Generally, people use SD cards to extend the storage capacity of portable devices such as phones and tablets. They are also used in digital devices such as digital cameras. They are, therefore, still widely used.
Like other storage devices, SD cards face data-related challenges, particularly virus attacks and data loss. You may have lost files from your SD card, so you are looking for this article. Whatever the reason behind your data loss, you should not be worried because you have found the right guide.
Will SD card recovery without a PC be possible? Will I be able to master SD card data recovery on Mac in a short time? Do not worry about all this. Read the last page. In this article, we will show you the best ways to retrieve lost files from an SD card using a Mac.
Maybe you want to be very clear on one thing before proceeding. Data recovery from SD cards is possible. You can do this with software and without software. We will show you how to perform software-based and non-software-based recoveries. Both ways, you can recover the original versions of your files on Mac.
How to Recover SD Card Data on Mac with Disk Drill
Mac users have to depend on third-party applications to recover deleted files. This is because macOS does not come with any form of data recovery tools.
We will take a close look at how you can use two types of data recovery apps for Mac to recover SD card data.
Disk Drill, developed by CleverFiles, is a highly reputable data recovery software for Mac and Windows. The tool is preferred by many for being the most successful solution in data recovery, and its support for a wide range of file formats gives it high recognition worldwide among individuals and businesses. Also, for people looking for tools to swiftly recover SD card files on Mac, it stands out as best overall. You can find out what other people say about this tool from forums and even testimonials from the Cleverfiles website.
Other reasons why people prefer to use Disk Drill are attributed mainly to its architecture. Some of these features include:
- Quick scan and deep scan support
- Multiple file formats supported
- Robust data recovery algorithm
- Free trial version for all devices
- User-friendly interface
You may wonder how to use this tool on a Mac for SD card recovery. Below is the step-by-step process to follow:
Step 1: Download and install the software
This is the very first stage, especially if you are interacting with this tool for the first time. You can get this software from the official Disk Drill website, where it is available for free download. Follow the instructions provided on the website to ensure you are installing the Mac version securely.
Step 2: Launch Disk Drill
On completing the installation process, launch the software. Follow this by inserting the SD card into your Mac using a card reader. Get back to Disk Drill and select the SD card from the list.
Step 3: Scan the SD Card
Now tap the “Search for lost data” button and allow the software to scan your memory card. The tool utilizes advanced scanning algorithms to locate lost files by going as deep as possible. It will also keep providing real-time updates on progress while categorizing your files as audio, documents, photos, etc.
Step 4: Review and Select Files
On completion of the search process, Disk Drill provides a preview of all the files found by the search. Click on the “Review” button to preview the categories of files found. Usually, the software presents your files into three categories – deleted or lost, existing, and reconstructed. You can use filters or scroll methods to select and choose the files you want to recover.
Step 5: Recover the files
Now tap “Recover” to restore files on Mac. If prompted, choose the right directory to store the recovered files.
How to Recover Lost SD Card Files on Mac with Trash
Like Windows computers, macOS also has a temporary storage folder for temporarily storing deleted files. In Windows, this folder is called Recycle Bin, while in Mac, it is known as Trash folder.
You may have deleted SD card files while the card was still mounted on the Mac. Still, there are chances that some of your SD card files were backed up in your Mac and were probably deleted with other files when freeing up space on your Mac.
All these are possibilities that have to be explored, and we can only confirm the truth by performing relevant checks on the trash folder.
Remember this is only possible within a short period, usually 30 days, like with the recycle bin. Also, you can only recover files from the SD card if they were not permanently deleted. To recover deleted SD card files with the trash folder on your Mac, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Locate the trash icon on the right end of your dock and click on it.
Step 2: scroll the folder to search for your lost files. You can also search with the search bar available in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Select all the files you intend to recover.
Step 4: Right-click on the files you have just selected, then tap on the “put back” option.
How to Recover SD card files on Mac with Time Machine
Mac comes with an in-built backup tool known as Time Machine. If you have tried all other methods but still can’t get back lost files, this machine may just be what you need. Even if the files were overwritten on SD. However, the backup must have been created before that happened.
Follow the steps below to recover SD card files from the Time machine:
Step 1: Connect the Time Machine backup drive to the Mac.
Step 2: Open the finder, followed by your SD card, and click the Time Machine icon from the menu bar. Enter a time machine.
Step 3: Choose the files to be recovered from the right pane and click “Restore” to recover selected files.
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