Understanding iPhone Data Recovery After Screen Damage
When your iPhone screen shatters or stops responding to touch, it can feel like your photos, messages, contacts, and other irreplaceable data are suddenly held hostage inside a device you can no longer control. This situation is particularly stressful because iPhones are designed with tight security that normally prevents unauthorized accessΓÇöa feature that protects your data from thieves but can complicate recovery when you can’t use the touchscreen.
The good news is that there are multiple methods to recover data from an iPhone with a broken screen, ranging from simple backup solutions to more technical approaches. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all your options, from the easiest to the most advanced, ensuring you can retrieve your valuable information regardless of your technical expertise.
Assessing Your iPhone’s Condition
Before attempting recovery, assess your iPhone’s exact condition:
1. Screen Damage Types
Different screen issues require different approaches:
– Cracked but responsive: Screen is visibly damaged but still responds to touch
– Unresponsive touchscreen: Display works but doesn’t register touch input
– Completely black/blank: No visual display at all
– Partially visible: Some areas display correctly while others don’t
2. iPhone Functionality
Determine if other functions still work:
– Does the iPhone power on? (Feel for vibrations or listen for sounds)
– Does it connect to computers via USB?
– Does it respond to button presses?
– Can you hear notification sounds?
– Does Siri respond when activated?
3. Previous Backup Status
Your recovery options greatly depend on your backup situation:
– When was your last iCloud backup?
– Do you have recent iTunes/Finder backups?
– Have you enabled automatic iCloud backups?
– Are specific apps like WhatsApp using their own cloud backups?
Immediate Actions When Facing a Broken iPhone Screen
When your iPhone screen breaks, follow these steps immediately:
1. Avoid Further Damage
– Place the phone on a soft surface
– Don’t press or tap on the broken screen
– Avoid exposure to moisture or dust
– If glass is separating, consider applying a screen protector to hold it together
2. Back Up Immediately If Possible
If the screen is cracked but still somewhat functional:
– Connect to Wi-Fi if possible
– Trigger an immediate iCloud backup
– Connect to a computer for an iTunes/Finder backup
3. Disable Features That Might Erase Data
If you can still partially use the screen:
– Disable Find My iPhone temporarily (prevents remote wipe)
– Turn off any automatic reset features
Data Recovery Methods for iPhones with Broken Screens
Method 1: Use iCloud Backup (Easiest)
If you had iCloud backup enabled before the screen broke:
1. Check your backup status:
– On another iOS device or at iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID
– Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups
– Verify your iPhone’s most recent backup date and size
2. Restore to a new or borrowed device:
– On a new iPhone or after resetting a borrowed one
– During setup, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup”
– Sign in with your Apple ID
– Select the most recent backup of your broken iPhone
– Wait for the restoration to complete
3. Selective data access without full restore:
– Visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID
– Access specific data types like Photos, Notes, Contacts, etc.
– Download important files directly from the website
Method 2: Use iTunes/Finder Backup
If you previously backed up to a computer:
1. Connect your broken iPhone to the computer you used for backups
2. Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
3. If the iPhone is recognized:
– Select your device when it appears
– Choose “Restore Backup”
– Select the most recent backup
– Wait for the process to complete
4. If the iPhone isn’t automatically recognized:
– Put the iPhone in recovery mode:
– For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button
– For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously
– For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home and Side buttons simultaneously
– When prompted, choose “Restore” to install fresh iOS
– After restoration, choose to restore from backup during setup
Method 3: Use External Display (For Unresponsive Touch)
If your screen is visible but touch doesn’t work:
1. Connect a Lightning to HDMI adapter:
– Purchase an official Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter
– Connect your iPhone to a TV or monitor
– The iPhone’s screen will mirror to the external display
2. Connect a Bluetooth mouse (iOS 13 or later):
– Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch (if you can navigate with Siri)
– Turn on AssistiveTouch
– Connect a Bluetooth mouse and use it to control your iPhone
– Navigate to perform a backup or export data
3. Use a Lightning to USB adapter with keyboard:
– Connect a powered USB hub to your iPhone using a Lightning to USB adapter
– Connect a USB keyboard
– Use keyboard navigation (Tab, Space, Arrow keys) to control some functions
Method 4: Use QuickTime Screen Mirroring (Mac Only)
If your iPhone powers on but the screen is completely black:
1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac
2. Open QuickTime Player
3. Choose File > New Movie Recording
4. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button
5. Select your iPhone as the camera source
6. Your iPhone screen should now display on your Mac
7. Use your Mac’s mouse to control the iPhone (if touch still works on the iPhone)
Method 5: Use Third-Party Recovery Software
When other methods aren’t available:
Option A: Dr.Fone (Windows/Mac)
1. Download and install Dr.Fone
2. Connect your broken iPhone
3. Select “Recover from iOS Device”
4. Follow the prompts to scan your device
5. Preview and select data to recover
6. Save the recovered data to your computer
Option B: iMazing (Windows/Mac)
1. Install iMazing on your computer
2. Connect your iPhone via USB
3. If recognized, select your device in iMazing
4. Choose specific data types to extract
5. Save the data to your computer
Option C: iPhone Backup Extractor (Windows/Mac)
1. Install iPhone Backup Extractor
2. If your iPhone is recognized, create a new backup
3. Extract specific data types from the backup
4. Save to your computer
Method 6: Use Siri for Limited Data Access
If Siri is enabled and working:
1. Activate Siri by holding the Side button or saying “Hey Siri”
2. Access contacts: “Show me [contact name]”
3. Read messages: “Read my messages”
4. Send messages: “Send a message to [contact]”
5. Make notes: “Create a note with [content]”
6. Set reminders: “Remind me to back up my phone when I get home”
7. Email yourself important information: “Send an email to myself with subject ‘Important Information'”
Method 7: Professional Data Recovery Services
Consider professional services when:
– The data is irreplaceable and highly valuable
– The iPhone has additional damage beyond the screen
– DIY methods have failed
– You’re uncomfortable performing technical procedures
Professional services offer:
– Specialized equipment for accessing damaged devices
– Clean room environments for hardware repairs
– Proprietary techniques for severe cases
– Higher success rates for critical recoveries
After Recovery: Fixing or Replacing Your iPhone
Once your data is safely recovered, address the broken screen:
1. Screen Replacement Options
– Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider:
– Most reliable but typically most expensive
– Maintains water resistance and warranty
– Uses genuine Apple parts
– Third-party repair shops:
– Less expensive than Apple
– Quality varies significantly
– May void warranty
– May affect features like True Tone
– DIY repair:
– Lowest cost option
– Requires technical skill and special tools
– Highest risk of additional damage
– Will likely void warranty
2. Consider Device Replacement
Sometimes replacement makes more sense:
– If the phone has multiple issues beyond the screen
– If repair costs approach replacement value
– If the device is already several generations old
– If insurance or protection plans cover replacement
Preventing Future Data Loss from Screen Damage
Implement these preventive measures to avoid future data loss:
1. Regular Automated Backups
– Enable iCloud Backup:
– Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
– Turn on iCloud Backup
– Ensure sufficient iCloud storage (consider upgrading from the free 5GB)
– Regular Computer Backups:
– Connect to your computer weekly
– Perform manual iTunes/Finder backups
– Encrypt your backups to include Health and Keychain data
– Third-party backup solutions:
– Consider Google Photos for automatic photo backup
– Use app-specific backup features (WhatsApp, Signal, etc.)
2. Physical Protection
– Use a quality case with raised edges around the screen
– Apply a tempered glass screen protector**
– Consider rugged cases if you work in high-risk environments
– Add AppleCare+ which covers two incidents of accidental damage
3. Accessibility Features
Enable features that could help in future emergencies:
– Voice Control: Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control
– AssistiveTouch: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch
– Siri: Ensure “Hey Siri” is enabled for hands-free operation
Troubleshooting Specific Recovery Scenarios
Scenario 1: iPhone Requires Passcode But Screen Is Broken
When you need to unlock your device first:
1. Try connecting to a trusted computer you’ve previously synced with
2. Use a Lightning to USB keyboard to enter the passcode
3. If Face ID is enabled, try positioning the phone to recognize your face
4. Wait for iTunes/Finder to recognize the device after connecting
If these don’t work, you’ll need to put the device in recovery mode and restore, which will erase all data. This underscores the importance of regular backups.
Scenario 2: Two-Factor Authentication Challenges
When 2FA prompts appear on the broken device:
1. Use trusted phone numbers to receive verification codes via SMS
2. Use another Apple device signed into the same Apple ID to approve access
3. Use recovery keys if you previously set them up
4. Contact Apple Support** for account recovery assistance
Scenario 3: iPhone Doesn’t Power On At All
If your iPhone won’t turn on after screen damage:
1. Try a hard reset:
– For iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button
– For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously
– For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home and Side buttons simultaneously
2. Check for charging issues:
– Connect to power and wait 15-30 minutes
– Try different cables and power sources
– Listen for charging sounds or vibrations
3. Check for water damage:
– Look for moisture indicators (red dots in the SIM tray area)
– If present, professional help is likely needed
Scenario 4: Recovering Specific App Data
Different apps store data in different ways:
1. Photos and Videos:
– Check iCloud Photos if enabled
– Check Google Photos if installed
– Look for social media uploads
2. Messages:
– iMessage backs up to iCloud if enabled
– WhatsApp has its own cloud backup system
– Signal requires transfer between devices
3. Documents:
– Check iCloud Drive
– Look for app-specific cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)
– Check email attachments you may have sent
Conclusion
A broken iPhone screen doesn’t have to mean lost data. With the methods outlined in this guide, you have multiple paths to recover your valuable information, from simple iCloud restores to more advanced technical solutions.
The key takeaway should be the importance of regular, redundant backups. By maintaining current backups in multiple locations, you transform a potentially devastating data loss situation into a mere inconvenience.
Remember that while physical devices can be repaired or replaced, your personal dataΓÇöphotos of special moments, important messages, contact information, and notesΓÇöis often irreplaceable. Investing time in proper backup strategies is the best insurance against future data loss scenarios.
Have you successfully recovered data from an iPhone with a broken screen? Share your experience in the comments below to help others facing similar challenges. Watch How to Recover Data from Hard Drive Error Code 0x0000007B
