How to Unlock a Write Protected Micro sd Card

How to Unblock a Microsd Card Protected From Writing

Are you tired of seeing your microSD card as an external device, unable to write new data? Do you want to learn how to unblock it and use it again? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of unblocking a microSD card protected from writing, using various methods that work for both Windows and macOS.

Understanding The Problem

MicroSD cards are an essential part of our mobile devices, used to expand storage capacity. However, sometimes they can become locked or blocked, preventing new data from being written to them. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to transfer important files or photos.

Method 1: Using a Physical Switch

In many cases, unblocking a microSD card is as simple as flipping a physical switch on the device itself. The switch is usually located on the side of the card and can be moved from one position to another to activate or deactivate the write protection mechanism.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Locate the physical switch on your microSD card.
2. Move the switch to its opposite position.
3. Try writing new data to the card again.

Method 2: Using Windows System Registry

If the physical switch method doesn’t work, you can try using the Windows system registry to unblock your microSD card.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Connect your microSD card to a computer with a reader.
2. Click on Start and type “regedit” in the search bar.
3. Press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control > StorageDevicePolicies.
5. Double-click on WriteProtect and change its value from 1 to 0.

Method 3: Using Diskpart (Windows)

If the above methods don’t work, you can try using Diskpart, a built-in Windows utility.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Connect your microSD card to a computer with a reader.
2. Press Win + R to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Type “diskpart” and press Enter.
4. List all disks on the system.
5. Select the disk number associated with your microSD card.
6. Use the command “attributes disk clear readonly” to remove write protection.

Method 4: Formattting The Microsd Card

In extreme cases, if none of the above methods work, you may need to format your microSD card.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Connect your microSD card to a computer with a reader.
2. Open Disk Management (on Windows).
3. Right-click on the microSD card and select Format.
4. Choose the file system and label as desired.
5. Confirm that you want to format the device.

Method 5: Using Explore Rows (Windows)

You can also try using Explore Rows, a built-in Windows utility, to unblock your microSD card.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Connect your microSD card to a computer with a reader.
2. Open File Explorer and click on “This PC” or “Computer”.
3. Right-click on the microSD card and select Explore Rows.
4. Choose the file system and label as desired.
5. Confirm that you want to format the device.

Method 6: Using Hdd Llf Low-level Format Tool (Windows)

You can also use a free software tool called HDD LLF Low-Level Format Tool to format your microSD card.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Download and install the tool.
2. Connect your microSD card to a computer with a reader.
3. Open the tool and select your microSD card.
4. Choose the file system and label as desired.
5. Confirm that you want to format the device.

Method 7: Using Utility Disc (macOS)

If you’re using macOS, you can use Utility Disc to unblock your microSD card.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Connect your microSD card to a Mac with a reader.
2. Open Utility Disc from Launchpad.
3. Select the microSD card and click on Initialize.
4. Choose the file system and label as desired.
5. Confirm that you want to format the device.

Method 8: Formattting a Microsd Card Protected From Writing (Smartphone/Tablet)

If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you can try formatting your microSD card directly through the operating system menu.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Insert the microSD card into your device.
2. Go to Settings > Storage & memory.
3. Select the microSD card and click on Format.
4. Confirm that you want to erase all data on the device.

Conclusion

Unblocking a microSD card protected from writing can be a frustrating experience, but by following these methods, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to always handle your digital devices with care, and never write new data to a previously locked or blocked card without trying to unblock it first!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I format my microSD card?
A: Formatting your microSD card will erase all data on it.

Q: Will formatting my microSD card affect my device’s performance?
A: No, formatting a microSD card should not affect your device’s performance.

Q: How do I prevent my microSD card from becoming blocked or locked again?
A: To prevent your microSD card from becoming blocked or locked again, make sure to move the physical switch on the device back and forth several times before writing new data.