How to Fix: Can't Delete Files from SD Card Android? 7 Solutions

Is your Android phone running out of space? Do you want to delete files from an SD card on Android to increase phone space but can't delete files from an SD card on Android? If you encounter an issue with an SD card that won't delete files, don't worry; you're in the right place. We will use this article to reveal some related issues that prevent files from being deleted from SD cards, such as the reasons, how to fix them, and how to delete them. Let's take a look together.

Part 1. Why Is My SD Card Not Letting Me Delete Files?

There are many reasons why you can't delete files from an SD card on Android. Here, we will introduce some common reasons:

• File permissions: The file may be set as read-only or have restricted permissions that prevent it from being deleted.
• File in use: This file may be in use by running apps or system processes and may not be able to be deleted.
• Damaged SD card: If the SD card is damaged, it may prevent you from deleting files.
• File system issue: Sometimes, the file system on the SD card may be damaged, making it difficult to delete files.

Part 2. How to Fix SD Card Won't Let Me Delete Files

Can't delete files from SD card Android may be frustrating, but it's not impossible to fix it. In this section, we will introduce you to 7 effective methods.

Fix 1. Remove and Reinsert the SD Card

Can't delete photos from SD card Android? The easiest way to think of it is to remove the SD card from the Android phone and reinsert it. Sometimes, due to a loose SD card, files may not be able to be deleted.

Fix 2. Test the SD Card on Another Device

If reinserting the SD card still does not solve the problem, it is recommended to switch the SD card to another phone or computer and see if the files can be deleted. This can detect whether the issue with the SD card itself is causing can't to delete files from the SD card Android.

Fix 3. Unlock the Write-Protect Tab

Some SD cards have a write protect switch on the side, and if the switch is set to the "Lock" position, you will not be able to delete files. Follow the following steps to check and ensure that the SD card is not in a protected state:

Step 1. Remove the SD card from the phone and check if the small sliding switch is in the "locked" position.

Step 2. If the switch is turned off, the card is locked, and deletion or modification of content is prohibited. You can slide the switch upwards to unlock it. Now, insert the card and see if these files can be deleted.

Fix 4. Use CMD to Delete Read-Only Attribute

If the file is read-only, it can also lead to can't delete files from SD card Android. CMD can be used to delete read-only attributes. Here are the specific operating steps:

Step 1. Insert the SD card into the computer. On a Windows computer, press the "Win" + "R" key, enter "cmd", and hit "Enter". If it's a Mac, open the "Applications" folder, then go to the "Utilities" folder and find the "Terminal" app.

Step 2. Now, input the following command and press the "Enter" key after typing each one:

diskpart

list disk

select disk #

attributes disk clear read-only

Step 3. After completion, enter "exit" and hit "Enter" to close the command prompt.

Fix 5. Change Value Data in the Registry

Can't delete files from SD card Android? If the above methods do not work, you can try modifying the registry. Please note that this requires administrator privileges. Here is how to work it:

Step 1. Press the "Win" + "R" key, enter "regedit", and hit "enter". Navigation to Registry Editor.

Step 2. Go to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

Step 3. In the right pane, search for a value named "WriteProtect". If the value of "WriteProtect" is 1, it indicates that the SD card is write-protected. You need to change it to 0.

Step 4. Save changes and close the registry window.

Fix 6. Fix Corrupted SD Card

If the SD card is damaged, it may also cause can't delete photos from the SD card Android. So, we can repair the damaged SD card and see if it can solve the problem. Follow the step-by-step guide to solve the issue of "SD card won't let me delete files".

Step 1. Upon linking the SD card to the computer, open File Explorer, right-click on the "SD card drive", and select "Properties".

Step 2. Switch to the "Tools" tab and click the "Check" button.

Step 3. If there are errors, the system will prompt you to fix them. Follow the prompts for operation.

Fix 7. Format SD Card

If none of the above methods prove effective, you can consider formatting the SD card. Please note that formatting will clear all data. So please back up the data in your SD card before performing this operation. Below are the instructions for formatting the SD card:

Step 1. Connect your SD card to a computer. Then, find the SD card in the File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click the SD card and select the "Format" option from the pop-up windows.

Step 3. Choose the file system (usually FAT32), and then click the "Start" button.

Part 3. How to Delete Files from SD Card on Android

By using the above methods, you may have already fixed your SD card. So, how to delete files from SD card on Android? To do this, follow the guide:

Step 1. Open the File Manager app on your Android device and navigate to your SD card.

Step 2. Browse the folder in the SD card and find the file you want to delete.

Step 3. Long press the file to be deleted. Select the "Delete" option from the pop-up menu. Then, confirm the file you want to delete.

Bonus: How to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card by Coolmuster Lab.Fone for Android

If you accidentally delete important files on your SD card that you don't want to delete, you can recover them through Coolmuster Lab.Fone for Android. This top data recovery software can recover various deleted data from SD cards, such as images, videos, music, etc. It can also directly transfer existing data from your SD card to your computer with original quality.

Key features of Coolmuster Lab.Fone for Android

• Retrieve data from an external SD card without root.
• Display the existing and deleted files scanning from your SD card on the interface.
• Recognize multiple SD cards easily.
• Recover deleted files from your Android phone without backup.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Below is the guide on how to recover deleted files from SD cards by Coolmuster Lab.Fone for Android:

Closing Words

Did you find it easy to fix the issue of "can't delete files from SD card on Android" after reading this article? You have the option to choose the method that best fits your needs. In the article, we also recommend Coolmuster Lab.Fone for Android to you. If you want to recover files deleted from your SD card, why not give it a try?

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