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How to Control & Access an iPhone Without the Touch Screen [2025 Guide]

Sep 26, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Tips & Tactics • Proven solutions

We are all so used to swiping and tapping that we take the iPhone’s Touch Screen for granted. Yet without it, it would be very difficult to control the device. Most people find out the hard way when their iPhone Touch Screen breaks. So, what do you when your iPhone’s touchscreen is unresponsive? Other than find a way to get it fixed, your first thought would be for the data on the device, and you may want to be able to operate the device long enough to back up your data.

So, can you use an iPhone without the Touch Screen? It turns out there are ways that you can use the iPhone even if the screen is unresponsive. This article will take a look at some of the best options.

Part 1. Can I Use the iPhone without Touching it?

Many iPhone users think Siri is the only way to use iPhone without touch screen, but Apple has a better solution. Since iOS 13, the Voice Control feature lets you navigate your iPhone completely hands-free. Originally designed for accessibility, it’s also a lifesaver if your screen is broken or unresponsive. For iPhone 17 users, this feature is even more powerful. With iOS 26 optimization and the upgraded A19 chip, Voice Control responds faster and more accurately, making it easier than ever to control iPhone with broken screen or simply go hands-free when multitasking.

If you hadn’t enabled the Voice Control on your device, the following are some of the other options that you have.

Part 2. How to Use iPhone without Touch Screen by QuickTime

If you own a Mac, QuickTime offers a simple way to use iPhone without touch screen. This free media player isn’t just for video playback—it also lets you capture screenshots, record your iPhone’s display, and, most importantly, mirror your iPhone directly onto your Mac. Once mirrored, you can interact with your device even if the touchscreen isn’t working.

You don’t need to install any software on the computer to mirror the device’s data on the device to your Mac using QuickTime. In this way, it is a simple to use and completely free solution.

Here’s how to use an iPhone without Touch Screen using QuickTime;

  • Step 1: Open QuickTime on your Mac and then connect the iPhone to the computer using USB cables.
  • Step 2: When prompted to Trust this Computer, click “Trust”. But since you might not be able to do this on a device with an unresponsive screen, connect the device to a Bluetooth keyboard, open iTunes and then press the Space bar or Enter. If you don’t have a Bluetooth keyboard, turn on “Voice Over” using Siri,
  • Step 3: Once the device is connected, go to QuickTime and then click on File. In the dropdown menu next to “New Movie Recording” select the iPhone. This will automatically allow QuickTime to mirror the device.

This method will however only allow you to view the files on the iPhone, and it is not a way to control the device.

Part 3. How to Use iPhone without Touch Screen by Lightning OTG Cable

If your iPhone screen is broken, you can still connect it to a computer and back up your data. However, if the device has never been paired, you’ll need to enter the passcode to “Trust” the computer—which can be difficult when the screen is unresponsive.

A useful workaround is activating VoiceOver with Siri. If even a small part of your screen works, you can enable VoiceOver and use the responsive area to tap where the cursor highlights. Siri will also read button labels aloud, making it possible to control iPhone with broken screen or even partially use iPhone without touch screen.

To enter the passcode on a cracked iPhone Screen, follow these simple steps;

  • Step 1: Tap and hold on the Home button to activate Siri, and then say “Turn on VoiceOver”.
  • Step 2: Then press the Home button twice to open the passcode screen. One newer iPhone model may open Apple Pay instead. If this happens, swipe you normally but leave your finger there until you hear Siri say “Lift for Home”.
  • Step 3: You can then use the potion of your screen that is responsive to swipe left and right, which will move and then move the VoiceOver cursor to different passcode numbers. When you heat the passcode number you need, double-tap to select the number.
  • Step 4: Once the device unlocks, use VoiceOver again to tap “Trust” in the dialogue box that appears when you connect the device to your computer.
  • Step 5: Now you can click “Back up Now” in iTunes or Finder to back up the data on your device.
how to use iphone without touch screen 1

You can turn off VoiceOver by asking Siri to “Turn off VoiceOver”.

But if the screen is not working at all, you can do the following;

  • Step 1: Take a Lightning-to-USB adapter and use it to connect the device to a simple USB keyboard.
  • Step 2: Then, use the keyboard to enter the device’s passcode to unlock it.

Once the device is unlocked, you can then use VoiceOver as detailed in the steps above to access the data you require on the device.

Using an iPhone with a broken or unresponsive display can be frustrating—but the solutions above make it possible to access your data, create backups, and prevent potential data loss during repair. Whether you’re looking for ways to control iPhone with broken screen or simply need to use iPhone without touch screen, these methods ensure your information stays safe until your device is fixed.

Part 4: Use iPhone without Touch Screen with the most recommended Tool

One of the easiest methods to use iPhone without touch screen is by using Wondershare Dr.Fone. This powerful tool lets you mirror your iPhone to your PC and control it directly from your computer, even if the touchscreen is broken. It also works for Android devices, so you’re covered no matter what phone you have. With Dr.Fone, you can take screenshots, manage your device through a Wi-Fi connection, and keep everything accessible without needing the screen. For iPhone 17 users, Dr.Fone offers faster mirroring speeds and smoother control, thanks to the improved iOS 26 system optimization. 

Wondershare Dr.Fone

Mirror your iPhone to a big-screen PC

  • Compatible with the latest iOS version for mirroring.
  • Mirror and reverse control your iPhone from a PC while working.
  • Take screenshots and save directly on the PC
Available on: Windows
3,347,490 people have downloaded it
  • Step 1: Install the Dr.Fone on your PC and ensure that both your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
  • Step 2: Swipe up the Control Center and select “Screen Mirror”.
connect iphone to computer via airplay
  • Step 3: You will be redirected to a new screen to establish the mirroring connection.
control iphone from pc

Here is a video for you to learn how to screen mirror your iPhone to PC:

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FAQs

Most "controller apps" on the App Store require you to install and configure them on your iPhone *before* the screen breaks, which isn't helpful. The most reliable solution is a desktop application like Dr.Fone - Screen Mirror, which allows you to control your iPhone from your computer after connecting it.
If Siri is disabled, your best option is Method 1: Use an External Keyboard. Connect a standard USB keyboard to your iPhone using a Lightning-to-USB adapter. Once connected, you can simply type your passcode on the keyboard to unlock the device.
Once you unlock your iPhone using the keyboard or VoiceOver method, you can connect it to your computer. If you've trusted the computer before, it will appear in Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC), allowing you to import photos. For a more comprehensive transfer, you can use Dr.Fone - Phone Manager to access and export photos, contacts, messages, and more.

James Davis

staff Editor

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