How to Transfer Data from a Samsung Galaxy Phone with a Broken Screen

Learn how to transfer data from a Samsung Galaxy phone with a broken screen using screen mirroring, external displays, and Smart Switch. Includes setup steps, required accessories, and troubleshooting tips.

If your Samsung Galaxy phone has a broken screen but the device still powers on, you can transfer your data using screen mirroring and external accessories. This method allows you to operate your phone via an external display, mouse, and keyboard.

1. What You Need to Transfer Data from a Broken-Screen Galaxy Phone

To successfully transfer data from a Samsung Galaxy phone with a broken screen, ensure you have the following items:

1. Samsung Galaxy phone (Android 12 or later, DisplayPort compatible)
2. New Samsung Galaxy phone to transfer data to
3. USB-C to HDMI hub adapter (with USB-A port)
4. External display (HDMI-enabled monitor or TV)
5. HDMI cable
6. Wired USB mouse
7. Wired USB keyboard

- Note: The required accessories (USB-C to HDMI hub adapter, external display, HDMI cable, wired mouse, and keyboard) are not included with the purchase of a Galaxy phone.

2. How to Set Up Screen Mirroring for a Broken-Screen Galaxy Phone

Follow these steps to connect your Galaxy phone to an external display and transfer your data:

1. Connect the external display (monitor or TV) to the USB-C to HDMI hub adapter using an HDMI cable.
2. Connect the wired mouse and keyboard to the USB-A port on the HDMI hub adapter.
3. Connect the HDMI hub adapter to your Samsung Galaxy phone.
4. Press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons on your phone simultaneously until the screen appears on the external display.
5. Release the buttons once the connection is established.

Your phone's screen will now be mirrored on the external display. If Samsung DeX appears instead, unlock your phone or exit DeX mode to proceed.

3. Transferring Data Using Smart Switch

Once your phone is connected to the external display, you can use the Smart Switch app to transfer your data:

1. Open the Smart Switch app on both your old and new Samsung Galaxy phones.
2. Select the option to transfer data from your old phone to the new one.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the data transfer process.

- Smart Switch supports transferring contacts, messages, photos, apps, and more between Samsung Galaxy devices.

4. Additional Things to Check

If you encounter issues during the process, consider the following:

- Ensure your Galaxy phone is running Android 12 or later and supports DisplayPort.

- Verify that all cables and adapters are properly connected and functioning.

- If your phone does not power on or is unresponsive, visit a Samsung Service Center for assistance.

5. Supported Samsung Galaxy Devices

This method is compatible with the following Samsung Galaxy devices:

- Galaxy S24, S25, S26 series

- Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series

- Galaxy A series (select models)

6. When to Visit a Samsung Service Center

If your phone does not power on, cannot connect to the external display, or you lack the necessary accessories, visit a Samsung Service Center for professional assistance. Technicians can help transfer your data using alternative methods.

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