How to fix a broken write-protect switch on SD cards

Hey guys!
As many of us might have experienced in our lifetime, the write-protect switch can break very easily and so we are left with a non-writeable SD card. So, in this how-to, I'll show you how to fix the write-protect switch on any SD card (or adapter as well)

Extra Info

Raspberry Pi owners might be wondering how the Pi can write to the SD card even if the switch is broken. Actually, the write-protect switch only tells the OS to reject high level write requests. The Pi handles I/O at a lower level which can bypass the write-protect switch.

How the SD card write protect switch works

In every SD card reader, there is a slight "spring" of sorts on the side where the write-protect switch is placed on the SD card. When the switch is on writeable, it blocks the spring thereby signalling that the SD card is writeable.

On the other hand, when the switch is on "lock" (or if it's broken), the spring can move into the hollow area signalling that the SD card is read only. So, to fix the switch, all you have to do is obstruct the spring which, as discussed above, will make it writeable.

So, now to fix it!

First, some needed materials:

• Tape
• Something small and rigid that can fit in the write-protect switch area

Take a piece of tape around 1.5"x1.5" and place one end on the SD card. Now, place whatever object you found for "simulating" the switch into the empty cavity of the write switch (do note that the object has to be level with the rest of the SD card or else the card won't fit). Then, attach the other side of the tape to the SD card, making sure the whole setup is level with the card.

Try inserting the card into the reader again. It should be writeable now

Cheers!
-Technohacker