Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and it’s a nightmare when they get damaged. A broken screen is one of the most common issues that Android users face, and it can be a significant problem if you need to transfer data from the damaged device to a new one. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods to transfer data from an Android device with a broken screen to a new Android device.
Preparation is Key
Before we dive into the methods, it’s essential to prepare your broken Android device and the new one. Make sure you have:
- A broken Android device with a screen that’s not responsive or is severely damaged
- A new Android device with enough storage space to hold all the data from the broken device
- A USB cable and a computer with Android USB drivers installed
- A Google account signed in on both devices (for some methods)
Enable USB Debugging on the Broken Device (if possible)
If your broken device’s screen is still partially responsive, you might be able to enable USB debugging. This feature allows your device to communicate with a computer via USB, which is necessary for some transfer methods. To enable USB debugging:
- Go to Settings > Developer options > USB debugging
- Toggle the switch next to USB debugging to enable it
- Connect the broken device to your computer using a USB cable
If you can’t access the broken device’s screen, skip this step and move on to the next method.
Method 1: Android File Transfer (AFD) via USB
Android File Transfer is a free application that allows you to transfer files between Android devices and computers. Since your broken device’s screen is not working, we’ll use AFD to connect the device to your computer and transfer data.
- Download and install Android File Transfer on your computer
- Connect the broken device to your computer using a USB cable
- Open AFD on your computer and select the broken device from the list of connected devices
- Browse through the device’s storage and select the files you want to transfer
- Drag and drop the files to your computer’s desktop or a designated folder
This method allows you to transfer files, but it might not work if your broken device’s screen is completely unresponsive. In that case, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Remote Data Transfer via Google Account
If you have a Google account signed in on both devices, you can use Google’s built-in data transfer feature to migrate your data to the new device. This method doesn’t require USB debugging or a responsive screen on the broken device.
- On the new device, go to Settings > Accounts > Add account > Google
- Sign in with the same Google account used on the broken device
- Follow the setup process, and you’ll be prompted to restore data from a previous device
- Select the broken device from the list, and choose the data you want to transfer (contacts, photos, apps, etc.)
This method is convenient, but it only transfers data associated with your Google account, such as contacts, calendar events, and Google Photos. If you have other types of data, like documents, music, or videos, you’ll need to use a different method.
Method 3: Third-Party Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software specializes in retrieving data from damaged or broken devices. These programs can access the device’s storage even when the screen is not working.
- Download and install a reputable data recovery software on your computer, such as Dr. Fone or Disk Drill
- Connect the broken device to your computer using a USB cable
- Launch the software and select the broken device from the list of connected devices
- Follow the software’s instructions to scan the device’s storage and recover the data you need
- Transfer the recovered data to your new Android device
Keep in mind that data recovery software may not always work, especially if the device’s storage is severely damaged. Additionally, some software might require you to root the broken device, which can be risky.
Method 4: Manual Transfer via SD Card
If your broken device has an SD card slot, you can remove the SD card and transfer the data manually.
- Remove the SD card from the broken device
- Insert the SD card into the new Android device
- Use the Files app on the new device to access the SD card’s storage
- Transfer the files you need to the new device’s internal storage or a cloud storage service
This method only works if you have an SD card with important data on it, and you may not be able to transfer all types of data using this method.
Transferring Apps and Settings
So far, we’ve focused on transferring files and data. But what about apps and their settings? You can use the Google Play Store to reinstall apps on your new device, but you might lose app data and settings.
- On the new device, go to the Google Play Store and install the apps you had on the broken device
- Use the “Reset” feature in the Google Play Store to restore app data and settings from your Google account
Conclusion
Transferring data from an Android device with a broken screen can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By using one or a combination of the methods outlined above, you can recover your important data and start using your new Android device. Remember to:
- Enable USB debugging on the broken device if possible
- Use Android File Transfer to transfer files via USB
- Leverage your Google account for remote data transfer
- Utilize data recovery software as a last resort
- Manually transfer data from an SD card if available
- Reinstall apps and restore settings from the Google Play Store
By following these steps, you’ll be able to transfer your data from the broken Android device to the new one, even with a broken screen.
Q: What are the common methods to transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device?
Android devices provide multiple options to transfer data, including using a USB cable, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and cloud backup services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. You can also use third-party apps like SHAREit, Xender, or file transfer software like Vysor or Droid Transfer.
The choice of method depends on the type and amount of data you want to transfer, as well as the condition of your broken screen. For instance, if your screen is completely unresponsive, you may need to rely on a USB connection or cloud backup. On the other hand, if your screen is still somewhat functional, you may be able to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
Q: How do I enable USB debugging on my broken Android device if I can’t see the screen?
To enable USB debugging on your broken Android device, you’ll need to connect it to a computer using a USB cable. Then, use the Android SDK Platform Tools to run commands on your device. Specifically, you’ll need to use the “adb devices” command to show the list of connected devices, followed by the “adb -s
From there, you can use the “settings put global usb_debugging_enabled 1” command to enable USB debugging. Finally, use the “stop” and “start” commands to restart the adbd service. This process may require some technical expertise, so be sure to follow instructions carefully to avoid damaging your device.
Q: Can I transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device without using a computer?
Yes, it’s possible to transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device without using a computer. You can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct to create a direct connection between the two devices. This method is useful when you don’t have access to a computer or prefer a more direct transfer process.
To use this method, enable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct on both devices, then pair them together. You may need to use the “Settings” app on your new device to find and connect to your broken device. From there, you can transfer data using the built-in file transfer feature or a third-party app.
Q: How do I transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device using a cloud backup service?
To transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device using a cloud backup service, you’ll need to make sure you’ve previously set up the service on your broken device. This may include installing the cloud backup app, signing in with your account, and configuring the backup settings.
On your new device, install the same cloud backup app and sign in with the same account. The app should automatically sync your backed-up data, including contacts, photos, and other files. You can then access your transferred data on your new device.
Q: What types of data can I transfer from a broken Android screen to a new device?
You can transfer a wide range of data from a broken Android screen to a new device, including contacts, photos, videos, music, documents, and other files. You can also transfer app data, including login credentials and game progress, as well as SMS and call logs.
Additionally, you can transfer your device’s settings, such as Wi-Fi network passwords, wallpaper, and other customization options. The specific types of data you can transfer may vary depending on the method you choose and the condition of your broken screen.
Q: How long does it take to transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device?
The time it takes to transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device depends on several factors, including the amount of data, the transfer method, and the speed of your internet connection. Using a USB cable or cloud backup service can be relatively fast, often taking just a few minutes to transfer smaller amounts of data.
On the other hand, transferring larger amounts of data or using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct may take longer, potentially taking several hours or even days. To minimize transfer time, it’s a good idea to transfer data in batches, prioritize your most important files, and consider using a faster transfer method like a USB 3.0 cable.
Q: Is it safe to transfer data from a broken Android screen to a new device?
Generally, transferring data from a broken Android screen to a new device is a safe process. However, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your data remains secure. When using a USB connection, make sure to use a trusted computer and keep your device unlocked to prevent unauthorized access.
When using cloud backup services, ensure you’re using a secure internet connection and a strong password to protect your account. It’s also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Finally, be cautious when using third-party apps or file transfer software to avoid potential malware or data breaches.