"Right, basically, I've cracked the screen on my Sony Xperia Z. Not only is the glass broken, but I believe the screen itself is too. To that end, I can't access anything on the phone, I can't draw the pattern to unlock, and I also can't 'debug' the phone when connected to my iMac. So what I'd like to know is.....Is it possible to access the memory of the phone somehow without turning on the 'debug' function?"
- From Sony Community
The screen of a Sony Xperia device can break due to unexpected accidents, making data retrieval a major concern for users. Fortunately, with methods like OTG adapters, Xperia Companion, ADB commands, and cloud services like Google Drive, there are multiple ways to perform Sony Xperia broken screen data recovery. In this article, we will guide you through practical methods to retrieve essential files from a broken Sony Xperia screen, even if the touch screen has stopped functioning.
Using an OTG adapter and a mouse is a practical way to access data from a Sony Xperia with a broken screen, especially if the device's screen is broken but still displays. This method is suitable when the screen is only partially damaged or touch functions are impaired, as it allows control through a connected mouse. However, it requires that the device supports OTG functionality and that you have a compatible OTG adapter on hand. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Connect the OTG adapter to the Sony Xperia and plug in a mouse.
Step 2. Use the mouse to unlock the phone and navigate to "Settings" to enable USB debugging.
Step 3. Connect the phone to a computer with a USB cable, allowing the computer to recognize the device.
Step 4. Open the device's folder on the computer and copy the needed files.
For users whose Sony Xperia screen is broken but who can still access the device with a computer connection, Xperia Companion offers a secure way to back up and restore data. This official tool from Sony is particularly useful when you want a comprehensive backup without risking data loss. However, it may not work if USB debugging is not enabled, as the computer may have trouble recognizing the device.
How to back up contacts and more from Sony Xperia to PC with broken screen?
Step 1. Install and open Xperia Companion on your computer.
Step 2. Connect the Sony Xperia device to the computer via a USB cable.
Step 3. In Xperia Companion, select the "Backup" option to back up data to the computer. After completing the backup, you can access the saved data anytime.
For more technically inclined users, ADB commands provide a powerful way to access and manage files on an Android device via a command-line interface. This method works well if USB debugging was previously enabled, even if the screen is completely non-functional. However, ADB commands require some command-line knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners. Additionally, this method requires a stable connection between the device and the computer. The following are the steps:
Step 1. Download and install Android SDK (which includes the ADB tool) on your computer.
Step 2. Connect the Sony Xperia device to your computer via USB.
Step 3. Open the Command Prompt and type "adb devices" to confirm the device connection.
Step 4. Use "adb pull /sdcard/Download C:/Backup" to transfer files from the device to the specified computer folder.
Cloud services, like Google Drive, offer a convenient and secure method for recovering data if the device has been set up for automatic backups prior to the screen damage. This method is ideal for users who want hassle-free data recovery without needing a physical connection to the device. However, it only works if a backup was completed before the screen damage occurred. Below is the step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Log in to your Google account on a new device or computer.
Step 2. Open Google Drive to view your backed-up files and photos.
Step 3. Download or export the data you need.
If you wish to recover data from other damaged Android devices like Samsung, you can take advantage of this Broken Android Data Extraction tool. The software can scan and extract files even in situations such as a black screen or system crash. It can restore contacts, SMS, photos, videos, audio files, documents, and more from damaged devices.
Key features of Broken Android Data Extraction:
Note: Currently, this data extraction software supports Samsung Galaxy S6/S5/S4/Note 5/Note 4/Note 3, as well as Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1. Please check your phone model in advance.
How to recover data from a broken Android phone:
01Install the Android Data Extraction tool on your PC, launch it, select "Broken Android Data Extraction" from the sidebar, and then click "Start".
02Begin the recovery process by selecting your preferred repair mode and clicking "Start". Choose your phone model and click "Confirm". If you're unsure of your device's model, use the question mark icon for assistance.
03After repairing the phone, the recovery tool will scan the device data. Once completed, select the files you wish to restore and click "Recover" to retrieve the data from your phone to your PC.
Recovering data from a broken screen Sony Xperia can seem challenging, but with tools like OTG adapters, Xperia Companion, ADB commands, and Google Drive backups, it is achievable. For more complex cases, professional tools such as Broken Android Data Extraction offer additional solutions. No matter the level of damage, one of these methods should assist in Sony Xperia broken screen data recovery, helping you safeguard valuable data.
Related Articles:
How to Perform Sony Xperia Data Recovery with/Without Backup
Top 11 Phone Memory Recovery for Android Software You Should Know
How to Fix Android Touch Screen Not Working - Can't Unlock Issue In Minutes? (15 Tips)
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