How to Backup iPhone to Mac When Screen Is Broken

Backing up your iPhone is an important practice to ensure that you don’t lose important data in case of any mishaps. However, if your iPhone screen is broken, you might find it challenging to perform the backup process. Don’t worry, though, as there are several methods you can use to backup your iPhone to your Mac even when the screen is broken. In this blog post, we will explore these methods in detail and provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you backup your iPhone successfully.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Backup iPhone to Mac When Screen Is Broken

Performing regular backups of your iPhone is crucial for data protection and peace of mind. It ensures that even if your iPhone is lost, stolen, or damaged, your important data will still be safe and easily recoverable. The backup process creates a copy of your iPhone’s data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, app data, and settings, that you can restore to a new device or after repairing your existing device.

In the case of a broken iPhone screen, the backup becomes even more crucial. If your iPhone is not functional or the screen is unresponsive, you may have difficulty accessing your data and performing a manual backup. By backing up your iPhone to your Mac, you can safeguard your valuable data and have it readily available for future use or transfer.

Method 1: Using iTunes to Backup iPhone with Broken Screen

Using iTunes is one of the most common methods to backup an iPhone, and it can also be used when the screen is broken. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning cable.
2. Open iTunes on your Mac. If you don’t have iTunes installed, you can download it from the Apple website.
3. Click on the device icon in iTunes to access your iPhone’s summary page.
4. Under the "Backups" section, select the option to create a backup of your iPhone on your Mac.
5. Choose the data you want to include in the backup, such as photos, contacts, app data, etc.
6. Click on the "Backup Now" button to initiate the backup process.
7. Wait for the backup to complete. The duration may vary depending on the size of your iPhone’s data.
8. Once the backup is finished, you can verify its completion by checking the backup list in iTunes.

Pros:
1. Allows you to create a full backup of your iPhone.
2. Utilizes iTunes, a widely-used software for managing iOS devices.
3. Can be performed even when the screen is broken.

Cons:
1. Requires a functioning Lightning cable and a Mac with iTunes installed.
2. Backup process can be time-consuming, especially for larger data sizes.
3. Limited flexibility in selecting individual files or folders for backup.

Method 2: Using iCloud to Backup iPhone with Broken Screen

If you have previously enabled iCloud Backup on your iPhone, you can still perform a backup even if the screen is broken. Here’s how:

1. Ensure that your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery or is plugged in.
2. On your Mac, open a web browser and visit the iCloud website (www.icloud.com).
3. Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud.
4. Click on the "Settings" icon to access the iCloud settings.
5. In the settings menu, click on the "Backup" tab.
6. Click on the "Back Up Now" button to initiate the backup process.
7. Wait for the backup to complete. The duration may vary depending on your internet connection and the size of your iPhone’s data.
8. Once the backup is finished, you can verify its completion by checking the backup status on the iCloud website.

Pros:
1. Allows you to create a backup of your iPhone wirelessly.
2. Backup process can be initiated directly from the iCloud website.
3. Provides an additional layer of data protection by storing backups in the cloud.

Cons:
1. Requires a Wi-Fi connection and sufficient battery or charging.
2. Depending on your iCloud storage plan, you may have limited space available for backups.
3. Speed of the backup process depends on internet connection and data size.

Method 3: Using Finder to Backup iPhone with Broken Screen

For Mac users running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, the iTunes application has been replaced with Finder for managing iOS devices. Here’s how you can use Finder to backup your iPhone with a broken screen:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning cable.
2. Open Finder on your Mac. If you’re not sure where to find Finder, it’s usually located in the Dock or the Applications folder.
3. In the Finder sidebar, locate your iPhone under the "Locations" section.
4. Click on your iPhone to access its summary page in Finder.
5. Under the "General" tab, click on the "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac" option.
6. Choose the backup encryption option, if desired, and set a password for added security.
7. Click on the "Back Up Now" button to start the backup process.
8. Wait for the backup to complete. The duration may vary based on the size of your iPhone’s data.
9. Once the backup is finished, you can verify its completion by checking the backup list in Finder.

Pros:
1. Offers a familiar macOS interface for managing your iPhone backups.
2. Allows you to create a full backup of your iPhone with or without encryption.
3. Can be performed even if the screen is broken.

Cons:
1. Requires a functioning Lightning cable and a Mac with macOS Catalina (10.15) or later.
2. Backup process can be time-consuming, especially for larger data sizes.
3. Limited flexibility in selecting individual files or folders for backup.

Method 4: Via Third-Party Software to Backup iPhone with Broken Screen

If the above methods don’t work for your specific situation or you prefer a different approach, there are third-party software options available that specialize in iPhone backups. These software applications provide additional features and flexibility compared to the built-in methods. Here’s how you can use a third-party software to backup your iPhone with a broken screen:

1. Research and choose a reputable third-party iPhone backup software that suits your needs. Some popular options include iMazing, AnyTrans, and iExplorer.
2. Install the selected software on your Mac following the provided instructions.
3. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning cable.
4. Launch the third-party software and follow the on-screen instructions to establish a connection with your iPhone.
5. Once the software recognizes your iPhone, look for a backup or backup-related option within the software.
6. Select the desired backup settings, such as data types, encryption, or selective backup options.
7. Start the backup process and wait for it to complete. The duration may vary depending on the software and the size of your iPhone’s data.
8. Verify the backup’s completion and access it through the third-party software’s interface.

Pros:
1. Offers additional features and customization options compared to built-in methods.
2. Can be a solution for specific scenarios or preferences.
3. Some software applications provide free versions or trial periods for evaluation.

Cons:
1. Requires researching, choosing, and installing third-party software.
2. May come with additional costs for premium or full-featured versions.
3. Compatibility and reliability vary depending on the selected software.

What to Do If You Can’t Backup iPhone with Broken Screen

If you encounter difficulties or are unable to backup your iPhone to your Mac when the screen is broken, don’t panic. Here are a few possible fixes you can try:

1. Try using a different Lightning cable or USB port on your Mac. Sometimes, the issue may be related to a faulty cable or port connection.
2. Restart both your iPhone and your Mac. Restarting can resolve temporary software glitches that may be affecting the backup process.
3. Update your Mac’s operating system and iTunes or Finder to the latest version. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can enhance compatibility.
4. Enable iCloud Backup on your iPhone and perform a wireless backup instead. If your iPhone is functional apart from the broken screen, using iCloud may be a viable alternative.
5. Seek professional help from an authorized Apple service provider or Apple Store. If your iPhone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, they may be able to assist you in backing up your broken iPhone.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to further enhance your backup experience when dealing with a broken iPhone screen:

1. Use a screen mirroring tool: If your iPhone’s screen is partially responsive or you can see the display on another device, consider using a screen mirroring tool like QuickTime Player on your Mac. This will allow you to see and control your iPhone’s screen on your computer, making it easier to navigate and initiate the backup process.
2. Enable VoiceOver: If your iPhone’s screen is completely non-functional, you can enable the VoiceOver feature by triple-pressing the Home or Side button (depending on your iPhone model). VoiceOver will provide audio descriptions and allow you to navigate your iPhone using spoken commands. This can be helpful in accessing the backup settings and initiating a backup.
3. Consolidate and organize your data: Regularly go through your iPhone’s data and remove unnecessary files or applications. This will help streamline the backup process and ensure that you’re only backing up the data that is truly important to you.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can I use these methods to backup an iPhone with a broken touchscreen?

A: Yes, these methods can be used to backup an iPhone with a broken touchscreen, as long as the device is still recognized by iTunes, Finder, or a third-party software.

Q2: Will these methods work if my iPhone is completely unresponsive?

A: Unfortunately, if your iPhone is completely unresponsive and not recognized by any of the methods mentioned, it may be challenging to perform a backup. In such cases, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a professional Apple service provider.

Q3: Are there any risks involved in backing up my iPhone with a broken screen?

A: The backup process itself does not pose any risks to your iPhone or its data. However, it’s important to handle the physical device with care to prevent further damage while connecting it to your Mac.

Q4: Can I restore the backup to a new iPhone with a broken screen?

A: Yes, once you have successfully backed up your iPhone with a broken screen, you can restore the backup to a new device, including one with a broken screen. However, the new device must be functional enough to be recognized by iTunes, Finder, or the third-party software.

Q5: Can I access the backup files on my Mac?

A: The backup files created using iTunes, Finder, or iCloud are not meant to be directly accessed or modified. However, third-party software solutions may offer additional features to explore and extract data from the backups.

Final Thoughts

Backing up your iPhone is essential for protecting your data, even if your screen is broken. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can successfully backup your iPhone to your Mac and ensure that your valuable information is safe. Whether you choose to use iTunes, iCloud, Finder, or third-party software, it’s important to regularly perform backups and store them securely, giving you peace of mind and the ability to recover your data whenever needed.