Memory Card Recovery Mac | How to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card on Mac

Updated to macOS Data Recovery Tips by Robert on Jan 29, 2024 | Approved by Daryl Baxter

With technological advances, SD cards have become an essential storage option, especially if you want to expand a device's storage instantly. Because they are small and easy to carry, memory cards are the perfect choice for anyone who needs to keep their ever-growing library of media files quickly and securely.

However, while we enjoy the convenience brought by the memory card, we also face the problem of data loss. If your saved items disappeared due to accidental deletion, formatting, or file system failure, then you are in the right place. Here we will share almost all the effective methods to recover deleted files from SD card on Mac, even if you don't have a backup.

Quick Navigation
Part 1. Tips for Better Memory Card Recovery on Mac
Part 4. Tips for Preventing Files Loss on Your Memory Cards
Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Better Memory Card Recovery on Mac

Getting lost data from an SD card can be tricky and time-consuming, but it's not impossible. With the right know-how and tools, you can easily rescue accidentally deleted photos, videos, and other files without hassle. To better complete this process, please follow the tips below:

With these tips in mind, you can securely recover an SD card on Mac with a lower risk of further file damage or loss.

How to Restore Files Deleted from SD Card on Mac Without Software

If you're a Mac user, you know the frustration of accidentally removing files from your SD card. Fortunately, there are some ways to regain your data without the help of any third-party software. All you need are some simple steps and patience.

Ways 1. Check the Trash Folder on SD Card

As any macOS user knows, Trash is a place to save temporarily deleted items. If you regret it, you can restore the files to their original location. But it doesn't work with external drives. Is this really the case? Actually, the SD card also has such a folder and is hidden by the system. For this, you can follow the steps below to show it and restore deleted files from an SD card on Mac by trash folder.

  1. Connect your memory card to the Mac and open it.
  2. After holding the "Command + Shift + ." keys together, hit "F5" to reload all SD card files and folders.
  3. Open the ".Trashes" folder to check for accidentally deleted files.
  4. Finally, by tapping right on the file to be recovered, tap on the "Put Back" option to resave them.

Ways 2. From Photos's Recently Deleted Option (Only suitable for retrieving photos and videos)

Suppose you have browsed SD card photos or videos on Mac and removed them from the gallery. And then you can find them in the recently deleted option. To recover deleted photos/videos from SD card on Mac follow the steps below:

  1. Open the "Photos" app and click "Recently Deleted" in the left panel.
  2. Here, you'll see all items removed from the gallery. Select the one you accidentally deleted and click "Recover" in the upper right corner.

Ways 3. From Time Machine

Time Machine is a handy tool to protect your valuable data. It simplifies safeguarding your files by allowing you to create hourly, daily, and monthly backups of your specific folders and drives. If you habitually use it to backup data, then you can Mac SD card recovery by Time Machine.

  1. Connect the external drive used for backup to the Mac and open the location of file deletion in the SD card.
  2. Now, tap on the "Clock" icon from the menu bar to open "Time Machine."
  3. Move ahead using arrows and a timeline for browsing backups snapshots.
  4. Finally, select the deleted items you wish to get back and tap on the "Restore" option. You will find the recovered SD card files in their original location.

Ways 4. From iCloud

iCloud is a revolutionary cloud storage system offered by Apple that helps users store digital photos, music, documents, and more on the internet rather than just one particular device. If you have used it before the accidental deletion incident, then you can retrieve deleted files from SD card on Mac with the help of iCloud.

  1. Start logging in to your iCloud Account on your Mac.
  2. Click "Settings," go to the bottom of the page and select "Restore files" under "Advanced" options.
  3. Select the recently deleted files in the new window and tap the "Restore" option.

If you do not have a backup or the above methods have failed, then you can also take the help of a tool to resume SD card on Mac.

How to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card on Mac With Software

Losing important SD card files can be a nightmare, especially when some of those files have priceless memories attached. But luckily, you can rescue your data with memory card recovery Mac software. They can quickly and efficiently identify and retrieve permanently deleted files from memory card on Mac without backup.

Ways 1. Use iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac

iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac is a powerful program that can help you quickly and securely recover deleted files on Mac. No matter how you lose your data, its advanced scan technology guarantees a smooth data recovery process across different storage devices. Also, it allows you to save 200M recoverable items for free. So, it is an excellent choice for SD card recovery Mac solutions.

Your Best SD Card Recovery Mac Software

(Trust Score 4.8 by 1597 Users)
  • It can retrieve files from an SD card on Mac due to accidental deletion, formatted, memory card displays as RAW, virus attack, corrupted or inaccessible, etc.
  • It supports almost all file types and provides a pre-recovery preview to ensure SD card data recovery quality.
  • The best memory card recovery Mac tool can also help you fix corrupted images or videos.
Download for macOS Download for Windows

Recover Permanently Deleted Files from SD Card on Mac by iBeesoft

  1. First, connect your SD card to your Mac through a card reader.
  2. Download and install iBeesoft SD recovery Mac software on your computer.
  3. Once you launch it, you will be able to notice types of files through the main window, and wherein all the files are selected beforehand. I suggest you uncheck the unwanted files to shorten the scanning process. Next, click the "Start" button.
  4. All Mac and external drive volumes are listed in the next window. Please select the SD card and click the "Scan" button.
  5. Once the scanning completes, all recoverable files are displayed in the result window and sorted into categories. You're supposed to unfold the type on the left side and preview the files belonging to this category on the right. Find the deleted SD card files and click "Recover" to save them.

Ways 2. Use TestDisk for Mac

TestDisk is an open-source file recovery tool that allows users to recover deleted files from an SD card, hard disk, USB drive, and more on Mac/Windows/Linux. The program can also rebuild broken partitions, helping those who may have accidentally deleted their partition table when formatting a hard drive. Even in cases where your drive has become wholly corrupted, TestDisk can collect any remaining files from it. You can use the steps below to complete the Mac SD card recovery.

  1. Open the official website of TestDisk to download the version for macOS and extract it.
  2. Go to Applications > Utilities, and open Terminal.
  3. Type "sudo TestDisk" to start the software to restore deleted files from SD card on Mac
  4. After opening TestDisk, select No Log > Your SD card > select the partition table type (usually the default is correct) > Advanced > Undelete.
  5. After the scan is complete, select you accidentally deleted files/folders and hit "C" to next.
  6. Finally, choose a location to save the deleted SD card files.

Ways 3. Other 5 Tools to Recover Files from SD Card on Mac

In addition to iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac and TestDisk, there is a lot of software on the market that can help you retrieve lost data from memory cards. Here, we will list five excellent software for you to choose from.

  1. R-Studio
  2. It is a powerful recovery tool for any Mac user. Whether you accidentally delete files or suffer from internal drive problems, R-Studio can help you very well. With powerful features makes it an unbeatable SD card recovery Mac solution.

    Pros:
    The mode of recovery is quite detailed.
    You will get many advanced features and a network recovery option.
    You get a HEX editor as a built-in feature here.
    Cons:
    It needs to be more beginner friendly.
    It requires specific fees for the recovery of large files.
  3. Disk Drill for Mac
  4. It is an excellent tool that can be used to rescue lost information from hard drives, external storage devices, and most other digital devices. It quickly finds lost data and offers additional features such as secure deletion of sensitive data and bootable drive creation for quick recovery on Linux or macOS systems.

    Pros:
    Multiple formats are supported.
    Availability of searching and filtering options.
    It also provides additional utilities.
    Cons:
    The Pro version is expensive.
    Deep scanning takes time.
  5. Data Rescue
  6. It is known for Mac SD card recovery that supports formats like APFS, FAT, exFAT, etc. It makes complex recovery tasks achievable in minutes with its easy-to-use interface and extensive features. It also has quick and deep scan modes to extract lost items from SD better.

    Pros:
    It helps in creating disk clones.
    It provides a RAID facility.
    Cons
    There isn't any trial recovery available.
    It is not a good option to recover deleted videos from an SD card.
  7. Recoverit for Mac
  8. If you do not know how to recover permanently deleted files from an SD card on Mac, then Recoverit can help you. The free SD card recovery software for Mac can assist with retrieving essential files that have been lost due to accidental deletion, virus attacks, corrupted drives, formatting errors, system crashes, and more.

    Pros:
    An easy-to-understand user interface.
    Fast scanning process.
    Cons:
    It has no free version and is expensive.
    It cannot repair files corrupted during loss.
  9. PhotoRec
  10. It is a free SD recovery Mac software that came into existence for recovering your lost files. It will even scan deep into the sector of your drive and perform customized searches to ensure everything was noticed.

    Pros:
    It is available for free.
    Advanced recovery algorithms
    Cons:
    Unfriendly interface
    Can't preview before recovery

We hope to assist you well with seven splendid choices of software to recover deleted files from SD card mac successfully. If all else fails, then you can also seek out data recovery services to help you. However, you will pay more for it.

Tips for Preventing Files Loss on Your Memory Cards

Losing valuable files stored on SD cards isn't an experience anyone wants to go through. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can use to help prevent losing files in the future.

By taking these safeguards, you can prevent SD card file loss and ensure your invaluable data remains safe and sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidentally delete files on your card and need them back? Here, you can recover SD card Mac in just a few simple steps. However, you can better accomplish this task by understanding some frequently asked questions about the process.

Conclusion

These days, SD cards are one of the most widely used storage devices. Unfortunately, due to user errors or technical malfunctions, these delicate little pieces of hardware are prone to data loss. However, you don't need to worry. This article provides various methods to recover deleted files from SD card on Mac with/without software. As long as your card is not physically damaged then they will surely help you to get back your lost data.