If you have a cracked or broken screen on your Android phone, you may think that you’re out of luck and that your phone is unusable. However, there are several methods you can try to unlock your phone and access its data. In this blog post, we’ll explore several techniques that can help you unlock your Android phone with a broken screen and provide some helpful tips for troubleshooting.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Unlock An Android Phone With A Broken Screen
A broken screen can happen at the most inconvenient time, and it can be frustrating to not be able to access your data when you need it. In some cases, you may also need to unlock your phone to transfer your data to a new device. Whatever the reason, unlocking an Android phone with a broken screen may seem daunting, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques.
Method 1: Using A USB OTG Cable
Description:
This method involves using a USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable to connect a USB mouse to your Android phone. This will allow you to control your phone like you would a computer and navigate to the screen lock settings to disable it.
Steps:
1. Get a USB OTG cable and a USB mouse.
2. Connect the USB mouse to the OTG cable and then connect the cable to your Android phone.
3. Use the mouse to navigate to the screen lock settings by clicking on the screen and swiping up or down.
4. Disable the screen lock from the settings menu.
5. Remove the USB mouse and OTG cable.
6. Restart your phone and it should be unlocked.
Pros:
– A relatively inexpensive method.
– Requires minimal technical knowledge.
Cons:
– Requires the purchase of a USB OTG cable.
– May not work on all Android phone models.
Method 2: Using Google Find My Device
Description:
This method involves using Google’s Find My Device feature to remotely lock and unlock your device.
Steps:
1. Log in to the Google Find My Device website on a computer or another device.
2. Select your locked Android phone from the list of available devices.
3. Click on “Lock” and enter a new password.
4. Use the new password to unlock your Android phone.
Pros:
– Does not require any additional hardware or accessories.
– Can be done remotely from any computer or device.
Cons:
– Requires the phone to have an active internet connection.
– You must have previously enabled the Find My Device feature on your phone.
Method 3: Using ADB Commands
Description:
This method involves using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands to unlock your phone. ADB is a command-line tool that lets you communicate with your Android device through your computer.
Steps:
1. Download and install ADB on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable.
3. Open a command prompt on your computer and navigate to the ADB directory.
4. Type the command “adb shell input text xxxx” (without quotes), replacing “xxxx” with your password.
5. Press enter and your phone should be unlocked.
Pros:
– Requires minimal physical interaction with the phone.
– ADB is a powerful tool that can be used for other purposes.
Cons:
– Requires some technical know-how.
– May not work on all Android phone models.
Method 4: Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile
Description:
This method is similar to Method 2 but is specific to Samsung phones. It involves using Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature to remotely unlock your device.
Steps:
1. Log in to the Samsung Find My Mobile website on a computer or another device.
2. Select your locked Samsung phone from the list of available devices.
3. Click on “Unlock my screen” in the left-hand menu.
4. Follow the prompts to unlock your phone.
Pros:
– Does not require any additional hardware or accessories.
– Can be done remotely from any computer or device.
Cons:
– Only works on Samsung devices.
– You must have previously enabled the Find My Mobile feature on your phone.
What to Do If You Can’t Unlock An Android Phone With A Broken Screen
If you’ve tried all of these methods and still can’t unlock your Android phone with a broken screen, there are a few fixes you can try:
– Use an HDMI cable and an external monitor to view and access your phone’s data.
– Contact your phone manufacturer or a professional repair service for assistance.
– If you have a backup of your data, consider resetting your phone to factory settings to unlock it.
Bonus Tips
– Consider investing in a protective case or screen protector to prevent future screen damage.
– Back up your phone data regularly to avoid losing valuable information.
– Enable Android’s “Unknown sources” option to allow installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I unlock my Android phone with a broken screen without losing my data?
A: It is possible to unlock your phone without losing data, but this may depend on the method you use and the extent of the screen damage. Make sure to back up your data regularly to avoid losing important information.
Q2: Can I use these methods on any Android phone?
A: These methods may not work on all Android phone models, so make sure to research your specific device before trying any of these methods.
Q3: Can I use ADB commands on a Mac computer?
A: Yes, ADB commands can be used on both Windows and Mac computers.
Q4: What is a USB OTG cable?
A: A USB OTG cable allows you to connect USB accessories like a mouse or keyboard to your Android phone.
Q5: How do I enable Android’s “Unknown sources” option?
A: Go to “Settings” > “Security” > “Unknown sources” and turn the toggle switch on.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking an Android phone with a broken screen may seem daunting, but there are several methods you can try. From using a USB OTG cable to remotely unlocking your phone through Google or Samsung’s services, there is a method that can work for you. Remember to back up your phone regularly and take steps to protect your device from future screen damage.