Chip-Off Data Recovery
When your device is physically destroyed and every other recovery method has failed, chip-off is the final option. We physically remove the NAND flash chip from the circuit board and read it directly — bypassing the broken controller, firmware, or board entirely.
Chip-off is a destructive, one-way procedure. Once the chip is removed, it cannot be reinstalled. We only recommend it when no non-destructive method is viable. We'll always tell you upfront.
Free
Evaluation — No Fee
3–10
Business Days
4+
Device Types Supported
No Fix
Ask about eligibility and diagnostic fees
When Is Chip-Off Recovery Used?
Chip-off is the method of last resort — for devices where the controller, board, or firmware has completely failed but the memory cells themselves are still intact.
SSD & NVMe Drives
When an SSD controller fails, firmware is corrupted, or the board is physically damaged, the NAND flash chips often still hold all your data. We desolder the chips and read them directly to recover files.
Smartphones & Tablets
Phones and tablets with broken boards, water damage, or a dead charging circuit can still have fully intact storage. Chip-off recovery extracts data from iPhones, Android phones, and iPads even when the device won't power on.
USB Flash Drives
Broken USB connector, snapped body, or a fried controller IC — when the flash drive is physically destroyed, chip-off is often the only way to recover photos, documents, and files from the NAND chip inside.
eMMC & SD Card Storage
Embedded storage on Chromebooks, cameras, dashcams, IoT devices, and SD cards can be read at the chip level when the host device or controller is unresponsive.
How Chip-Off Recovery Works
A precise, multi-step process carried out by experienced technicians using professional-grade equipment.
Initial Evaluation
We inspect the device, identify the storage chip type, and determine whether chip-off is appropriate. Diagnostic fees may apply depending on the service and case.
Chip Removal
Using precision hot-air rework stations and BGA reballing tools, we remove the NAND, eMMC, or flash chip from the circuit board without damaging the memory cells.
Chip Reading
The chip is placed on a specialized programmer that reads its raw data — bypassing the failed controller entirely. We use PC-3000 Flash, Rusolut, and other professional-grade tools.
Data Reconstruction
Raw NAND dumps require reconstruction of the file system using XOR tables, scrambling algorithms, and ECC correction. We reassemble the data into usable files.
Secure Delivery
Recovered files are transferred to a new drive or secure encrypted media. We walk you through exactly what was recovered before you pay a cent for recovery.
Tools We Use
Chip-off data recovery requires the same class of tools used by forensic investigators and enterprise recovery labs. We invest in professional hardware to maximize your recovery rate.
- PC-3000 Flash for NAND chip reading and reconstruction
- Rusolut Visual NAND Reconstructor for file system rebuilding
- Hot-air BGA rework station for precision chip desoldering
- BGA reballing kits for chip-off without thermal damage
- Universal TSOP, BGA, and WLCSP chip adapters
- Hardware write-blockers for forensic imaging integrity
Compare Recovery Methods
Works when the drive is detectable — reads sector-by-sector.
Best for: Failing but readable drives
Bypass firmware errors and controller failures using service commands.
Best for: SSDs with firmware corruption
Remove and read the chip directly — works even when the board is destroyed.
Best for: Physically damaged / undetectable
Chip-Off Recovery — FAQ
Honest answers to the questions we hear most.
What devices can be recovered with chip-off?
Any device with NAND flash, eMMC, or UFS storage — SSDs, NVMe drives, smartphones, tablets, USB flash drives, SD cards, Chromebooks, cameras, and dashcams. If the storage chip is physically intact, chip-off recovery is possible.
Is chip-off data recovery always successful?
Chip-off has a high success rate when the storage cells themselves are undamaged. If the chips were physically destroyed (crushed, burned, extreme corrosion), some or all data may be unrecoverable. We provide an honest assessment before proceeding.
How long does chip-off data recovery take?
The process typically takes 3–10 business days depending on chip type, data volume, and complexity of the file system reconstruction. Rush service is available — call us to discuss.
What is the cost of chip-off data recovery?
Chip-off pricing depends on the device, damage, and work required. We provide an estimate after evaluation. No Data, No Fee applies to eligible services; diagnostic fees may apply depending on the case.
Can chip-off recover data from an iPhone?
Yes, for non-encrypted data on older iPhones. For iPhones with hardware encryption (iPhone 3GS and later with Secure Enclave), the encrypted data requires the device's unique key stored in the Secure Enclave, which cannot be bypassed by chip-off alone. We will advise you honestly about what is recoverable.
My SSD shows up in BIOS but is unreadable — is chip-off needed?
Not necessarily. SSDs that are detected but unreadable can often be recovered through firmware-level techniques, controller bypass, or drive imaging without chip-off. We start with the least invasive method and escalate only if needed.