How to recover deleted images from memory card

​When you delete an image from a memory card, it doesn’t immediately disappear. Instead, the card’s file system simply marks the space where that image was stored as available for new data. Until that space is overwritten by new files, the deleted image remains intact in the background.

Accidental deletion – Mistakenly deleting one or more photos from the card.

Formatting – Quick formatting erases the file index, not the images themselves.

Corruption – Improper ejection, power loss, or file system errors can corrupt data.

Virus or malware – Malicious software can hide, encrypt, or delete images.

Transfer interruption – Removing the card while files are transferring can cause loss.

Physical damage – Bending, water damage, or electrical issues can make cards unreadable.

Each of these scenarios requires a different recovery approach.

Step 1: Stop Using the Memory Card

The moment you realize images are missing, take these immediate actions:

Remove the card from your camera or device.

Do not save or take new photos—this prevents overwriting deleted data.

Keep the card in a safe, static-free environment until you’re ready to start the recovery process.

Step 2: Understand Your Card Type and System

Memory cards come in various types and formats. Recovery tools need to be compatible with both the card and the file system used.

Common card types:

SD (Secure Digital)

microSD

SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity)

SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity)

CF (CompactFlash)

Common file systems:

FAT32 – Common for SD cards under 32GB

exFAT – For cards over 32GB

NTFS – Occasionally used in digital devices

RAW – Used in DSLRs for image formats like .CR2 or .NEF

Step 3: Choose the Right Recovery Method

There are several ways to recover deleted images from a memory card, ranging from built-in utilities to advanced recovery software and professional services.

Method 1: Use Recovery Software

Panda Assistant

When images are deleted from a memory card, the data isn’t erased immediately. Instead, the system marks the space as free for new files meaning the deleted images are still recoverable unless they’ve been overwritten. Panda Assistant is designed to scan deep into the memory card’s storage to locate and recover these hidden files.

Getting started is easy. Insert the memory card into your computer using a card reader or compatible port, then launch Panda Assistant. Select the memory card from the list of drives and initiate a scan. The software will search for recoverable images, including JPEG, PNG, and RAW file formats from digital cameras. Once the scan completes, you can preview the found photos and select which ones to recover.

Panda Assistant works even if your memory card was formatted or appears corrupted. It offers an intuitive interface, fast scanning, and a high recovery success rate. Best of all, you don’t need advanced technical skills just a few clicks and your deleted images can be safely restored to your computer.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Unhide Images (Windows)

Sometimes, files are not deleted but hidden due to corruption or viruses.

Steps:

Connect the memory card to your PC.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type the command:

bash

CopyEdit

attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

Replace X: with your memory card’s drive letter.

This command attempts to remove hidden/system file attributes and may restore visibility.

Method 3: Recover from Cloud Backups

If you were syncing your images to a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive), you might be able to retrieve lost files there.

Steps:

Log into your cloud account.

Check your Trash or Recently Deleted folders.

Restore the images to your device.

Some services keep deleted files for up to 30 days.

Method 4: Use Built-in Recovery Features in Cameras (Some Models)

Certain DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a basic undelete or recovery feature in the system menu. This is rare but worth checking if available.

Steps:

Insert the card into the original camera.

Browse system settings or playback menu for recovery or image restoration options.

Follow on-screen instructions to recover thumbnails or JPEGs.

Method 5: Seek Professional Recovery Services

If the card is physically damaged or unreadable, professional data recovery services may be your only option.

Services specialize in:

Broken or snapped cards

Burned or water-damaged media

Corrupted or non-recognized file systems

Pros:

High success rate for hardware failures

Safe data extraction using cleanroom technology

Cons:

Expensive (usually $100–$1.000+)

Requires mailing your card to a recovery lab

Use this route only if the data is irreplaceable.

Types of Image Files That Can Be Recovered

Most recovery tools support a wide range of image formats, including:

Standard images: JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF

RAW files: CR2 (Canon), NEF (Nikon), ARW (Sony), DNG, ORF, RAF

Other: PSD (Photoshop), HEIC, and occasionally video thumbnails

When scanning, filter by image file types to save time and improve search accuracy.

Tips to Improve Recovery Success

Act quickly – Delayed recovery increases the risk of data being overwritten.

Don’t use the memory card – Even viewing the card may trigger auto-save or cache write functions.

Use a dedicated card reader – Offers faster, more reliable access than cameras or phones.

Run multiple scans – If the first scan fails, try a deep scan or a different tool.

Preview before recovering – To ensure the image is intact and uncorrupted.

Recovering Images from a Formatted Memory Card

If you’ve formatted your card—especially a “Quick Format”—you can likely still recover your images.

Steps:

Use recovery software with deep scan or sector scan mode.

Select file types to narrow your scan.

Preview and restore any recoverable images.

A full format, however, overwrites more sectors and reduces the chances of recovery.

Dealing with Corrupted Memory Cards

A corrupted card may not be accessible or may show errors like “card needs to be formatted.”

Option 1: Try CHKDSK

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type:

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X: with your card’s drive letter.

This will attempt to fix file system errors.

Option 2: Image the Card

If corruption is severe, use tools like ddrescue or USB Image Tool to create a raw image of the card. Then scan the image file using your recovery software instead of the card itself.

What to Do If Images Are Only Partially Recovered

In some cases, files are recovered but can’t be opened or appear corrupted.

Try opening them in different viewers – Some programs can display damaged JPEGs better.

Use repair tools – Applications like Stellar JPEG Repair or Hetman File Repair may fix corrupt images.

Check file extensions – A recovered image may have the wrong extension. Try renaming it correctly (e.g., .jpg, .png).

Preventing Future Image Loss

Once you’ve recovered your images, take steps to avoid future losses.

Best Practices:

Back up regularly – Use cloud, external drives, or sync tools.

Avoid filling the card to capacity – Always leave some buffer space.

Format cards in the camera – Not on a computer to avoid incompatibility.

Safely eject the card – Prevent corruption by not removing it while in use.

Use high-quality cards – Reputable brands with good speed and endurance ratings.

Avoid reusing failing cards – Replace cards that show errors or slow performance.

Image Recovery with Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is a user-friendly, powerful recovery tool designed to help you restore deleted photos from memory cards, USB drives, and other storage media.

Key features:

Supports all major memory card formats

Recovers RAW and standard image types

Offers deep scan for formatted or corrupted cards

Allows preview before recovery

Compatible with Windows and macOS

Steps to Use:

Launch Panda Assistant and insert your memory card.

Select the card from the list of detected drives.

Choose “Photo Recovery” and start the scan.

Preview images and select which ones to restore.

Save them to a secure folder on your computer.

Whether you’re a casual photographer or a professional, Panda Assistant simplifies the recovery process and makes it accessible even to beginners.