top of page
  • Writer's pictureAlina Tait

How to Retrieve Encrypted SD Card Photos and Files


Retrieve Encrypted SD Card

Is there a concern regarding the potential loss of photographs from an encrypted SD card? This post provides a comprehensive guide on how to retrieve photos from an encrypted SD card on Android, PC, and Mac. Also uncover six dependable methods for decrypting SD cards of varying varieties and brands on Android devices and computers.


The photos and other files contained on the encrypted SD card are inaccessible. It is impossible to access, modify, or store critical photos other files from locked memory cards. Attempting to remedy locked SD card issues in a camera or Android phone may result in the loss of all images.


Please preserve reading this post if you are fearful about the stable retrieval of pix from a locked SD card. Uncover the maximum green techniques for accessing a number of SD cards and retrieving valuable photographs. Furthermore, it'll supply you with instructions on a way to retrieve pictures from a secured SD card and different garage gadgets on Android, PC, and Mac.


You have the choice of removing write-safety, decrypting the SD card, or getting rid of password safety as a way to repair encrypted SD card images. The following techniques are applicable in your gadget.


  • To activate the SD Card, remove the write-protection.

  • How to decrypt an SD card in Windows using the Command Prompt (CMD)

  • How to decrypt a BitLocker-encrypted SD card on a personal computer

  • How to decrypt an SD card on a Mac using Disk Utility

  • How to decrypt your SD card on your Android device by utilizing the Settings menu

  • Discover the process of recovering a password from an encrypted SD card on your Android device by employing the File Manager.

  • Formatting your SD card will enable you to unlock it.


Method 1: Disabling the write-protection on an SD card


The switch situated at the side of the reminiscence card can be unlocked to remedy the issue of acquiring the "disk is write-included" message. Move the transfer upwards. The write-protection to your SD card may be effects disabled by adhering to those commands. You can now effortlessly get entry to, view, manage, and keep the pics in your SD card with no headaches.


If you are in need of a way to unencumbered an SD card while the lock switch is faulty, damaged, or free, take into account attempting this technique.


Method 2: Using the Command Prompt (CMD) to unlock an SD card in Windows


CMD may be hired to release the camera or Android SD card on a Windows PC. The write protection in your SD card can be disabled using this method.


The following are the methods to unlock a memory card using CMD:


  • Ensure that the secured memory card is connected to your computer by employing a card reader.

  • To access the Run dialog box, select the Windows + R key combination.

  • To access the CMD window, enter "CMD" and select "OK."

  • Enter the command "Diskpart." Press the Enter key.

  • Kindly execute the command "List disk." Press the Enter key.

  • To specify the SD card number, please execute the command "Select disk X."

  • Press the Enter key.

  • Clear the readonly attribute on the disk. Press the Enter key.

  • Kindly terminate the command prompt.


Please allow a moment to decide whether or not it is feasible to retrieve and get admission to pix from the encrypted SD card. If you stumble upon the mistake message "SD Card is Damaged Try Reformatting it," the following steps will assist you treatment the trouble.


Method 3: How to Unlock a BitLocker-encrypted SD Card


If you are unable to remember your BitLocker password, you can readily access your locked SD card by utilizing the BitLocker recovery key. This passphrase was generated upon the activation of BitLocker encryption. It is composed of 48 digits. The recovery key may be stored in a location of your choosing during the encryption process. This can be accomplished in your Microsoft account, as a printout, or in a file.


The following actions can be taken to unlock a BitLocker-protected SD card using the Recovery Key:


  • Double-click on the password-protected memory card on your computer.

  • Please select "More options."

  • Please select "Enter recovery key."

  • Kindly furnish the 48-digit recovery key. Kindly select the "Unlock" option.

  • Retrieve and unlock your priceless photographs from a locked SD card.


Method 4: Changing the 'Read only' permission of SD card files on a Mac


Currently, the files that have been particular as examine-simplest are inaccessible. If you're experiencing problems having access to or enhancing documents in your SD card, it's really useful to verify whether or not they are protected by means of write-safety.


To modify the Read-only permission on your Mac, follow these steps:


  • How can I attach a locked SD card to a Mac?

  • To access the file or folder on your SD card, merely right-click on it. Next, navigate to "Get Info," then "Sharing & Permissions," and finally "Privilege."

  • Select the lock icon and modify the Read-only setting to Read & Write permission.


Method 5: Using Disk Utility on a Mac to encrypt an SD card


In the event that the issue is not resolved by granting read and write permission, it may be worthwhile to investigate the possibility of repairing the SD card that is currently inaccessible. The Disk Utility on Mac is endowed with a convenient First Aid feature that can fix any errors that may occur with your SD card.


The following is a detailed guide on how to access the data of an SD card on a Mac by unlocking it using Disk Utility:


  • Connect the encrypted SD card to your Mac.

  • Now, navigate to Utilities and select Disk Utility on your Mac.

  • Select the SD card that is either closed or cannot be accessed from the options on the left panel. Once you have located the First Aid option at the top, click on it.

  • Click "Run" in the dialog box and then "Done" when the disk repair procedure is finished.


Method 6: How to Encrypt an SD Card Using Android Settings


The settings on your mobile device can be used to decrypt a locked SD card in order to retrieve photos.


The following methods will enable you to unlock your SD card on an Android device. Please be advised that the procedure may differ based on the model of your Android device:


  • Insert the memory card into the Android device.

  • Please navigate to the Settings menu.

  • To access the Lock screen and security menu, click here. Subsequently, select "Decrypt SD card."

  • To complete the procedure, please enter the password, PIN, or pattern and wait patiently. It is now feasible to access the photographs stored on your Android SD card.


Method 7: Utilize the File Manager to retrieve the password for a locked SD card on an Android device.


In the event that you have forgotten the password for your Android SD card, you may retrieve it by means of making use of the File Manager software in your smartphone. After acquiring the password, you could use it to prompt the SD card for your Android device and retrieve the lost images.


The following methods will assist you in regaining access to the password for a locked SD card on your Android device:


  • Navigate to the File Manager on your Android device.

  • Please access the system folders.

  • Locate the file named "mmcstore" and transfer it to your computer via Bluetooth or USB.

  • On your personal computer, rename this file to mmcstore.txt and access it using Notepad. The password can be located in the Notepad file.

  • Now, insert the secured SD card into the smartphone and enter the password to access the collection of photos and other files.



Method 8: Format the SD card to encrypt it.


If none of the methods for unlocking the SD card are successful, you may wish to contemplate formatting it. It is possible to lose data when formatting your SD card, as it will forcefully release the card.


To activate an SD card by formatting it on a PC, follow these steps:


  • Please access My Computer or This PC.

  • Locate the SD card device and execute a right-click operation.

  • Select a format.

  • To begin the formatting procedure, select the Quick Format option and then click Start.


You will be able to reactivate your memory card and use it as if it were brand new by adhering to these instructions. However, you may attempt to retrieve photographs from a formatted SD card on either a PC or Mac by employing the most effective SD card recovery application.


Solutions for Recovering Photos from an Encrypted SD Card: Android, PC, and Mac


The storage media must be accessible in order to retrieve photos from a locked SD card on an Android device, camera, or other device. Attempt to activate the SD card by employing the methods suggested above.


The BLR SD card recovery tool, specifically the BLR photo recovery software, can be used on either a Windows or Mac computer to retrieve any missing or deleted photos after successfully unlocking and obtaining access to the SD card.

Download BLR Data Recovery Software




Our state-of-the-art photo recovery tool is capable of recovering photos from any memory card, irrespective of its brand, capacity, or size. Additionally, it is capable of recovering data from SD cards that are encrypted with BitLocker.


The software has the ability to recover lost audio, video, and picture files that may have been impacted by virus attacks, corruption, formatting, or harm to the storage card.


The following actions can be taken to retrieve deleted photos from a locked SD card:


Initially, you will be required to download the BLR Photo Recovery Tool onto your Mac or Windows computer.


The subsequent step is to connect the SD card to your computer.


The subsequent step is to access the software interface and select the memory card option. Once you have completed this, click on the "Scan" icon. The software will prompt you to input a password when you use an encrypted SD card. In order to commence the scanning procedure, please supply the password.


Immediately after the scanning process is finished, take a moment to examine the photos that have been discovered. Then, select on the "Recover" button.


Lastly, select a location to save the photos that have been recovered from the locked SD card by clicking on the Browse icon below.


In conclusion,


To obtain access, disable the write-protection or password-encryption on the locked SD card. If these methods are not applicable to your situation, you may also wish to consider implementing the other secure methods that have been discussed in this post. With the assistance of BLR photo recovery software, it is now effortless to retrieve any lost or deleted photos from your SD card. The software is capable of securely recovering images from unlocked SD cards that are frequently utilized in digital cameras, Android phones, and other devices.


Also Read:-



9 views

©2023 by Datarecoverysoftware. All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page