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If you ever find yourself with a shattered display on your Android phone, you may think all is lost and the device is beyond repair. However, this is not necessarily the case. There are ways to unlock an Android phone even when the screen is broken, smashed, or unresponsive – and we’re here to help you find out how.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what is required, what you need to focus on, and different methods of unlocking an Android phone with a broken screen. We’ll also explore why unlocking your phone this way might not always be possible, as well as addressing some frequently asked questions on the topic. Let’s get started!
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the various methods of unlocking your Android phone without using the screen, there are a few things you’ll need to have on hand. Firstly, you will need a USB cable or an OTG cable in order to connect your phone to another device such as a computer or tablet. You will also need to make sure that your phone has USB debugging enabled, as we’ll be using this to control it from another device. Finally, you’ll need a basic understanding of using your computer or a third-party app to control your phone.
What Requires Your Focus?
If you want to unlock your Android phone with a broken screen, the primary methods available require a significant amount of focus and patience. Depending on the method you use, you may need to follow dozens of steps to make it work correctly, so be prepared for plenty of trial and error. In addition, it can be tricky to deal with certain phone models, or devices that use particularly secure lock screens such as fingerprint or face recognition.
Different Methods to Unlock an Android Phone with a Broken Screen
Method 1: Using a USB Mouse
If your phone has a USB port, you can use a USB mouse to control it, and thus unlock it. Here’s how:
- Connect the USB mouse to your phone using an OTG adapter cable.
- Once the mouse is connected, you will be able to use it to unlock your phone by clicking on the screen as if you were using your finger.
Pros:
- A USB mouse is a cheap and easy-to-find accessory.
- The method works with most Android phone models.
Cons:
- It can be tricky to connect a USB mouse to your phone, particularly if you don’t have the right cable or adapter.
- Using a mouse to unlock your phone might not work if your lock screen uses a PIN or pattern that requires precise touch input.
Method 2: Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
ADB is a command-line tool that allows you to control your Android phone from your computer. To use this method, you’ll need to enable USB debugging on your phone, and download and install the ADB tool on your computer. Here are the steps:
- Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or Terminal window on your computer, and type in the command “adb shell input keyevent 26” to turn on the screen of your phone.
- You can then use the command “adb shell input text XXXX” to input your PIN or password to unlock your phone.
Pros:
- The method works with most Android phone models.
- You can control your phone from your computer, which is much easier than using a broken screen.
Cons:
- You need to have some technical knowledge to use ADB, as it requires using the command line on your computer.
- You need to enable USB debugging on your phone, which is not possible if the screen is completely shattered.
Method 3: Using Samsung Find My Mobile
If you have a Samsung phone, you can use the Find My Mobile feature to unlock your phone remotely. This method only works with Samsung phones, and only if you have previously set up and enabled the Find My Mobile feature. Here’s how:
- Go to the Find My Mobile website and sign in with your Samsung account details.
- Select your phone from the list of devices that are connected to your account.
- Click on "Unlock" to unlock your phone remotely – you should then be able to access your phone data.
Pros:
- You can unlock your phone remotely, which is useful if the screen is completely unresponsive.
- The method works with most Samsung phones.
Cons:
- This method only works with Samsung phones, so it’s not useful if you have a different phone brand.
- You must have previously set up and enabled the Find My Mobile feature on your Samsung phone.
Why You Can’t Unlock Your Android Phone With a Broken Screen?
While there are several methods available for unlocking your Android phone with a broken screen, there are situations where the methods won’t work. Here are three reasons why:
1. Locked USB Debugging:
If USB debugging is not enabled on your phone, or if the screen lock code is preventing USB debugging, you won’t be able to unlock your device using methods that require ADB.
Fix:
If USB debugging isn’t enabled, it’s impossible to use method 2, so your only option is to use either method 1 or method 3. Alternatively, you can bring your phone to a professional repair shop, where they can bypass the lock screen and unlock your device for you.
2. Broken USB Port:
If your phone’s USB port is also broken along with the screen, you won’t be able to connect your phone to a computer or use an external keyboard/mouse to control your device.
Fix:
If your phone’s USB port isn’t working, it’s best to contact a professional repair service. They may be able to fix your phone’s USB port and retrieve your data.
3. Faulty Touch Screen:
If your screen is completely unresponsive to touch, you won’t be able to use methods that require you to input a password, PIN or unlock pattern.
Fix:
If your screen is completely unresponsive, the only option is to bring your phone to a repair service. They will be able to replace the screen and unlock your phone for you.
Implications and Recommendations
Using some of the methods listed above to unlock your phone could potentially harm your phone if done improperly. If you’re hesitant about unlocking your device yourself, it’s best to contact a professional repair service for assistance. They can provide a safer and more efficient service when unlocking your phone.
5 FAQs About Unlocking an Android Phone with a Broken Screen
Q1. Can I recover data from an Android phone with a broken screen?
A1. If you’re unable to unlock your Android phone with a broken screen, you can still recover data from the device. However, this process usually requires advanced technology, so your best bet is to bring the device to a professional repair service for data recovery.
Q2. Can I use a third-party app to unlock my Android phone with a broken screen?
A2. Some third-party apps may allow you to unlock your Android phone with a broken screen. However, these apps can be risky to use, as they may contain malware that can harm your device. Be cautious and use apps at your own risk.
Q3. What if my Android phone has a lock screen password?
A3. If your Android phone has a lock screen password and the screen is completely unresponsive, it can be difficult to unlock the device. The methods mentioned above may not work in this case, and you may need to contact a professional for assistance.
Q4. Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard to unlock my Android phone with a broken screen?
A4. If your Android phone supports Bluetooth and you have a Bluetooth keyboard, you may be able to use it to unlock your device. However, this method is limited to phones that have Bluetooth capabilities and keyboards that are compatible with Android devices.
Q5. Can I use voice commands to unlock my Android phone with a broken screen?
A5. If your Android phone supports voice commands and you have activated them, you may be able to use them to unlock your device. However, this method is limited to phones that support voice commands and may not work with all lock screen types.
In Conclusion
While a broken phone screen can be a frustrating experience, there are still ways that you can unlock your Android device. Whether it’s using a USB mouse, ADB, or Samsung Find My Mobile, there are methods that are both effective and safe. However, if you’re hesitant or unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional repair service for assistance to make the process easier and safer.