
Best Ways to Access an Android Phone with a Broken Screen
Mar 25, 2025 • Filed to: Data Recovery Solutions • Proven solutions
We’ve all been there - your phone slips from your fingers and starts tumbling towards the ground, and that dreaded thought pops into your mind: “Oh no! Please don’t let the screen be broken!”
A cracked or broken smartphone screen can disrupt your daily routine, making it difficult to navigate, communicate, and access entertainment. Since the screen is essential for app navigation, texting, emailing, and streaming, a damaged screen requires immediate attention to restore functionality.
When their phone screen is shattered, many people write off their device as unusable. This is not true! It is still possible to access phone with broken screen, even if it seems shattered beyond repair. Furthermore, you can indeed back up all of your content on an Android phone , allowing you to move your information to a new device and/or restore your existing phone once the screen has been fixed. Whew!
Don’t worry if you've cracked your phone screen—you're not alone. This guide will walk you through safely handling a broken Android screen, recovering essential data, and exploring repair options, ensuring a smooth recovery and minimal disruption to your mobile life.
- Part 1: Phone screen cracked? Important things first!
- Part 2: Access files on a broken-screen Android phone with a data retrieval tool(the best way)
- Part 3: Access broken-screen Android phone with an Android control tool
- Part 4: Data retrieval tool vs Android control tool
- Part 5: Deal with Android cracked screen correctly
Part 1: Phone screen cracked? Important things first!
Step 1. Check if you have a broken screen insurance
Gone are the days of expensive screen repairs. Many modern smartphones offer insurance coverage for physical damage, including cracked screens. If you're covered, visit an authorized service center for a free replacement, saving you the cost of repair. Check your policy for details.
Step 2. Take care of the tiny glass pieces
When dealing with a broken phone screen, prioritize safety to avoid injury from sharp glass. Wear rubber gloves or protective gear to prevent cuts. To minimize risk, seal the screen with tape or apply a screen protector, allowing safe handling until repair or replacement.
Part 2: How to access phone with broken screen with a data retrieval tool (the best way)
If your phone's screen is broken, the important data inside is still accessible with Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android). As the world’s first data recovery tool for broken Android devices, Dr.Fone lets you recover your files easily and confidently, even when the screen is beyond repair.

Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android)
World's 1st data retrieval software for broken Android devices.
- It can also be used to recover data from broken devices or devices that are damaged in any other way such as those stuck in a reboot loop.
- Highest retrieval rate in the industry.
- Recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, call logs, and more.
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices.
Here is a video for you to learn how to recover data from broken Android phone:
How to Use Dr.Fone to Access Files on an Android phone with a broken screen? (Step-by step guide)
Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone on your PC. Launch the program, and then select Data Recovery among all the tools.
Step 2: Next, click Recover from Broken Phone.
Step 3: Dr.Fone will ask you exactly what is wrong with your phone. Select “Black/broken screen” to proceed if the screen is broken.
Step 4: Then, select your device's correct name and model. Unsure about the right answer? Click on “How to confirm the device model” for guidance.
Step 5: In the next window, you will be provided with clear instructions on entering “Download Mode” for your particular device. Once the phone is in download mode, Dr.Fone will start to analyze it and then scan it for all your files.
Step 6: After analysis and scanning, all of the files on the device will be displayed in the resultant window. Select the ones you would like to recover and click on "Restore to Device" or “Recover to Computer” .
Ta-da! All of your data and information should be safely recovered, allowing you to reinstall it on a new phone or your existing phone once you have the screen repaired.
Part 3: Access Android phone with broken screen with an Android control tool
Do you want to try accessing your Android phone data on your PC without using an external program? This has only recently been made possible, but a new, free tool known as Android Control , which XDA Forum Member k.janku1 develops, can now enable you to gain access to your Android device via a PC and save all of your data. This can be a huge relief if you have broken your phone and panicked about your info!
To use this method, ensure USB debugging is enabled on your Android device and that ADB is installed on your computer. Follow these steps to effectively use Android Control and gain full access to your device.
Step 1: Install ADB on your PC. You can download it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790 . The program will create a shortcut on your desktop that can then be used to open a command prompt.
Step 2: Once the command prompt is open enter the following code:
Adb shell
echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1" >>/system/build.prop
echo "persist.service.debuggable=1" >>/system/build.prop
echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mass_storage,adb" >>/system/build.prop"
Step 3: Reboot.
Step 4: Simply connect your Android device to your PC, and the Android Control Screen will pop up allowing you to control your device via your computer.
While this solution will work for some, it is best suited to those who love coding and have already installed USB debugging on your phone. Is this you? If so – you’re in luck!
Part 4: Data retrieval tool vs Android control tool
While the methods above can help you access a device with a cracked screen, the second option is more technical, requiring knowledge of programming commands. If you're not familiar with this, it may feel overwhelming.
What’s best for your lifestyle? Some of the most glaring differences include:
Dr.Fone's toolkit provides an easy way to access files on a device with a broken screen. Simply connect your phone to a PC and follow the simple steps to recover your data. However, Android Control requires USB debugging to be enabled beforehand, which may limit its use in urgent situations.
Android Control allows you to remotely manage your device and select files for transfer to your PC. In comparison, Dr.Fone's Android toolkit offers a faster, more efficient solution by enabling one-click recovery and saving all files from your device to your PC.
Part 5: Deal with Android cracked screen correctly
The broken phone screen can be classified into two categories:
- Slightly Broken: The touch glass is not shattered and is in operable condition.
- Completely Shattered: where nothing is visible and is inoperable.
If you're facing situation #1, apply a tempered glass screen protector to prevent further damage to your broken phone screen.

If only the touch glass is broken and the display works fine, you can either have a professional repair it or attempt a DIY fix. To replace the touch screen, buy a high-quality replacement compatible with your device. Use a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive, then gently pry off the broken screen. Install the new touch glass securely. For a detailed guide, watch a DIY screen replacement tutorial on YouTube for step-by-step instructions.
Note: Usually, performing a DIY fix broken phone screen repair may cost anywhere around $100 to $250. Balance the costs of replacing a screen and getting a new phone yourself.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, while a broken phone screen can certainly be frustrating, it doesn't necessarily mean your device is beyond repair. Even with a shattered screen, it's possible to access your Android phone and back up important data. This allows you to transfer your content to a new device or restore it once the screen is fixed.
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Daisy Raines
staff Editor