Have you lost your favorite photos after formatting your SD card or hard drive?

Don't worry, recovering formatted images is possible and easier than you imagine.

In this guide, we'll show you the most effective techniques for restoring your images and reliving those unforgettable moments.

Why can formatted images be recovered?

When you format a device, the files are not completely deleted; only the information indicating where they are stored is erased.

Therefore, it is possible to recover formatted images using the appropriate tools before new data overwrites the previous ones.

Recommended tools to recover formatted images

1. Recoverit: Effective at recovering data from SD cards, hard drives, and more. Its interface is ideal even for beginners.
2. Disk Drill: Allows you to recover data from a variety of formats and devices. Very useful for Windows and Mac users.
3. Stellar Photo Recovery: Specialized in images and videos, it is excellent for restoring files from digital cameras.
4. EaseUS Data Recovery: Reliable option even after multiple formats, compatible with various types of devices.
5. All Recovery (Android): an app to recover deleted photos and videos directly from your mobile.

Steps to recover formatted images

1. Stop using the device: Do not save new files to avoid overwriting old data.
2. Choose the right tool: Select the one that best suits your case.
3. Install and run the program: Do this on a different computer than the affected device.
4. Scan the device: Performs a full scan to detect recoverable files.
5. Preview and save: Choose the images you need and save them to a safe location.

Tips for a successful recovery

• Act quickly: The sooner you start, the better the chances of recovering your photos.
• Avoid overwriting data: Do not use the device until the process is complete.
• Use updated software: Improves performance and compatibility.
• Make backups: Always have a backup of your most important files.

What to do if you can't recover your images?

• Try other software: Some programs detect files that others don't.
• Consult a professionalIf the photos are very important, consult a recovery specialist.
• Check previous backups: Check the cloud or external devices.

Smart habits to protect your digital memories

Now that you know how to recover formatted images, it's time to think about the future. Preventing data loss is easier (and less stressful) than recovering it later. Here are some foolproof strategies so you don't have to go through this process again.

Automatiza tus copias de seguridad 📁

Setting up automatic backups can save you a lot of headaches. Set your phone, camera, or computer to make regular backups of:

• An external hard drive.
• A cloud storage service.
• A home server or NAS.

Do it once and forget it. The system will take care of it for you.

Use multiple storage locations

Don't put all your memories in one basket. Divide your photos across multiple devices or platforms. That way, if one fails, you'll have another copy ready to rescue.

Practical example:

• Family photos in the cloud.
• Working images on an external SSD.
• Your best captures on a high-quality USB flash drive.

Cuida tus dispositivos físicos 💾

Avoid removing the SD card while the camera is on. Don't disconnect a hard drive without first ejecting it properly. And keep everything away from heat, moisture, and impacts.

Good physical maintenance can extend the useful life of your storage for years.

Name your folders strategically

Using organized names like “Rome_Vacation_2025” will help you quickly find what you need and avoid accidentally overwriting important files.

Bonus: It's easier to identify old or duplicate backups.

Update your software regularly

Outdated software can increase the risk of errors or incompatibilities. Whether it's your phone's operating system or the editing program you use, keeping everything up to date is key to the security of your images.

Avoid formatting without thinking

Before you click “format,” ask yourself:

• Did I make a backup?
• Have I checked all the contents of the device?
• Am I sure there are no photos I need to keep?

That little moment of pause can make a big difference.

Creative alternatives when everything else fails

Sometimes, even the best efforts fail to save those precious images. So what can you do?

Look in other unexpected places

Many people discover old copies of photos:

• In messages sent by WhatsApp or email.
• On social media profiles where they were once uploaded.
• On old cell phones forgotten in a drawer.

A little digital sleuthing can yield unexpected rewards.

Contact friends or family

Maybe someone else has a copy. If you've ever shared those photos, there's hope. A casual conversation can bring back a memory you thought was lost forever.

Accept and create new memories

Yes, losing photos hurts. But every loss opens up space for new experiences. Seize the moment to recapture images, explore places, and create even more memorable stories.

Advanced techniques to restore images that won't open or display poorly

Recovering formatted images is only half the battle.

Sometimes, after a recovery, you find files that are corrupted, incomplete, or simply won't open. What now?

Why do recovered images get corrupted?

When formatting a device or after a read failure, some memory sectors may have been overwritten or physically damaged.

This can affect the metadata of the image or the file itself, making it unreadable or partially visible.

Common symptoms:

• Images that won't open.
• Files with distorted colors or digital “lines.”
• Photos that only load to a certain point.

Effective solutions for damaged photos

1. JPEG/PNG Image Repairers
   There are specific programs that repair JPEG file headers and structures, allowing them to be reopened.
2. Alternative image viewers
   Sometimes the file isn't corrupted, it's just the viewer isn't interpreting it correctly. Try other players or editors.
3. Recovery software with repair function
   Some tools not only recover files, they also repair them on the fly if they detect errors.
4. Recovery from previous version (Windows/macOS)
   If you enabled system backups, you could restore a previous version of the file, even if it is corrupted today.
5. Recover from thumbnail (preview)
   Some programs allow you to extract a low-quality version of the photo from the preview generated on the system.

How to Restore CR2, NEF, ARW Files, and More

If you work with professional photography, you probably use RAW formats. Although they're larger, they also contain more data… which means a greater chance of recovery.

Characteristics of RAW files

• They are not compressed.
• Each manufacturer has its own format: Canon (CR2), Nikon (NEF), Sony (ARW), among others.
• They require specific software to open.

How to recover formatted RAW images

1. Use RAW compatible software
   Not all recovery programs handle these formats well. Make sure the tool you choose supports them.
2. Deep Scan
   Due to their size and complexity, a quick scan sometimes misses them. Use the deep scan option for best results.
3. Forced conversion
   Some programs allow you to convert corrupted RAW files to JPEG, at least to rescue part of the original image.
4. Take advantage of sidecar files (.XMP)
   If you work with Lightroom or other editors, you may have .XMP files containing your adjustments. Even if you lose the original RAW image, these files help you reconstruct your final edit.

Extreme cases where it is worth paying for help

There are times when even the best software can't help you. If your images have a high emotional or professional value, consider contacting a data recovery lab.

Situations where it is recommended:

• Physically damaged hard drives.
• SD cards that are not recognized by any reader.
• Devices that make strange noises or do not turn on.
• Critical files for work, clients, or legal evidence.

Although expensive, these services have physical recovery technology that no home user possesses.

You have come a long way: From recovering formatted images to repairing damaged files and protecting RAW photos, you're now better prepared than most to handle any image loss.

Ready to become a real expert?

¡Pon a prueba lo aprendido, implementa tus backups y protege tus recuerdos desde hoy! 🚀💾