Card says “not formatted”? Don’t format it.
Your camera or drone suddenly says “card error” or asks to format the card. That message is about the card’s file system, not your photos. In most cases the pictures are still on the card, and formatting is the one thing that makes them harder to get back.
Why this happens
The file system is a small map that tells the camera where each photo lives. If the camera loses power while writing, or the card is pulled out too early, that map gets damaged and the camera gives up.
Cards can also fail physically: cracked cases, bent pins, or a failing controller. Those need hands-on work before the photos can be read.
What to do right now
- Stop using the card. Every new photo can overwrite an old one.
- Don’t format it, and don’t run free recovery apps that write to the card.
- Put it in a small case or envelope so it doesn’t get bent.
- Start your mail-in and ship it insured.
How we get your data back
We make a full copy of the card and rebuild your photos and videos from the copy, never from the original. Physically damaged cards get repaired first so they can be read.
What it costs
Free diagnosis. Firm price before any work. No data, no fee.
Our promise
If we can’t get your data back, you don’t pay for the recovery. You only risk the cost of shipping it to us, and we pay for the trip home.
ResultA sister’s wedding photos and videos, back.
A dead phone holding the photos and videos from a sister’s wedding, with no backup.
Read the case
ResultAn inflated quote somewhere else. A second opinion here.
Another business gave this customer an inflated quote for their recovery.
Read the caseQuestions
Can you recover RAW files and video?
Yes. RAW photos from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji and others, plus video from cameras, GoPros and drones.
I already formatted it. Is it too late?
Not necessarily, especially if nothing new was saved afterward. Stop using it and ship it.
How much does it cost?
Memory card recovery starts at $89. Free diagnosis, firm quote, no data, no fee.
Common problems we solve
iPhone won’t turn on
iPhone dead, black screen or stuck on the Apple logo? Your photos are usually still on the board. Mail it to our lab. Free diagnosis. No data, no fee.
See howSamsung Galaxy data recovery
Galaxy phone dead, broken or wet? We recover photos, texts and contacts from damaged Samsung phones by mail. Free diagnosis. No data, no fee.
See howBroken screen, can’t unlock
Screen shattered, black or unresponsive and you can’t unlock your phone? We recover your photos and messages by mail. Free diagnosis. No data, no fee.
See howGet your files back
Start your free mail-in. You’ll get a case number and a packing slip in about two minutes.