A broken or damaged screen is one of the most common issues that Android phone users face. It can happen due to accidental drops, falls, or other impacts that crack or shatter the screen. A broken screen not only makes the phone difficult or impossible to use, but it also blocks access to all the data stored on the device.
When the screen stops functioning properly, it becomes very challenging to retrieve contacts, photos, files, and other information from the phone. Therefore, it becomes essential to find ways to recover data from an Android phone even if the screen is damaged or unresponsive.
Methods for Data Retrieval
There are several methods users can try to retrieve data from Android phones with damaged screens depending on the exact nature of the screen damage.
Using External Keyboard or Mouse
If the touchscreen functionality of the phone has stopped working but the screen is still displaying properly, users can connect an external USB or Bluetooth mouse or keyboard to control the phone and back up data.
Connecting Another Phone
Users can install apps on another Android phone that allow mirroring the broken phone’s screen and controlling it remotely.
Backing Up Data to External SD Card
If the screen works intermittently, users may be able to quickly enable USB debugging and back up data to an external SD card or USB drive during the periods the screen functions.
Using ADB and Fastboot Tools
For technically inclined users, Android’s ADB and Fastboot tools allow accessing and backing up some data through command prompts using a computer even if the screen is fully non-functional.
Retrieving data using another Android phone
One of the most effective methods to retrieve data from an Android phone with a broken or unresponsive screen is to use a second Android device.
These apps allow the secondary phone to establish a connection, view the screen of the damaged phone, and control it remotely.
With the working phone now wirelessly connected to and mirroring the broken phone, users can navigate through the damaged phone’s interface, open apps, access files and data, and finally copy them over to the functioning phone or back them up to the cloud or a computer.
The main requirements for this method are that the broken phone must have USB debugging enabled and have adequate battery charge.
Explanation of the process
When using a second phone to mirror and control the phone with the broken screen, the general process involves three main steps:
- Installing and setting up the screen mirroring app on both phones, and connecting them via USB (and WiFi if available).
- On the functioning phone, granting permissions to view, control, and access data from the damaged phone.
- Finally, navigating the contents of the broken phone – apps, galleries, file managers etc. – and copying the required data to local storage or cloud services.
More specifically, after installing a screen mirroring app on the functioning phone, it must be configured to recognize and pair with the broken phone when connected via USB. For this, the broken phone needs to have USB debugging enabled.
After pairing the two devices, the functioning phone can fully mirror and control the broken phone, with the ability to tap and scroll through apps and menus. From here, users can access photos and videos in galleries, contacts and messages via apps, and files from storage. Finally all this data can be shared or backed up as necessary.
Steps to follow for data retrieval
Here is an outline of the step-by-step process to follow when using a second phone to recover data from an Android device with a broken screen:
- Enable USB debugging in the Developer options menu on the damaged phone.
- Install a screen mirroring app like Scrcpy on the functioning smartphone.
- Use a USB cable to connect both phones. Allow necessary permissions and pair the devices.
- The functioning phone will now mirror the screen of the damaged device. Navigate to settings and confirm USB debugging is still enabled.
- You can now access contacts, photos, files etc. on the broken phone through the functioning device. Copy required data to the functioning phone storage or cloud services.
- Once backup is complete, the data can now be transferred to a new replacement phone from the functioning smartphone or cloud storage if needed.
The most crucial prerequisites for this process are USB debugging enabled on damaged device, screen mirroring software installed on functioning phone, and connecting cable to pair the two devices.
Using extra equipment for data recovery
In addition to using a second phone, users can employ certain extra equipment and tools to recover data from phones with damaged screens:
External Keyboard and Mouse
If the screen is functional but touch capability is broken, connecting an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard or mouse allows navigating the interface to back up data.
USB OTG Cable
USB OTG (On-The-Go) cables allow directly connecting external storage devices. So if the screen works, users can attach a flash drive and copy data quickly.
USB Hubs
Hubs permit connecting multiple USB devices simultaneously. So external input devices and storage can be attached to facilitate data backup if the screen works.
Desktop Monitor
HDMI or MHL cables can relay a phone’s screen to a larger monitor for easier access if the built-in screen is damaged but touch works.
The right external gad
gets combined with the right software makes retrieving data convenient despite screen damage.
Detailed instructions on the equipment needed
Here are some detailed steps on using external gadgets to recover data from an Android phone with a broken screen:
With External Mouse + OTG Cable + Flash Drive
- Activate USB debugging in Developer options on the damaged phone.
- Connect an OTG cable to the phone, then attach a USB flash drive to the other end.
- Connect a wired/wireless mouse using another OTG cable or Bluetooth.
- Use the mouse to navigate and copy required data to external drive.
With Wired Keyboard + USB Hub + External Monitor
- Plug phone to monitor via MHL/HDMI cable to view screen.
- Attach hub to phone’s USB port. Connect a wired keyboard.
- Use the keyboard to navigate apps and copy data to external SD card or cloud storage.
With the right combination of cables and gadgets, users can access and control the phone to retrieve data without needing to use the touchscreen.
Advantages of this scenario for data recovery
Employing external gadgets for data retrieval when a phone’s screen is damaged has certain notable benefits:
- Does not require a second phone, useful if another device is unavailable
- The damaged phone itself still retains the data, no copying required
- Big external monitors offer larger visibility than small phone screens
- Wired gadgets do not need batteries or charging
- Physical keyboards allow easier typing of file names during data transfer
- External gadgets are reusable for data recovery in future instances
However, the phone must have sufficient charge, with a functioning display. Touch may or may not work if external controls substitute it.
Conclusion
Dealing with a broken or unresponsive screen can be very stressful for Android users. But in most cases, critical data on the device can still be recovered through innovative workarounds. Using a second phone to mirror and control the damaged device via USB is one of the most effective solutions. External hardware like keyboards, mice, and USB drives also enable accessing data if the screen is partially functional. With the right software tools and equipment, users can retrieve contacts, photos, videos, audio files, documents, and other data from an Android phone even with a cracked or broken screen.