Card Error
Canon Digital Camera / DSLR
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A Canon card error means the camera cannot read or write to the memory card. This is usually a dirty card slot, an incompatible card type, or a card that needs reformatting.
Affected Models
- Canon EOS R series
- Canon EOS 90D
- Canon EOS 80D
- Canon EOS Rebel series
- Canon PowerShot series
Common Causes
- Card contacts dirty — dust or fingerprints on the gold contacts
- Card not inserted fully or seated incorrectly
- Card formatted on a computer rather than in-camera
- Card type not supported (e.g. SDXC in an older camera that only supports SDHC)
- Card corrupted or failed
- Card write-protect switch in the locked position
How to Fix It
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Check the SD card write-protect switch.
On the left side of an SD card there is a small plastic tab. If it is slid down toward the contacts end, the card is locked and the camera cannot write to it. Slide it up (away from the contacts) to unlock.
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Remove and reinsert the card.
Turn the camera off, remove the SD card, and reinsert it firmly until it clicks. A card that is not fully seated will show a card error even if the card itself is fine.
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Clean the card contacts.
Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the gold contacts on the card. Also blow out the card slot in the camera with compressed air. Never insert a card with wet or dirty contacts.
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Format the card in the camera.
Menu → Setup → Format Card → OK. Formatting in-camera creates the correct file structure that Canon expects. Warning: formatting erases all files — back up your images first.
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Try a different SD card.
Test with another card that you know works. If the second card works, the original is faulty or incompatible. For newer EOS R cameras, use a UHS-II card for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon say 'Card Cannot Be Accessed'?
This message usually means the card contacts are dirty, the card has a file system error, or the card was formatted on a computer using NTFS (which cameras cannot read). Format the card inside the camera to resolve most cases. If the error persists, the card may be failing and should be replaced.