How to Fix Samsung Camera Error Messages

Formatting the memory card, reseating the battery, and more troubleshooting tips

Finding an error message on the LCD screen of your Samsung camera might make you panic, but it's not all bad news; errors can help you address the problem. Below are common error messages seen on Samsung cameras and what to do to fix them.

Card Error or Card Locked

The Card Error or Card Locked error on a Samsung camera refers to a problem with the memory card, most likely an SD memory card, rather than with the camera itself.

First, check the write-protect switch along the side of the SD card. Flip the switch to unlock the card.

If you continue to receive this error, the card may be defective or broken. Use the memory card in another device to see if it's readable. It's possible to reset this error message by turning the camera off and on again.

Format the card using the camera's on-screen menus. If you can't format it that way, Samsung recommends using the SD Association's Memory Card Formatter.

Check the Lens

You'll sometimes see the Check the Lens error with Samsung DSLR cameras if there is debris or dust on the metal contacts and mount of the camera lens. Remove the debris and reconnect the lens.

DCF Full

The DCF Full error message nearly always occurs when using a memory card that was formatted with a different camera, and the file format structure isn't compatible with your Samsung camera. You'll have to format the card with the Samsung camera. First, however, be sure to transfer any photos off the card to your computer.

Error 00

The error occurs when the lens isn't connected correctly. Shut off the camera, disconnect the lens, and carefully reconnect it when you see the Error 00 message on your Samsung camera. Power the camera on again and test that the error is gone.

Error 01 or Error 02

Error 01 and Error 02 error messages refer to problems with the battery connection in a Samsung camera. Remove the battery, make sure the metal connections are clean and the battery compartment is free of debris, and reinsert the battery in the correct direction.

File Error

When you view photos stored on the camera's memory card, you may see the File Error message, which can be caused by several problems with an image file. Most likely, the photo you're viewing is corrupted or was taken with another camera. One way around this is to download the file to your computer for viewing.

If you cannot see it, the file probably is corrupted. Otherwise, the memory card may need to be formatted with the Samsung camera. Keep in mind that formatting the memory card erases all photos on it.

No File

If your Samsung camera displays the No File error message, the memory card may be empty. If you think your memory card should have photos stored on it, it's possible the card is corrupted, and you might need to format the memory card again.

It's also possible the Samsung camera stores photos in internal memory rather than on the memory card. Work through the camera's menus to figure out how to move your photos from internal memory to the memory card.

LCD Blank, No Error Message

If the LCD screen is white (blank), meaning you cannot see any error message, reset the camera. Remove the battery and memory card for at least 15 minutes. Ensure the battery's metal connections are clean and the battery compartment is free of dust and debris. Replace everything and turn on the camera. If the LCD remains blank, the camera may need to be repaired.

Different models of Samsung cameras may provide a different set of error messages than the ones shown here. If you see error messages that aren't listed here, check the Samsung camera user guide for a list of other messages specific to your camera model or visit Samsung Support.

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