Have you ever experienced the frustration of a broken Android device? Whether it’s a cracked screen, water damage, or hardware failure, a broken Android can lead to a loss of important data and valuable memories. But fear not, as there are ways to recover data from a broken Android device. In this blog post, we will explore various methods that can help you retrieve your precious files, contacts, messages, and more.
Recovering data from a broken Android device requires some technical know-how, patience, and the right tools. We understand how important your data is to you, and that’s why we have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you through the process. So, let’s dive in and learn how to recover data from a broken Android device.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we begin, there are a few things you’ll need in order to successfully recover data from a broken Android device. Here’s a list of the essential items:
- A working computer or laptop with the latest version of the operating system.
- A USB cable to connect your broken Android device to the computer.
- The necessary USB drivers for your specific Android device. These can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website.
- A data recovery software program that is compatible with Android devices.
- A micro SD card or an external hard drive to save the recovered data.
Once you have gathered all the necessary items, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
What Requires Your Focus?
Recovering data from a broken Android device requires your undivided attention and focus. It’s important to create a calm and distraction-free environment for the data recovery process. Make sure you have enough time set aside to complete the recovery procedure without any interruptions. Keep in mind that the amount of time required may vary depending on the complexity of the device and the extent of the damage.
Additionally, it is crucial to follow the steps provided in each of the methods we will discuss later in this blog post. Skipping or incorrectly executing any step may result in data loss or further damage to your device. So, pay close attention and proceed with caution.
Method 1. Using Android Data Recovery Software
One of the most effective methods to recover data from a broken Android device is by using specialized Android data recovery software. These software programs are designed to scan your device for deleted or lost data and restore them to your computer. Here’s how to use Android data recovery software:
- Download and install an Android data recovery software program on your computer.
- Launch the software and connect your broken Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enable USB debugging on your device. This step may vary depending on the software program you are using.
- Once USB debugging is enabled, the software will start scanning your device for recoverable data.
- After the scanning process is complete, you will be able to preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
- Choose a location on your computer or an external storage device to save the recovered data.
- Click on the “Recover” button to initiate the data recovery process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy to use, even for beginners. | 1. May not be able to recover data from severely damaged devices. |
| 2. Can recover a wide range of data types, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more. | 2. Some software programs may require a paid license for full data recovery. |
| 3. Provides a preview option to selectively recover the desired files. | 3. Recovery success may vary depending on the extent of the device damage. |
Method 2. Via ADB Commands
If your broken Android device can still be recognized by your computer, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to recover data. Here’s how to use ADB commands:
- Download and install the Android SDK platform tools on your computer.
- Connect your broken Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
- Type “adb devices” and press Enter to check if your device is connected and recognized by the computer.
- If your device is listed, proceed to execute various ADB commands to back up your data. Some useful commands include:
- “adb pull /sdcard/” – this command allows you to copy all the files from the internal storage of your device to your computer.
- “adb pull /data/app/” – this command allows you to extract the APK files of your installed apps.
- “adb backup -apk -shared -all -f [filename].ab” – this command creates a full backup of your device, including app data and settings.
- After executing the necessary commands, wait for the backup process to complete.
- Once the backup is finished, you can navigate to the specified location on your computer to access the backed-up data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a comprehensive backup of data and settings. | 1. Requires advanced technical knowledge and familiarity with ADB commands. |
| 2. Can be used to extract APK files for later installation. | 2. May not be able to recover data if the device is severely damaged. |
| 3. Useful for data recovery from devices that can still be recognized by the computer. | 3. Backup process may be time-consuming, depending on the amount of data. |
Method 3. Using a Custom Recovery
If your broken Android device has a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) installed, you can use it to recover data. Here’s how to use a custom recovery:
- Download the appropriate custom recovery image for your device and install it on your computer.
- Connect your broken Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Boot your device into recovery mode by pressing the specific key combination for your device. This may vary depending on the device model.
- In the custom recovery menu, navigate to the “Mount” option and select it.
- Mount the internal storage or any other partitions where your data is stored.
- Connect an external USB storage device to your computer and select the “Backup” option in the custom recovery menu.
- Choose the partitions you want to back up and proceed with the backup process.
- Once the backup is complete, you can disconnect the external USB storage device and access the backed-up data on your computer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for selective data backup and recovery. | 1. Requires a custom recovery like TWRP to be installed on the device. |
| 2. Can be used to create a complete image of the device’s internal storage. | 2. Custom recovery installation may void warranty and can be risky if not done correctly. |
| 3. Suitable for advanced users who are familiar with custom recoveries. | 3. May not be compatible with all Android devices. |
Method 4. Via SIM Card Reader
If your broken Android device does not power on or cannot be recognized by the computer, you can still recover data from the SIM card. Here’s how to use a SIM card reader:
- Remove the SIM card from your broken Android device.
- Insert the SIM card into a SIM card reader.
- Connect the SIM card reader to your computer using a USB cable.
- Download and install SIM card reader software on your computer.
- Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to retrieve the data from the SIM card.
- Select the desired data and choose a location on your computer to save the recovered files.
- Click on the “Recover” button to initiate the data recovery process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Can be used to recover contacts, messages, and other SIM card data. | 1. Limited to recovering data stored on the SIM card only. |
| 2. SIM card readers are affordable and widely available. | 2. Requires a working SIM card reader and compatible software. |
| 3. Suitable for devices that cannot be powered on or recognized by the computer. | 3. May not be able to recover data if the SIM card is damaged or corrupted. |
Why Can’t I Recover My Data?
There can be various reasons why you may not be able to recover your data from a broken Android device. Here are some common issues:
- The device is severely damaged beyond repair.
- The device’s internal storage is encrypted, and you don’t have the necessary credentials to decrypt it.
- The data recovery methods mentioned above are not compatible with your specific device model.
If you are facing one of these issues, here are some potential fixes:
- Contact a professional data recovery service for advanced recovery options.
- Try alternative data recovery methods specific to your device model.
- Consult the device manufacturer or search online forums for possible solutions.
Implications and Recommendations
Recovering data from a broken Android device can be a complex process with potential risks and limitations. Here are some implications and recommendations to consider:
- It’s important to back up your data regularly to avoid loss in case of device damage.
- Choose the data recovery method that best suits your device and situation.
- Follow the data recovery steps carefully to minimize the risk of further damage or data loss.
- If you are uncomfortable performing the recovery yourself, seek professional assistance.
- Consider investing in protective cases and screen protectors to prevent physical damage to your device in the future.
5 FAQs about Data Recovery from a Broken Android Device
Q1: Can I recover photos from a broken Android phone?
A: Yes, you can recover photos from a broken Android phone using data recovery software, ADB commands, custom recovery, or a SIM card reader, depending on the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the device.
Q2: How much does professional data recovery service cost?
A: The cost of professional data recovery services varies depending on the extent of the damage, the type of device, and the complexity of the recovery process. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Q3: Is it possible to recover deleted text messages from a broken Android device?
A: Yes, it is possible to recover deleted text messages from a broken Android device using data recovery software or by accessing the device’s internal storage through ADB commands or custom recovery.
Q4: Can I recover data from a water damaged Android device?
A: Recovering data from a water damaged Android device can be challenging, especially if the device does not power on or cannot be recognized by the computer. In such cases, professional data recovery services may be required.
Q5: What precautions should I take to prevent data loss on my Android device?
A: To prevent data loss on your Android device, regularly back up your data to cloud storage or an external device. Avoid exposing your device to extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical damage. Additionally, install reputable security software to protect against malware and data corruption.
Final Words
Recovering data from a broken Android device can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to retrieve your valuable data and memories. Whether you choose to use data recovery software, ADB commands, a custom recovery, or a SIM card reader, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and proceed with caution. Remember to back up your data regularly to minimize the risk of loss. If you are unsure about the recovery process, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Good luck!