Can I Use My Laptop to Access a Phone With a Broken Touchscreen?

Since the phone boots normally but has a passcode, connecting it directly to a computer may not be enough. Android and iPhone devices commonly restrict data access while locked. If the phone doesn’t support an external display or you can’t unlock it with a mouse, a repair shop may be able to temporarily replace the screen or help recover the data.

A USB-C-to-HDMI cable sends the phone’s video and audio to a display; it does not transfer files, and a laptop’s HDMI port is usually output-only. You generally can’t use the laptop screen as an HDMI display unless you have special capture hardware. For file transfers, use a regular USB-C data cable, but the phone will usually need to be unlocked and USB access approved first.

The most practical setup is a USB-C dock or hub connected to a monitor or TV, along with a USB mouse and keyboard. If the phone supports video output and USB peripherals, this may let you see the screen and enter the passcode without using the touchscreen. Compatibility varies by phone, and some devices require the passcode before they will recognize the dock.