How to Access Phone with Broken Screen: Complete Guide to Recover Data
Nov 21, 2025 • Filed to: Data Recovery Solutions • Proven solutions
A phone with a broken screen can block access to contacts and messages as well as photos and files. When users are not able to use their devices normally, many of them become frustrated. Therefore, this tutorial covers practical methods to recover data safely and continue using essential apps.

So, to learn how to access a phone with a broken screen, follow the listed ways and tips to handle an inoperable screen effectively. Besides, get to know how to perform quick checks and recover lost data with innovative solutions.
Part 1. Can You Still Access a Phone with a Broken Screen? (Quick Check Table)
Before you learn how to use a phone with a broken screen, review the quick checks below. This will help you assess the phone's condition and whether it's accessible.
| Screen Condition | Touch Works? | Display Visible? | Can Access Directly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracked (Touch and Display Work) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cracked (Touch Not Working, Display Fine) | ❌ | ✔ | Partially |
| Display Broken but Touch Works | ✔ | ❌ | Partially |
| Both Touch and Display are Broken | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Phone Does Not Power On | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Part 2. How to Use a Phone with a Broken Screen - 10 Simple Ways!
Now that you have analyzed the phone's state, learn how to use a phone with a broken screen via the 10 simple ways listed below:
For Android
Fix 1: Use a USB-C Dongle & External Display
The solution allows you to display your phone on a screen or television, in case the screen is blank or broken. A mouse and keyboard may be attached to the device to control it, enter PINs, and access files. Also, many recent Android devices can use USB-C to HDMI with no additional configuration. Plus, this method works with many phones and displays, as guided in the given steps:
- Step 1. Make sure your phone supports USB-C video output and get the listed items:
- USB-C to HDMI dongle
- HDMI cable
- Monitor
- Mouse
- Step 2. Connect a mouse to the dongle's USB port to control the phone if the touchscreen does not work. Now, use the mouse to unlock the phone, enter the password, and set the USB mode to "File Transfer" or "MTP" if you want to move the files.
Then, plug the dongle into the phone, connect the HDMI cable to the monitor, and switch the display to the correct HDMI input.


Fix 2: Try Screen Mirroring/Control Apps
To know how to use a broken screen phone, try a screen mirroring solution, since you see and control your phone from a computer or another device. The fix works even if the screen is cracked or black, and tools like Dr.Fone - Screen Mirror (Android) can be the best solution.
Therefore, it enables you to connect the phone via USB or Wi-Fi, then you can take a screenshot, record the screen, and control the phone from a PC/Mac. You can also access files, images, and contacts, and use applications such as messaging or banking without having to touch the phone.
Fix 3: Utilize Google Voice/Assistant
It is simple to operate a broken smartphone with the help of Google Voice or Google Assistant. Voice controls allow you to interact with numerous functions and applications without even having to touch the screen. In addition, it can read messages, dictate responses, and email or send WhatsApp messages. Plus, no additional hardware is required, and it can be set up quickly, provided voice match is enabled.

Fix 4: Connect the Phone with the PC via USB
Users who wonder how to access a phone with a broken screen can try the USB method. This approach lets you view and transfer accessible files through AutoPlay when the phone is readable by the computer. It is suitable for managing photos, videos, and documents stored on the device. This method works with all Android brands and versions and offers fast, secure data transfer, but it cannot mirror or control the device.

Fix 5. Access Phone Data Using Cloud Sync Apps
Cloud sync apps are a simple way to access phone data when the screen is broken. Therefore, one can view data of any type and app data hosted on Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, or Dropbox, irrespective of the device. There is no need to touch the phone; just log in to your cloud account. Besides, the solution is compatible with all Android versions, requires no additional hardware, and keeps your data safe.

Pro Tip. How to Restore Data from a Broken Android
When learning how to access a phone with a broken screen, if you have lost any critical data, a data recovery tool can save the day. For that, Dr.Fone - Data Recovery allows you to recover data from all broken Android phones without Root or USB Debugging. Additionally, it supports 14+ file types and is compatible with over 6000 Android models for users' convenience.
Since it's versatile and intuitive, you can also use it to retrieve WhatsApp & Business data instantly, even View Once media. No matter how badly your phone is broken, its use is simple and offers a fully guided solution to recover your data. Above all, it provides you with complete control over data restoration, allowing you to choose and preview the data you want to restore selectively.

Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android)
Recover WhatsApp/contacts/messages/call history saved in Google Drive to your computer.
- Recover Android data by scanning your Android phone & tablet directly.
- Preview and selectively recover what you want from your Android phone & tablet.
- Supports various file types, including WhatsApp, Messages & Contacts & Photos & Videos & Audio & Document.
- Supports 6000+ Android Device Models & Various Android OS.
How to Restore Data from Broken Android Using Dr.Fone - Data Recovery
On the quest for how to use a broken screen phone, if you lose any data, here is how you can retrieve it in 3 simple steps with Dr.Fone:
- Step 1. Locate and Launch the Broken Data Recovery Tool
- Step 2. Determine the Condition of Your Android
- Step 3. Confirm the Data Recovery Mode
When you open the Data Recovery tool for Android, select the "Recover from Broken Phone" feature, then connect the Android device with a broken screen to the computer.

On the "Select the Symptoms of Your Phone" interface, select the "Screen On But Unresponsive" feature, as it can work with all Android devices, then press the "Next" button.

Afterward, Dr.Fone will detect your broken device to automatically download the relevant drivers for it. Once drivers are installed, you will be able to control it with a mouse. Now, specify the data recovery method through which you want to restore your important data safely.

For iPhone
Fix 1: Use Siri and VoiceOver
If you are an iPhone user who questions how to access a phone with a broken screen, try Siri and VoiceOver. Voice commands let you make calls, send texts, play music, set reminders, and open apps. On the contrary, Siri and VoiceOver can read messages aloud and help you reply to keep connected. Additionally, you can navigate menus, adjust settings, or get directions in emergencies.

Fix 2: Connect to iTunes/Finder
This method lets you back up all data to a computer safely, and you can restore it to a new device without touching the screen. Additionally, it lets you access and save your important iPhone files using the File Sharing feature. With this solution, the connection is secure and fast, and it makes it easy to preserve important information. So, to know how to perform it, review the given simple guide for better clarity:
- Step 1. Get a USB cable compatible with your iPhone and a computer with iTunes or Finder. Plug the iPhone into the computer, and the system should detect the device automatically as you press the "Trust" button. Head to the "Summary" tab as you press the "Phone" icon and choose the "Back Up Now" button to save files locally.
- Step 2. To access your iPhone files, access the "File Sharing" tab from the left tab and choose the app where your files are stored. Here, you need to select the file and click the "Save" button to select the location on your computer.


Fix 3: Through iCloud Web Portal
To know how to use a phone with a broken screen, you can also access your data through the iCloud Web Portal. When you sign in to iCloud Web with the same Apple ID used on the broken iPhone, you can view or download all synced data. This includes photos, videos, contacts, notes, reminders, calendars, mail, and iCloud Drive files. Besides, the solution can work on Windows, Mac, Linux, or even Android devices.

Fix 4: Using an iPhone Screen Mirroring Tool
Try a screen mirroring solution like Dr.Fone - Screen Mirror (iOS) to control the iOS device remotely. Just by establishing a secure connection via USB or Wi-Fi, you can open apps, read messages, and perform other tasks. You can also adjust the screen for a wider view and take screenshots or record screens. Overall, the method provides quick access, secure operations, and efficient data recovery without repairing the screen first.
Fix 5: USB Keyboard (With Adapter)
To know how to access an iPhone with a broken screen, you can try the USB keyboard method. This option helps you enter your passcode even when the touchscreen does not respond. You can also navigate basic functions if the iPhone supports external input. However, compatibility varies because iOS has stricter accessory support than Android. The approach below explains when it works and how to try it safely:
What You Need
- A Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or a USB-C to USB Adapter for newer iPhones
- A wired USB keyboard
- A USB mouse is optional because iOS does not support cursor control on most models without AssistiveTouch enabled
- Step 1. Plug the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or USB-C to USB Adapter into the iPhone. Attach the wired USB keyboard to the adapter. If AssistiveTouch was already enabled, you can also connect a USB mouse for easier control.
- Step 2. Use the keyboard to enter your passcode and unlock the iPhone. If a mouse is supported through AssistiveTouch, use it to open apps and move through menus. If not, continue using only the keyboard for basic actions.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you ever question how to access a phone with a broken screen, read this guide to get all the answers. Here, simple fixes for Android and iPhone are listed in detail to help you access data easily. However, if you lose any vital data on Android devices while trying solutions, Dr.Fone - Data Recovery tool for Android makes data recovery of 14+ file types across 6000 devices seamless.
FAQs
Android Recover
- Recover Apps
- 1. Data Recovery Software for Android
- 2. Top 4 Android Data Recovery Tools
- 3. Restore Deleted Files on Android
- 4. Coolmuster Android Data Recovery
- 5. Guide of Disk Drill for Android
- 6. Android Data Recovery Software
- 7. Gihosoft Android Data Recovery
- 8. Jihosoft Android Phone Recovery
- 9. Minitool Android Mobile Recovery
- 10. Recover Android Data from Fucosoft
- 11. Best Mobile Forensics Tools to Recover Data
- 12. PhotoRec Review
- 13. FoneDog Toolkit
- 14. TWRP Recovery
- Contacts Recover
- 1. Recover Contacts from Stolen phone
- 2. Recover Contacts from Android
- 3. Retrieve Contacts Without Backup
- Files Recover
- 1. Recover Files from Internal Memory
- 2. Recover Miscellaneous Files
- 3. Recover Android's Hidden Files
- 4. Recover Deleted Files from Android
- 4. Recover Deleted Files Without Root
- 5. Recover Files from SD Card
- 6. Undelete Files on Android
- Messages Recover
- Music/Videos Recover
- Photos Recover
- 1. DiskDigger Photo Recover Review
- 2. Recover Deleted Photos from Android
- 3. Recover Photo from Internal Storage
- 4. Recover Photos from Lost Phone
- 5. Restore Android Deleted Photos
- Broken Android Recover
- 1. View Files from Broken Phone Screen
- 2. Recover Data from Dead Phone
- 3. Recover Contacts with Broken Screen
- 4. Recover Text Messages from Android
- 5. Recover Data from Internal Memory
- Social Apps Recover
- 1. Recover Facebook Messages
- 2. Recover WhatsApp Messages
- 3. Recover WhatsApp Messages
- 4. Restore Deleted WhatsApp Messages
- Android Recover Tips
- 1. SD Card Recovery Tools
- 2. Fix Recovery Mode Not Working
- 3. Enter Recovery Mode on Android
- 4. Recover Calendar from Android
- 5. Recover Deleted Call Log on Android
- 6. Clear Cache Partition
- Cloud Storage Tips
- ● Manage/transfer/recover data
- ● Unlock screen/activate/FRP lock
- ● Fix most iOS and Android issues
- Recover Now Recover Now Recover Now



Daisy Raines
staff Editor