How to Fix a Physically Cracked SD Card

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: SD card image by berg_bcn from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Whether you're using a digital camera, PDA, or smartphone, there's a good chance much of your device's information is stored on a small plastic SD (Secure Digital) card. So if you've found yourself with a damaged or cracked card, you may think that all your digital information is lost. This isn't necessarily true. There are ways to fix the SD card yourself, and there's no technical knowledge needed. All it takes is a little time and concentration and you'll be able to recover all of the important data on your SD card.

Advertisement

Step 1

Locate the read-only lock on the SD card. It is located on the side of the card near the bottom, just above the gold connector teeth. If your SD card is cracked, then the cover of this lock will have broken off, revealing a small gap. It is this gap that needs fixing.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Cut a paperclip to size with pliers. Cut the paperclip so it is the exact same size as the plastic lock that broke off your SD card.

Advertisement

Step 3

Dab the ends of the paperclip with industrial glue. Use only a drop of glue. Adding too much could result in dried clumps of glue on your SD card that prevent it from fitting into the appropriate slot in an electronic device.

Advertisement

Step 4

Insert the paperclip in the gap on your SD card where the plastic lock used to be. Fit the paperclip so it is flush against the side of the SD card.

Advertisement

Step 5

Wait for the glue to dry completely, then insert your SD card into an electronic device and test it. At this point it should work without any problems.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references & resources

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...