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Having a broken screen on your Android device can be quite frustrating, especially when you need to access important data or perform certain tasks on your device. One solution to this problem is to enable USB debugging mode, which allows you to interact with your device through a computer even if the screen is not working properly.
USB debugging mode is primarily used by developers to test and debug applications. However, it can also be useful for regular users in situations where the screen is unresponsive or broken. This mode allows you to transfer files, install apps, and even control your device using a computer.
In this blog post, we will explore different methods to enable USB debugging mode on an Android device with a broken screen. We will discuss step-by-step instructions for each method, along with the pros and cons of each approach. Additionally, we will provide alternative solutions and bonus tips to help you make the most out of your Android device even with a broken screen.
The Challenge of Enabling USB Debugging Mode on Android Broken Screen
Enabling USB debugging mode on an Android device with a broken screen presents a unique challenge. Since the screen is unresponsive or not functioning properly, you cannot use the traditional methods of accessing the device settings to enable USB debugging mode. This means that you need to find alternative ways to achieve the same result.
Fortunately, there are several methods available that allow you to enable USB debugging mode on an Android device with a broken screen. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail in the following sections.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: Using ADB Commands
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device from a computer. By using ADB commands, you can enable USB debugging mode on your device even if the screen is broken. Here are the steps to enable USB debugging mode using ADB commands:
1. Install ADB drivers on your computer if you haven’t already done so.
2. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
4. Enter the following command to check if your device is recognized by ADB:
adb devices
Pros:
– Works with most Android devices.
– No additional software required.
Cons:
– Requires technical knowledge.
– Command-line interface may be intimidating for some users.
5. If your device is listed, proceed to the next step. If not, make sure you have installed the correct drivers or try using a different USB cable or port.
6. Enter the following command to enable USB debugging mode:
adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1
Pros:
– Enables USB debugging mode on the device.
– Can be used on devices with broken screens.
Cons:
– Requires access to a computer with ADB installed.
– May not work on all devices or Android versions.
7. Disconnect your device from the computer and restart it.
8. After the device has restarted, go to the Settings app and navigate to Developer options. You should now see USB debugging mode enabled.
Method 2: Using a Mouse and USB OTG Adapter
If your Android device supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), you can use a USB OTG adapter to connect a mouse to your device. This allows you to control your device using the mouse, even if the screen is broken. Here are the steps to enable USB debugging mode using a mouse and USB OTG adapter:
1. Connect a USB OTG adapter to your Android device.
2. Connect a USB mouse to the USB OTG adapter.
3. The mouse cursor should now appear on the screen. You can use the mouse to navigate through the device’s interface.
Pros:
– Easy to implement.
– Requires minimal technical knowledge.
Cons:
– Requires a USB OTG adapter and a USB mouse.
– May not work on all devices.
4. Once you have control over the device, go to the Settings app and navigate to Developer options.
5. Enable USB debugging mode in the Developer options.
Method 3: Using Android Control Apps
There are several Android control apps available that allow you to control your Android device from a computer. These apps use a combination of USB debugging mode and screen mirroring technology to provide remote control access to your device. Here are the steps to enable USB debugging mode using Android control apps:
1. Install an Android control app on your computer, such as Vysor or ApowerMirror.
2. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Follow the instructions provided by the Android control app to establish a connection between your device and the computer.
Pros:
– Provides a user-friendly interface for controlling your device.
– Can be used on devices with broken screens.
Cons:
– Requires additional software installation.
– May have limitations or require a premium version for full functionality.
4. Once you have established a connection, you can control your Android device using the mouse and keyboard on your computer.
5. Navigate to the Settings app on your device and enable USB debugging mode in the Developer options.
Method 4: Using Custom Recovery
If you have a custom recovery like TWRP installed on your Android device, you can use it to enable USB debugging mode. Custom recoveries provide additional functionalities compared to the stock recovery, including the ability to enable USB debugging mode without accessing the device settings. Here are the steps to enable USB debugging mode using a custom recovery:
1. Boot your Android device into the custom recovery mode.
2. Use the volume keys to navigate through the recovery menu and the power key to select options.
Pros:
– Works on devices with broken screens.
– Does not require a computer or additional software.
Cons:
– Requires a custom recovery installed.
– May void your device’s warranty.
3. Select the "Mount" or "Mount System" option from the recovery menu.
4. Connect your device to a computer using a USB cable.
5. Your device should now appear as a storage device on the computer.
6. Open the "system" folder on your device and search for the "build.prop" file.
7. Open the "build.prop" file using a text editor and add the following line:
persist.service.adb.enable=1
Pros:
– Enables USB debugging mode on the device.
– Can be used on devices with broken screens.
Cons:
– Requires technical knowledge and custom recovery installation.
– May void your device’s warranty.
8. Save the changes to the "build.prop" file and disconnect your device from the computer.
9. Restart your device.
10. After the device has restarted, go to the Settings app and navigate to Developer options. You should now see USB debugging mode enabled.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Enable USB Debugging Mode
If you are unable to enable USB debugging mode on your Android device due to a broken screen, there are still a few alternative solutions that you can try:
1. Data Recovery Services: If you need to recover important data from your device, you can consider contacting professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from devices with physical or software-related issues, including broken screens.
2. Screen Mirroring: If your device supports screen mirroring technology, you can use it to mirror your device’s screen onto a computer or a smart TV. This allows you to access and control your device’s interface without the need to enable USB debugging mode.
3. Android Debug Bridge Wireless: If you have previously enabled USB debugging mode on your device or if your device is rooted, you can use ADB wirelessly to interact with your device from a computer. This method requires some technical knowledge and additional setup, but it can be a viable option if you cannot access USB debugging mode through a wired connection.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to help you make the most out of your Android device even with a broken screen:
1. Use a Screen Overlay App: Screen overlay apps allow you to create virtual buttons or touch gestures on your device’s screen. These can be useful for performing actions that are normally done through touch, such as navigating through menus or launching apps.
2. Use Voice Control: Many Android devices support voice control features that allow you to control your device using voice commands. You can use voice commands to perform tasks such as launching apps, sending messages, or making phone calls.
3. Utilize External Peripherals: If your device has a broken screen but still functions properly, you can connect external peripherals such as a keyboard or a gamepad to enhance your device’s usability. This allows you to interact with your device using alternate input methods.
5 FAQs about Enabling USB Debugging Mode on Android Broken Screen
Q1: Is it possible to enable USB debugging mode without a computer?
A: Enabling USB debugging mode typically requires a computer with ADB installed or the use of a custom recovery. However, there are alternative solutions like screen mirroring or using Android control apps that do not necessarily require a computer.
Q2: Will enabling USB debugging mode on my Android device with a broken screen void the warranty?
A: Enabling USB debugging mode does not necessarily void the warranty of your device. However, using custom recoveries or modifying system files may void the warranty. It is recommended to check the warranty terms and conditions of your device before attempting such methods.
Q3: Can I enable USB debugging mode on an Android device with a completely non-functional screen?
A: In most cases, enabling USB debugging mode on an Android device with a completely non-functional screen is not possible. However, if the device is recognized by a computer and it supports screen mirroring or has a custom recovery installed, it may still be possible to enable USB debugging mode.
Q4: Are there any risks involved in enabling USB debugging mode on an Android device with a broken screen?
A: Enabling USB debugging mode on a device with a broken screen does not pose any direct risks. However, it is important to be cautious while using the device through alternative methods, as accidental actions or modifications to system settings can have unintended consequences.
Q5: Will enabling USB debugging mode on my Android device with a broken screen affect my ability to get it repaired?
A: Enabling USB debugging mode should not affect your ability to get your device repaired. However, it is always recommended to consult with a professional repair service before attempting any modifications to your device.
In Conclusion
Enabling USB debugging mode on an Android device with a broken screen can be a useful skill to have, especially when you need to access important data or perform certain tasks. In this blog post, we explored different methods to enable USB debugging mode, including using ADB commands, a mouse and USB OTG adapter, Android control apps, and custom recovery.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on your specific situation and device compatibility. We also provided alternative solutions and bonus tips to help you make the most out of your Android device even with a broken screen.
Remember to approach these methods with caution and be mindful of any risks involved. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of the methods, it is always recommended to seek professional help or consult with the manufacturer or a qualified repair service.