By Pritibhukhan Borah, Computer Science Engineer · Last updated: 2026-11-02
Step by step
- Stop recording and stop using the cardEvery new photo or video written to the card can overwrite data that is still recoverable. Remove the card and put the camera aside.
- Do not format the card or accept a "repair" promptOperating systems and cameras sometimes offer to format or fix a card. That can change the data you need. Copy first, then decide.
- Copy the files to your computerUse a card reader if you can. Copy the whole folder, not just the video, and check that the file size looks right for the recording.
- Make a backup of the copyWork on a second copy so the first stays untouched.
- Check what state the file is inUse the five checks to see whether the file is missing, tiny, or the right size but unplayable.
- Record a short reference clipBefore changing any setting, record 10 seconds on the same device in the same mode. MP4 and MOV repairs need it (see how to choose a reference).
- Repair the copyOpen the repair tool, choose the damaged copy and the reference, and save the result as a new file.
What the file size tells you
| File on the card | Likely state | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Missing completely | Deleted, or never created | Use file-recovery software on the card before writing anything to it |
| A few KB | Only the header was written | Very little can be recovered |
| Large, will not play | Footage present, index missing | Repair with a reference video |
| Plays, then cuts off | Recording stopped, or copy was cut short | Re-copy from the card, then repair if needed |
Common mistakes
- Continuing to shoot on the same card
- Formatting the card to "fix" it before copying the video
- Editing or re-exporting the damaged file, which creates a new file that no longer matches the original structure
- Deleting the original once a repaired copy plays; keep both until you are sure
If the card itself is failing (it disconnects, files vanish or copying keeps erroring), stop and consider a professional recovery service; repeated attempts on a dying card can lose more.
Related
Have a video that will not play? Repair MP4, MOV and AVI files in your browser, with no upload. Open the repair tool
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep recording on the same card?
No. Write nothing new to a card you want to recover from until the files are safely copied.
Will repairing the file damage the original?
Not with this tool. It only reads your file and saves the result as a new one. Still, always work from a copy.