How to Recover Data from a Broken Screen Samsung Phone: Fast & Advanced Methods
Nov 24, 2025 • Filed to: Data Recovery Solutions • Proven solutions
Many Samsung users believe that their pictures, contacts, and files are permanently lost when the screen is broken, however, there are safe methods to get them back. It is possible to retrieve a Samsung Fold or Z Flip screen that is damaged, dark, or not responding. Samsung phones are less complicated to get data from than a lot of other Android phones due to the fact that they are compatible with Smart Switch, Samsung Cloud, Google backup, OTG adapters, and touchless tools. In other words, you have choices when the screen is gone.

Remember that data recovery requires a fully charged battery, phone turned on, USB debugging enabled, and a visible screen before commencing. Even without touch or visuals, you can use this technique to transfer data from a broken phone, a phone with a shattered screen, or a phone with a broken screen. This article helps you recover data from broken screen Samsung in easy steps that anyone can follow.
- Part 1: Universal First Steps for Every Samsung User
- Part 2: How to Recover Data From Broken Screen Samsung (Basic Methods)
- Part 3: Advanced Samsung Broken Screen Data Recovery Methods

- Part 4: Special Considerations for Samsung Foldable Phones (Z Fold, Z Flip)
- Part 5: When Your Samsung Phone Has a Completely Black or Dead Screen
Part 1: Universal First Steps for Every Samsung User
Understand your Samsung phone's screen damage before learning how to transfer data. Different damage types have different recovery options. Knowing the problem makes it easy to choose a safe way to transfer data from a broken smartphone.
Below is a brief table outlining the main Samsung screen damage categories and their recovery processes.
Types of Samsung Screen Damage — Quick Guide
| Type of Damage | What It Means | Recovery Help |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked or partly visible screen | The screen shows some display, and touch may work. | The easiest way to recover data. You can unlock and use Smart Switch, Cloud, or PC. |
| Black screen, but the phone turns on | No display, but the phone vibrates or lights up | You can try an OTG mouse, Smart Switch, or PC transfer if file transfer was enabled. |
| The screen is visible, but the touchscreen is not working | You can see the display, but cannot touch it | Use an OTG adapter with a USB mouse or an external keyboard. |
| Broken Samsung Fold / Z Flip inner display | Inner screen damaged, but outer screen may still work | Use the small cover screen to unlock the phone and start recovery. |
Part 2: How to Recover Data From Broken Screen Samsung (Basic Methods)
All Samsung users can recover quickly and easily using the methods below.
Method 1: Samsung Smart Switch (Best for Full Phone Recovery)
Samsung Smart Switch is the fastest and safest way to transfer data from a broken Samsung phone to another Samsung phone.
Steps to Use Smart Switch with a Broken Screen
- Step 1. Install Samsung Smart Switch on PC.
- Step 2. Use a data cord to connect your broken Samsung phone to the PC. Check the cable for data transfer.
- Step 3. Tap "Allow" on a pop-up on a phone.
- Step 4. When Smart Switch recognises your phone, click "Backup."
- Step 5. Select data types to store. Select all by default. Click "Backup."
- Step 6. Wait for backup completion. It may take a few minutes, depending on the size. Click "OK" when done.



Restoring Backup to a New Samsung Phone
- Step 1. Install Smart Switch on your new Samsung phone.
- Step 2. Use the backup to connect it to the PC.
- Step 3. Click "Restore" in Smart Switch on your PC.
- Step 4. Choose your data categories.
- Step 5. Now click "Restore" and wait.
- Step 6. Disconnect the gadget when done.

Method 2: Samsung Cloud & Google Account Backup (Fast & Automatic)
Restore a backup from your old phone to your new one if your Samsung phone's screen is partially shattered, but touch works. The fastest data transfer is with Samsung Cloud and Google Account Backup.
1. Back Up with Samsung Cloud
- Step 1. Go to "Settings > Samsung account > Samsung Cloud."
- Step 2. Choose what to store, then tap "Back up data."

Or activate Auto backup to save data every day while charging and on Wi-Fi.
2. Backup Google Account
- Step 1. Go to "Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Drive backup."
- Step 2. Tap "Back up now."

Set Google to back up your data when the phone is idle and charging.
Restore to the New Phone
Samsung Cloud: Go to "Settings > Samsung Cloud> Restore Data." Select your backup after restoring data.

Google Account: Sign in and select your backup during device setup to restore.
Method 3: Transfer Files to PC via USB (If File Transfer Mode Is Enabled)
In case your mobile was set to File Transfer mode and the display got smashed, do a backup of your data on your PC. This is the best way to move your data from a broken phone via a USB cable. The steps are given below:
- Step 1. Connect your Samsung phone to a PC via USB.
- Step 2. To view the file, select Open device to view files in AutoPlay.
- Step 3. Locate internal storage.
- Step 4. Copy and paste the desired files onto the computer.

The phone must have permitted USB file transfer before the damage for this rapid approach to operate.
Method 4: Use an OTG Adapter + USB Mouse (If Touch Fails)
Unlock and back up your phone with an OTG cable and USB mouse if your screen is visible but touch is dead. This is a good way to transfer info from a broken-screen phone without touch. Follow the steps below:
- Step 1. Plug an OTG adapter into your Samsung phone.
- Step 2. Connect a keyboard to OTG and restart your phone.
- Step 3. Enter your lock-screen password on the keyboard.
- Step 4. Remove the keyboard and plug in the USB mouse.
- Step 5. Mouse unlocks the phone and opens settings.
- Step 6. Connect the phone to the PC.
- Step 7. Go to "This PC," then select your device, then "Internal storage."
- Step 8. Paste or upload files to the PC or cloud.

Part 3: Advanced Samsung Broken Screen Data Recovery Methods
If simple approaches fail, don't worry. You can recover files with powerful tools. These solutions help fix a black, frozen, or touchless Samsung screen. Even in extreme instances, they allow you more control when transferring data from a broken phone screen.
Samsung's best recovery options are below.
Method 5: One-Click Broken Android Data Extraction (Dr.Fone - Data Recovery)
Dr.Fone - Data Recovery is a top Samsung recover data from broken screen solution. Even with a black screen, an unresponsive system, or a crash, it works. Additionally, the programme allowed users to transfer data from shattered-screen phones without root or USB debugging.
Dr.Fone - Data Recovery is one of the first and most trusted Android data recovery programmes that works without root or USB debugging. Preview deleted files before restoring them, and restore only what you need. Dr.Fone recovers data from accidental loss, crashes, lost passwords, water damage, broken touch, and dark screens. Broken Android Data Extraction lets you utilise your phone on your PC when the screen is unresponsive.
Dr.Fone offers three recovery methods for Android gadgets. The first one, for a broken or unresponsive screen but a working display, is compatible with any Android device. The remaining two—touch screen not responsive and black/broken are limited to older Samsung models only.
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.
Data Recovery with Dr.Fone: 4 Easy Steps
- Step 1. Start Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Select Android from "Toolbox > Data Recovery" on the main screen.
- Step 2. Pick the problem with your phone—"displays still works, but the screen is broken or unresponsive". The recovery scenario here only refers to those devices which have a functional screen that can be switched on but are not operable by touch. It is compatible with any Android phone.
- Step 3. The necessary drivers will be fetched by the software on its own.
- Step 4. You can either save the data from your phone on the cloud or use a social media app that is supported on both devices so that you can move data from your phone to another device or computer.

Note: Recover data from "Screen On but Unresponsive" scenario is compatible with all Android phones.



This fast, safe method is ideal for learning how to recover data from broken screen Samsung.
Method 6: Find My Mobile Unlock (SmartThings Find)
SmartThings Find (formerly Find My Mobile) can unlock your Samsung phone if your touch is damaged. It remotely unlocks your phone and backs up your data to Samsung Cloud. It helps transfer data from shattered screen phones without touching them. Follow the steps below:
- Step 1. Go to SmartThings Find on your PC.
- Step 2. Use the Samsung account from your shattered phone to log in.
- Step 3. Click "Unlock" to open your Samsung device's lock remotely if the screen is broken.

After unlocking, you can back up data using above metrhods and then you can restore files to any new Samsung device.
Method 7: Samsung DeX (If Screen Still Shows Content)
Use your phone like a PC with Samsung DeX. This is an easy way to move files if your screen lights up, but touch doesn't work. DeX lets you drag files from your phone to a computer. Follow the steps below:
- Step 1. Connect your broken Samsung phone to a PC via USB.
- Step 2. Launch Samsung DeX on your computer.
- Step 3. Your phone screen appears on the PC.
- Step 4. Open apps, inspect files, and copy them to your PC with your mouse.

When the screen is fractured and hard to use, this method helps transfer data from a broken phone.
Part 4: Special Considerations for Samsung Foldable Phones (Z Fold, Z Flip)
Two displays on Samsung foldable phones, like the Z Fold and Z Flip, make screen issues more complex. Understanding which screen works makes it easier to transfer data from a broken phone on some models.
1. Outer Screen Broken, Inner Screen OK
Unfold your phone if the small cover screen is shattered, but the huge interior screen works. The primary screen lets you back up data using Smart Switch, Samsung Cloud, Google backup, or USB transfer. Data transfer from damaged-screen phones to foldables is easiest with this method.
2. Inner Screen Broken, Outer OK
Stay on the cover display if the inside display is destroyed. You can unlock, enable backup, and run Smart Switch on a PC from the exterior display. Move files to the cloud. This helps transfer data from a broken phone without opening the main screen.
3. Both Screens are Broken or Unresponsive
Use advanced tools if both displays are dead.
- One-click broken android data extraction (Dr.Fone - Data Recovery)
- Find My Mobile (SmartThings Find) to unlock or back up
- Phone control using OTG plus USB Mouse
These ways enable you to safely transfer data from a broken phone even without a display.
Part 5: When Your Samsung Phone Has a Completely Black or Dead Screen
Although terrifying, a black or dead Samsung screen can be recovered. Follow these essential measures before quitting.
Step 1: Charge the Phone
Battery-empty screens are black. Charge the phone for 30 minutes. If it still won't switch on, try another wire or charger.
Step 2: Test With a Computer
Connect the phone to the PC. If it vibrates, makes a sound, or appears in Device Manager, you can recover everything. Learning how to transfer data from a shattered phone screen without a display is much easier with this.
Step 3: Try Recovery Options
- Smart Switch (phone must be unlocked)
- When you need to transfer data from a dead phone screen, Dr.Fone - Data Recovery is perfect.
- If previously configured, Find My Mobile.
These applications enable you to transfer data from a broken phone quickly and recover photographs, videos, chats, and all your content, even if the phone is black-screened.
Step 4: When Only a Lab Can Recover
Software recovery fails if the motherboard or NAND chip is destroyed. Only an expert data recovery lab can fix this. This is the last resort for safely transferring data from a broken phone, yet it recovers essential files.
Conclusion
A broken phone screen Samsung does not mean that your data is lost. Smart Switch, cloud backup, OTG mouse, Samsung DeX, Find My Mobile, and Dr.Fone are all simple and advanced methods for transferring data from a phone with a broken screen. These tools make saving files easy, even with a dead touch or blank screen. There is always a safe way to transfer data from a damaged or broken phone without losing anything. This tutorial can help you retrieve photographs, videos, contacts, and more in the worst conditions.
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James Davis
staff Editor