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SD Card Deleting Files by Itself? Fix It Fast with 3 Proven Ways!

Struggling with an SD card deleting files by itself or an 'sd card wiped itself' message? Learn how to troubleshoot Android storage errors, restore missing files, and secure your SD card from unexpected data loss. Quick solutions inside!

Delores

By Delores / Updated on June 19, 2025

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SD Card Deleting Files by Itself! Please Help!

 

My SD card started deleting pictures and videos on its own and now I'm crying!

My husband got me an SD to put into my phone to make room for all the pictures and videos of my kids. I was just moving some files around and the SD card starting deleting things on its own. Hundreds of pictures and videos of my kids gone including ones of my new son over the past few months. I am literally crying and nauseous. These are so important to me. Pictures and videos on my phone and my flash drive with more pictures and videos are the first thing I'd grab if our house were burning down except the actual children themselves (and our pets).

Is there any way to get these back? I have an Android.

- Question from reddit.com

Suffering from “SDCard deleted files by itself” on Android? What should you do to prevent the SD card from deleting files? How to recover deleted SD card files easily? Don’t panic, you will find effective ways to fix it. Now, let’s analyze the reasons and figure out the solutions.

SD Card

Why is My SD Card Deleting Files by Itself?

Before getting fixes, it’s important to find why your SD card deletes files by itself. There are multiple reasons should are responsible for the SD card deleting files by itself.

⭕ Corrupted File System or Bad Sectors. Like any storage device, SD cards are susceptible to mistakes over time. Your device may not read files correctly if the file system becomes corrupted, giving the impression that the files have disappeared. Bad sectors, or damaged storage areas, may also impede file loading.
⭕ Malware or Virus Infections. A virus may be stealthilyerasing files if you have used your SD card on several devices. Certain malware targets storage devices and unexpectedly erases data.
⭕ Unexpected Power Outages or Improper Ejection. Data can be corrupted if you take out your SD card without properly ejecting it. Likewise, data loss may occur if your device abruptly shuts down while files are being written.
⭕ Faulty SD Card or Counterfeit Storage. Cheap or fake SD cards often have unreliable memory chips. If your SD card keeps deleting files by itself, it might be failing—or worse, a counterfeit card with less storage than advertised.
⭕ Android Storage Issues. On phones, the SD card deleting files by itself Android issue, often happens due to system updates, app conflicts, or incorrect formatting.
⭕ Incompatible File System (exFAT vs. FAT32). Android works best with FAT32, but some cards come formatted as exFAT, leading to errors.

Now, how to recover files from an SD card that automatically deletes files.

How to Fix an SD Card That Keeps Deleting Files

If SD card deleting files by itself on Android or other devices, you should backup SD card files in time to prevent from losing data. Or then disconnect SD card from your device.

Way 1. Scan and Repair Using Built-in Tools

If SD card keeps deleting files by itself on your computer, like Windows and Mac computers, you can use different ways to fix it.

On Windows, run chkdsk command to fix storage errors:

1. Input cmd in Windows search box, and run Command Prompt as administrator.

2. Then type chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with your SD card's drive letter).

Chkdsk Command

3. Now check if the problem is solved.

On Mac, use First Aid to fix storage errors:

1. Click Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.

2. Choose View > Show all Devices to ensure SD card is visible.

3. Select the SD card, and choose First Aid, then follow the steps to scan and repair.

Way 2. Formatting the SD Card Safely

Sometimes, incompatible file system can lead SD card deleting files by itself. So you can format SD card to the right file system, then store and manage files. First of all, you have to back up files on SD card first if possible.

Quick Format SD Card on Windows

1. Please connect your SD card with your computer using a card reader.

2. Then head to your desktop, right-click This PC, and choose Manage.

3. Click Disk Management, and right-click the SD card, then choose Format.

Format SD Card in Disk Management

4. Rename the volume lable, choose file system (Set as FAT32 or other file systems you need), tick Perform quick format, and hit OK.

  • FAT32 (best for compatibility with cameras, Android, and older devices).
  • exFAT (for large files over 4GB, works with modern devices).
  • NTFS (Windows-only, not ideal for cameras/phones).

Format SD Card on Android

1. Insert the SD card into your Android phone (use the SIM tray or dedicated slot).

2. Open Settings > Storage (or Battery & Storage on some devices).

3. Tap on your SD card (may be labeled as "Portable Storage").

4. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.

5. Select "Format" or "Format as Portable".

6. Confirm the action (this will erase all data).

7. Wait for completion (usually takes a few seconds).

Way 3. Checking for Hidden Files

Sometimes files are simply hidden rather than erased.

Windows: Go to File Explorer Options and turn on "Show hidden files".

Mac: Use Terminal command defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES.

Recovering Lost Files After SD Card Wiped Itself

If you would like to recover deleted files in SD card, or recover formatted files for SD card, here comes the powerful free data recovery software, MyRecover, for help.

MyRecover offers intuitive interface for you to recover files easily.
You can preview files before recovering to find the needed files (Paid feature).
Enjoy quick scan and deep scan to easily find missing files.
Use name, file size, and file type to percisely find the files quickly.
It supports many devices to recover files, including SD card, external hard drive, local disk, USB flash drive, SSD, HDD, and many more.
Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & Sever
100% Secure

So, how to recover files from SD card easily after fixing "SD card deleting files by itself"? Here are the detailed steps to recover files from the formated SD card:

1. Connect your SD card via card reader to your computer. Then download and install MyRecover.

2. Click Format Recovery, find the SD card and hit Scan while hovering over.

Format Recovery

3. It will scan all missing files from the SD card. Wait for it to complete, and hit OK.

Deep Scan for SD Card

4. Open the path to recover needed files and folders, choose them and hit Recover.

Recover Files on SD Card

Note:✎...
You can preview files if you upgraded to MyRecover Pro or Tech.

5. Select another location for the recovered files and folders to keep them safe. Then wait for some time.

Choose Another Location to Save Recovered Files

6. You can go to the path to check these files once it’s finished.

Check Recovered Files

Notes:✎...
To recover more files, it’s highly recommended to upgrade to enjoy. After that, you can also recover files from crashed computer, etc.

If you want to recover deleted files from the SD card, try Deleted Files Recovery on the left side of the MyRecover console.

MyRecover     
  • 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.   
Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & Sever
100% Secure

Preventing Future SD Card Data Loss

An SD card that keeps deleting files by itself is a ticking time bomb. Here’s how to protect your data.

How to Stop SD Card from Deleting Files Automatically

  • Safely Ejecting the SD Card
  • Always use "Eject" before removing the card.

Regular Backups and Maintenance

  • Back up important files weekly to avoid heartbreak.
  • Using High-Quality SD Cards
  • Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar to avoid counterfeits.

FAQs: SD Card Deleting Files by Itself

Why does my SD card keep losing files?

A: It could be due to corruption, malware, improper ejection, or a failing card.

Can I recover files from an SD card that wiped itself?

A: Yes, using recovery software - if you stop using the card immediately.

How do I stop my Android SD card from deleting files?

A: Format it correctly (FAT32), check app permissions, and avoid cheap cards.

Is a counterfeit SD card causing my files to disappear?

A: Possibly. Fake cards often corrupt data - buy from trusted sellers.

Does formatting fix an SD card that deletes files?

A: Sometimes, but it erases all data - use it as a last resort.

How can I tell if my SD card is dying?

A: Frequent errors, slow speeds, and disappearing files are key signs.

On The Bottom Line

If your SD card is deleting files by itself, don't ignore it - corruption worsens over time. Follow these steps to recover data and prevent future losses. And remember: always back up your files! Once your files get lost, recover files from formatted partition, lost disk and many more if necessary.

Delores
Delores · Editor
Delores is one of MyRecover's senior editors. She is knowledgeable in data recovery for phones and PCs as well as other solutions for data preservation. She enjoys assisting readers with issues related to disaster recovery and data corruption. She enjoys traveling, shopping, and other lovely pursuits.
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