A cracked or unresponsive touchscreen can make it seem impossible to access your Android device. However, there are several methods to regain control and retrieve your data, even with a non-functional display. This guide covers the most effective techniques to unlock and use your Android phone when faced with a broken screen.
Use a USB Mouse and OTG Adapter
One of the simplest solutions is to connect a USB mouse to your Android device using an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter. This method works well if your screen is still displaying content but not responding to touch.
Step 1: Obtain a USB OTG adapter and a USB mouse.
Step 2: Connect the OTG adapter to your Android device’s charging port.
Step 3: Plug the USB mouse into the OTG adapter.
Step 4: Use the mouse to navigate your device’s interface and enter your unlock pattern or PIN.
This approach allows you to control your device without relying on the touchscreen, enabling you to back up data or change settings as needed.
Utilize Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
For more tech-savvy users, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) offers a powerful way to control your device from a computer. This method requires USB debugging to be enabled on your device prior to the screen damage.
Step 1: Install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer.
Step 2: Connect your Android device to the computer via USB.
Step 3: Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the ADB installation directory.
Step 4: Enter the following command to unlock your device:
adb shell input text your_pin_or_password
adb shell input keyevent 66
Replace your_pin_or_password with your actual device PIN or password.
This method allows you to bypass the lock screen and potentially access your device’s data through ADB commands.
Use Samsung Find My Mobile (Samsung devices only)
Samsung offers a robust solution for its users through the Find My Mobile service. This method works if you’ve previously set up a Samsung account on your device.
Step 1: Visit the Samsung Find My Mobile website on a computer.
Step 2: Log in with your Samsung account credentials.
Step 3: Select your device from the list.
Step 4: Choose the “Unlock” option from the available actions.
This remote unlock feature can be a lifesaver for Samsung users, allowing you to regain access to your device without physical interaction.
Mirror Your Screen with Vysor
Vysor is a powerful tool that allows you to mirror and control your Android device from a computer. While it typically requires initial setup on the device, some users report success even with damaged screens.
Step 1: Install Vysor on your computer.
Step 2: Connect your Android device to the computer via USB.
Step 3: Launch Vysor and attempt to detect your device.
Step 4: If successful, you’ll see your device’s screen mirrored on your computer, allowing you to control it with your mouse and keyboard.
This method can be particularly useful for accessing data and controlling your device when the screen is completely non-functional.
Use Google’s Find My Device
Google’s Find My Device service offers a way to remotely control your Android device, including the ability to lock or erase it. While it doesn’t provide full control, it can be useful in certain situations.
Step 1: Visit the Google Find My Device website.
Step 2: Sign in with the Google account associated with your Android device.
Step 3: Select your device from the list.
Step 4: Choose “Secure Device” to lock it with a new PIN, or “Erase Device” to factory reset it.
While this method doesn’t provide direct access to your data, it can help secure your device if you’re unable to physically access it due to screen damage.
When dealing with a broken Android screen, it’s crucial to act quickly to secure your data. While these methods can help you regain control, they’re not guaranteed to work in all situations. For valuable data, consider professional repair services or data recovery experts if these DIY solutions don’t suffice.