How To Fix Nikon ‘This Memory Card Cannot Be Used’ Error

Regardless of your device, memory cards are used to store data. A DSLR camera, a hand-held gaming console, or a mobile phone all use memory cards to store photos, videos, PDFs, audio files, and more. However, these little storage devices are not error-free, and in this post, we will discuss one such common error – “This Memory Card Cannot Be Used” encountered on Nikon cameras. 

Note—Even if you are using a different device and encountering this error message, these troubleshooting steps will help. 

What Are The Reasons if you Cannot Access the Memory Card?

There are many reasons why this can occur. We have listed a few common ones here.

– The camera’s SD card slot is damaged  

– The SD card is faulty  

– The SD card is locked or write-protected  

– The SD card is not recognized  

– The SD card displays an error when attempting to format  

– The SD card is inaccessible  

How To Fix Nikon ‘This Memory Card Cannot Be Used’ Error

Memory card issues occur mainly due to negligence, such as not inserting the card properly, dust on connectors, compatibility issues, etc. If you have used the card several times and it is causing an issue, it could have been corrupted and need repair. We have explained all the methods below.

Method 1. Verify The Card Is Properly Inserted

Remove the SD card from your camera and reinsert it, ensuring it’s positioned correctly. Some cameras may produce a click sound when the memory card is securely in place (typically with SD cards).

Method 2. Confirm Card Compatibility

Check Nikon’s compatibility charts for approved memory cards to ensure that Nikon supports the SD card you are using.

Method 3. Inspect The Memory Card Contacts

Remove the card and gently clean the contacts with a soft, dry cloth, such as microfiber or cotton buds. Make sure no dust remains on the contacts from the fabric, then reinsert the memory card.

Method 4. Repair Your Memory Card

If the above-mentioned basic fixes do not work, it is time to do something more advanced, like repairing your damaged and corrupted memory card.

1. Connect the memory card to your PC using a card reader and copy all stored data.
2. Press Win + E to open the File Explorer and note the drive letter assigned to this memory card.
3. Press Win + R and type “cmd.”
4. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt in admin mode.
5. Copy and paste the following command followed by Enter.

chkdsk K: /f /r

Method 5. Format Your Memory Card

If none of the abovementioned methods resolve the memory card error, the card is likely damaged or corrupted. In this case, you should format it using the steps mentioned below.

1. Connect the memory card to your PC using a card reader and copy all stored data.
2. Press Win + E to open the File Explorer window and locate This PC.
3. Right-click on This PC and select Manage.
4. Click on Disk Management in the left pane.
5. Locate your SD card and right-click on it.

6. Select Format and then choose the File System ( NTFS, FAT).
7. Click on the OK button and let the Format process complete.
8. Now, insert the card back into your camera and check.

Editor’s Tip – Recover Data Using Advanced Disk Recovery

If you cannot fix your memory card by formatting or repairing it, you will probably have to replace it. However, you can recover the data using Advanced Disk recovery software. This amazing data recovery software helps users recover all data types from internal and external drives. It has two scanning modes –  A Quick scan mode for recently deleted data and an Advanced scan to recover files after format or from a corrupted card. Here are the steps for using this app:

1. Connect your card using a card reader to your PC.
2. Download and install Advanced Disk Recovery on your PC using the button below.

3. Launch the software and click on the Removable option.
4. Select your Card under Select Drive.
5. Click on the Start Scan Now button.

6. On the next screen, click on Deep Scan and then click on the Scan Now button.
7. A list of items that can be recovered will be available on the screen within the app’s interface.

8. Select the items you wish to recover and click on the Recover button.
10. Specify the drive on your PC where you wish to recover these files from the card.
11. Wait for the recovery process to complete.

Note – You must always store the recovered files on a different drive to avoid overwriting of files.

Method 6 – Nikon Service Center

If the memory card still does not function after completing the previous checks, the quickest solution is to take it to the nearest Nikon service center for inspection. Alternatively, you can replace the card with a new external storage device if it is still under warranty.

Bonus – Simple Tips to Prevent Memory Card Issues

– Avoid removing the memory card from your device while saving or accessing files.
– It’s advisable to keep the memory card in the camera or Android device when power is on and off.
– Never change the memory card while the camera or phone is powered on.
– Refrain from viewing or capturing photos and videos when the battery is low.
– Stop recording if the memory card is running low on space.
– Opt for memory cards from trusted brands like SanDisk, Panasonic, Sony, Kingston, and Lexar.
– Store your memory card in a safe environment, as it can be damaged by water, dust, and static electricity.
– Cease using the memory card immediately if you encounter any errors.
– Remember that memory cards have a finite lifespan, typically around 10,000 write/erase cycles.

[ Conclusion ]

We hope that the above methods have helped you fix the memory card error. If these methods do not resolve your issue, you will have to purchase a new card. Please write to us in the comments section about which method helped you fix the issue.