How to Access Data on a Samsung Galaxy Phone with a Broken Screen

Learn how to recover data from a Samsung Galaxy phone with a broken screen using Find My Mobile, Smart Switch, USB connection, or SmartThings Find.

If your Samsung Galaxy phone has a broken screen and the touchscreen isn't working, you can still access and recover your data using alternative methods. These include connecting your device to a computer, using Find My Mobile, or leveraging SmartThings Find. Below, we'll guide you through each option to ensure you can retrieve your important files and information.

1. Can I Access My Data with a Broken Screen?

Yes, you can access your data even if your Samsung Galaxy phone's screen is broken. Depending on your device's condition and available tools, you can use methods like USB connection, Find My Mobile, or Smart Switch to recover your files.

2. How to Access Data Using a USB Connection

If your phone is unlocked, you can connect it to a computer to access your files.

1. Connect your phone to a computer using a USB cable.
2. On Windows, check the "This PC" folder for your device. On macOS, open Finder to locate your phone.
3. Navigate to the internal storage or SD card to access your files.

- Ensure your phone is unlocked before connecting to avoid access issues.

3. How to Use Smart Switch for Data Recovery

Smart Switch allows you to back up your phone's data to a PC or Mac, even with a broken screen.

1. Install Smart Switch on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a backup of your device.

- Use a cable that supports data transfers for successful connectivity.

4. How to Recover Data with Find My Mobile

If your phone is connected to a Samsung Account, you can use Find My Mobile to remotely access your data.

1. Visit the Find My Mobile website and log in with your Samsung Account credentials.
2. Select your device and enable remote control features.
3. Follow the prompts to access your phone's data.

- Ensure remote control settings are enabled on your device before the screen breaks.

5. How to Use SmartThings Find for Remote Access

SmartThings Find can help you recover data if your device is connected to a network.

1. Open the SmartThings app on another device.
2. Select your broken phone and enable remote control.
3. Follow the instructions to access your data.

- Your device must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data for this method to work.

6. Additional Things to Check

Before attempting data recovery, ensure the following:

- Your phone is unlocked or can be unlocked via fingerprint/face recognition.

- You have a Samsung Account with remote control features enabled.

- Your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network.

7. Supported Samsung Galaxy Devices

These methods work for most Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S26, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy A series.

8. Related Samsung Support Topics

- How to free storage space on Samsung Galaxy devices

- How to use Smart Switch on Samsung Galaxy phones

- How to clear cache files on Samsung Galaxy devices