Free SD card recovery on Mac is not just possible, but surprisingly straightforward with the right tools and steps. You don’t need to spend too much on software or hire a professional. Open-source utilities, freemium tools, and even built-in Mac features can possibly retrieve your lost data, as long as you act quickly and avoid overwriting the files.
Top SD card recovery software for Mac
The key to successful free SD card recovery on Mac is choosing the right tool for your scenario. Below are the most reliable options, each with unique strengths for handling different data loss scenarios (e.g., deleted photos, formatted cards, corrupted media).
1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac (2GB free recovery)
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a fan favorite among Mac users for its intuitive interface and robust performance, which is perfect for beginners who want to avoid complicated setups. It supports recovering all file types from SD cards, including JPEG/RAW photos, MP4/MOV videos, Word/Excel documents, and PDFs, and works with all SD card types (SDHC, SDXC, microSD, TF cards).
Key features:
- Up to 2GB of free data recovery.
- Two scan modes: Quick Scan and Deep Scan.
- The preview function.
- Supports macOS 10.13+ and Apple Silicon M-series chips.
- Works with SD cards from all brands.
Best for: Users who want a simple, guided recovery process and need to retrieve up to 2GB of data. It’s also ideal if you’re unsure about the cause of data loss (e.g., accidental deletion, formatting, or minor corruption).
2. PhotoRec (open-source recovery)
PhotoRec is a powerful open-source tool that’s been around for over a decade. Unlike many tools that rely on the SD card’s file system, PhotoRec ignores it entirely and scans the card's raw sectors to recover files. This makes it the go-to choice for unrecognized SD cards.
Key features:
- 100% free, no limitations.
- Supports over 480 file formats, including camera RAW files (CR2, NEF, ARW), 4K videos, and old document types.
- Available in both command-line and GUI (graphical) versions—GUI is recommended for beginners.
- Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, so you can use it across devices if needed.
Best for: Recovering data from formatted SD cards, corrupted media (e.g., unplayable videos), or SD cards that won’t mount on your Mac. It’s also great for advanced users who want full control over the recovery process.
3. Exif Untrasher (free tool for JPEG photo recovery)
If you only lost JPEG photos, Exif Untrasher is the specialized tool you need. Designed specifically for Mac, it focuses on recovering deleted JPEGs by scanning for their EXIF data, which remains intact even after the file is "deleted" from the SD card.
Key features:
- 100% free and GUI-based (no command-line hassle).
- Recovers JPEG photos from SD cards, cameras, and external drives—even if the card was formatted.
- Preserves EXIF data (date taken, camera settings, location) so your photos retain their original metadata.
- Fast scanning speed (scans a 64GB SD card in 15-20 minutes).
- Simple interface: just select the SD card, scan, and recover—no extra steps.
Best for: Photographers or casual users who only need to retrieve deleted JPEG photos. It’s faster and more efficient than general-purpose tools for this specific scenario.
4. UFS Explorer (cross-platform free tool)
UFS Explorer is a powerful multi-platform tool (Mac, Windows, Linux) that’s great for users who need consistency across devices. The free version offers basic recovery features, including scanning SD cards, previewing files, and recovering small amounts of data, making it a solid choice if you work on multiple operating systems.
Key features:
- Supports complex data loss scenarios, including formatted SD cards, corrupted partitions, and data lost due to virus attacks.
- Works with all SD card brands and sizes (from 2GB to 1TB+).
- Advanced users can access raw sector scanning and file system repair tools for free.
- Lightweight and fast, with minimal impact on your Mac’s performance.
Best for: Users who need a cross-platform tool or have advanced recovery needs (e.g., repairing a corrupted SD card partition). It’s also useful if you want to recover data on both Mac and Windows with the same tool.
Step-by-step guide to recover SD card data on Mac for free
No matter which free tool you choose, the core Mac recovery workflow is similar. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of retrieving lost data. Remember, the most critical rule is to stop using the SD card immediately to avoid overwriting the lost files.
Step 1. Stop using the SD card right away
As soon as you realize data is lost, remove the SD card from your camera, drone, or Mac. Do not:
- Take new photos or videos with the SD card.
- Save files to the SD card.
- Format the card or run disk repair tools.
- Restart your Mac with the SD card inserted.
Data on an SD card isn’t permanently deleted until new data overwrites it. Acting quickly preserves the "empty" space where your lost files are stored.
Step 2. Connect the SD card to your Mac
Use a reliable card reader to connect the SD card to your Mac; do not use the camera’s USB cable directly. If your Mac doesn’t have an SD card slot, use a USB-C or Thunderbolt card reader.
- Ensure the connection is secure: if the SD card isn’t detected, try a different card reader or USB port.
- If the SD card is corrupted and won’t mount, don’t panic—tools like PhotoRec and EaseUS can still scan it.
Step 3. Choose and download a free recovery tool
Pick the tool that best fits your scenario and download it from the official website. Most tools are lightweight and take just a minute to download.
- For beginners: Start with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac or Exif Untrasher.
- For formatted/corrupted cards, use PhotoRec.
Step 4. Launch the tool and select your SD card
Open the recovery tool and wait for it to detect connected storage devices. Select your SD card from the list, and make sure to choose the correct drive.
Step 5. Run a scan and preview files to recover
Once the scan is complete, the tool will display all recoverable files. Use the preview feature to verify that the files are intact.
Filter files by type (e.g., "Photos," "Videos") to quickly find what you need. Select the files you want to recover.
Step 6. Recover files to a safe location
Critical Rule: Never save recovered files back to the same SD card, as this will overwrite any remaining lost data. Instead, save them to your Mac’s desktop, Documents folder, or an external hard drive.
Tips to prevent SD card data loss on Mac
Recovery is great, but prevention is better. Follow these tips to avoid losing data from your SD card in the future:
- Safely eject the SD card: Always click the "eject" icon next to the SD card in Finder before removing it.
- Back up regularly: Use Time Machine or cloud storage to back up SD card data after every use.
- Avoid formatting unless necessary: Formatting erases the file system and makes recovery harder.
- Use high-quality SD cards: Cheap, off-brand SD cards are more prone to corruption. Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Kingston, and Lexar.
- Store SD cards properly: Keep them in a protective case to prevent physical damage and extreme temperature changes.
Final thoughts
Free SD card recovery on Mac is accessible to everyone, regardless of technical skill. Whether you use a user-friendly tool like EaseUS, a deep-scanning open-source utility like PhotoRec, or a specialized tool like Exif Untrasher, the key steps are: act quickly, avoid overwriting data, and use the right tool for your scenario.