There is no definite lifespan of an SD card, despite their theoretical 30-year timeline. Based on the current flash memory technology, most SD cards are projected to last ten or more years. However, cards that get heavy use are prone to wear out quicker.

Do SD cards deteriorate over time?

Most SD cards won't retain data for more than about five years. The best practice for keeping your data safe is to copy it from your SD card to your computer as soon as you can.

How do I know if my SD card is worn?

Later on as devices advanced, the better ones will report an on-screen error such as, “CARD READ FAILURE”, or show an on-screen red icon with a picture of a card with a slash through it, telling you up front the card is the problem so you know it needs to be replaced.