Learn to Resolve the Card Cannot Be Accessed Error in Canon

Part 1. Why Does My Canon Camera Say Card Cannot Be Accessed

When you see a memory card error on your Canon camera, it means that the device can’t properly read or write to the memory card. This error may easily lead to lost photos or interrupted recording. It often comes with an error code 01 or 02. ‘Card cannot be accessed. Reinsert/change card or format card with camera’. This part explores the common causes of this memory card error.

When your memory card is not fully seated in the slot, you will see this Card cannot be accessed error. As it prompts, try inserting it and ensure the SD card is properly inserted. Moreover, dirty or bent contacts can prevent proper connection. SD card lock is another big reason why it cannot be accessed from your Canon camera. An incompatible or unsupported memory card will lead to a memory card error. What’s more, outdated firmware may be incompatible with newer high-capacity SD cards.

Improper ejection, sudden power loss, and other reasons will corrupt your SD card. They may also trigger file system errors. In that case, your Canon camera can’t read or write the card data normally. Sometimes, the SD card does not work due to physical damage or camera hardware issues.

Part 2. How to Fix Memory Card Errors on Your Canon Camera

As you can see from above, various reasons may cause the Card cannot be accessed error on your Canon camera. You can start with basic checks and quick fixes. For instance, you can power off the camera, remove the memory card, and reinsert it properly. During this step, clean the SD card and ensure it is not locked. Moreover, test your card on another device, like a computer, phone, or another camera, to see if it is readable.

If all these common troubleshooting tips fail to resolve this Canon memory card error, you may need to format the card. Formatting can effectively resolve various file system errors. You can handily format your SD card in the camera or using a computer. Generally, the Format Card option can be easily accessed from the Settings. Make sure you format the memory card in a format supported by your Canon camera.

When a new SD card is not working in your camera, try updating the camera’s firmware. As mentioned, outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with modern memory cards. Please navigate to the official Support Page of Canon, search for the latest firmware for your camera model, and download it. Then, you must follow the instructions carefully to install the firmware via a computer or directly on your camera.

Part 3. Access Photos in a Canon Camera After Fixing the Memory Card Error

If you mistakenly deleted some irreplaceable photos while troubleshooting the memory card error, or you have formatted your card without backups, use reputable data recovery software like Aiseesoft, Disk Drill, or PhotoRec.

Download the recovery tool on a computer and connect your SD card to it via a card reader. Here, we take the reliable Aiseesoft Data Recovery as an example of recovering photos from a formatted memory card. Even though the software allows you to restore deleted data from a digital camera directly, you should avoid using the camera itself. You can select USB/SD Card Recovery on the left.

Scan your card for all types of lost files, including your captured pictures and video recordings. Browse and preview the image files you want to retrieve. Once all the target photos are selected, click the Recover button. This all-featured recovery tool also lets you fix a corrupted SD card safely.

Part 4. FAQs of the Card Cannot Be Accessed from Canon

Conclusion

This article shares several helpful methods to help you resolve the card cannot be accessed error on Canon cameras. In most cases, memory card issues can be easily resolved with basic troubleshooting steps. If the error message still appears on the screen, consider seeking professional help.