Summary: The post describes a scenario when the SD card is encrypted, but after upgrading the Operating System version, the access to encrypted files is lost. It explains the reasons that lead to such a situation and summarises the procedure to recover photos from encrypted SD card in detail. It also defines the ways to avoid such scenario once the data is recovered successfully.

Encryption is a significant feature integrated within SD cards to keep the incorporated files safe and secure from unauthorised access, but at times it turns into a nightmare. Sometimes, users are unaware of the fact that the files encrypted on Android Lollipop or KitKat cannot be accessed when the smartphone OS is upgraded to Marshmallow or any above version.

While you try to access the data stored on the encrypted SD card on Android Marshmallow device, it may turn up several errors such as “the file couldn’t be opened, it could be corrupt or damaged”, and you may be wondering how to recover photos from the encrypted SD card.

This usually happens when the SD card file system has turned corrupt, and there is no issue with the encryption technique or decryption method. To resolve this issue, you may need to format the SD card. This may make the memory card accessible, but all the data stored on the card will be erased eventually including the encrypted files.

Reasons behind SD Card Inaccessibility

• SD card is the most portable device as it travels a lot from one device to another and this is perhaps the most common reason behind corruption
• Accidental formatting of the SD card erases all the data contents including photos, videos, multimedia files, etc. existing within it.
• Abrupt removal of SD card reader or another device to which the card is connected or inappropriate insertion of the card to the camera or smartphone
• Occurrence of error messages makes the encrypted files inaccessible and SD card completely unrecognised on the computer or laptop
• Any interruption while image or other data read/write operation is in process leads to failure of the SD card
• Any mishandling, water spillage, excess heat, or extreme weather conditions makes the storage devices including SD cards behave abnormally
• Unintentional dropping of memory card or any other physical, as well as mechanical failure, makes encrypted files and other data unreadable
• At times, the anti-virus program that interrupts with the data and makes it inaccessible or unreadable
• If any of the above mentioned causes took place due to which access to the encrypted files on the SD card is lost, you are advised to search for the image recovery techniques in order to recover encrypted image files from SD card. To maximize the chances of data retrieval, it is recommended not to use the SD card so as to prevent data from being overwritten. Make sure no changes are made to any of the contents stored on the card; else, the data items may turn inaccessible beyond the scope of recovery.How to Recover Encrypted SD Card or Inaccessible Files?To recover encrypted SD card or unreadable files, it is imperative to look upon for the solution that supports encryption. The only resolution to this issue is to employ a professional photo recovery tool with the ability to handle SD card encryption. Here, it is important to understand that when encrypted card become inaccessible, the incorporated data becomes unreadable.With this in mind, Stellar Photo Recovery software may serve the purpose. It easily restores photos, videos, and other data that are inaccessible and ask to format the device while attempting to access it. It supports various make and models of SD Cards such as Sony, Samsung, Lexar, Kingston, Transcend, SanDisk, Canon, Kodak, Nikon, etc.

  The tool works on Windows 10, 8, 7, and lower versions and supports all the models of smartphones. Encrypted SD cards of all digital cameras as well as encrypted photos from SD, MMC, SDHC, SDXC, and other memory cards, USB sticks, and other external storage devices can be recovered.

  Follow the steps below to recover your photos from encrypted SD card using this software:

  1. Install and run Stellar Photo Recovery software
  2. Select Recover Photo Audio & Video button
  3. Select the drive letter assigned to SD card
  4. Click on Advanced Settings button which is optional
  5. In Advanced Settings window, click on Photo File Format and select the desired options
  6. You can also click on Select Region tab, specify the value for Starting Sector and Ending Sector. Click on OK
  7. Then, click on Scan Now button
  8. Select the encrypted files that need to be recovered and restored back
  9. Click on Recover button to initiate the encrypted SD card recovery and restore process
  10. At last, specify storage location to store the recovered data on hard drive

  Important!

  • While executing the process, ensure that the process is not interrupted in any way as this may lead to failure and damage of data beyond the scope of recovery
  • While saving the recovered data, provide another storage location such as a USB stick or any drive on the hard drive and avoid saving the recovered file to the same encrypted SD card

  Stellar Photo Recovery is an efficient tool that helps recover photos, videos, and other multimedia files stored in the SD card from turning corrupt. After executing the recovery procedure, you can gain access to encrypted files. Although the professional software helps recover and restore encrypted data to the accessible mode yet it is essential to know the preventive measures to avoid the inaccessibility of data in future.

  • Always backup SD cards and other storage media to avoid unfavorable consequences such as data disaster or failure
  • Ensure that your computer or laptop is powered with a reliable anti-spyware program and anti-virus application
  • Avoid accessing the SD card on different devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, tablets, or other devices

   The Final Word

  To avoid the data corruption situations, it is always recommended to utilize professional encryption procedure or resources to encrypt the files or the storage device to prevent data loss. Ensure that the backup for the entire SD card is created before upgrading the smartphone or other gadgets to newest versions.