SD card in the cd slot

I just bought an iMac and wondered, like most of you, about the places of the dvd-drive and sd-cardslot. I switched from pc to Mac. On my pc I had a cardreader for several formats and once I put a SD-card in the much bigger Compactflash-slot. It falled right into the machine. It was not difficult to open the cover and get the card beck but since then I use a multicardreader with USB-connection. Reading the problems you had (and the paparclip trick) I already decided to keep using the USB-multicardreader. My iMac-keyboard has USB-commection on bothe sides, so it is very easy to plug the reader in. A rather cheap solution too (as a matter of fact I am a Dutchman, so I am miserly guy, at it is said), at least ,much cheaper than bring your iMac tot a certified technician).

I did the same thing... Ruler didn't work so I guess tilting on side and using an L-shaped object is the best idea....

Done it as well.Took back to Apple store expecting to pay.They took it round the back and with a special tool? fixed it free of charge then I purchased Apple care.So I guess I'am happy and Apple are happy.Felt really stupid and I make good and sure where things a going now.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.... folks!

While the lost-SD-card-in-the-disc-drive-slot club isn't the MOST fun club to join, it's got great members who helped me out of this stupid jam! 😉 I tried getting it out while it was still being held by the white fabric "lips" but evern time I touched the card, deeper it went until... gulp! Paper clip worked for me right off. Thanks SO much, again.

Considering how many people must have done this, it would be helpful if the two slots weren't placed so close together. People are known to do things without full attention from time to time!

Thank you cathy1956.

I did the cereal box method (Frosted Flakes).

Worked easily on the first try.

WHEW!

Thanks for the advice. I did the credit card trick and it worked

Thank you for the idea with an L-shaped paper! I got the SD card out immediately!
Photos from my USA visit are 'rescued' and Cd slot works as well. Can't say how HAPPY I am!
and sooo glad to have found help on this page!

A vacuum cleaner will do the job as well 😉

This is easily solved. Make an appointment with your local Genius Bar. They have a dental instrument in the back that allows them to remove the SD card from the optical drive. I took my iMac in yesterday and was out of the store and on my way home in minutes. They don't remove the back of your machine, so even if your machine is out of warranty/no AppleCare you won't be charged.

It is some comfort to know that I am not alone in popping my SD card into the cd drive of my wife's new 27in iMac.

Thanks for the tips here. I have got it out 🙂

I think laying the iMac screen down onto a padded surface helped. I also used the arm of my glasses. The hook is soft and I was more comfortable using it than a bent paper clip.

Yes, when I did it tonight I felt like an idiot - I feel much better now that others have experienced the same. Just got an index card and cut out a section to make it an L shape. And out it came. Thanks guys for sharing your adventures.

i just did this and was freaking a little...i got the card out by taking a thin mixing stick - like a tongue depresser - and put some double sided tape on it - in my case a tape i use that's a glazer's tape and put it inside and after a few attempts got it put.
i have now put a piece of reusable tape over the dvd slot and pull it back when i am playing a dvd or cd. just in case.

good luck.

g.

It happened to me as well. Really a design flaw. I could recover the SD-card with a piece of registratin card cut out in a L-shaped form, the width of the card. iMac tilted slightly to the side, slot facing 45 deg. down, the card came out like a charm. Wow!

Hey,
that just happened to me! I just had a heart attack!
At first i could still see the card, i was trying to fish it out with paper and a the clips from these alligator clips. It didn't work, it made it worse! I could no longer see the card or feel it! I decided to stick a CD in, not a smart move as it then took 5 min for it to eject, along with making really strange noises! I then frantically found a bobby pin on my desk, i turned my computer sideways hoping that it would encourage the chip to fall closer to the CD entrance. I then put the bobby pin, unfolded into the CD slot, until i could feel the chip. I slowly started to drag it forward until i saw the blue tip of the card popping through the CD drive. I pulled it out a bit more, until i could grasp my nails around the card where i then successfully pulled it out! PHEW, i was glad i didn't have to call Mac. to come fix it!

I advise everyone, if this happens to :
1) Stay calm
2) DO NOT put a CD in
3) Go slowly while trying to fish it out
4) Get a Bobby Pin, easiest thing

Hope this helps! 😀

This post gave me a similar idea- I took 2 3x5 index cards and folded them in half (so 4 index cards thick) and taped one side shut. Then i inserted the taped side first into the CD drive from the top down. Took me a couple swipes, but I snagged the card in the pocket created by the taped side of the card and pulled right out. Since the internal part of the CD drive ends at the same point as the outside opening, the index card had to snag it.

Good luck. I felt pretty dumb as well. glad to know I not the only one. Now I will put something over the CD drive so I dont do this again.

Bad design, Apple. You can do better.