How to recover data from a broken Android phone: working methods 2026

A ​​broken screen on an Android smartphone is one of the most common emergency situations faced by users. According to statistics from service centers, more than 60% of requests are associated with mechanical damage to the display, while in 30% of cases the device continues to work, but access to data is limited. The main problem: how to retrieve photos, correspondence, documents and other critical files if the sensor does not respond, and the image on the screen is missing or distorted?

In this article we will analyze 7 proven methods for data recovery - from simple (connecting to a computer) to complex (using specialized software and service tools). Important: the effectiveness of the method depends on degree of damage (screen, sensor, motherboard only) and phone models (on Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel algorithms may differ). You will also learn how prepare your phone in advance for such situationsto minimize the risks of information loss in the future.

1. Connecting to a computer via USB: basic method

If your phone turns on, but the screen does not work or displays artifacts, first try connecting it to your PC. This method will work if:

• 🔌 The USB port and cable are working (check on another device).
• 📱 The phone is recognized by the system (detected as a media device or camera).
• 🔓 The mode was previously enabled on the phone. USB debugging (in Settings → For developers).

For Windows use Explorer or Total Commander, for macOS — Android File Transfer. If the phone is not displayed:

1. Try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0).
2. Reboot both devices.
3. Install drivers for your model (for example, Samsung USB Driver or Mi PC Suite for Xiaomi).

⚠️ Attention: If a pattern or PIN code is installed on your phone, and the screen does not respond to touches, this method will not work without additional manipulations (see section 3).

2. Using an OTG adapter and mouse/keyboard

When the sensor does not work, but the screen is at least partially is visible, connect via OTG adapter (costs ~200–500 ₽) a regular USB mouse or keyboard. This will allow:

• 🖱️ Unlock the phone (if the lock screen is visible).
• 📁 Copy files to a flash drive or to the cloud.
• 🔧 Enable USB debuggingif it was turned off.

Instructions:

1. Connect the OTG adapter to the phone and the mouse to it.
2. Use the cursor to click on the PIN code or pattern entry field.
3. Use the keyboard to enter (if connected).
4. Go to Settings → System → For Developers and activate USB Debugging.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, OnePlus or Oppo) OTG is disabled by default. To activate it, you need to go to Settings → Advanced → OTG connection. If the screen does not work, this method is useless.

3. Unlocking a phone with a broken screen

If the screen does not respond to touches and the phone is locked with a PIN code or pattern, use one of these methods:

adb shell input text 1234 && adb shell input keyevent 66

For Samsung there is an additional way - use Samsung Smart Switch (if the function Backupwas previously enabled). For Xiaomi suitable Mi Account Unlock Tool, but it requires confirmation via SMS (working screen is needed).

Samsung

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco

Google Pixel

OnePlus/Oppo/Realme

Other brand

I don’t know the model-->

⚠️ Attention: Method with Find My Device erases data irretrievable. If the phone was turned on Backup to Google Drive or Synchronizing contacts, some of the information can be restored after a reset.

4. Restoring data through Recovery mode

If the phone turns on, but Android does not boot (stuck on the logo or reboots cyclically), try logging in Recovery mode. This will allow you to:

• 📥 Make a backup copy of data to an SD card (if supported).
• 🔄 Reset settings to factory settings (if other methods did not help).
• 🛠️ Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) for advanced functions.

How to enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds).
2. Hold down the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
   • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby.
   • Xiaomi: Power + Volume up.
   • Google Pixel: Power + Volume down, then select Recovery Mode.

Charge the phone to at least 50%

Prepare an SD card (if you have one) slot)

Download firmware or TWRP (for advanced users)

Check the button combination for your model -->

⚠️ Attention: Standard Recovery does not have the function of copying data to a PC. To do this you need to install TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader). On phones with Exynosprocessors (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21), unlocking the bootloader resets the data.

5. Professional tools: Dr.Fone, Mobitrix, Chip-Off

If independent methods do not help, you will have to use specialized software or contact the service. Let's consider three options:

1. Data recovery apps (Dr.Fone, Mobitrix, EaseUS)

These tools scan the phone's internal memory and recover deleted or inaccessible files. Suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is detected by the computer, but the files are not displayed.
• 🗑️ The data was deleted by mistake (for example, after a reset).
• 🔍 You need to restore specific types of files (photos, videos, correspondence WhatsApp).

Instructions for Dr.Fone:

1. Install the app on your PC and connect your phone.
2. Select mode Android data recovery.
3. Follow the instructions (root access may be required).
4. After scanning, select files to recover.

2. Chip-Off method (for serious damage)

If the phone does not turn on or is not detected by the PC, service centers use direct memory reading through the chip eMMC or UFS. This method:

• ✅ Works even with a damaged motherboard.
• ❌ Costs from 5,000 ₽ (depending on the model).
• ⏳ Takes 2–5 days.

3. JTAG repair

Suitable for phones with damaged firmware. The equipment is connected through a special connector (JTAG) and the data is read directly. Used for:

• Samsung Galaxy S8–S20 (before the appearance of UFS 3.0).
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 8/9 (if USB does not work).

⚠️ Attention: Methods Chip-Off and JTAG require disassembling the phone. If you are not a specialist, do not try to do this yourself - the risk of damaging the board increases by 3-5 times.

6. Restoring via cloud services

If you have enabled synchronization with the cloudon your phone, some of the data can be restored remotely. Check these services:

🔹 How to check whether synchronization was enabled?

If your phone has ever connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, most likely the data was synchronized automatically. For Google Photos check the backup settings on photos.google.com.

⚠️ Attention: Cloud copies may be incomplete. For example, Google Photos by default saves compressed versions of images (quality High instead of Original).

7. Prevention: how to avoid data loss in the future

To avoid encountering the problem again, set up your phone in advance:

• ☁️ Automatic backup:
  • Enable Backup to Google Drive (Settings → Google → Backup).
  • For photos, use Google Photos with setting Original quality.
• 🔗 Contact synchronization:
  • Export contacts VCF file once a month (via Contacts → Management → Export).
  • Use Samsung Smart Switch or Mi Mover for local backups.
• 🛡️ Protection screen:
  • Paste tempered glass (absorbs up to 90% of impact energy).
  • Use a case with shock-absorbing corners (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).

🔹 Hidden Android function: Starting from Android 10, the system has a tool Emergency information (Settings → Security → Emergency information). There you can add communication data in case another person finds the phone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions