USB Stick Data Recovery
We recover data from USB sticks that are not recognised, ask to be formatted, heat up or have a broken connector, including monolithic USB sticks. 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 USB stick by the carrier of your choice or drop it off at the laboratory.
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In short
Stop using the USB stick and do not format it. Fill in the online request and send us the USB stick by the carrier of your choice or drop it off at the laboratory (USB sticks 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.
USB stick data recovery in the laboratory
A USB stick stores data in memory chips, managed by a controller. When the controller fails, the connector breaks or the memory wears out, the USB stick stops opening, even with the data still on the chips.
Depending on the fault, we repair the electronics or read the memory chips directly and rebuild the data. In monolithic USB sticks, where the controller and the memory are in a single chip, the reading is done directly on that chip. We work with USB sticks of all brands. We are the only data recovery laboratory certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 in Portugal.
Symptoms: what your USB stick is telling you
| What happens | Likely cause and what to do |
|---|---|
| The computer recognises the USB stick but asks to format it | Logical fault. Do not accept: press Cancel. |
| It is not recognised and shows no sign of life | Controller or electronics. Do not keep trying to connect it. |
| It heats up when you connect it | Short circuit. Disconnect it now. |
| The connector broke or is loose | Physical fault. Do not try to solder or force it: send the USB stick as it is. |
| Very slow or with occasional errors | Worn memory. Copy only the most important files, if you can, and stop using it. |
| It shows 0 bytes or the wrong capacity | Damaged controller. Do not format. |
| You deleted files or formatted the USB stick | Logical fault. Do not save anything on it. See recovering deleted files. |
Types of fault
The USB stick is not recognised, shows 0 bytes or the wrong capacity.
Short circuit, burnt components: the USB stick heats up or shows no sign of life.
Broken or loose connector, bent USB stick or one with a broken board.
Deleted files, formatted USB stick, request to format.
Most common causes: removing the USB stick without ejecting it, knocks to the connector, memory wear from use, power surges and human error (deleting or formatting by mistake).
What you should never do
Press Cancel. Formatting writes to the USB stick and makes recovery more difficult.
Each new file can take the place of the ones you want to recover.
A broken connector pulled out by force can take tracks of the board with it. Send the USB stick as it is.
How much it costs to recover a USB stick
* The 12 hours are counted in order of arrival and within opening hours; for a deleted or formatted USB stick the diagnosis takes 2 to 4 days. USB sticks opened or tampered with before arrival (for example, with chips removed) 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 USB stick asks to be formatted. What do I do?
Do not format it: press Cancel and stop using it. Formatting writes to the USB stick and makes recovery more difficult.
The USB stick connector broke. Can it still be recovered?
Often yes, because the data is on the memory chips and not in the connector. Do not try to solder or force it: send the USB stick as it is.
Do you have free collection for USB sticks?
No. USB sticks 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 USB stick, 2 to 4 days.
How much does it cost to recover a USB stick?
From 150 EUR + VAT, depending on the type of chip and the fault; for monolithic USB sticks, 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.
What is a monolithic USB stick?
It is a USB stick in which the controller and the memory are in a single chip. Recovery is done by reading that chip directly, which takes more work.
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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