How to Unlock SD Card Without Switch [6 Methods]
You should have memory cards if you have a tablet or a smartphone. But this inserted SD card in your device might give you an error indication by getting locked. So, what's the lock for an SD card? Every modem SD card showcases a lock switch at its left side, commonly used for writing protection when the switch is turned on by sliding it down.
You cannot delete or modify the stored data on the memory card when the switch is on. It implies you may only view these files, and all other actions will be prohibited. It's undoubtedly a top-notch benefit but could be worrisome if you're not professional enough to unlock the SD card.
However, the SD card gets locked for several reasons; for example, it could be because of the lock switch, but unfamiliar reasons might be there too. The more precise reasons for the SD card to be locked are the following:
- 💾Physical impairments on the SD card.
- 🔻The SD card switch might become triggered because of friction.
- 🔍You have chosen the imprecise option in the camera's menu or an Android app to allow write protection on the SD card.
- 🗂️The file/folder access permission has changed or set to read-only.
As a locked SD card deters you from editing, moving, and deleting files, you should know how to unlock an SD card without a switch!
How to Unlock SD Card Without Switch on PC
Do you wish to modify the contents on the locked SD card? If so, you need to unlock the card to obtain complete read & write access to it sans any restrictions. Many users grapple with unlocking an SD card without a switch on a PC as they don't know how to do it! But you must not worry, as this article will show you 6 amazing methods to unlock an SD card without a switch on the PC.
- Method 1. Unlock an SD Card Physically
- Method 2. Unlock SD Card Without Switch Through DiskPart
- Method 3. Remove Write Protection in Registry Editor
- Method 4. Unlock SD Card in Windows Using CMD
Method 1. Unlock SD Card Without Switch Through DiskPart
If your SD card doesn't contain a switch, or if you don't have instant physical access to it, you may unlock it without a switch through DiskPart instead. Follow the steps below to unlock an SD card without a switch:
Step 1. You need to right-click on Start and hit Windows PowerShell (Admin). Opt for Yes if UAC prompts it.
Step 2. Type diskpart here, and hit the Enter button.
Step 3. Now, hit the Enter button after typing list disk.
Step 4. Type Select disk #, and change the hash with the SD card's disk number.
Step 5. Hit the Enter button after typing attribute disk clear read-only. It will eliminate the read-only tag, which is linked to the card.
If any of your friends are struggling with this issue, share this post on your social media to help them!
Method 2. Remove Write Protection in Registry Editor
Windows also has the Registry Editor, which you can use to turn off the write encryption on the SD card. You must be cautious when using this sophisticated technique to prevent issues. Follow the steps below to remove write protection in Registry Editor:
Step 1. Connect your SD or micro card to the Windows PC.
Step 2. Hit the Windows + R to launch the Run window.
Step 3. Type regedit, and hit the Enter button to move to the Registry Editor.
Step 4. Maximize the folder in the left panel as the following path:
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies |
In case there's no StorageDevicePolicies folder, you need to right-click the Control folder and opt for New > Key to generate a new key named StorageDevicePolicies.
Step 5. The StorageDevicePolicies folder must be right-clicked on and hit New > DWORD (32-bit) value to generate a fresh value, WriteProtect.
Step 6. The WriteProtect key must be double-clicked on, set its value data as 0, and hit OK.
Step 7. Exit Registry Editor, and re-link the SD card.
The steps to remove write protection in the Registry Editor are hassle-free. So, share this passage with your friends on social media!
Method 3. Unlock SD Card in Windows Using CMD
In case your SD card is on write protection without the availability of a physical switch, unlocking the SD card through CMD is one of the most effortless ways to do that. CMD, aka Command Prompt, is a native application of the Windows OS, which you can use to retrieve data from HDDs, both for external and local disks.
Go through the steps below to unlock the SD card in Windows using CMD:
Step 1. Link the SD card to PC, and ensure it's recognizable.
Step 2. Hit Windows + X on the keyboard, and opt for "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
Step 3. Type the below-mentioned command line in turn. All you need to remember is to press "Enter" after typing every command line to perform the command.
- diskpart
- list disk
- select disk #
- features disk clear read-only
How to Fix Can't Type in Command Prompt on Windows [2023 Newest]
Can't type in the Command Prompt? If you don't know what this error is about or what to do, this article will help you. It will explain the reasons behind this error
You may exit the command prompt when it shows "Disk attributes removed successfully." Now, verify that the instructions for unlocking a write-protected SD card above were successful.
How to Unlock SD Card Without Switch on Mac
Do you own a Mac? Executing SD card unlocking on your MacBook using a disk utility tool is straightforward. Follow the simple steps below:
Step 1. Link your SD card to your MacBook, and ensure no file has "Read-only permission." If one file has a write protection, it can affect the entire disk. In this case, you must modify the permission to "Read & Write."
Step 2. Navigate to the Spotlight symbol to launch the Search bar. Enter the disk utility on the given space, and double-click on it from the listed results.
Step 3. Opt for your SD card name once the disk utility window launches. Hit the First Aid tab situated at the upper side of the window. It will try to resolve the errors but don't forget to follow the instructions diligently.
How to Unlock Micro SD Card on a Phone
Wondering how to unlock a micro SD card without switching on a phone? You may unlock the SD card with a password. Follow the steps below to check how to do that:
Step 1. Navigate to Settings, and opt for Lock screen and security. Once done, select Decrypt SD card.
Step 2. Type your password, pattern, or PIN, and wait for a few minutes for the decryption process to finish.
Unlock an SD Card and Recover Lost Data
The final solution is to format the SD card if there is no way to unlock it. Although it gets unlocked this way, all the saved data will be lost. What else can you do right now? Relax; we'll inform you about top-notch data recovery software, Deep Data Recovery.
This powerful format PC recovery platform can retrieve lost data from deleting, formatting, unbootable or crashed systems, partitions lost, and more. The highlighted features of Qiling are the following:
- Retrieve data from RAW drive and Bitlocker encoded drive.
- Retrieve deleted files, audio files, videos, photos, emails, etc.
- Support exFAT, NTFS, FAT32, and several other formatted drives.
- Retrieve deleted documents from SSD, HDD, SD cards, and flash drives.
- Fully compatible with Windows Server, Windows 11/10/8.1/7, and more.
- Support 1000+ file types and 2000+ storage devices.
Download this professional data recovery tool now!
Step 1. Select the SD card to scan
- Download and install Deep Data Recovery on your Windows PC.
- Use the proper way to connect your SanDisk/Lexar/Transcend SD card to the computer.
- Open Qiling SD card recovery software and choose SD Card Recovery on the left panel. All connected drives will display here. Select your SD card and click "Scan for lost data".
Step 2. Check for scan results
- Wait for the scanning process to complete.
- Specify one or several file types to show up, like Pictures or Videos.
- Click "Preview" to check if they are the wanted files.
Step 3. Recover SD card data
- Preview the recovered files and click "Recover".
- Choose a different location to save the recovered files instead of the original SD card.
Summary
Although encrypting an SD card might prevent data from being accessed maliciously or accidentally deleted, you might wish to activate an SD card occasionally to change the documents on it. Then you may unlock an SD card using one of 6 techniques. Try using Deep Data Recovery to restore data from the inaccessible SD card.
How to Unlock SD Card Without Switch FAQs
Go through the below-mentioned FAQs to unlock the SD card without the switch:
1. How do I manually unlock my SD card?
A Lock button is on the left corner of the SD card. Verify that the Lock switch is in the Up configuration (the unlock position). If the memory card has been encrypted, you won't be permitted to change or remove its information.
2. How do I unlock my microSD card password?
Go through the steps below:
- Link the locked memory card to your Windows PC through a card reader.
- Hit the Windows + R buttons to launch the Run dialogue box.
- Type CMD, and hit the OK button to launch the CMD window.
- Type Diskpart, and hit the Enter button.
3. How do you fix a locked SD card?
The process of unlocking an SD card is simple; all you have to do is locate the little toggle on its side and push the button up so that it is near to the SD card's edge.
4. Why does my SD card say it's locked when it's not?
If you've tested the SD card's locking and unlocking positions and discovered that it's unsecured, the camera sensor switch is the source of the issue. Even if the SD card isn't secured, your camera will continue to display, informing you it is.
Related Articles
- How to Rebuild RAID Without Losing Data [for RAID 0/1/5]
Can I rebuild RAID without losing data? You can follow our organized tips to avoid data loss during the RAID rebuild. Don't forget to recover data from RAID with Qiling Data Recovery Software before starting to rebuild the RAID. - How to Fix C Drive is Full Easily (6 Ways)
This article describes the reasons for the “C drive is full” problem and 6 ways to fix it. The stepwise tutorial will be included as well. Please read on. - How to Change Partition Type ID Easily? (2 Ways Included)
This tutorial demonstrates how to change partition type ID in two efficient solutions and tells basic information about partition type ID. - Solved: Cobian Backup "The Engine Is Not Found" Error
This article provides you with solutions to the Cobian Backup “the engine is not found” error as well as a Cobian Backup alternative.