Michael Jones, our Chief Technician says:
"SD cards are small, portable, and convenient—but they are also fragile. A recent enquiry from a home user demonstrates this clearly...Hi, I have an SD card that cracked in two (and initially got stuck inside my laptop’s memory card reader). I used a needle to extract the top of the card, where the contact pins and PCB are, but it has split from the rest of the memory card. At first I thought this was just a shell, but later realised it’s where the controller and memory storage exist. I’m looking for a quote, please."
When an SD card snaps in half, the chances of a simple fix are slim. The exposed metal contacts only represent part of the card’s circuitry. The real data is stored inside delicate NAND memory chips, usually located in the section that breaks away. Once the card is physically fractured, the integrated controller and storage elements are often completely separated, making it impossible for a computer to recognise or access the data.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the data is gone forever. Specialist recovery techniques—such as chip-off recovery—can sometimes salvage the information. This involves carefully removing the intact memory chip(s) from the broken card, using microscopes and advanced tools, then reading them directly. From there, highly specialised software reconstructs the raw data into usable files.
It is a complex process that requires cleanroom conditions, precision soldering, and technical expertise. For this reason, most general IT professionals or home repair attempts won’t succeed—and can even reduce the chances of success if the chips are damaged further.
For individuals facing this situation, the best step is to stop handling the card and consult us. While recovery is never guaranteed, many cases of physically broken SD cards can be successfully resolved.
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SD cards are fragile; a crack often separates the controller from the NAND memory where data is stored.
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DIY extraction (needles, prying) can further damage chips and reduce recovery chances.
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Stop handling the card to avoid contamination, heat or physical damage.
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Do not insert the broken card into any reader — this risks shorting or bending contacts.
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Chip-off recovery may work: our technicians remove intact memory chips and read them directly in the lab.
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Successful recovery depends on chip condition; it is possible but never guaranteed.
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Chip-off requires specialist tools, microscopes and cleanroom conditions — not a standard repair.
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Costs vary by complexity; ask us for a formal quote (explain damage and whether chips appear intact).
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Author:
Michael Jones, Chief Technician
Further reading
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Can a hard disk be repaired?
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