How to Recover Data from an Android Phone with a Broken Screen

A cracked, water-damaged, or unresponsive screen can quickly turn your smartphone into a source of stress. In most cases, it’s not the device itself that users worry about—it’s the precious data inside. Photos, contacts, messages, and app data can feel out of reach when your screen goes blank.

Fortunately, if the hardware is still functional, there are several reliable ways to recover your files from an Android phone with a broken screen. Below, we cover safe methods to extract your data and prevent permanent loss.

1. Use a USB-C to HDMI Adapter and External Display

If your Android screen is broken but the phone is still operational, you can bypass the damaged display by connecting your device to an external monitor or TV.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Plug a USB-C to HDMI adapter into your Android phone.

2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to an external display.

3. If your touchscreen is also unresponsive, use a multi-port USB-C dongle to connect a keyboard and mouse.

4. Unlock your phone and transfer your files to an external drive or upload them to cloud storage like Google Drive.

Many mid-range and flagship Android phones now support USB-C video-out. Brands like Samsung, HUAWEI, and Motorola even offer desktop modes for easier navigation on larger displays.

If you’re looking for a quick, cable-free way to move your data after a screen mishap, consider using Smart Transfer, a third-party phone clone app. It allows you to wirelessly transfer mobile  photos, videos, contacts, and large files between Android and iOS devices without the need for cloud storage or complex setups.

Using Smart Transfer’s clone phone file feature is particularly helpful when you gain temporary access to your damaged phone’s storage via a display or repair—you can quickly offload files to a safe device before the issue worsens. This ensures that your critical data is always backed up and ready to migrate to your next phone.

3. Offload Files Using External Storage

If your Android phone supports microSD cards, recovering data can be as simple as removing the card and inserting it into a PC. However, most modern smartphones no longer rely on external storage for key files like:

• Contacts and call logs

• Text messages and app data

• Photos stored in internal memory

In these cases, using a USB flash drive with a compatible dongle or transferring files wirelessly with apps like Smart Transfer becomes essential.

4. When Recovery Isn’t Possible

If your phone does not power on or lacks USB-C video output, you may have to repair the screen or seek professional data recovery services. While repairs can be costly, they’re often cheaper than expert recovery services if you know the phone is otherwise functional.

To avoid future stress, enable automated backups on your Android device. Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Smart Transfer backups can protect your data against unexpected device failures.

Final Thoughts

A broken Android screen doesn’t always mean lost data. With the right approach—be it external displays, Smart Transfer wireless migration, or external storage backups—you can secure your files and regain peace of mind.