SD SDHC Card Problems and Fixes (Card Locked, Card Error, No Memory Card, Format Card) 

God bless you man , you saved my NextUp with the tape trick.

Tried both locked and unlocked, still get the same 'card is locked' error.

Also using a canon. The format option is greyed out.

Amazing! Fixed my card in 10 seconds, I had no idea there was a lock switch! Thank you so much!

Its 2024 and I am still grateful this video exists! I waited long enough that my hoarded PowerShot SD630 has come back into style and I couldn't figure out why no matter what card I tried, it always said CARD LOCKED and/or MEMORY CARD ERROR. This video is the ONLY resource that ever dared to explain that anything over a 2gb memory card wouldn't work. $14 later, and I'm ready to be a cool kid at the club this weekend

thank u hero! just saved my life got all my Christmas holiday snaps back! took it to a camera shop and the guy was a 100% fool and said it was unrecoverable! thanks dude

Hope you still check this out and help Mr I got the onn digital camcorder at Walmart yes the cheap $20 one I can't drop a lot of money right now for a good one but I got 16gb sandisk c4 sdhc SD card it will not lock into my camera I'm locking and unlocking card switched it to face other way which obviously won't go in that way. I've done it all except for jamming and forcing it in which I highly doubt would work anyways. The instruction says its 2017 made but since it is so cheap, I am wondering if I need a non sdhc card but idk any thoughts?

Thank you for the card unlock advice it was in the unlock position but needed reset by sliding in lock position and unlock position again making sure it was slid right to the end, and worked like a charm Thanks!

Thank you!!!! I didn't even realise that there was a switch on the sd

YOUR AWESOME.!!!!!!!!! I'VE BEEN USING AN ADAPTER AND DID NOT KNOW IT. DUHHHHH!!!!

I was one of those 30% Big Dummies... thank YOU So-oooo MUCH.

Man you awasome I was about to throw my camara away because I had the card locked problem but you came along and saved the day!

Wow!!! You are the camera guru in my book. I have an older Cannon Power Shot SX 40HS. I have had it about 6 years. One day it displayed the msg "memory card error" I was stumped..Long story short went to Best Buy purchased a memory card thinking this one was pretty old 8GB speed 8 and now seeing they are up to 16 GB. I thought okay this must be the problem. To my dismay it did not work. (Now I know why) I watched your video for memory cards with the formatting and toothpick and I was pleasantly surprised it fixed the issue. Thank you so much you saved me alot of money. Your awesome!

Thanks bud. Just recovered 1000 pics simply sliding the lock toggle back and forth. Can't believe Nikon service rep couldn't tell me that. In fact he said a 3rd party photo service could probably do i at significant cost. Thanks again

This is the most headache relieving video I've ever watched. You explained it so simply and step-by-step, even I the world's biggest tech imbecile could get it! Thank you so so so SO much for making this video :'D

Thanks for the informative video! I thought you would describe a way to save cards that for strange reasons stop being recognized by the OS. No physical damage, the card just decided to stop working. No software will fix a card that can't be seen in the computer! How does one go about this? Thank you!

Ther is one stupid issue with my sd card ...i unlock it and when i insert it back it comes back to lock position all by itself and i get the message wite protect..no what am i to do?? plze help !!

tnxxxxxxxxxxxx vary much you help me sooooo much

the lock trick worked! Thank you! Patti

Thank you for that! Used the format option as you explained at 4.33. It repaired my camera and I'm ready to go again! Thank you!

You really helped. Ordering the 2GB card right now

Didn't work for me in 2021 Imma break my camera out of Anger bye time to break It

I referred to the PowerShot Canon 520 manual to format a new memory card but receive "Memory card error" message. The lock is not on, and I am using a 2GB memory card, the exact same card as I am currently using in the camera with no problem. The only visible difference between the new card and the one currently in use is that the slide lock on the old card is white and on the new card it is gold. Any suggestions?

1:22-When I watched this part of the video, I looked and noticed my Canon G7x's memory card was locked because the little white lock, so I moved it up, and it worked! Yay! Thank you so much for this video! Now I can start making videos with my favorite camera again. :)

Can You Help me with this My Kingston Micro SD Adapter says this error on my Pc That The Changes are made to the Product It have The Kingston SD Along with A MicroSd 2GB But this is really kill me because i have 6 MicroSd Adapters that don't fucking work and a different only that also doesn't work and says the Error Can you help

I have a 64gb ONN memory card. The card shows that the card is unlocked, but it is not. The card is in the unlocked position. On my camera is a Canon Powershot ELPH 180, and on my camera it shows memory card error, memory card locked. On my computer it shows no files at all, and a message that says insert a card. What do I need to do?

Thank you so much for this simple information showing me how to unlock my camera memory card. Thought I'd have to buy a new one. What would we do without experts like you.

en realidad si te sale algun mensage como este: canon 650d card cannot be accessed reinsert change the card or format card with camera la ranura de la sd card tiene los pines doblados ya que los materiales de canon al parecer no son de alta calidad se doblan con facilidad al entrar la sd card , o el error 02 ya es de fabrica .....

Hi. My sony A5100 won't recognise the card and when I go into the setup it says 'Format Disabled' so I can't format it. Any ideas please?

THANK YOU! You are SOOOO appreciated. I had no idea what was going on.

Well it works with a 8GB Micro Card I have when i stick the micro card in SD adapter So 8GB SD card works and i have an Old 256 MB SD Card That Works in my Camera so I guess I will Spend Less than 10 Dollars Buy a 16 GB Class 10 SD Card but thanks for the info it did help a lot ill sell the SD cards i have to friends family for couple bucks that can get it lol and ones that work in printer i will scan pictures to it & take it from the printer directly to my PC lol so that will work too lol thxs

I HAVE A 4GB SD CARD IT WORKS STILL BUT KEEP GETTING MEMORY CARD ERROR I USED IT IN MY PRINTER TO SCAN PHOTOS ON IT NOW I CANT EVEN GET MY CAMERA AND COMPUTER TO RECOGNIZE THE SD CARD WHAT SO EVER THE PRINTER WILL SEE THE FILES BUT I GET NOTHING ON MY CAMERA I HAVE 4GB & 8GB I HAVE A CANON POWER SHOT ELPH 100HS new one than you have works in printer not on camera or PC i dont get it any ideas? how to fix it or are they JUNK NOW TIME TO BUY NEW ONE?

You are a hero. The one before the last tip worked for me. I put solitape on the lock thing and the camera no longer shows the card locked error. Thank you so much!!!

I didn't work for my sd600 powershot canon. I have an San disk 8gb memory card.

My camera's a canon and I'm using a 8GB (I got my SD card with my camera in 2013) it worked before but now there's an error and the lock thing doesn't work I'll update when I finish the video... UPDATE: nothing actually worked ;-; im probably gonna have someone fix it i had old photos on it cri

I could play back all my video files fine, then suddenly some have a question mark. I tried a recovery program that got back one clip okay, and others only audio (no video). The others still have the question mark. What can I do?

Thanks I fixed by formatting it thanks. Before it was saying it was full. But it wasnt. but formatted like you said wala its fixed.

Thanx for your reply. There is a problem though, it only recognizes my external hard disk I can't choose my SD card to format. That is also with a good working SD card, that won't be seen by the HP USB disk format tool either.

Thanks for making this video...you made my day.

I was using my SDHC card as normal as any day (on my windows 8.1 PC) Then one day it says I need to format it. Is there a way I can avoid this?

Maybe you can help me? even the geeks at best buy can not help me, here is my problem= I bought two 128GB micro cards, I am trying to save video files from my computer onto the cards, all video are edited and produced with cyberlink power director with 1920x1080 windows media player output, all videos are under 30 min, even a 30 min video is still in the 1gb range or less, however when I try to load multiple videos onto my cards , I have an adapter the micro card fits into, then I plug that into the computer port, then a windo pops up where I can click and drag my video files onto my micro card, however, I have tried several different format options, and space allocation ranges, but no matter what I do, after I load a few videos, and I get between 7 to 8 GB of data onto the 128GB cards, It will not load any more video properly, I can click n drag a video to load onto the card, but the file will be corrupted, and will not play, this happens to both my 128gb micro cards, after I load between 7 or 8 gb of video data. I go to the properties and it tells me free space vs used space, this is getting very frustrating, what am I doing wrong? and yes in the properties, I check the box to optimize for video, but still why cant I fill up my card I have 8gb used space, and 120 free space, but it will not load any more vids???????????????? please help.

I started filming without formatting, that made my card kinda corrupted. Formatting on the PC won't work anymore either, neither via the camera. Is their any way to still fix it....?

Help. In my camera it does not recognize any SDHC card, it is true that this model only recognizes SONY cards or is compatible with all brands. please help

Thanks for the info and Sorry for the "CAPS" I'll try that but I'll have new one incase it false they are fairly cheap now a days lol for new one thanks for the Feedback

Hey can you help Me? My Samsung Camera is saying Card not Formatted, and I've formatted the New Card and I don't know why it's not working. It says Memory Card Error

The small memory cards are commonly called microSD. But in fact thats not true. They have their own name. These are Tf cards. I suspect Tf stands for Tiny as FK. !

Thank you very much, I have fixed the problem in the first step. GOD bless you.

I have an old panasonic with both memorycard insert and tape.. i´ve tried using 2 GB memory card but it still says card error and then a voice logo blinks vith a line over it, i don´t know what that mean:( maybe i need to use tape but it´s hard getting my hands on it and the card should work but i don´t know why... I take all advices with open arms!!!!

Thanks this video help me my lock fell out of my card. i had to glue a strip of plastic in its place the way you tap one. thanks again

is there a way to fix it with tape where you don't have to replace the tape every single time you take the memory card out of the camera?

My laptop wont even read the memory card?! I have it working but it wont even recognize it on my laptop ... BUT USB cables do work

You Vid helped. Was getting SD card error which as suggested by you turned out to be late modal card in older camera. Thanks

I've got an issue with a Transcend 32GB SDHC card where I can't permanently delete any files from it or format it, etc. The lock switch is intact and I've tried everything from tape to multiple formaters, etc. to no avail. If I delete files/folders they disappear. I can even create files/folders on the card, etc. But as soon as I eject and replace, everything's back the way it was... strange! Windows formatting returns error, others show complete but no result...

I just bought a GoPro HERO2 from Craigslist today on 5/5/13 and I noticed it said NO SD. I was like $*it man!!! I saw your video and when you spoke about about the tiny white lever on the side of the Mem, card I says to myself: “I've ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT THAT'S THERE FOR!” I was afraid to break it boss. Anyhoo, thanks a million man, you Sir, are a genius! my project for mañana is SAVED! Happy Cinco de Mayonnaise!

i have a problem with mi memory card when i insert on my camera or even on my computer the memory card get locked, i dont why?? i unlock the memory but again when i insert the memory on de camera happens again. the button move to locked, i was thinking maybe my camera was broken, but i try another memory and works good

I'm having trouble. I'm using a Dane-Elec Mirco SD Adapter for my 16GB SanDisk Mirco SD on my Nikon Coolpix L105. Every time I turn the camera on it reads, "This Card cannot be used". But when I use the 8GB SanDisk Mirco SD it works without a problem. What am I doing wrong?

i hope you'll respond to this. my camera has power but no display. what do you think is the problem, i have the nikon l105 digicam. thanks

nice video yes very easy.. i started making videos to help each other here in RU-vid thanks for the video info.

This works if you have Zero Bytes on micro or SD card. Put the card into a DIGITAL CAMERA ---- wait ---- It should show CARD ERROR - Go into menu/settings and FORMAT the card in the camera. This normally fixes it. (but you do loose any data on card)

I need help on micro sd card its on my phone blackberry curve 9300 because an error pops up saying 'you need to repair your memorie had as it has errors' and then I click repair but after 3 4 seconds it says reapairng failed??? Please help.

I downloaded the testdisk _Download and was following your tutorilal -those-accidentally-lost.html but could not find the photorec file you mentioned and It told me I was missing the cygn files but it appeared to be in the testdisk 6.14 file, any advice?

my card is shown damaged in samsung galaxy s2, and it is even not formatable in windows7, but I m able to look at the data present in it. but it couldnt be formated at all by any means, I just want to format it some how, please help

I just spent $35 USD on a 64 GB card for an older Power Shot and it doesn't work with it. So, what should I do with it now?

I tried formatting my card. But it’s not showing up. The storage is t showing up next to format. And when I try to format the card. It’s says cannot format change card.

How often do you recommend a format? I do like to delete photos that are blurry so forth and so on. I may upload a video response i have a sd card with a card error and its driving me nutz. Good video by the way thanks.

My dog chewed my SD card. do I still get the chance of getting my pictures back? I put it back on card reader & connect on my laptop it does not comeout but I can see it on the safely remove hardware/ eject media. HELP :(

i captured some images i can review it in camera abut when i connect it to the computer it says no images on memory card but when i see the properties it says free space 1 gb out of 4gb help me plzz its urgent.........

my camera turns on fine but when I click the display button to view my pictures, it says 'file error?' I've tried putting my memory card into my computer but the photos do not load. Can you help?

Thank you so very much; I was ready to order another memory card, but it just needed to be formatted. I would never have known or been able to fix it without your very clear explanation and instructions!

hi. today my canon eos 550D camera said that "card cannot be accessed" my laptop wouldn't even read the card. what should i do? i have a lot of videos i haven't saved yet.

I already did the last part of the video and I still can't get my card to unlock, I've already trued everything and it still says Memory is locked and I've been stressing over it for an hour help me y'all

I will forever be grateful this video exist - this just helped Me In 2024 .. You’re getting a like and I’m subscribing ! I’m saving this video forsure lol .

I tried formatting my card for the camera using my computer and I failed so many times, then I see your video saying that there is a "format" function inside the camera, great... it took me 1 min to format the card, thanks.

Any idea on how to sort out a card where the tiny plastic slider has gone walkies and meaning I cant record over the card?

thanks very much, you have help alot but there is this one issue i have with my extreme HD video sandisk. the cover is completely destroyed and i want to change it and but it in a new case how do i go about it

Thanks bro, i was using a 64gb card with my old camera hahahaha, millenials problems

Can you please tell me if damage can be coursed. by put the wrong card in . like a sony card into a SD card canon reader?

I don't know much about Memory Cards, but yeah it should have the switch on the side, might have been a factory error

READ THIS COMMENT IF YOU KNOW WHAT A NINTENDO WII IS Yesterday i was playing a game on my wii (i actually hacked my wii) and the sd card wasn't working. on the sd card menu,it said that there wasn't any sd card inserted. i use some programs like "Homebrew Channel","GECKO","RIIVOLUTION". my sd card is a "SanDisk for WII SD 2GB" is it the wron type? before this type of sd card,i used a "Kodak Memory Card 8GB SDHC". it worked perfectly but he it got stuck inside the WII SD CARD SLOT and when i took it out,somehow i broke (i found it broken inside the WII SD CARD SLOT after i inserted it. PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME,GIVE SOME ADVICES OR TELL ME HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM thank you

Thank you so much! I have a Nikon Coolpix A10, and had to buy a new SD card. I found a pkg. w/ a disc, plus a real little disc. I didn't have a clue what to do with that tiny disc until YOU just mentioned about inserting it into the reg. disc. It works!!! OMG! I'll know next time, thank you again!

thank you for your review i bought a Firefly Hawkeye 6s but i can not use it because every sd card i used class 10 from 4-32gb i get the message CARD FULL!!!! my firmware is the 2.6 and i have formatted the card in fat32 several times but the problem persists. i tried to reinstall the firmware but is impossible to do it . ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE???? i boaght the cam from GEARBEST PLEASEEEEE HELPPPP!!!!!

Thanks you , my problem was first one , slide switch was in "locked" position

I spotted a Canon 80D for an unbeatable price with the only flaw being "faulty SD card." I'm hoping I can find the right DIY fix to pick up that camera body instead of being restricted by my budget to go a couple generations earlier.

Thaank you so much I used the format method now Im ready to get back on track

If you get the memory card error message in your camera, then go to your camera settings and format your SD card, mine just got fixed.

Hello Sir My Phone said Memory card UNAMOUNTED OR NOT REPRESENT but when i connect the sd card with card reader in my pc there is no problem Please Help . :(( I Format and Scan Already but nothing changes :/ PLEASEEEE HELP MEEE :(( Thank you :)

i have a dell windows 7 and i have a class 4 4GB SDHC Lexar Multi-use SD card and it used to work with my computer but its still not working!! (this SD card comes from my 3DS XL) PS my computer just wants to hate me and not read the card becuz when i put my card in my slot it has a green light. So it knows its there and will not read!! PPS im am not formatting my SD card becuz i spent almost 2 years on gaming and i have gotten really far on Mario kart 7 and im not gonna lose pokedex 3D pro!! (Mario kart 7 cost $40.00 and pokedex 3D pro cost $15.00 so im not gonna lose an extra $55.00!!)

sigh.....thanks but still nothing happening with my camera. I bought a Canon SD card which will arrive someday soon, but I think I will just return it unopened. My camera (Canon Power shot S2 IS is 2004 approximately. I guess I just need to get a new camera.)

my sd card has been working for months and all of a sudden it says "Card Error" and i tried your trick and it still didn't work!

I was using a SanDisk SDHC 4GB 2speed in my camera. working fine. :) then I purchased a new Fujifilm SDHC 8GB 4speed. now.."Card Error" :( Can you help me?

Mine should have the lock unlock switch but my 4gb Duricell Memory Card didn't include the switch

I have pre-formatted my SD cards for my Canon T1i - as I usually do, However, this time they all say CARD WRITE PROTECTED. I have moved the slide on the side of the card, and I've tried a couple of other things, but nothing is working. Please help.

i have a adapter card and my video camera recorder say card error please answer i will die i cant record anything and i have blue kingston card it dosenot work too ...

Hi, I have the polariod camera iX828 would you know why I keep getting 'CARD ERROR' on my camera screen. I inserted 32GB MicroSD card. Is it too big? Just bought the camera brand new

Hope you can help me. Received a samsung WB35F camera and put the battery and memory card in same slot, I guess. Now can't remove battery or memory card. Only had this for 2 weeks. I am using the card that came with camera. Thank you for your help. az Pat

thanks so much! u helped me free my micro-sd card from write-protect!

cheers im dumb af to not see the locked thing cheers :P

My camera is a Maginon 5x 16.0 MEGA pixels, and I put my 8 GB memory card it says - Format memory card? And I say yes and it says format error, then if I click cancel it says card error and whenever I try it just turns my camera off, the memory card used to work but now is doing all this stuff.. I tried the things u said but I didn't work, :''(

hey .. I fixed my problem of UNWRITABLE card by using scotch tape to hold the switch in the FORWARD position for my PC.

Getting Memory Card Locked (it isn't) and Memory Card Error. I have never formatted my cards, but I will now. I am afraid to put the card in error in my Canon SX60 and format it without erasing my pics. Will the camera place where I bought it, know what to do?