Having a broken screen on your Android device can be incredibly frustrating. Not only does it hinder your ability to use the phone, but it can also prevent you from accessing important files and data stored on the device. Whether you have valuable photos, documents, or other files that you need to retrieve, there are several methods you can try to access your files even with a broken screen on your Android device. In this blog post, we will explore different options and step-by-step guides to help you retrieve your files and data without the need for a functional screen.
What’s Needed
To access files on your Android device with a broken screen, you will need the following:
- A computer or laptop with internet access
- A USB cable to connect your Android device to the computer
- ADB (Android Debug Bridge) drivers installed on your computer
- A working USB debugging option enabled on your Android device
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
When trying to access files on your Android device with a broken screen, you should focus on the following aspects:
- Connecting your Android device to a computer
- Enabling USB debugging on your Android device
- Using appropriate software to access and retrieve your files
Option 1. How to Access Files on Android With Broken Screen via Android Data Recovery Software
One of the easiest and most reliable methods to access files on your Android device with a broken screen is by using Android data recovery software. Follow these steps:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use software
- Compatible with most Android devices
- Can retrieve various types of files
Cons:
- May not work for all devices with severely broken screens
- Requires USB debugging to be enabled beforehand
**Step 1:** Download and install Android data recovery software on your computer.
**Step 2:** Launch the software and connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
**Step 3:** Follow the on-screen instructions to enable USB debugging on your Android device.
**Step 4:** Once USB debugging is enabled, the software will start scanning your device for recoverable files.
**Step 5:** After the scan is complete, you will be able to preview and select the files you want to recover.
**Step 6:** Finally, click on the "Recover" button to save the files to your computer.
Option 2. How to Access Files on Android With Broken Screen via ADB Commands
If you are comfortable with using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands, you can also access files on your Android device with a broken screen through the command line. Here’s how:
Pros:
- Provides direct access to your Android device
- Does not require additional software
- Can access files even with a severely broken screen
Cons:
- Requires basic knowledge of ADB commands
- The process can be complex for beginners
- May not work for all Android devices
**Step 1:** Install ADB drivers on your computer if you haven’t done so already.
**Step 2:** Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
**Step 3:** Open Command Prompt or Terminal on your computer.
**Step 4:** Enter the following command to check if your device is connected:
"`
adb devices
"`
**Step 5:** If your device is recognized, you can proceed with accessing the files.
**Step 6:** Use the following command to navigate to the storage directory on your device:
"`
adb shell
"`
**Step 7:** Once you are in the shell mode, use the following command to copy files from your device to the computer:
"`
adb pull /sdcard/file_path_on_device /path_on_computer
"`
Replace `file_path_on_device` with the actual path of the file on your device and `path_on_computer` with the desired location on your computer.
Option 3. How to Access Files on Android With Broken Screen via OTG Cable and Mouse
If you have an OTG (On-The-Go) cable and a USB mouse, you can use them to navigate through your Android device and access your files. Here’s how:
Pros:
- Does not require ADB commands or software installation
- Relatively simple and straightforward method
- Can work with most Android devices
Cons:
- Requires an OTG cable and USB mouse
- May not work on devices with severely broken screens
**Step 1:** Connect the OTG cable to your Android device.
**Step 2:** Connect the USB mouse to the OTG cable.
**Step 3:** Use the mouse to navigate through your Android device, similar to how you would use your finger on a touchscreen.
**Step 4:** Locate the files you want to access and copy them to an external storage device or upload them to cloud storage.
Option 4. How to Access Files on Android With Broken Screen via Custom Recovery
If you have a custom recovery like TWRP installed on your Android device, you can access and transfer files without needing a functional screen. Here are the steps:
Pros:
- Does not require a working screen
- Can access files on most Android devices with custom recovery installed
- No need for complex ADB commands
Cons:
- Requires prior installation of a custom recovery
- May void your device’s warranty
**Step 1:** Boot your Android device into recovery mode by holding down the necessary key combination (e.g., Power + Volume Up).
**Step 2:** Once in recovery mode, your device should be recognized by your computer.
**Step 3:** Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
**Step 4:** Use file transfer commands provided by the custom recovery (e.g., TWRP) to copy files from your device to the computer.
Why Can’t I Access Files on Android With a Broken Screen?
While the methods mentioned above are effective for accessing files on most Android devices with a broken screen, there may be instances where they do not work. In such cases, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
1. Seek Professional Repair Services: If your Android device has valuable files that you cannot afford to lose, it may be worth considering professional repair services. Authorized repair centers or experienced technicians may be able to fix or replace the broken screen, allowing you to access your files normally.
2. Contact Customer Support: Reach out to the customer support of your Android device’s manufacturer or the brand’s official support channels. They may be able to provide you with alternative methods or specific instructions to access your files without a functional screen.
3. Data Recovery Services: If you have exhausted all other options and have critical files that cannot be replaced, data recovery services specialize in retrieving data from damaged devices. They employ advanced techniques and tools to recover files from devices with broken screens or other hardware issues.
Implications and Recommendations
When attempting to access files on your Android device with a broken screen, keep the following implications and recommendations in mind:
1. Backup Your Files Regularly: To avoid the risk of permanently losing your files, it is crucial to establish a regular backup routine. This can be done by using cloud storage services, external hard drives, or automatic backup applications.
2. Protect Your Device: Invest in a sturdy case or screen protector to prevent damage to your Android device. Prevention is always better than trying to recover files from a broken screen.
3. Enable USB Debugging: Before your screen breaks, ensure that USB debugging is enabled on your Android device. This will make it easier to access files using methods that require debug mode.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with a broken screen on your Android device does not have to mean losing access to your important files and data. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can retrieve your files, photos, and documents from devices with broken screens. Whether it’s using data recovery software, ADB commands, an OTG cable and mouse, or a custom recovery, there’s a solution that suits your needs and technical proficiency.