Memory Card Data Recovery
We recover photos, videos and files from SD and microSD cards that ask to be formatted, cannot be read, have become read-only or have broken, from cameras, drones and mobile phones. Our own laboratory in Carcavelos, recovering data since 2004, with a success rate of 98.40% in 2025 across all services, audited every year.
Online request
Technical Diagnosis in 12 hours*. Send the card by the carrier of your choice or drop it off at the laboratory.
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In short
Take the card out of the camera or mobile phone, stop using it and do not format it. Fill in the online request and send us the card by the carrier of your choice or drop it off at the laboratory (memory cards do not have free collection). We carry out the diagnosis in 12 hours* and publish the final quote on your request page. The recovery only begins if you accept it.
Memory card data recovery in the laboratory
A memory card stores photos, videos and files in memory chips, managed by a controller. In microSD cards, almost always, the controller and the memory are in a single chip (monolithic cards), and the reading is done directly on that chip.
Depending on the fault, we repair the card or read the memory directly and rebuild the files. We work with SD and microSD cards of all brands, from cameras, drones, mobile phones and other equipment. We are the only data recovery laboratory certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 in Portugal.
Symptoms: what your card is telling you
| What happens | Likely cause and what to do |
|---|---|
| The camera or the computer asks to format it | Logical fault. Do not accept: take the card out and do not use it again. |
| The card cannot be read anywhere | Controller or memory. Do not keep trying different readers over and over. |
| Photos grey halfway down or videos that will not open | Damaged files. Stop using the card: copying over it makes it worse. |
| It has become read-only | Controller protection, often a sign of failing memory. Do not force writing. |
| It heats up in the reader | Short circuit. Remove it now. |
| Broken or bent | Physical fault. Do not try to straighten or glue it: send it as it is. |
| You deleted photos or formatted the card | Logical fault. Do not take any more photos with it. See recovering deleted files. |
Types of fault
The card cannot be read, asks to be formatted or has become read-only.
Wear from use: damaged photos, read errors.
Broken or bent card, or one with damaged contacts.
Deleted photos, card formatted in the camera or on the computer.
Most common causes: removing the card with the camera switched on, battery running out during recording, using the same card in several devices, memory wear and human error (deleting or formatting by mistake).
What you should never do
Press Cancel and take the card out. Formatting writes to the card and makes recovery more difficult.
Each new photo or video can take the place of the ones you want to recover.
Trying the card in reader after reader, or straightening it, can damage the memory for good.
How much it costs to recover a memory card
* The 12 hours are counted in order of arrival and within opening hours; for a deleted or formatted card the diagnosis takes 2 to 4 days. Cards tampered with before arrival may need an Advanced Diagnosis, at a cost, always communicated beforehand. In some cases an initial amount is requested, stated in the quote: if there is recovery, it is deducted from the price; if there is not, it covers the recovery attempt and is not refunded.
Other devices
How it works, in 7 steps
- Online request
- Sending the device
- Diagnosis
in 12 hours* - Final quote
- Recovery and file list
- Payment
- Data delivery
The recovery only starts after you accept the quote. See the full process
Frequently asked questions
The camera asks to format the card. What do I do?
Do not format it: press Cancel, take the card out and do not use it again. Formatting writes to the card and makes recovery more difficult.
I deleted photos by mistake. Can they still be recovered?
Often yes, if you have not taken more photos with the card. Stop using it now. For a deleted or formatted card the diagnosis takes 2 to 4 days.
Do you have free collection for memory cards?
No. Memory cards are sent by the carrier of your choice or dropped off at the laboratory, in Carcavelos, Monday to Friday (except public holidays), 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00.
How long does the diagnosis take?
12 hours, in order of arrival and within opening hours; for a deleted or formatted card, 2 to 4 days.
How much does it cost to recover a memory card?
From 150 EUR + VAT, depending on the type of chip and the fault; for monolithic cards, like most microSD cards, from 450 EUR + VAT. The exact amount is in the final quote, and the Technical Diagnosis is only charged if you decline the quote or the Advanced Diagnosis, or if the device is so damaged that it cannot be quoted.
The card broke in half. Is there a chance?
It depends on where it broke: if the memory chip was not damaged, there may be. Do not try to glue or straighten it; send it as it is and the diagnosis will tell you what is possible.
What if I accept the quote and then there is no recovery?
You pay nothing for the recovery service or anything else; return shipping costs are separate. In some cases an initial amount is requested before work starts, always stated in the quote: it is deducted from the price if the recovery succeeds and, if it does not, it covers the attempt and is not refunded. If you accept and do not pay the initial amount within 5 working days, the device goes into storage, at a cost of 1 EUR + VAT per day, up to a maximum of 60 days. After that period, the device is recycled free of charge and the storage remains payable.
Still not convinced?
See what our clients say.
Data recovery laboratory in Portugal since 2004, with a cleanroom and ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification. Your satisfaction is our priority, and that is what the more than 1,900 reviews from our clients say.
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