A Comprehensive Guide to Recovering Data from Broken Android Devices

Jason

By Jason

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Recover Data From Broken Android Devices

Dealing with a broken Android device can be incredibly frustrating. When your smartphone or tablet is damaged, it often seems like all hope of recovering your files is lost. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can successfully retrieve your photos, messages, contacts, and other important data from a broken Android device.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore several effective methods for Android data recovery from cracked screens, water damage, black screens, unresponsive touch screens, and other physical damage. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to rescue your valuable data.

Overview of Recovering Data from Damaged Android Devices

When an Android device is damaged due to a cracked screen, water exposure, or other physical harm, the most important component is still intact—the memory. As long as the memory chip is undamaged, the data can likely be recovered.

Here’s a quick overview of how Android data recovery from a broken device works:

  • The data resides in the memory (internal storage) of the damaged device.
  • Using specialized tools and techniques, the data can be accessed and copied from the device’s storage to a computer.
  • Once safely extracted, the data can then be transferred to a new Android device.

As long as your damaged phone remains functional enough to power on and be detected by a computer, recovery is possible. The key is having the right software toolkit and knowing which recovery method to use for your specific situation.

When to Use Professional Data Recovery Services

While DIY software tools make Android data recovery accessible for many damage cases, there are instances when you’ll need to enlist professional data recovery services:

  • Extreme physical damage – If your device is badly crushed, snapped in half, or melted, pros have the best chance of salvaging data.
  • Corrupted memory – If the memory components are damaged rather than just the screen, pros use specialized equipment for extracting data.
  • Very old smartphones – Older devices often require expertise and proprietary tools. Pros have resources the average consumer lacks.
  • 100% data recovery guarantee – For absolute peace of mind, pros offer guaranteed recovery with strict privacy controls.

Pros can recover data other methods can’t. But their services are pricey, often $500 to $1500+ depending on damage severity. Use DIY software first, then call the pros if you exhaust those options.

Software Tools for DIY Android Data Recovery

Specialized software gives you the best chance of successfully recovering files yourself from a damaged Android device. Here are the top software toolkit options:

dr.fone – Android Data Recovery

dr.fone from Wondershare is one of the most popular and effective Android recovery tools available. It enables you to:

dr.fone - Broken android data recovery
  • Recover data directly from broken Android devices with a high success rate
  • Support for over 6000 Android device models
  • Extract messages, contacts, photos, videos, call logs, WhatsApp data, and more
  • Preview files before recovery
  • User-friendly interface and step-by-step guided recovery

dr.fone is compatible with all versions of Android and offers a free trial. For broken Android device data recovery, it’s a top choice.

YouTube video

Tenorshare UltData – Android Data Recovery

Another good option is Tenorshare UltData, which offers broken Android data recovery capabilities alongside numerous other utility features. Key highlights:

Tenorshare UltData for Android
  • Retrieval of messages, contacts, photos, videos, and other file types
  • Recovery from damaged, frozen, crashed, and unresponsive Android devices
  • Support for various Samsung and Android models
  • Easy to use with step-by-step wizard interface
  • Free trial version available

Tenorshare UltData is regularly updated and works well for Android data recovery scenarios.

EaseUS MobiSaver for Android

MobiSaver from EaseUS is designed specifically for recovering lost data from Android devices. It enables you to:

EaseUs MobiSaver for Android
  • Extract multiple file types from broken devices including contacts, photos, messages, call logs, etc.
  • Preview found data before recovery
  • Deep scan storage for maximum data mining from damaged devices
  • Simple interface for quick, easy recovery
  • Free trial version available

MobiSaver is affordable, easy to use, and effective for retrieving files from a damaged Android phone or tablet.

DIY Methods to Recover Data from Broken Android Devices

Now let’s explore step-by-step methods you can use at home to recover data from a broken Android device using the tools mentioned above or other options.

Using USB OTG and Mouse for Broken Screen Devices

If the touchscreen is broken but the display still works, you can use a mouse to navigate via USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) cable.

What You’ll Need

  • USB OTG adapter
  • USB mouse
  • External storage like flash drive or SD card

Steps

  1. Connect the USB OTG adapter to your Android device.
  2. Connect the USB mouse to the OTG adapter.
  3. The mouse cursor should appear on the device’s screen.
  4. Use the mouse to navigate your device and copy desired files to external media.

This method works well for a cracked screen as long as some display functionality remains.

Using Data Extraction Software on Unresponsive Screen Devices

If the screen is fully unresponsive, specialized data extraction software is required.

What You’ll Need

  • PC or Mac computer
  • USB cable
  • Android data recovery software

Steps

  1. Download and install Android data recovery software on your computer.
  2. Launch the software and connect your Android device via USB cable.
  3. The software will automatically detect your device model and establish a connection.
  4. Select the types of files, like photos or contacts, you want to recover.
  5. Start the data recovery process. The software extracts files from the Android device memory.
  6. Recovered files are saved to your computer or external media.

Data recovery software works great for unresponsive screens and other physical damage situations.

Using Custom Recovery to Extract Files

If you have a rooted Android device with custom recovery installed, this advanced method is an option.

What You’ll Need

  • USB cable
  • Computer
  • Custom recovery like TWRP installed on your Android device

Steps

  1. Boot your damaged Android into custom recovery mode (usually volume down + power).
  2. In recovery, navigate to “Mount” and mount data partitions.
  3. Plug device into computer via USB.
  4. Device storage appears as drive on computer.
  5. Copy desired data from Android drive to PC.

This method requires technical expertise but avoids software limitations of other options.

Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Commands

Developers and expert users can directly access device storage with ADB, the Android Debug Bridge.

What You’ll Need

  • USB cable
  • Computer with ADB set up
  • Basic command line skills

Steps

  1. Enable USB debugging in developer options on the Android device.
  2. Connect device to computer via USB.
  3. Open command prompt/terminal and enter adb devices to confirm connection.
  4. Use ADB pull and push commands to copy data files from the Android device to your PC.

While complex, ADB provides complete data access for advanced situations.

Key Tips to Remember When Recovering Android Data Yourself

Follow these tips to boost your chances of successful DIY Android data recovery:

  • Act quickly – The sooner you attempt recovery, the better. Overwritten data is harder to recover.
  • Charge the device – Make sure your damaged device has adequate charge to power on and maintain connection.
  • Backup the recovered data – Once you extract the files from the broken device, be sure to back them up elsewhere in case the phone fails entirely later.
  • Avoid restoring the device – Don’t restore your device or erase data until you’ve safely recovered your files as this can overwrite them.
  • Know your options – Some methods like USB OTG work for cracked screens while others like data recovery software tackle unresponsive screens. Choose the right technique for your specific situation.
  • Enable USB debugging – For advanced recovery using developer tools like ADB, USB debugging needs to be enabled on the device beforehand.
  • Use professional help when needed – If you exhaust DIY methods with no success, take the device to professional recovery experts for assistance.

Besides, are you looking for a reliable Xiaomi data recovery tool? Here we recommend ways to recover Xiaomi Android data with or without a backup.

Understanding Limitations of DIY Android Data Recovery

While many files can be recovered through DIY efforts, there are some limitations to be aware of:

  • Heavily damaged devices – If the core hardware like the memory chip is destroyed, DIY likely won’t work. Professional data recovery would be required.
  • Encrypted devices – On encrypted devices, a passcode is needed to decrypt and recover data. Without it, data recovery is very difficult.
  • Overwritten files – If new data has been saved to your device since the files you want were deleted, they may be unrecoverable as that space has been overwritten.
  • Media files – Highly fragmented media like videos are more difficult to fully recover than contacts, messages, and other database-driven files.
  • Success rates – DIY recovery tools can’t guarantee 100% data recovery. Successes depend on multiple factors like damage level and storage type.

An FAQ on Android Data Recovery from Broken Devices

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about resurrecting data from a damaged Android phone or tablet:

Can I recover data from an Android device with a cracked screen?

Yes, you can recover data from a cracked screen Android device as long as the internal memory remains intact. Use a USB OTG adapter and mouse to navigate the interface or data recovery software.

Is it possible to retrieve data from a water-damaged Android device?

It is often possible to recover data from a water-damaged Android phone or tablet. First, dry out the device thoroughly. Then use isopropyl alcohol to clean out and dry the charge port. Once powered on, use data recovery software connected via USB to extract the files.

What are the chances of recovering data from a non-responsive Android touchscreen?

If the Android device turns on but has an unresponsive touchscreen, you have a very good chance of recovering data using Android data extraction software. As long as the device can power on and connect via USB, the storage contents can usually be retrieved.

Can I recover data from an Android phone with a black screen?

With a black screen, the internal components and storage are often still working. Connect the black screen Android to a PC using USB and data recovery software should be able to scan the contents and recover data. Recovery success rates are high if the device hardware is otherwise intact.

Is it possible to recover deleted files from a broken Android?

Yes, specialized data recovery software can scan the internal memory of a damaged Android device and look for deleted files that have not yet been overwritten. As long as the memory chip still functions, deleted photos, messages, and other files can often be restored.

How can I recover data from a fully dead Android phone?

If the Android device is completely dead and won’t even power on, professional data recovery services are probably your only option for retrieving files. DIY options require the device to at least turn on and connect via USB. For a 100% non-functional device, skip the DIY methods and go straight to pros.

However, for those who have damaged Android phones or Samsung Galaxy phones with black screens, there is a new way to access the information.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recovering lost data from a damaged Android device is possible in many situations thanks to the power of modern data recovery software and techniques. While DIY recovery has limitations, particularly for severely broken devices, it offers an affordable starting point before turning to professional services.

We hope this guide gives you a better understanding of the various data recovery options for retrieving your precious photos, messages, contacts, and other information from a broken Android smartphone or tablet. Just remember to act quickly, know which method is right for your specific damage situation, and take it to the pros if you exhaust your DIY efforts.

With persistence and the right tools, you stand an excellent chance of rescuing your important data, getting it backed up, and ultimately returning to normal mobile use with a working Android device once again. Don’t give up hope if your phone or tablet is damaged—your data can likely be recovered with some effort.

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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