Best Ways to Access an Android Phone with a Broken Screen

Part 1: Phone screen cracked? Important things first!

Step 1. Check if you have a broken screen insurance

Gone are the days when a cracked phone screen meant a costly out-of-pocket repair. Many modern smartphones now come with insurance schemes that cover physical damage, including broken screens. If you've invested in phone insurance, you may be eligible for a free screen replacement. Check your policy to see if you're covered, and if so, simply visit the nearest authorized service center to get your cracked screen replaced at no additional cost.

Step 2. Take care of the tiny glass pieces

When handling a broken phone screen, exercise extreme caution to avoid injury from sharp glass fragments. If you need to wipe away broken screen pieces, prioritize your safety by wearing rubber gloves or other protective gear to prevent cuts and bruises. To further minimize risk, seal the screen with transparent tape or apply a screen protector to contain the damage, allowing you to handle your phone safely until you can arrange for a proper repair or replacement.

Part 2: How to access phone with broken screen with a data retrieval tool (the best way)

While you are understandably attached to your phone, the essential aspect of any Android device is not its physical shell but instead, the files and software housed inside. Thankfully, the Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android) tool is a solution that allows you to easily access all files on your Android phone, even in the case that the screen is broken beyond repair. Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android) is the world’s first data retrieval software for broken Android phones and tablets, and it will help you to recover your data with confidence and ease.

Here is a video for you to learn how to recover data from broken Android phone:

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The advantages of using Dr.Fone are that it is incredibly simple to use (even for people with no technological skills), very reliable, and accessible to everyone.

How to Use Dr.Fone to Access Files on an Android phone with a broken screen? (Step-by step guide)

Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone on your PC. Launch the program, and then select Data Recovery among all the tools.

Step 2: Next, click Recover from Broken Phone.

Step 3: Dr.Fone will ask you exactly what is wrong with your phone. Select “Black/broken screen” to proceed if the screen is broken.

Step 4: Then, select your device's correct name and model. Unsure about the right answer? Click on “How to confirm the device model” for guidance.

Step 5: In the next window, you will be provided with clear instructions on entering “Download Mode” for your particular device. Once the phone is in download mode, Dr.Fone will start to analyze it and then scan it for all your files.

Step 6: After analysis and scanning, all of the files on the device will be displayed in the resultant window. Select the ones you would like to recover and click on "Restore to Device" or “Recover to Computer” .

Ta-da! All of your data and information should be safely recovered, allowing you to reinstall it on a new phone or your existing phone once you have the screen repaired.

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Part 3: Access Android phone with broken screen with an Android control tool

Do you want to try accessing your Android phone data on your PC without using an external program? This has only recently been made possible, but a new, free tool known as Android Control , which XDA Forum Member k.janku1 develops, can now enable you to gain access to your Android device via a PC and save all of your data. This can be a huge relief if you have broken your phone and panicked about your info!

You will need to have enabled USB debugging on your device for this method to work, and you also need to install ADB on your computer. Here’s how to use Android Control.

Step 1: Install ADB on your PC. You can download it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790 . The program will create a shortcut on your desktop that can then be used to open a command prompt.

Step 2: Once the command prompt is open enter the following code:

• Adb shell

• echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1" >>/system/build.prop

• echo "persist.service.debuggable=1" >>/system/build.prop

• echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mass_storage,adb" >>/system/build.prop"

Step 3: Reboot.

Step 4: Simply connect your Android device to your PC, and the Android Control Screen will pop up allowing you to control your device via your computer.

While this solution will work for some, it is best suited to those who love coding and have already installed USB debugging on your phone. Is this you? If so – you’re in luck!

Part 4: Data retrieval tool vs Android control tool

While the aforementioned methods can effectively grant access to a device with a cracked screen, it's worth noting that the second option is more complex and requires a degree of technical expertise, particularly with programming commands; if you're not well-versed in this area, you may find the process overwhelming.

These methods have some differences that can either make them the ideal solution for you or a complete waste of your time.

What’s best for your lifestyle? Some of the most glaring differences include:

Dr.Fone's toolkit offers a user-friendly solution for accessing files on a device with a broken screen. Simply connect your phone to a PC and follow the intuitive steps to retrieve your data. However, it's essential to note that Android Control requires USB debugging to be enabled on the device prior to the screen damage, which may limit its effectiveness in emergency situations.

Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android)

World's 1st data retrieval software for broken Android devices.

• It can also be used to recover data from broken devices or devices that are damaged in any other way, such as those stuck in a reboot loop.
• Highest retrieval rate in the industry.
• Recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, call logs, etc.
• Compatible with all Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy devices.

Available on: Windows

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With Android Control, you can remotely manage your device and manually select files to save, then transfer them to your PC. In contrast, Dr. Fone's Android toolkit offers a more streamlined solution, allowing you to recover and save all files on your device to your PC with just one click, making it a faster and more efficient option for data recovery.

Dr. Fone's toolkit is straightforward to use, even if you don’t consider yourself a tech-savvy individual. On the other hand, Android Control requires that you know how to enable USB debugging and learn how to use ADB. This is beyond the capacity of most users, but tech-savvy individuals will likely prefer this method.

For those seeking a hassle-free solution, Dr. Fone's toolkit is a clear winner, allowing users to regain control over their files in under 5 minutes with minimal technical expertise. On the other hand, Android Control requires advanced knowledge of ADB, making it a better fit for tech-savvy individuals with a strong computing background. If you're not familiar with ADB or prefer a more user-friendly approach, Dr. Fone's toolkit is the way to go. Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android) best fits you.

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Whichever method you choose to use, we hope you can get all of your files back – a smashed screen can be extremely stressful, and it’s nice to have this weight off your shoulders!

Part 5: Deal with Android cracked screen correctly

The broken phone screen can be classified into two categories:

1. Slightly Broken: The touch glass is not shattered and is in operable condition.
2. Completely Shattered: where nothing is visible and is inoperable.

Now, if it is situation #1 that you’re experiencing, you can easily deal with the broken phone screen by applying a screen protector like tempered glass. It will aid in avoiding further screen damage.

You are assuming that only your device’s touch glass was shattered and the display was still working. You can ask some technical friends to have the touch screen repaired or replaced. If you want to perform screen repair DIY, note the following:

To restore your device's functionality, purchase a high-quality touch screen glass replacement from a reputable online retailer or local market. Before making a purchase, research thoroughly to ensure compatibility with your device and optimal quality.

To remove the broken screen, use a hairdryer to blow hot air over the damaged area, loosening the adhesive. Then, carefully pry the screen away from the device using a gentle clipping motion. Next, replace the broken screen with a new touch glass, ensuring a secure and even fit. For additional guidance, consider watching a DIY screen replacement tutorial on YouTube, which can provide step-by-step instructions and visual aid to help you complete the repair successfully.

Note: Usually, performing a DIY fix broken phone screen repair may cost anywhere around $100 to $250. Balance the costs of replacing a screen and getting a new phone yourself.

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