Recover Deleted Files from SD Card on Mac [2022 Guide]

Introduction

The SD card is widely used in daily life, for example, it can be used to store files in the camera or phones and can be inserted into computers for extra storage. Unfortunately, data loss happens at any time and the key to SD card data recovery becomes an urgent issue. How to successfully recover deleted and lost data from an SD card on Mac? This post introduces you to four possible ways to fulfill , along with helpful tips to prevent data loss in the future.

4 ways for SD card recovery on Mac

There are quite a few methods to do SD card data recovery. To achieve effective SD card recovery on Mac, you can take the listed four into consideration.

Method 1: Recover data from SD card using iBoysoft Data Recovery

The best and most effective way to restore data from an SD card on Mac is using professional data recovery software. With plenty of data recovery software in the market, we’ve picked up so far, the best Mac data recovery software for you, iBoysoft Data Recovery. It enjoys the following advantages.

  • High compatibility with the system and device. It supports data recovery from the latest macOS 12 and Apple Silicon chip. As for the device, it works fine with a wide range of devices, be it an external drive, an SD card, a USB drive, or other storage media.
  • Up to 99% success recovery rate. iBoysoft always tries to reach a higher success rate by constantly improving and upgrading its data recovery software. This tool maintains as high as a 99% success rate.
  • Virus-free clear environment. iBoysoft Mac data recovery tool is completely virus-free and secure without any risk to your data. It won’t maliciously damage your data.
  • Easy operations to follow. Even if you are a novice who knows nothing about technology, you can be taken good care of. Just follow the on-screen wizard and everything will be done.

Here’s how to recover data from an SD card on Mac using this software.

Step 1: Free download, then install iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac. Open the software.

Step 2: Connect your SD card to the Mac, either by the built-in SD card reader or external SD card reader.

Step 3: Launch iBoysoft Data Recovery and select your SD card from the list. Click on Scan for scanning.

Step 4: Filter and preview deleted and lost files if necessary. You can filter the files by path, type, and name.

Step 5: Select files for recovery and click on Recover in the right corner at the bottom.

Note: please save your recovered files to a new location. Don’t place the files in the original folder in case of overwriting the data.

Method 2: Recover data from Mac Trash

If you just accidentally deleted one picture from your SD card and did nothing afterward for 30 days, you can easily restore it in the folder. Here’s how you can handle this straightforward method.

Step 1: Open the Trash on the dock.

Step 2: Select the files you want to recover in the trash bin.

Step 3: Right-click the data and choose Put Back.

Remember to check if you can find the files in the original place from the SD card.

Method 3: Recover data with Time Machine backup

Backup can be a great help when it comes to data recovery. This solution only applies to users who turned on backup before losing their data from the SD card. If you are one of those lucky ones, follow the guides below to restore deleted and lost data on Mac.

Step 1: Connect the external backup drive to your Mac.

Step 2: Enter Time Machine by finding it in Another folder from the launchpad.

Step 3: In Finder, search for the folder that contains the files you want to recover and use the up and down arrow to better locate specific files.

Step 4: Choose the items for recovery. You can press the Space bar for preview when necessary.

Step 5: Click on Recovery to finish the process.

Method 4: Recover data with backup prepared

Though it’s always recommended to regularly back up data, only a few users will actually do so. If you happen to make a backup copy or sync your data to cloud storage, you can easily perform file recovery with the backup copies.

What to do after data loss from SD card

Data loss is painful and data recovery can be hard if you can’t find the best solution. Therefore, we’ll share some tips for better SD card recovery when you encounter data loss from the SD card.

Tip 1: Stop using the SD card right after data loss

No matter what the reason is, you should avoid keeping using the SD card immediately. Keeping writing to the memory card will make the data overwritten, thus no data can be restored.

Tip 2: Don’t format your card

Whenever data loss or disk error appears, part of the users goes for reformatting the storage media. However, reformatting will wipe out all the data within and can never be traced back. Therefore, never easily reformat your memory card when a problem occurs.

Tip 3: Choose a high-quality memory card

Since the SD card can easily get both logical and physical damage, it’s important to choose an SD card that’s designed by professionals. A high-quality SD card can last longer than you expect.

Tip 4: Back up regularly

Doing regular backup is an effective way to protect your data, and the backup copy can help you a lot when it comes to urgent data recovery. You can either back up via built-in software in the system or simply copy and paste your data to an external drive.

Tip 5: Keep it in a safe environment

Make sure there are no viruses, malware, or other threats to your SD card while using. You can do this by checking the digital device that your SD card is inserted in, be it a phone, computer, or camera.