5 Best SD Card Repair Tools to Fix Corrupted Cards

SD cards provide storage to store data in a dimension that makes them ideal for cameras and smartphones, but their reliability isn’t top-quality. Anything that isn’t properly removed, such as files and power failures, malware, or even the end of the card’s life, could cause the card to become damaged and inaccessible. Many SD card repair tools make it easy to repair corrupted SD card without formatting.

Best SD Card Repair Tool: Compare the Top 5 Options Today

1. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is my top recommendation for free SD card repair software because it offers powerful data recovery capabilities that can save your files if repair methods fail.

The program can be equally effective when it comes to less serious corrupted files. When a problem with the file system blocks access to your data, Disk Drill’s signature scanning will identify and retrieve more than 400 file types directly from raw data, and with especially impressive results for images and videos.

The trial version of Disk Drill lets you recover up to 500 MB of data and access all scanning functions, making it perfect for testing before purchasing.

Key Features:

• Deep scan technology for corrupted SD cards
• Recovers photos, videos, documents, and audio files
• Supports FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, HFS+, and APFS
• Disk health monitoring and protection features

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface for beginners
• High success rate for data recovery
• Works on both Windows and macOS

Cons:

• Free version limits recovery to 500 MB
• Full features require a paid license

Also read: 5 Free Disk Cloning Software for 2025

2. chkdsk

For Windows users, CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a powerful built-in tool designed to diagnose and repair logical SD card errors. It helps fix file system corruption caused by improper ejection, power failures, or interrupted data transfers. CHKDSK can scan for bad sectors, recover readable data, and restore the card’s structure without requiring any third-party software.

Beginners can easily run it through File Explorer by selecting Properties > Tools > Check, while advanced users can use Command Prompt for greater control. Commands like /f repair file system errors, while /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information, making CHKDSK a reliable first solution for SD card issues.

Key Features:

• Built-in Windows file system repair utility
• Detects and fixes logical file system errors
• Identifies and marks bad sectors
• Works via Command Prompt

Pros:

• Completely free
• No third-party installation required
• Fast and effective for minor corruption

Cons:

• The command-line interface may confuse beginners
• Cannot recover lost or deleted files

3. First Aid

The only reason First Aid isn’t sharing the second spot with chkdsk is that fewer people can access it. It’s because this SD card Repair tool is integrated into macOS Disk Utility, and you can think of it as Apple’s own solution for diagnosing and fixing problems with storage devices. Many users, including myself, have successfully used it to fix typical SD card issues, such as damaged directories and catalog file corruption and file system errors, which can render cards inaccessible.

Like most native macOS tools, First Aid provides an intuitive graphical interface that helps you navigate the repair procedure. It’s as easy as selecting your SD card using Disk Utility and clicking the First Aid button to begin the repair and diagnostic procedure. The tool will analyze the disk’s structure, try to repair any flaws it discovers, and give precise feedback on the work it’s doing.

Key Features:

• Scans and repairs disk directory issues
• Fixes permission and file structure errors
• Integrated into macOS Disk Utility
• One-click repair option

Pros:

• Free and officially supported by Apple
• Safe and simple to use
• No additional software needed

Cons:

• Limited advanced repair capabilities
• Not effective for severe corruption

4. SanDisk Repair Tool

SanDisk RescuePRO is an SD card repair tool that is designed for SanDisk memory cards. Contrary to the title, this tool was not created by SanDisk; however, it was developed by LC Technology International, Inc., which is a data recovery firm based in Florida.

Three variations come with SanDisk RescuePRO to choose from. Standard ($39.99) Version supports cards with a maximum capacity of 256GB, and is best for photographers.  I am particularly impressed by RescuePRO’s specialization in video repair, which can fix broken or damaged video files that come from GoPro drones and professional cameras.

Key Features:

• Designed specifically for SanDisk SD cards
• Fixes read/write and recognition errors
• Official manufacturer-supported utility
• Simple repair process

Pros:

• Optimized for SanDisk devices
• Trusted and secure tool
• Easy for non-technical users

Cons:

• Only works with SanDisk products
• Limited repair and recovery features

Also read: 8 Best Data Recovery Software for Mac (Free & Paid Options)

5. TestDisk

Even though Disk Drill excels at file recovery and chkdsk/First Aid is a great tool for all general issues, TestDisk can be my first choice for the damaged partition table on SD cards and filesystem structures, as it can repair damaged partition tables, repair parameters of the filesystem, and fix FAT tables with duplicate copies.

TestDisk can repair multiple filesystem types, including NTFS, FAT16/32, ExFAT, and HFS+. It is an SD card repair tool that is compatible with most operating systems. Additionally, it’s free and open source without limitations.

The biggest issue users face with TestDisk is that it utilizes a command-line interface that, though rational and well-organized, can be intimidating for novices. It provides clear instructions for each step, making it easy for anyone who wants to learn.

Key Features:

• Rebuilds corrupted partition tables
• Repairs RAW and inaccessible SD cards
• Restores lost boot sectors
• Supports multiple file systems
• Open-source and free

Pros:

• Extremely powerful repair capabilities
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• No cost involved

Cons:

• Text-based interface (no GUI)
• Steep learning curve for beginners

Top 5 SD Card Repair Tools Comparison Table

Wrapping Up

Is your SD card corrupted? Five SD card repair tools are available to you. Try them today to repair your damaged SD card!

If you have any questions about how to repair a damaged SD card or recover data from an SD card, you can post a comment in the comments section, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

FAQs: SD Card Repair Tools