How to recover data from a Samsung phone with a broken screen?

Recovering data from a Samsung phone with a broken screen can be challenging, but it is not impossible. There are several methods to access and recover your data, depending on the extent of the damage and your technical proficiency. 

Method 1: Using an OTG Cable and a Mouse

Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Equipment

OTG Cable: An On-The-Go (OTG) cable allows you to connect USB devices to your phone.

USB Mouse: A standard USB mouse will help you navigate your phone if the touch screen is unresponsive.

Step 2: Connect the OTG Cable and Mouse

Plug the OTG cable into your phone.

Connect the USB mouse to the OTG cable.

Step 3: Unlock Your Phone

Use the mouse to wake up your phone.

Navigate the lock screen and enter your password, PIN, or pattern.

Step 4: Transfer Data

Once the phone is unlocked, connect it to your computer via a USB cable.

Your phone should appear as a removable drive on your computer. Copy the necessary files to your computer.

Method 2: Using Samsung Smart Switch

Step 1: Download and Install Samsung Smart Switch

On your computer: Download and install Samsung Smart Switch from the official Samsung website.

On your new phone: Ensure Smart Switch is installed from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Connect Your Broken Phone to the Computer

Use a USB cable to connect your broken Samsung phone to your computer.

Open Samsung Smart Switch on your computer.

Step 3: Transfer Data

Follow the on-screen instructions to back up your phone’s data to your computer.

Disconnect your old phone and connect your new phone to the computer.

Use Smart Switch to restore the backed-up data to your new phone.

Method 3: Using Samsung Find My Mobile

Step 1: Access Samsung Find My Mobile

On your computer, open a web browser and go to the Samsung Find My Mobile website.

Log in with your Samsung account credentials.

Step 2: Unlock Your Phone Remotely

Select your broken phone from the list of registered devices.

Click on “Unlock” to remotely unlock your phone.

Step 3: Transfer Data

Once your phone is unlocked, connect it to your computer using a USB cable.

Access your phone’s storage and transfer the necessary files to your computer.

Method 4: Using Google Account Backup

Step 1: Check Google Account Backup

If you had previously enabled Google account backup on your phone, your data might already be backed up.

Log in to your Google account on a computer or another device.

Step 2: Access Google Drive

Go to Google Drive.

Check for your photos, contacts, and other data that might have been synced.

Step 3: Restore Data

Download the data from Google Drive to your computer.

Alternatively, you can sync your Google account with a new phone to restore the data directly.

Method 5: Using ADB Commands

Step 1: Enable USB Debugging (If Previously Enabled)

This method requires USB debugging to be enabled on your phone. If it was enabled before the screen broke, you can proceed.

Step 2: Install ADB on Your Computer

Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the Android developer website.

Extract the files and open a command prompt in the extracted folder.

Step 3: Connect Your Phone

Connect your broken Samsung phone to your computer using a USB cable.

In the command prompt, type adb devices to ensure your phone is recognized.

Step 4: Transfer Data Using ADB Commands

Use ADB commands to pull data from your phone. For example:

adb pull /sdcard/Download C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads

Replace the paths with the appropriate directories on your phone and computer.

Method 6: Using Professional Data Recovery Services

Step 1: Research Reputable Data Recovery Services

Look for data recovery services that specialize in mobile phone data recovery.

Read reviews and compare services to find a reliable provider.

Step 2: Contact the Service Provider

Reach out to the selected data recovery service.

Explain your situation and provide details about your phone model and the extent of the damage.

Step 3: Send Your Phone for Recovery

Follow the instructions provided by the service to send your phone for data recovery.

Once the service recovers your data, they will typically provide it to you on a new device or via cloud storage.

Method 7: Using a Screen Replacement (DIY or Professional)

Step 1: Evaluate the Damage

Determine if the screen is the only component damaged or if there are other issues.

Step 2: Decide on DIY or Professional Repair

If you are confident in your technical skills, you can attempt a DIY screen replacement.

Alternatively, you can take your phone to a professional repair service.

Step 3: Replace the Screen

DIY Approach:

Purchase a replacement screen compatible with your Samsung phone model.

Follow online tutorials and guides specific to your phone model to replace the screen.

Professional Repair:

Take your phone to a certified technician for screen replacement.

Step 4: Transfer Data

Once the screen is replaced, unlock your phone and transfer your data as usual.

Method 8: Using Screen Mirroring Apps

Step 1: Download and Install Screen Mirroring Software

On your computer: Download and install screen mirroring software such as Vysor, ApowerMirror, or Scrcpy.

Step 2: Enable USB Debugging (If Previously Enabled)

This method requires USB debugging to be enabled on your phone.

Step 3: Connect Your Phone to Your Computer

Use a USB cable to connect your broken Samsung phone to your computer.

Step 4: Mirror Your Phone’s Screen

Open the screen mirroring software on your computer.

Follow the on-screen instructions to mirror your phone’s screen.

Step 5: Transfer Data

Use the mirrored screen to navigate your phone and transfer your data to your computer.

Method 9: Using Samsung DeX

Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Equipment

Samsung DeX Station or DeX Pad

Monitor

Keyboard and Mouse

Step 2: Set Up Samsung DeX

Connect your Samsung phone to the DeX Station or DeX Pad.

Connect the DeX Station/Pad to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Step 3: Access Your Phone

Samsung DeX will turn your phone into a desktop-like interface on the monitor.

Use the keyboard and mouse to navigate your phone.

Step 4: Transfer Data

Connect a USB drive or an external hard drive to the DeX Station/Pad.

Transfer your data from your phone to the USB drive or external hard drive.

Tips and Precautions

Tip 1: Regular Backups

Always maintain regular backups of your data to cloud storage or an external drive to avoid data loss in case of emergencies.

Tip 2: Screen Protectors and Cases

Use screen protectors and sturdy cases to minimize the risk of screen damage.

Tip 3: Professional Help

If you are unsure about any steps, seek professional assistance to avoid further damage to your phone or data.

Tip 4: Data Security

Ensure that any data recovery service you use has a good reputation for maintaining data privacy and security.

Recovering data from a Samsung phone with a broken screen involves various methods, from using simple tools like an OTG cable and mouse to advanced techniques like ADB commands or professional data recovery services. The method you choose will depend on the extent of the damage and your technical comfort level. Regular backups and protective measures can help prevent data loss in the future.