If your SD card is not getting detected or scanned in Stellar Photo Recovery on Mac, the issue could be related to either a physical lock on the SD card or macOS security settings blocking the device connection. To resolve the issue, follow the steps below:

1. Check the Physical Lock Switch on the SD Card

Almost all SD cards have a small mechanical slider on the side for write protection. If the slider is in the locked position, the card may not scan properly. Hence, you need to unlock it.

To check and unlock the SD card:

  • Remove the SD card from your Mac.
  • Locate the small slider on the left side of the card.
  • Move it upward to the “Unlock” position.

Write protection in SD Card

  • Reinsert the SD card in your Mac.
  • Launch Stellar Photo Recovery and try scanning again.

If the card was locked, unlocking it will fix any detection and scanning issues and help recover all your lost files.

2. Adjust macOS Security Settings (Apple Silicon Macs)

On Mac systems with Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, etc.) running macOS 13.3 or later, SD cards require manual approval before they can be connected and used for data transfer.

To allow SD card access:

  • Open System Settings from the Apple menu.

Open System Settings from the Apple menu

  • Click Privacy & Security from the sidebar.

Privacy and security

  • Scroll down and locate Accessories.

Accessories

  • From the drop-down menu, choose - Always Allow

Always Allow option

  • Authenticate using your password if prompted.

After granting permission, reinsert the SD card, and if the connection approval prompt appears, click Allow. Now, open Stellar Photo Recovery and start the scan.

If the SD card still does not appear in the software after performing the above steps, ensure the card is visible in Disk Utility. If it is not listed there, the issue may be related to the card reader, adapter, or possible physical damage to the SD card.