A data access method and apparatus, where the method includes acquiring a data read request that is for a first disk group and carries a read address, determining a first-stripe location range of the first disk group according to the read address, sequentially reading data from first stripes within the first-stripe location range, setting a data reading result for a first stripe whose data is not successfully read to preset padding data, continuing to read data from a next first stripe until data is read from all the first stripes, and returning a data reading result for each first stripe. Thus the method and apparatus may reduce data loss and shortens access interruption time when data is not successfully read.