How to View a Broken Phone Screen on Your Computer?

Tools & SDKs
1

If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your phone screen is damaged — maybe it’s shattered or completely unresponsive — you might be wondering how to access your important data. Luckily, there are several methods to view your broken phone screen on your computer, either by mirroring your screen or using recovery tools. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate this process.

1. Assess the Damage

Before diving into solutions, determine whether the screen is merely cracked and still semi-functional or if it’s entirely blank. If the touch functionality is unresponsive, some methods might not work.

2. Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If you’ve previously enabled USB debugging on your Android device, you can utilize ADB to interact with your device and retrieve screen data.

Steps:

  1. Install ADB on Your Computer: You can download ADB from the Android Developer website or use a package manager like Homebrew on macOS.
  2. Connect Your Phone: Using a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer.
  3. Open Command Prompt/Terminal: Navigate to the directory where ADB is installed.
  4. Use ADB Commands: You can execute commands like adb devices to see if your phone is recognized. Then use adb shell screencap /sdcard/screen.png to take a screenshot and retrieve it later.

3. Using Screen Mirroring Apps

If you haven’t enabled USB debugging, you might consider screen mirroring apps that require a few settings enabled beforehand.

Popular Options:

  • Vysor: This app allows you to mirror your Android device to your PC. However, it requires USB debugging to be enabled prior.
  • ApowerMirror: Similar to Vysor, this tool also supports screen mirroring and requires some setup.

Quick Setup for Vysor:

  1. Download and Install Vysor: Make sure to install it on both your phone and computer.
  2. Connect Your Phone: Plug in your phone to the computer via USB.
  3. Launch Vysor: Follow the initial setup prompts, and if all goes well, you should see your phone’s screen on your PC.

4. Data Recovery Software

If mirroring isn’t an option, consider data recovery tools designed for broken screens. These can help you extract data directly.

Recommended Tools:

  • Dr.Fone: A comprehensive tool that can recover data from broken devices.
  • iMobie PhoneRescue: This can also assist in data retrieval especially for iOS devices.

Using a Data Recovery Tool:

  1. Download the Software: Install the chosen recovery software on your computer.
  2. Follow Instructions: Each tool has specific instructions, typically involving connecting your device and allowing the software to scan for recoverable content.

Conclusion

Being unable to interact with your phone due to a broken screen is frustrating, but there are solutions available. Whether you’re familiar with command-line tools or prefer a graphical interface, this guide should set you on the path to regain access to your valuable data. Remember, regularly backing up your device can prevent future headaches in case of accidental damage.

Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences. What method worked best for you?

6 Likes
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I recommend using Vysor. It’s easy to set up and supports both Android and iOS. Just download the app on your computer, connect your phone via USB, and follow the prompts!

3

I’ve had great success with Scrcpy as well. It’s open-source and doesn’t require installation on your phone, which is perfect for broken screens.

4

I tried TeamViewer, but it was a bit tricky for me. If your phone is set up for remote access, it might work well. Just remember to have access permissions!

5

Scrcpy really is fantastic! Make sure to follow the setup instructions closely. You might need to enable USB debugging on your phone.

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For the installation of Scrcpy, just download the latest version, extract it, and run it. It’s as simple as that!

7

Does anyone have the detailed steps for setting up Vysor? I find it a bit confusing!

8

Vysor installation is straightforward! Just install the app from their website, connect your phone to your computer, and follow the on-screen setup instructions. Works like a charm!

4 Likes
9

I’ve heard people mentioning Vysor. Is it better than Scrcpy? I am curious about performance differences.

10

Vysor has a user-friendly interface, while Scrcpy offers lower latency. It really depends on what you prioritize!

11

Can TeamViewer help if my phone won’t turn on? I might need help accessing my files if that’s the case!

12

Unfortunately, TeamViewer requires the phone to be powered on and have remote access set up before the screen breaks…

13

Honestly, it’s like having a remote control for your phone! Just be careful not to laugh when your screen is all shattered and you’re still using it. :smile:

14

Haha, at least it beats squinting at a broken screen! Just keep your cables organized!

15

I think enabling USB debugging is the first step, but doing it with a broken screen can be tricky. You usually need to tap on ‘Build number’ several times to unlock the developer options. Anyone tried this method?

16

I managed to do it by connecting a mouse via OTG cable! It allowed me to navigate and enable USB debugging. Just be careful not to damage the phone further!

17

That’s a great tip, wardkeith! Using an OTG cable is a lifesaver. I had no idea you could control the phone this way when the screen is down.

18

I’ve read that if the screen is completely unresponsive, getting USB debugging enabled might be hit or miss. Sometimes you can try calling your phone or using a screen mirroring app. Anyone else had success with that?

19

Definitely! I think having a backup like the screen mirroring app is valuable. If the data is critical, it’s worth trying every avenue. What if you can’t access any apps at all?

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If that’s the case, you might need to repair the screen just to retrieve the data, which can be costly. It’s a bit frustrating.