card to your computer using a card reader. Download MyRecover and install it on your Windows computer.
100% Secure2. Open MyRecover, tap USB/SD Card Recovery, select your SD card, and hit Scan.
3. It will scan your SD card for all files, and hit OK when finished.
4. By default, it shows the files by file type. You can find all the missing files, select them, and hit Recover.
5. Choose a safe location and hit Select Folder to save these recovered files from the corrupted Samsung SD card.
- Tips:✎...
- MyRecover uses both a quick scan for recently deleted files and a deep, sector-by-sector scan to find every recoverable piece of data.
- It displays all the found files in a well-organized tree structure. You can browse by file type, path, file size, and file name.
- It’s highly recommended that you recover them to a different drive on your computer, not back to the SD card, to avoid any potential data overwriting.
After successfully recovering your data with MyRecover, you can then safely format the SD card to make it usable again. Besides, you can also recover files from an unbootable computer, recover files from an emptied recycle bin, etc.
- 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% Secure
FAQs About Samsung Corrupted SD Card
What does it mean when my Samsung says "SD card corrupted"?
A: This error means your phone detects the card but can't read its data due to file system damage. It's typically caused by improper ejection, sudden power loss, or bad sectors. While concerning, it often represents a logical error that can be fixed without permanent data loss.
Why did my SD card suddenly become corrupted on my Samsung Galaxy S9?
A: The S9 is particularly prone to SD card corruption from improper ejection, sudden shutdowns during data transfer, or using low-quality cards. These factors can disrupt file system operations and push vulnerable cards into full corruption.
Should I tap "fix" when I see "Samsung SDcard is corrupted. Tap to fix"?
A: Yes, always try this first. It's Samsung's built-in repair tool that attempts non-destructive fixes for minor file system errors. While it works for basic issues, be prepared with data recovery software if it fails, as this indicates more serious corruption.
Can I fix a corrupted SD card without losing my data?
A: Yes, by recovering your files first before attempting repairs. Never format when prompted. Instead, connect the card to a computer and use recovery software like MyRecover to extract your data. Only after successful recovery should you format the card to restore functionality.
How can I recover photos from a corrupted SD card on my Samsung?
A: Connect the card to a computer via a card reader, use recovery software like MyRecover to perform a deep scan, preview recoverable images, and save them to your computer's hard drive. Never save recovered files back to the corrupted card.
What is the best software to fix a corrupted Samsung SD card error?
A: MyRecover is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and effective deep-scan technology. It specializes in data recovery from corrupted cards while allowing file previews.