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How to Fix 'Card Cannot Be Accessed' (Err 02), 'Card Locked' or 'Card Error' on Digital Cameras
Quick Shortcut: If your camera says 'Card Locked', slide the tiny plastic switch on the left edge of the SD card UP towards the metal contacts. If an older pre-2011 digital camera says 'Card Error' with a 64GB or 128GB card, it only supports SDHC cards up to 32GB!
3 Quick Checks to Fix Any Camera Memory Card Error
- 1. 'Card Locked / Write Protected': Look at the left side of your full-size SD card. Slide the small lock tab UP towards the gold contacts. If the plastic tab is loose and slides back down when inserted, replace the card.
- 2. Older Camera Rejecting 64GB / 128GB Cards: Digital cameras made before ~2011 (such as older Canon IXUS/PowerShot, Nikon D40-D90/Coolpix, and early Lumix TZ models) only read SDHC cards up to 32GB (FAT32). Using a 32GB SanDisk Ultra card solves the error immediately.
- 3. Always Format In-Camera: Whenever you buy a new SD or CompactFlash card, open your camera's Setup Menu (wrench icon) and run 'Format Card' inside the camera before shooting.
Recommended Plug-and-Play Storage Picks
Best for Mirrorless & DSLR Burst / 4K Video
128GB SanDisk Extreme PRO Full-Size SD Card (Black/Gold)
Full-size camera card that saves RAW burst photos and 4K video rapidly without making your camera pause or buffer.
Plug & Play (Pre-Formatted FAT32)
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSD / SD Card
Works straight out of the packet in Sat Navs, Trail Cameras, 3D Printers, and older devices that reject 64GB+ cards.
Genuine Type-I CompactFlash (CF) Card
128GB SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash (CF) Memory Card (UDMA 7)
Fits the wide 50-pin CompactFlash slot in classic Canon EOS (50D, 40D, 7D, 5D II/III) and Nikon (D300, D700, D800) DSLRs for fast RAW burst shooting.
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