Having a broken or unresponsive screen on your Android phone can be a huge inconvenience. Not only does it restrict your ability to use the phone, but it also makes performing basic actions like shutting down the device a lot more challenging. While it might seem like an impossible task, there are ways to shut down an Android phone with a broken screen. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some effective methods that you can use to shut down your phone without relying on the screen.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Shutdown Android Phone With Broken Screen
If you have a broken screen on your Android phone, shutting down the device might seem like an impossible task. However, there are several reasons why you may need to do this. For one, shutting down your phone can help conserve battery life, especially if you’re not planning to use it for a while. Additionally, if your phone is stuck in a boot loop or behaving erratically, shutting it down can help reset the device and fix any issues. Lastly, if you need to dispose of your phone, it’s important to ensure that it’s turned off to prevent any data breaches.
Method 1: Using Physical Buttons
If your phone has physical buttons, you can use them to shut down the device without relying on the screen. Here’s how:
1. Press and hold the power button located on the side of your phone until the device vibrates slightly.
2. Once you feel the vibration, release the power button.
3. Immediately press and hold the volume down button, which is usually located on the opposite side of the power button.
4. Continue holding the volume down button until you see the device’s home screen appear with ‘Safe Mode’ written on the bottom left corner.
5. Once you see the ‘Safe Mode’ message, release the volume down button.
6. Press and hold the power button until you see the ‘Power Off’ option.
7. Select ‘Power Off’ to shut down the device.
Pros:
– This method is easy to perform and doesn’t require any additional tools.
– It works on most Android phones with physical buttons.
Cons:
– If your phone doesn’t have physical buttons, this method won’t work.
– It can be challenging to perform if you have a case or cover on your phone.
Method 2: Using an App
If your phone supports OTG (On-The-Go) functionality, you can use an app to control the device from another phone or computer. Here’s how:
1. Connect a USB OTG cable to your phone’s charging port.
2. Connect a USB mouse to the OTG cable.
3. Use the mouse to navigate the home screen and access the Settings app.
4. Navigate to the ‘Accessibility’ menu and turn on ‘Switch Access’.
5. Download and install an app like ‘Button Savior’ that allows you to create a power button shortcut.
6. Assign the shortcut to one of the hardware buttons, such as the volume button.
7. Press and hold the hardware button to activate the shortcut.
8. Select ‘Power Off’ to shut down the device.
Pros:
– This method works even if your phone doesn’t have physical buttons.
– It’s a reliable way to shut down the phone without relying on the screen.
Cons:
– It requires an OTG cable and a USB mouse, which might not be readily available.
– It may not work on all Android phones.
Method 3: Via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
If you’re comfortable using the command line, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to shut down your phone. Here’s how:
1. Download and install ADB on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open a terminal window on your computer.
4. Type ‘adb devices’ to check if your phone is recognized.
5. Type ‘adb shell reboot -p’ to shut down the device.
Pros:
– This method works on most Android phones.
– It’s a reliable way to shut down the phone without relying on the screen.
Cons:
– It requires some technical knowledge to use.
– You need to have ADB installed on your computer, which may not be convenient for some users.
What to Do If You Can’t Shutdown Android Phone With Broken Screen
If the above methods don’t work for you, there are still a few fixes that you can try. Here are some things to do if you can’t shut down your phone with a broken screen:
– Let the battery drain: if you’re not in a hurry to shut down your phone, you can let the battery drain naturally until the device turns off.
– Remove the battery: if your phone has a removable battery, you can remove it to shut down the device.
– Wait it out: if you don’t need to shut down the phone right away, you can wait until the battery dies on its own.
Bonus Tip
If you frequently experience broken screens on your Android phone, consider investing in a protective case or screen protector to prevent damage. Additionally, make sure to handle your phone with care and avoid dropping or mishandling it.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to let the battery drain to shut down the phone?
A: Yes, it’s safe to let the battery drain to shut down your phone. However, keep in mind that you’ll lose any unsaved data or files when the device turns off.
Q2: Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse instead of a USB mouse with Method 2?
A: Yes, you can use a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to control your phone with Method 2 as long as your phone supports Bluetooth connectivity.
Q3: Will using ADB to shut down my phone void my warranty?
A: No, using ADB to shut down your phone won’t void your warranty as long as you don’t root your device or modify any system files.
Q4: Can I use Method 1 on a phone with a broken power button?
A: If your phone has a broken power button, Method 1 won’t work. However, you can try using one of the other methods instead.
Q5: How can I prevent my phone’s screen from breaking in the future?
A: To prevent your phone’s screen from breaking in the future, consider investing in a protective case or screen protector. Additionally, handle your phone with care and avoid dropping or mishandling it.
Final Thoughts
Shutting down an Android phone with a broken screen might seem like a daunting task, but with the methods outlined in this blog post, it’s definitely doable. Whether you choose to use physical buttons, an app, or ADB, make sure to follow the steps carefully to avoid any mishaps. And remember, prevention is still the best cure, so take proper care of your phone to prevent the screen from breaking in the first place.