Can't Write to SD Card? Why and How to Fix in 8+ Ways

Can't write to SD card means that it’s in a read-only status, and we can no longer add, delete or modify files from it. The problem of SD cards becoming write protected or not writable could occur on any device, be it a Mac, PC, camera, or Android phone. 

Once you get the “Can’t write to SD card” or other messages alike in meaning unexpectedly, in this page check out a full and effective guidance on how to fix this error. Our methods are there for both Windows/macOS computer and Android phone including Samsung. You’re guaranteed to solve your SD card issue effortlessly.

 

Why can't I write to my SD card?

First and foremost, to handle can’t write to SD card more specifically and pointedly, it’s necessary to figure out why it may happen. There can be various reasons, of which most common ones are:

• Wrong SD card settings
• SD card getting physically damaged or out of storage
• Improper connection between SD card and your Android/computer
• Corrupted file system on SD card
• Malware/virus infection to deny write access
• Outdated SD card reader drivers
• Your device not supporting the SD card type

 

Before fix: How to recover data from SD card not writable?

Please pay attention that uncertain factors do exist during the process to fix can’t write to SD card error, which will easily lead to data loss on your SD card. To avoid unwanted files missing, you’re strongly recommended to do a backup from the memory card on your device.

If your SD card is inaccessible or files in it can’t be exported successfully, turn over to another option --- Cisdem Data Recovery. It will help to recover all your important files from unwritable SD card in a simple yet reliable manner.

Cisdem dedicates to offer professional solutions for any heavy-duty data retrieval tasks. With advanced scanning algorithm and high recovery rate, it has truly done it. This expert recovery tool is responsible for getting back files from all major storage devices compatible with PC/Mac, such as SD/SDHC/SDXC/CF card, memory card, micro card, hard drive, USB drive, digital camera, etc.

Key features of Cisdem SD Card Data Recovery Software:

• Recover 1000+ types of file from SD card
• Retrieve data lost due to deleting, formatting, partition loss, system crash, virus attack, etc.
• Repair damaged photos, videos, even documents
• File filters applied to quickly locate desired files
• Preview recoverable items before recovery

This is the step-by-step instructions to recover data from SD card not writable:

1. Download and install Cisdem on your computer.
   Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 Free Download macOS 10.9 or later
2. Run this program, select SD Card Recovery, choose the SD card and click Scan.
   If you have your SD card on Android phone, eject it and insert into the computer through a card reader/adapter.
3. When the scanning finishes, navigate to the SD card files you need to restore. Use file filters or search bar if you like.
4. Double click on the files to have a preview, click Recover button to revert them back. In case you’d like to rescue all files from the SD card unable to be written, remember to tick “Select All” box.

Now that your SD card data have been backed up safely, it’s time to fix can’t write to SD card without a care.

 

Basic troubleshooting for can't write to SD card

Firstly let’s follow up some simple troubleshooting tips. By noticing several small details, the can’t write to SD card problem might be resolved directly with no need to dig out more complicated methods.

1. Unmount the SD card and reconnect it with your Android phone or computer.
2. Restart your device.
3. Check it there is enough free storage space on SD card. If not, remove unuseful files to make space.
4. Gently clean the contacts of SD card with a dry cloth.
5. Check whether the SD card reader/slot of your PC/Mac is broken. Try different reader or slot if required.
6. Scan your Android/Windows/macOS device with anti-virus and anti-malware programs.

 

Remove write protection to fix can't write to SD card

After going through the basic troubleshooting, provided that you are still unable to write any new data into SD card, it’s very likely that the SD card is write-protected somehow. To remove its write protection, 3 practical techniques are going to be explored.

1# Unlock physical write protection tab

Generally, there is a write protection switch on the side of your SD card or SD card reader. If it’s set to be locked, your SD card should be prevented from being written. So take out the SD card from your device, make sure the physical tab is slid up to unlock position.

No issue with the write protection tab? Proceed to see other 2 solutions to fix can’t write to SD card on Windows.

 

2# Fix read-only SD card by Diskpart

Diskpart refers to a Windows utility managing disks and partitions. Using it based on Command Prompt, you’re allowed to eliminate the read-only attributes of your SD card. Here’s how to achieve it.

1. Open Start menu > type Command Prompt in the search box > choose Run as administrator to enter it.
2. Type diskpart command and press Enter.
3. Type list disk and hit Enter to show all the disks connected with your PC.
4. Type select disk #. # represents the drive letter of your SD card.
5. Type the command attributes disk clear readonly > press Enter to remove write protection.
6. Exit CMD and then restart PC to check if the SD card is working correctly.

 

3# Use Registry Editor to enable writing on SD card

Inappropriate configurations within Windows Registry Editor will result in a write-protected SD card as well. To enable writing access on SD card, we have to get into Registry Editor and make specific changes. See below for the tutorial.

1. Press Windows+R to open Run windows > input regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor.
2. Go to the following path:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
3. Double click on WriteProtect > set value data as 0 > click OK.
4. Close Registry Editor and restart your system to disable write protection from your SD card.

 

Other 5 ways to solve can't write to SD card

Supposing the SD card is proven to be not write-protected but you still can’t write to it, is there any chance to get the SD card back to its normal status? Of course yes. In addition to write protection, it’s potential to meet with a read-only SD card in other scenarios. Another 5 alternative fixes are as follows for your option.

1# Update SD card drivers

A driver allows an external device to interact with your computer’s operating system, which means if you don’t keep those drivers up to date, your PC might struggle to write to your SD card. In order to fix this problem, you’re obliged to ensure that your drivers are fully updated. To do this, you need to check your SD card reader’s manufacturer’s website for any updates.

If you’re a Mac user, attempt to update your macOS. That will automatically update your system drivers.

2# Run CHKDSK

If you believe that your read-only SD card is caused by corrupted file system on it, try to perform CHKDSK to fix the SD card. This method also involves command lines on Windows.

1. Run CMD as administrator.
2. Type the command: chkdsk #: /F/R/X and execute it. # refers to the drive letter that your SD card is assigned to.
3. When the CMD window displays “Windows has made corrections to the file system, the corruption error on SD card has been repaired. Go to check if you can succeed to write to SD card.

 

3# Format SD card

Formatting is another credible way to fix file system of SD card and reset it back to its original state, thus allowing your write access to the memory card. We’ll clarify the formatting steps on Android/Windows/Mac respectively.

On Android:

1. Head to Settings on your phone > choose Battery and device care.
2. Continue to choose Storage.
3. Swipe to SD card storage > tap on the three-dots icon at the top right corner > select Advanced.
4. Hit on SD card option > Format. Tap on Format SD card to confirm the formatting.

 

On Windows:

1. Connect the SD card to your PC.
2. Open up This PC or My Computer depending on which version of Windows you’re using > locate your unwritable SD card.
3. Right-click on it > select Format.
4. Choose the proper file system > click Start. This should make your SD card reusable on Windows.

 

On Mac:

1. Go to Mac Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Select your SD card on the left panel > click Erase tab.
3. Name the SD card in the dialog box > select ExFAT format from the drop-down menu > hit Erase button. This should fix SD card read only error on Mac.

 

4# Enable removable storage access (for Windows 10/7)

As the subhead indicates, this approach works specifically for PC running Windows 10 or 7. If you’re exactly a Windows10/7 user, try this hidden solution to fix your SD card unable to be written.

1. Press Window+R > input gpedit.msc in the Run box > click OK.
2. Check in Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access. Double click on Settings: Removable Disks Deny Write Access.
3. Choose Disabled > click OK to finish.

 

5# Create new volume

The last trick is typically feasible for logical error of SD card sections/partitions. If you can’t write to the SD card with logical damages, delete SD card partitions in Windows Disk Management and create a new volume.

1. Right-click This PC > Manage > Disk Management.
2. Right-click your failed SD card > select Delete Volume.
3. Right-click the SD card again > create New Simple Volume.

 

Bottom line

That’s all it takes to deal with you can't write to SD card issue. Related reasons and over 8 fixes have been unmasked in detail. There must be at least one method right for you. Also bear in mind that before taking actions to fix your read-only SD card, back up and recover important data from it using Cisdem Data Recovery, in case of irreversible data loss.