How to Fix Broken or Corrupt JPEG Header Easily

JPEG is a popular image format used in digital cameras, phones, and several other devices. Due to this popularity, JPEG files are more susceptible to corruption than other image file types.

There are different types of JPEG corruption out there, such as cannont open, edit but lose quality or invalid JPEG marker type, etc., and JPEG header corruption is one of them. If you’re facing this issue, you’re in the right spot. This quick guide will reveal exactly how to fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers in simple methods. The solutions shared will help you gain access to the broken JPEGs by repairing them. Now that you know what we’ll cover, let’s dive right in. 

Part 1: Abstract of Corrupt JPEG Header?

JPEG means Joint Photographic Experts Group. It is a common image file type because of how little space it consumes, especially compared to other file formats. Its small size makes it easier to share this image file type across different platforms and devices.

Sometimes when you try to open a JPEG file, you might get an error message ‘no preview available.’ When this happens, it shows that the header information is corrupt or damaged. When a JPEG header is corrupt, it becomes unreadable by any image-reading software. In addition, editing your JPEG photos becomes almost impossible. However, ‘no preview available’ is not the only symptom that proves that your image file is corrupt and needs fixing. Other signs of a corrupt JPEG header include:

When any of these messages pop up on your screen, then you know it’s time to fix the broken or corrupt JEPG header.

Reasons Why JPEG Files Become Corrupt

Before learning the different methods to easily fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers, you should first understand how the files become corrupt. There are several reasons why the JPEG files may have become corrupt, and below are some of them.

As we have stated, the most common reason for a JPEG no longer opening is the JPEG header which is the file's name. There are many causes out there for a corrupt JPEG file, and all these causes result in image files that are no longer open. Nevertheless, there’s no reason to panic. We’ll be discussing the methods to fix broken or corrupt headers easily in the next section; let’s begin.

Part 2: 3 Methods to Fix Broken or Corrupt JPEG Header

Now that you’re aware of what the problem with your file could be, you’ve taken the first step. The next step becomes finding out how to fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers in easy ways. This section shows you manual solutions to your problem; let’s get started.

Method 1: Using the Hex Editors

A Hex Editor is software that shows you the raw data off a file in alphanumeric and hexadecimal values. It also allows the editing of the binary data that the file consists of. When you check a JPEG header, it starts with three hexadecimal digits like FF D8 FF. These digits represent the camera information of the JPEG file. The fourth digit usually varies from DB to E0, E1, and so much more. If you notice that your JPEG header begins with other hexadecimal values, then the JPEG header is corrupt. 

You can easily find out if this is the case with a hex editor. If your files don’t open, you have to check the JPEG header information of other JPEG files. The image you check needs to be from the same device and also of the same format. You can utilize a hex editor to change or add information to your JPEG heather. You can then replace the header of the affected JPEG file with that of a healthy JPEG file to fix it. 

Method 2: Create a new JPEG file and check the header information

Sometimes you don’t get the perfect JPEG file from the same camera, which doesn’t give an error message when you try to open it. In such a situation, the best option is to create a new jpeg file and check its header details using the hex editor. This method is an effective way to fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers easily. To create a new JPEG file, follow the steps we outline below:

Now that you have a new JPEG file without corrupt header information, the next step is using its header information to fix your corrupt JPEG file’s header information. To do this, follow the steps below.

Although the process sounds like a walk in the park, it can be pretty stressful to complete. The first issue lies in discovering an efficient hex editor. Then you have to figure out the header information of the affected file. It could take hours to complete sometimes. If it all sounds cumbersome, then the following method is for you.

Method 3: Using a Professional Tool – Wondershare Repairit – To Fix Broken or Corrupt JPEG Header

Hex editors are not the best option when you’re trying to repair a severe corruption case. In such a situation, your best alternative is the Wondershare Repairit Photo Repair. It is an advanced photo repair tool that allows you to fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers easily.

Wondershare Repairit Photo Repair is an photo repair tool that increases the possibility of recovering damaged files. The process is efficient and direct, with an intuitive interface that ensures a smooth experience on your repair journey. Some of its features include:

Wondershare Repairit - Photo Repair

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• Repair damaged photos with all levels of corruption, such as grainy photos, dark photos, pixelated photos, faded photos, etc.

• Repair images of diverse formats, such as JPG, JPEG, PNG, CR3, CR2, NEF, NRW, etc.

• Repair critically damaged or corrupted photos available on SD cards, phones, cameras, USB flash drives, and more.

• The "AI Image Upscaler" feature can enlarge the repaired photos to 2X, 4X, and 8X.

• Intelligently restore old/scatched photo and colorize black and white photos with various AI effects.

• No limit to the number and size of the repairable photos.

• Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and macOS 10.10 ~ macOS 13.

Now that you’re aware of what Wondershare Repairit offers, let’s check out the process to fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers.

Step 1: Add photos.

To facilitate the repair process, you need to first launch Repairit on your computer. Open it and choose "Photo Repair" from the "More Types Repair" section.

Click "+Add" to add the JPEG files with corrupt or damaged header information.

Step 2: Repair photos

After loading the corrupt photos, then click repair photos at the end of the page. This action would begin the repair process on your photos.

Step 3: Preview and save your photos

Once the repair process of the image is complete, you will have the option to preview the photos before you save them. Also, you have the opportunity to carry out an advanced repair on photos that are extensively damaged. Once you’re satisfied with the photos, click "Save" and choose a location on your computer to save the JPEG files.

Attention：You can also use the "AI Image Upscaler" to enlarge the photos to 2x, 4x, or 8x.

This process is how you start and complete repairs on your JPEG files with corrupt header information. It is efficient and straightforward, which is why it is a trusted photo repair tool among others.

Part 3: Tips to Avoid JPEG Header Gets Corrupt

Now that you're aware of how to easily fix a broken or corrupt JPEG header, the next step lies in figuring out how to avoid the situation. There’re a couple of steps you can take to ensure it never happens; check them out below.

Backup

Backup is the best way to save yourself from issues of corrupt JPEG header. Simply backup your files once you create them. It will save you from the loss of your files and make things easier for you when they’re corrupt, damaged, or lost. When you have backup files to turn to, you can just restore your files from the backup whenever you want, the software such as Ubakcit can give you the help. Creating a backup is like having a data bank that comes through for you whenever you have a crisis.

Safely Eject Memory Card

When trying to eject the memory card, you have to be careful how you do it. Don’t just pull out the card without ejecting it first from its slot. Also, taking out the memory card while it is in use could cause damage to your JPEG files. You should always take safety precautions before you take out the memory card.

Apply caution when deleting files 

When you’re deleting files you no longer want, you should apply caution. Being cautious helps you avoid deleting critical files or damaging your JPEG files’ header information. One way to apply caution is by avoiding using the ‘delete all’ button on your camera.

Don’t shoot with a low battery.

Another tip to avoid JPEG header getting corrupt is by not shooting pictures with a low battery. When your camera’s battery is running low, the best thing is to prevent shooting photographs. Doing this could damage your JPEG files, especially if the device goes off during the saving process. Only shoot pictures when you have enough battery or after a full charge. This way, you’re assured of the device not shutting down in the shooting process. 

To Sum Up

This article introduces you to corrupt JPEG header files and the reasons why this occurs. If you’re facing this issue, you can simply fix broken or corrupt JPEG headers easily using any of the three methods we shared above. A hex editor allows you to correct the header information and one way you can do that is through our second method.

However, the easiest option for you is the third option of using Wondershare Repairit. It is a powerful photo repair tool that makes the repair process easy in three steps. However, once you repair the files, you can explore the tips we shared on avoiding the JPEG header getting corrupt.