A method and a memory controller for accessing a non-volatile memory are disclosed. The method includes reading a first memory region of the non-volatile memory, ascertaining whether the first memory region contains a predetermined data pattern wherein the predetermined data pattern has no influence on resulting error correcting data determined for at least the first memory region. The method evaluating a data status for a second memory region of the non-volatile memory on the basis of a presence of the predetermined data pattern in the first memory region, wherein the data status indicates at least one of whether valid data is present within the second memory region and whether the second memory region is writable.