Can I Recover Data from a Broken Phone? Here’s What You Need to Know
Accidentally dropping your phone, spilling water on it, or having it suddenly stop working can be a nightmare—especially if you’re worried about losing important photos, contacts, or files. The good news? Even if your phone is broken, you may still be able to recover your data. Here’s how.
1. Is the Phone Completely Dead or Just the Screen?
Before panicking, determine the extent of the damage:
- If the Screen Is Broken but the Phone Works: If your phone still powers on (you hear notifications, vibrations, or sounds), the data is likely intact. This is one of the easiest scenarios for recovery.
- If the Phone Doesn’t Turn On: Data recovery is more challenging but not impossible. The internal storage may still be accessible, especially if the damage is limited to components like the screen or battery.
2. How to Recover Data from a Phone with a Broken Screen
If the screen is cracked, unresponsive, or completely black, here are some ways to retrieve your data:
- Use a USB Cable: Connect your phone to a computer using a USB cable. If you’ve previously enabled file transfer, you might be able to access your files directly.
- OTG Cable and Mouse: If the touchscreen is unresponsive, an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter allows you to connect a mouse. This can help you unlock your phone and navigate to settings to enable file transfer.
- Samsung or Google Accounts: For Android devices, check if your photos, contacts, and files are backed up to your Google or Samsung account. Log in from another device to access your data.
3. How to Recover Data from a Phone That Won’t Turn On
If the phone doesn’t power on at all, try these steps:
- Charge and Check for Signs of Life: Sometimes, it’s just a dead battery. Plug it in for at least 30 minutes and see if it responds.
- Try a Soft Reset: For Android, hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously for 10-20 seconds. On an iPhone, try a force restart based on your model.
- Professional Data Recovery Services: If the phone is completely dead, the safest option is to consult a professional. Experts can often recover data directly from the phone’s storage, even if the device itself can’t be repaired.
4. Can You Recover Data from Water-Damaged Phones?
Water damage complicates things, but data recovery is still possible:
- Don’t Turn It On: If your phone got wet, avoid turning it on. This could cause further damage.
- Dry It Out: Place the phone in a dry environment with silica gel packets (avoid the old rice trick—it’s not as effective).
- Seek Professional Help: Water-damaged phones often require specialised equipment to safely extract data.
5. What About Locked Phones?
If your phone is locked and the screen doesn’t work:
- For Android: If you have USB debugging enabled, data can often be accessed through a computer. If not, using an OTG cable with a mouse can help you unlock it.
- For iPhone: If you’ve backed up to iCloud, simply log in to iCloud.com on another device to access your files. Without a backup, you’ll likely need professional assistance.
Final Thoughts
While it’s stressful when a phone breaks, your data isn’t automatically lost. With the right tools—and sometimes a bit of professional help—you can often recover your important files.
Need Help with Data Recovery?
At EziPhoneRepair, we specialise in recovering data from broken, water-damaged, or unresponsive phones. Whether it’s photos, contacts, or documents you’re trying to save, our expert technicians are here to help. Visit us today or book an appointment online to get your data back safely!
