Can I recover files after formatting an SD card on Android?

Yes — if no new data has overwritten the card, recovery is often possible using recovery software on a computer or Android recovery apps, and by creating an image of the card first.

Which tools work best to recover a formatted SanDisk SD card?

Popular tools include iCare Recovery, PhotoRec, Recuva (Windows), DiskDigger, and commercial SanDisk RescuePRO. The article outlines pros/cons and step-by-step usage.

Should I use my phone to attempt recovery?

It's safer to stop using the card immediately and perform recovery from a PC using a card reader; using the phone risks overwriting recoverable data.

Recover SanDisk SD Card Data After Format (Android)

Accidentally formatted your SanDisk SD card on Android? Don’t worry — in most cases, your photos, videos, and documents are not gone forever. With the right tools and quick action, you can recover deleted files before they are overwritten. Below, we guide you through the safest and most effective methods, starting with one of the most trusted recovery tools: iCare Recovery.

1. Use iCare Data Recovery – Best Tool to Recover Formatted SD Card

iCare Recovery is a powerful and user-friendly recovery program designed to restore data from formatted SD cards, USB drives, and Android storage devices. It supports all SanDisk SD card types, including microSD, SDHC, and SDXC, and works even if your card shows as RAW or inaccessible. select recovery mode

Key Features of iCare Recovery

Deep Scan: Recovers files even after quick or full format.
Wide Compatibility: Supports SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, and all major SD card brands.
Preview Function: Lets you preview photos, videos, and documents before restoring them.
No Data Overwrite: Performs read-only recovery to protect existing data.

How to Recover Data with iCare

Download and install iCare Recovery on your Windows or Mac computer.
Insert your formatted SanDisk SD card into the computer via a card reader.
Launch iCare and select the “Deep Scan Recovery” option.
Scan the SD card and preview the recoverable files.
Select the files you want to restore and save them to a safe location.

⚠️ Tip: Avoid saving recovered data back to the same SD card — this prevents overwriting and increases the chance of complete recovery.

2. Alternative Methods to Recover Formatted SanDisk SD Card

Use Android Data Recovery Apps

If you don’t have access to a PC, you can try recovery apps directly on your Android phone. Tools like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver can sometimes restore deleted media without root access. However, they are generally less powerful than desktop tools like iCare.

Restore from Google Photos or Cloud Backup

If your photos or videos were synced to Google Photos, OneDrive, or another cloud service, you might be able to restore them without any software. Always check your cloud backups before attempting deep recovery.

3. Tips to Maximize Recovery Success

Stop using the SD card immediately after formatting to prevent data overwrite.
Always use a card reader instead of accessing the card directly through Android.
Perform a full scan even if the quick scan shows no results — deep scans often find hidden data.

With tools like iCare Data Recovery and proper handling of your SD card, you can often restore nearly all your lost files even after a full format. Always remember: the sooner you act, the higher your chances of complete recovery.

Also read: Sandisk sd card format recovery or how to recover formatted SD card

Conclusion

Formatting a SanDisk SD card on Android doesn’t have to mean permanent data loss. By using professional software like iCare Data Recovery as your first step, you dramatically improve your odds of getting back photos, videos, and documents. Combine that with safe practices and backups to ensure your data is always protected.