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How to Back Up a Samsung Phone With a Broken or Unresponsive Screen

A broken-screen Samsung backup depends on whether the phone powers on, can be unlocked, and supports the connection method. Start with existing cloud backups, then choose an option that fits what still works.
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You can back up a Samsung phone with a broken screen only if a usable route remains: restore an existing cloud backup, operate the phone and use Smart Switch, or—on compatible models—connect an external display and input devices. If the phone will not power on, or you cannot unlock and operate it, accessories are not a guaranteed recovery method; contact Samsung service support.

First check whether the data is already backed up

If you cannot operate the old phone, check Samsung Cloud, Google backup, and any other service you previously enabled, such as OneDrive. Sign in to the corresponding account on your replacement phone and see what can be restored. This route does not require the damaged phone to be usable, but it can restore only data that was backed up or synchronized before the screen failed. Which data is available depends on your earlier settings.

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Choose a method based on what still works

Method Best fit Main limitation
Restore an existing cloud backup The old phone cannot be operated, but a backup or sync was already enabled. It cannot recover data that was never backed up or synchronized; available categories depend on prior settings.
Smart Switch to a computer The phone powers on, can be unlocked, and is recognized by the computer. The phone may prompt you to allow the connection, which can be impossible if you cannot use its screen.
USB mouse or keyboard The screen is visible but touch input does not work, and the phone supports the connection. Input devices do not fix a phone that will not power on or guarantee that the display is usable.
External display and hub The phone powers on and the exact model supports video output. Compatibility and the ability to unlock the phone are still required; the setup needs several accessories.
Maintenance Mode backup You can reach Settings directly or through a supported external-display setup. It requires access to the phone’s settings; it is not a screen-lock bypass.
Samsung service assistance The phone will not power on or the other approaches cannot be used. Samsung’s cited guidance recommends service assistance but does not promise data recovery.

If the phone powers on and you can unlock it, use Smart Switch

Samsung’s computer procedure uses Smart Switch on a PC or Mac and a data-capable USB cable. You may need to approve the connection on the phone, so this method works only if you can complete any on-device prompt and the computer recognizes the device. Samsung UK Support cautions that its methods may not work in every case, including when the phone will not turn on or the touchscreen is unresponsive.

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  1. Install Smart Switch on your PC or Mac.
  2. Connect the phone to the computer with a data-capable USB cable.
  3. If the phone asks you to allow access or the connection, approve it on the phone.
  4. Select Backup in Smart Switch and allow the process to finish.

If the phone does not appear on the computer, or the required approval cannot be completed, this route is blocked; try an input or external-display method only if its prerequisites apply.

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If touch is broken but the display works, try a USB mouse

A mouse can let you navigate a phone whose screen is visible but no longer responds to touch. Connect a USB mouse using a compatible connection, then use the pointer to unlock the phone and reach a backup option. Samsung’s guidance presents this as an access method, not a repair or a way around a locked phone. The device must power on and support the required input connection.

If you cannot see the display, check external-screen compatibility before buying anything

Samsung describes connecting some Galaxy phones to an HDMI display through a USB-C-to-HDMI hub that has USB-A ports, then using a wired mouse and keyboard. Its transfer instructions specify Android 12 or later and DisplayPort support for this procedure. Compatibility is model-specific: do not assume that every Samsung phone with USB-C can send video to an external display. Check the exact model before purchasing equipment.

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Equipment for Samsung’s described setup

  • A compatible USB-C-to-HDMI hub adapter with USB-A.
  • An HDMI monitor or TV and an HDMI cable.
  • A wired USB mouse and a wired USB keyboard.

Samsung notes that the hub, display, cable, mouse, and keyboard are not included with the phone. Having the equipment is not enough by itself: the phone must support video output, power on, and be accessible for unlocking.

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Connect the phone and regain control

  1. Connect the HDMI display and wired input devices to the hub.
  2. Following Samsung’s instructions, hold both volume buttons while connecting the phone to the hub.
  3. If the phone mirrors its screen or opens DeX, use the connected input devices to unlock it or exit DeX as needed.
  4. Once you can operate the phone, use Smart Switch or, if appropriate, Maintenance Mode to back up.

Use Maintenance Mode only after you can access Settings

Samsung’s damaged-screen instructions give this path: Settings > Battery and device care > Maintenance mode > Back up your data. From there, select a temporary cloud backup or an external-storage backup. This can be useful after you have regained control through the working screen or a compatible external-display arrangement; Maintenance Mode does not make an inaccessible phone operable by itself.

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If the phone will not turn on or remains inaccessible

Samsung advises contacting or visiting a service center when the phone will not switch on or the documented methods cannot be used. Ask about the device and its data before authorizing repair or service. The Samsung guidance cited here does not guarantee that a service center—or any of the methods above—can recover data from an inoperable phone.

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