topic Re: Write Protect Error in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS Rebel T3i Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:52:13 GMT

Hello, I have a canon t3i rebel that I have used for quite some time and just earlier this week, I got an error message on my camera saying that my memory card was protected and that it wouldn’t let me take photos. The switch wasn’t down so I thought maybe this was the card itself so I got a new one. The same exact message showed up for a new card, I checked for debris in the card slot and could not see anything. Thanks.

Re: Write Protect Error

deebatman316 — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:37:54 GMT

Are you using a Full Sized SD Card or a Micro SD Card in an adapter. Avoid using a Micro SD Card in an adapter these are nothing but trouble.

Re: Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:39:44 GMT

No, im just using a standard sandisk sd card.

Re: Write Protect Error

deebatman316 — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:45:51 GMT

What size is it a lot of older cameras are INCOMPATIBLE with today's high capacity SDXC (64GB) or larger memory cards. I would try a smaller SDHC (32GB) or smaller SD Card in the camera.

Re: Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:47:13 GMT

The card is 32 GB, it’s an SDHC card.

Re: Write Protect Error

deebatman316 — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:51:01 GMT

Inspect the SD Card slot with a flash light to ensure nothing broke off the SD Card in the slot potentially causing a problem. If not format the card in the computer than try and format it in the camera.

Re: Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:56:31 GMT

Alas, I have unfortunately tried to do both, I formatted it in the computer, and on the camera it won’t let me since it is “write protected” I suspect that the problem lies within the camera itself.

Re: Write Protect Error

deebatman316 — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:01:25 GMT

Do you have a budget for a new camera. Canon has discontinued DSLR cameras and DSLR lenses (EF/EF-S Mount). Canon has now moved onto mirrorless cameras with the new RF Mount now.

Re: Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:04:56 GMT

Unfortunately I am a broke college student

Re: Write Protect Error

deebatman316 — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:07:29 GMT

Did you recently acquire this camera or did you own it before it malfunctioned?

Re: Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:10:02 GMT

I’ve had it for about 5 years.

Re: Write Protect Error

deebatman316 — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:13:18 GMT

Are any pieces of the old SD Card broken off in the card slot. Inspect carefully with a flashlight and check the original SD Card for any broken pieces. If clear then the fault is with the camera.

Re: EOS Rebel T3i Write Protect Error

normadel — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:12:51 GMT

Do you only have one SD card? Trying another one will tell you what's what. A 16 or 32 GB card is cheap.

Re: EOS Rebel T3i Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:26:17 GMT

Unfortunately I have tried 3 brand new ones and unfortunately everything said the same thing.

Re: EOS Rebel T3i Write Protect Error

kvbarkley — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:38:13 GMT

You have never said whether you have inspected the inside of the slot. Take a long, thin tool, and try to exercise the little switch that engages the write protect tab. It may be stuck

Re: EOS Rebel T3i Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:31:42 GMT

Thanks for the tip, what does the switch look like

Re: EOS Rebel T3i Write Protect Error

Bluecollarcowbo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:34:12 GMT

this is what the inside looks like, there’s a little black lever on the left hand side, but I assumed that was just the lever that eject the card