A broken phone screen is a common and unfortunate occurrence that can lead to significant data loss.
Whether it’s due to accidental drops, hardware malfunctions, or other mishaps, a broken screen can render your device inaccessible and make it challenging to retrieve essential data.
In such situations, effectively recovering data becomes crucial to prevent the loss of valuable information, such as photos, contacts, messages, and documents.
This article will discover the three best ways to recover data from a screen-broken Android, addressing the need for reliable solutions to salvage your data from what might seem like a lost cause.
Whether your screen is completely shattered or partially unresponsive, these methods can help you retrieve your vital information and minimize data loss.
Method 1: Using a USB OTG cable and a Mouse
USB On-The-Go (OTG) is a standard that allows mobile devices to talk to one another. Usually, mobile devices can only connect to a computer by USB. Still, USB OTG makes it possible for devices to attach directly to each other. In this case, we can use it to connect a mouse to the screen-broken Android device.
Step-By-Step Guide on How To Connect a Mouse to a Broken Android Device
- Get a USB OTG cable: This particular cable has a micro USB connector on the front end and a standard USB connector on the other. It allows you to connect standard USB accessories to your Android device.
- Connect the mouse: Plug the mouse into the standard USB connector on the OTG cable.
- Connect the OTG cable to your Android device: Plug the micro USB connector into your device.
Detailed Instructions on How To Navigate Through the Device Using the Mouse
Once you have connected the mouse, you should see a cursor on your screen. You can now use this cursor to unlock and navigate your device. Here’s how:
- Unlock your device: Use the mouse cursor to swipe up on the lock screen.
- Navigate: Use the mouse cursor like your finger on the touchscreen. You can click and drag to scroll, click on apps to open them, and use the right-click function as a ‘back’ button.
- Access your data: Navigate to your files or photos using the mouse and open them. From here, you can upload them to a cloud service or copy them onto a USB drive using a USB hub.
Method 2: Utilizing Google’s Find My Device Feature
Google’s Find My Device is a free facility given by Google that allows users to track, lock, and erase their broken phone screen Android devices remotely.
It’s a part of Google’s suite of security tools, which ensures that you can either locate your phone or protect your private data if you’ve misplaced it or it’s been stolen.
Instructions on how to remotely enable the feature and access the device:
- Your device needs to be linked to a Google Account.
- It must have an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).
- It needs to have the location turned on.
- It must be visible on Google Play.
- Find My Device must be turned on.
To check if it’s active:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Security & Location (on some phones, you may find it under Lock screen & Security).
- Tap Find My Device and make sure it’s turned on.
- If your device is already lost, and you haven’t set up Find My Device, then unfortunately, you can’t use it to find it.
Step-by-step guide on locating and recovering data from the broken Android device using Find My Device:
Login to Find My Device:
a. Visit https://www.google.com/android/find on any browser.
b. Log in using the Google account associated with the lost or inaccessible device.
Select your device:
Once logged in, the service will show all the devices connected with your Google account. Click on the device you want to locate or manage.
Locate your device:
The location of your device/phone will be displayed on a map. You’ll see its last known location if the device cannot be found.
Recover data:
If you can’t physically access the device due to damage, but it’s still on and connected:
a. Use the Lock option to secure your data and display a message or contact number.
b. If your device supports it, you can try backing up data to Google Drive. Go to your Google Drive settings from another device and look for the backup from the broken device.
Erase data (if necessary):
If you believe the device won’t be retrievable or want to protect your personal data, use the Erase option. Remember, this will remove everything, and you won’t be able to track it via Find My Device after this action.
Method 3: Employing Android Data Extraction Software
Android Data Extraction software is designed to help users retrieve files, photos, messages, contacts, and other forms of data from screenbroken Android devices, significantly when they are damaged.
These software solutions are engineered to work with Android’s operating system to access and extract data even when the phone might be unresponsive, the screen is broken, or the device is locked.
One of the most recommended and well-regarded tools in this category is Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android).
It recovers data from Android with a broken screen and also offers a suite of utilities, including backup, transfer, and other features tailored for Android devices.
Detailed steps on connecting the screen-broken Android device to a computer and performing data recovery using Dr.Fone:
Step 1: Setup:
Install Dr.Fone on your PC. Once installed, open it and choose “Data Recovery.”
Step 2: Device Selection:
Click on “Recover Android Data.”
Step 3: Recovery from Damage:
Navigate to the “Recover from Broken Phone” section. Choose the desired file types for recovery or click “Select all” for a complete recovery.
Step 4: Specify Damage Type:
Select the “Black screen (or screen is broken)” if your phone’s screen is broken.
Step 5: Device Identification:
Specify your device’s brand and model. If uncertain, click “How to confirm the device model” for assistance.
Step 6: Download Mode Instructions: Follow the on-screen guidance to put your device in “Download Mode.”
Step 7: Scanning Process: Allow Dr.Fone to analyze and scan your device for retrievable files.
Step 8: Recovery: Post scanning and review the files shown. Mark the ones you wish to recover, then click “Recover.”
Conclusion
In our digital age, data has become one of our most valued assets. This highlights the crucial role of effective data recovery solutions, especially when facing potential data loss scenarios like a broken phone screen.
To recap, we delved into three primary recovery methods. Each has its merits and can serve as a viable pathway to reclaiming lost files. However, it’s imperative to stress the urgency of taking swift action in these situations. Procrastination or delay could lead to irretrievable data loss, making immediate response paramount.
Your choice of recovery method should hinge on your unique circumstances and comfort level. While all three methods are effective, it’s essential to select the one that aligns with your needs and technological proficiency.
Dr.Fone, in particular, has proven to be a user-friendly and reliable tool. It not only guides users step by step but also ensures a comprehensive recovery of valuable data.
In closing, always remember that while accidents are inevitable, data loss doesn’t have to be. By arming yourself with the right tools and knowledge, such as Dr.Fone, you’re well-equipped to navigate these tech emergencies.
