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Easy-to-follow steps to repair the lock on an SD card
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SD cards have mechanical locks on them that allow you to prevent them from being written to. While this can be good for security, most of the time they just end up getting broken. Luckily, fixing the SD card will only cost you a couple of cents and a minute of your time. See Step 1 below to learn how.

Things You Should Know

  • Find the groove where the lock switch used to be and get rid of any leftovers that are stuck there.
  • Use cellophane tape to cover the groove and make sure it isn't blocking any contact surfaces on the back of the SD card.
  • With something sturdy like an ID card or credit card, smooth out the bubbles, if there are any.
  1. Look for the spot where the lock switch used to be. The groove is typically located on the left edge of the SD card when you are looking at it from the front.
  2. If there is any plastic piece of the old lock switch still attached or dangling, use nail scissors to gently snip out the remaining piece.
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  3. You will need a thin, clear cellophane tape with a strong adhesive grip. Scotch brand is the most common, but any brand will work as long as it is very adhesive. Make sure that roll is not very wide. 1/2" is the standard.
  4. Remove a small piece of tape from your roll. Remove a 1/2" piece of tape from the roll, creating a 1/2" x 1/2" square of tape.
  5. The tape should be wrapped around both the front and the back of the SD card, creating a level surface along the edge with the lock groove. Make sure to firmly press the tape down so that there are no wrinkles or bubbles.
    • Ensure that none of the contacts on the back of the SD card are covered by the tape, or the card will not read.
    • Bumps in the tape or raised edges could cause the SD card to get stuck in the slot.
  6. The SD card should now be fully unlocked. If it is still locked, make sure that the tape has created a level surface on the lock edge. [1]
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Community Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    When the card is locked, does it prevent more pictures being taken and picture deletion?
    Community Answer
    Yes to both. Information can neither enter nor leave the card, it is literally locked.
  • Question
    What should I do when the card gets stuck in the slot?
    Community Answer
    Take it to a camera shop. They will put it through a machine or use tools to get it out. They shouldn't charge you for it.
  • Question
    Why would my SD card say there are no images?
    Community Answer
    If there is nothing on the SD card, that's what it will say. However, where there are images on the card and it says "no images," your device or card may be damaged.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Sticky or Scotch® tape (clear or Magic)
      • SD card with a broken switch
      • Nail scissors (if needed)

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 345,243 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Javier Torres

        Jul 15, 2017

        "My lock switch for the SD card broke off a while back when I tried to insert the card into my computer. Ever since ..." more
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