A broken screen Androidof a smartphone is one of the most unpleasant breakdowns, especially if important data is stored on the device: photos, contacts or work documents. Many users mistakenly believe that it is impossible to access information without a working display. However, this is not true: even with a completely non-functional screen (including the sensor), you can connect to a computer and save files or control the device remotely.

The main problem with such a breakdown is the lack of visual feedback. You cannot see whether the phone is unlocked, whether software debugging is enabled, or whether the connection is working. But there are workarounds: from using USB, and whether the connection is working. But there are workarounds: from using recovery mode to connecting via ADB or even HDMIoutput (on supported models). In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from the simplest to the most advanced - that will help connect Android to PC without a working screen.

⚠️ Attention: If the screen is not just broken and the phone does not turn on (no vibration, sounds, charging indication), the problem may be a hardware failure. In this case, the methods from the article will not help - you will need to repair it or contact a service center to extract data from the memory chip.

Before you begin, prepare:

  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original, with support for data transfer)
  • 💻 Computer on Windows, macOS or Linux with installed drivers
  • 📱 Spare smartphone (for some methods)
  • 🔧 Set of tools (screwdriver, pick - if disassembly is required)

If the phone turns on, but the screen does not display a picture (for example, after a fall or moisture), the chances of success are higher. If the device is completely dead, read the section about extracting data through emmc-chip.

1. Connecting via USB in file transfer mode (MTP)

The easiest way is to connect your smartphone to your computer as a flash drive. However, there are two key conditions:

  1. The phone must have USB debugging is enabled (if you activated it earlier).
  2. The device must unlock without screen (for example, by fingerprint or face, if the sensor works).

If both conditions are met, follow the instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB cable.
  2. Open on the computer Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
  3. Your smartphone should appear in the list of devices. If not, try a different cable or port.
  4. Copy the necessary files to your computer.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone is locked with a pattern or PIN code and the screen does not respond to touches, this method will not work. Proceed to the next section.

If the smartphone is detected as Unknown device, install drivers:

📊 Your phone will unlock without screen?
Yes, by fingerprint/face
No, only by PIN/pattern key
I don’t know
Another option

2. Control via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

ADB is a debugging tool Androidthat allows you to control your phone from a computer via the command line. If software debugging was enabled before the screen broke, you can unlock the device, copy files, or even install applications remotely. USB was turned on before the screen broke, you can unlock the device, copy files, or even install applications remotely.

To work you will need:

  • 💻 A computer with installed ADB (included Android SDK).
  • 🔌 Working USB cable.
  • 📄 Knowledge of basic commands ADB (or this instruction).

Step 1. Installing ADB

Download Platform Tools from Google and unzip the archive to any folder. Windows you may also need to install drivers (see the previous section).

Step 2. Connecting the phone

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC.
  2. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command: 
    adb devices

    If the device is detected (the serial number appears), proceed further. If not, check the cable, port or. drivers.

Step 3. Unlocking the screen

If the phone is locked, try resetting the pattern: 

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

After a reboot (adb reboot), the lock will be reset (does not work on all versions Android).

Step 4. Copying files

To copy data from your phone to a PC: 

adb pull /sdcard/Path/to/folder C:\Folder_on_PC

For example, to copy all photos: 

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Android_Backup\Photos

⚠️ Attention: On new versions Android (11+) access to some folders via ADB may be limited. In this case, the method with TWRP (see section 4) will help.

☑️ Preparing to work with ADB

Done: 0 / 5

3. Connection via Wi-Fi (if USB does not work)

If USB port the phone is damaged or the phone is not detected by cable, you can try connecting via Wi-Fi. To do this, debugging via ADB and network connection must have been enabled previously.

Step 1. USB connection (one time)

Even if the screen is broken, connect the phone to the PC once via cable and do: 

adb tcpip 5555

Then disconnect the cable.

Step 2. Connect via Wi-Fi

Find out IP address the phone (if it is connected to the same network as the PC). To do this, you can:

  • 📱 Use another phone as an access point and connect a broken device to it.
  • 🖥️ View the list of devices in the router (via the web interface 192.168.1.1).

Next connect via Wi-Fi: 

adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555

(replace 192.168.1.100 with the real IP of your phone).

Now you can control the device without a cable: 

adb shell

💡 If the phone is connected to charging and turned on, but the screen does not work, try sending a command to play sound to make sure it works: 

adb shell media volume --stream 3 --set 15 && adb shell input keyevent 85

(this will turn the volume up to maximum and play a melody).

4. Using custom recovery (TWRP)

If installed on your phone custom recovery (TWRP), you can connect to the PC in recovery mode and copy data even without the home screen. This method is suitable for unlocked bootloaders.

Step 1. Boot into TWRP

  1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10+ seconds).
  2. Hold the combination to enter recovery (usually Power + Volume up).
  3. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.

Step 2. Control via ADB

On the command line do: 

adb devices

The device must be detected in mode recovery.

To copy data: 

adb pull /data/media/0/ C:\Backup

(this will copy all user files).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Samsung, Xiaomi) TWRP may not work with encrypted sections. In this case, you will need to enter a lock password, which is impossible without a screen. An alternative is to use OrangeFox Recovery, which supports decryption via ADB.

🔧 If TWRP is not installed, but bootloader unlocked, you can flash the recovery via fastboot: 

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

fastboot reboot recovery

5. Connection via HDMI or USB-OTG (for supported models)

Some smartphones (Samsung DeX, Huawei c Desktop Mode, LG etc.) support image output to an external screen via HDMI or USB-C. If your phone is equipped with such functionality, you can connect it to a monitor or TV and control it using a mouse/keyboard.

Method 1: Via HDMI adapter

  • 📺 Buy an adapter USB-C → HDMI (or Micro-USB → HDMI for older models).
  • 🔌 Connect the phone to the adapter, and the adapter to monitor.
  • 🖱️ Connect USB mouse or keyboard via OTGhub.

Method 2: Via Samsung DeX / Huawei Desktop

For Samsung (series S8+, Note 8+) or Huawei (series Mate/P):

  • 📱 Connect the phone to the docking station or adapter DeX.
  • 🖥️ The desktop will appear on the monitor screen Android.
  • 📂 Copy files or unlock the device through the interface.

📌 Supported models:

Brand Models Connection type
Samsung Galaxy S8+, Note 8+, newer DeX (HDMI + OTG)
Huawei Mate 10+, P20+, newer Desktop Mode (HDMI)
LG G5+, V30+ Screen Share (Slimport)
Xiaomi Mi 9+, Black Shark USB-C → HDMI (with support DisplayPort)

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung s Android 10+ may be required connection confirmation DeX on the phone screen. If the display does not work, this method will not work.

6. Retrieving data via the emmc chip (extreme case)

If the phone does not turn on at all (no response to charging, buttons, connection to PC), the only way remains is through direct memory reading through emmcchip. This is a complex procedure that requires disassembling the device and special equipment, but it allows you to save data even from a completely dead device.

What you will need:

  • 🔧 A set of screwdrivers for disassembling the phone.
  • 📱 emmc-reader (for example, Z3X Easy-JTAG or Medusa Pro).
  • 💻 app for working with a memory dump (Chip-Off Explorer, UFS Tool).

Step 1. Disassembling the phone

  1. Remove the back cover (you may need a hair dryer to soften the glue).
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Find emmc-chip (usually signed as Samsung KLMBG, Hynix H26M etc.).

Step 2. Reading data

  1. Connect the chip to reader according to the diagram (it is important not to mix up the contacts!).
  2. Make a memory dump using the app.
  3. Restore files from the dump (for example, via UFS Tool).

💰 Cost of service at the service center: from 3,000 to 10,000 ₽ (depending on the model and complexity).

⏳ Completion time: 1–3 days.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect connection of the emmcchip can irreversibly damage the data. If you are not confident in your skills, contact a specialist.

What to do if the phone is not detected in any way?

If the device does not respond to charging, does not heat up and does not make sounds when connected, the problem may be a short circuit or damage to the motherboard. In this case, data can only be retrieved through direct access to the memory chip (emmc/UFS) in the laboratory. The cost of such a service starts from 5,000 ₽, but the chances of success are 70–90%, provided that the chip is not physically damaged.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect the phone to a PC if the screen does not work, but the sensor responds?

Yes, if the sensor works, try:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC by USB.
  2. Blindly swipe the unlock gesture (for example, swipe up or enter a PIN code).
  3. If the phone is unlocked, it will be detected as a storage device (MTP).

You can also use voice assistant (for example, Google Assistant), if it was previously configured. Say “Hey Google, connect to your computer” - sometimes it works.

How can you tell if USB debugging is enabled if the screen doesn’t work?

It’s impossible to check directly, but there are indirect signs:

  • 🔌 If, when connected to a PC, the phone makes a connection sound, but is not recognized as a drive, debugging may be enabled.
  • 📱 Try entering the command adb devices —if the device appears in the list, debugging is active.
  • 🔄 If the phone has previously connected to this PC for debugging, it can automatically allow the connection.

If debugging is turned off, there are still ways through TWRP or HDMI.

What to do if the phone asks for permission to debug, but the screen does not work?

This is one of the most difficult situations. Possible solutions:

  1. Use an OTG mouse: Connect the mouse via OTG-adapter and try clicking "Allow" blindly (usually the button is on the right).
  2. Reset settings: If there is no important data on the phone, you can do hard reset (hold Power + Volume up and select Wipe Data blindly).
  3. Flash stock firmware: Through fastboot or Odin (for Samsung) you can reflash the phone, but this will delete all data.
How to copy data if the phone is locked by a graphic key?

Options in order of effectiveness:

  1. ADB: If debugging is enabled, use the command adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key (does not work on all versions Android).
  2. TWRP: Install custom recovery and delete key files (/data/system/locksettings.db).
  3. Reset via Find My Device: For Googleaccounts can be remotely reset via Find My Device, but this will delete all data.
Is it possible to recover data if the phone is dropped in water and does not turn on?

Yes, but you need to act quickly:

  1. Do not turn on the phone! This may cause a short circuit.
  2. Place the device in rice or silica gel for 24-48 hours.
  3. If after drying the phone does not turns on, contact the service to extract data through emmcchip.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to charge a wet phone - this is almost guaranteed to destroy the motherboard.