My phone's display is completely broken, although the device itself may still be working—I can even trigger screenshots from the lock screen. However, I can't see or interact with the screen to unlock it, access apps, or retrieve saved tabs and other data. Connecting a USB-C cable makes my computer recognize the phone, but file access is unavailable, and a USB-C hub with HDMI output doesn't seem to be detected. Is there a way to mirror the phone to another display or recover the files without replacing the screen?
1 Answer
A phone repair shop may be able to temporarily connect a working replacement screen. They can use it to unlock the device and transfer or back up your data, then reinstall the damaged screen if needed. This is often easier and cheaper than trying to force USB or HDMI access, especially since most phones block file access until they’re unlocked.
That was my backup plan—I was just hoping there might be another option before taking it to a repair shop.