Broken Screen?
Here's How to Get Your Data Out
A cracked or completely black screen doesn't have to mean lost contacts, photos, and messages. Here's how to regain control — with or without a touchscreen.
Last updated: June 2026 · 6 min read
First: What Kind of Break Is It?
Not all broken screens are equal. Knowing your situation determines which method to try first:
Skip straight to backing up your data. Go to Settings → Google → Backup → Back up now.
Some corners of the screen may still respond. Try tapping around the edges to unlock and enable backup.
The methods below are for you. Don't panic — data is likely still intact.
Method 1: USB OTG Mouse (Works on Most Androids)
This is the quickest fix. A USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter — available at any mobile accessories shop for ₹50–150 — lets you plug a USB mouse directly into your phone. The mouse cursor replaces your finger.
What you need
- USB OTG adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on your phone)
- Any USB mouse
- Plug the OTG adapter into your phone
- Connect the USB mouse to the adapter
- A cursor should appear on screen — use it to unlock your phone
- Navigate to Settings → Google → Backup → Back up now
- Also open Google Photos → Library and check that backup is on
If your phone asks for a PIN and the cursor doesn't reach the keypad, try a USB keyboard instead — you can type your PIN directly.
Method 2: Mirror the Screen to a TV or PC
If you have a Chromecast, smart TV, or HDMI dongle, you can cast your phone's display to a bigger screen — and use the OTG mouse on that mirrored view.
Chromecast / Google TV
Pull down the notification shade (use OTG mouse), tap Cast, select your TV. Then use the phone on the large screen.
USB-C to HDMI cable
Connect your phone directly to a monitor or TV. Many Android phones support DisplayPort Alt Mode — the screen mirrors automatically.
Miracast / Smart View (Samsung)
On a Samsung TV, use the Smart View dongle or built-in Miracast. In settings, search for "Smart View" or "Screen Mirror".
Vysor / scrcpy (PC)
Install Vysor on your PC and enable USB debugging on your phone. If debugging was already on, connect via USB and mirror the screen on your computer.
Method 3: ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
If USB debugging was enabled before the screen broke, you can pull files directly from your phone to a PC using ADB — no touchscreen needed at all.
Prerequisites
- USB debugging was enabled before the damage
- ADB installed on your PC (part of Android Platform Tools)
- USB cable
If your phone shows an "Allow USB debugging?" dialog that you can't dismiss (broken screen), try Method 1 first to clear it with the OTG mouse.
Method 4: Find My Device / Raksha Remote Access
If your Raksha app was installed and running before the screen broke, you may be able to use it to recover photos or trigger actions remotely:
- Remote ring — confirms the device is alive and online
- Remote flash — flash the torch so you can locate the phone physically
- Snapshots — if lost mode is active, front camera snaps are uploaded to the CMS automatically
Google Find My Device can also lock and sign out remotely to protect your accounts if you can't recover the device.
What Data Is at Risk?
Photos & Videos
Backed up automatically if Google Photos backup is on. Check backup status using OTG method.
WhatsApp chats
Backed up to Google Drive if WhatsApp backup was enabled. Usually safe.
Contacts
Synced to your Google account automatically. Safe as long as you can sign in to Google.
App data & game progress
Only safe if the app supports Google Play Games or cloud save. Many apps don't — this data may be lost.
SMS / OTPs
Not automatically backed up. Lost if you cannot access the device and haven't set up SMS backup.
After Recovery: Prevent This Next Time
Enable Google Photos backup
Go to Google Photos → Profile → Photo settings → Backup → On. Your photos are safe even if the phone is destroyed.
Enable USB debugging
Settings → About Phone → tap Build Number 7 times → Developer Options → USB debugging. Costs nothing; saves you if the screen breaks again.
Install Raksha
Remote ring, flash, location tracking, and snapshot upload all work even without a functional screen — as long as the phone is powered on.
Use a tempered glass screen protector
The ₹99 screen protector absorbs impact and is far cheaper than a ₹3,000–8,000 screen replacement.