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How to Use a Samsung Phone With a Broken Touchscreen

A broken Samsung touchscreen may still allow data access. Find the right route based on whether the display works, the phone unlocks, and the model supports OTG or HDMI output.
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A cracked Samsung screen does not automatically mean your data is lost. First check whether the phone powers on and whether the display is visible: a USB mouse can often control a visible screen with failed touch, while an unreadable screen may need a compatible external display. If the phone will not turn on or the required connection is unsupported, contact Samsung service or arrange a repair.

First, identify what still works

  • Display visible, touch unresponsive: try controlling the phone with a USB mouse through a compatible OTG adapter or docking adapter.
  • Display black or unreadable: an external display may help, but only if the Galaxy model supports video output.
  • Phone will not power on: accessory-based access is unlikely to help; Samsung advises seeking repair or service.

Do not buy an adapter based on the Galaxy name alone. Check the phone’s charging port and confirm that the model supports the connection you plan to use.

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If the display works but touch does not

Connect a mouse

  1. Get a USB OTG adapter or compatible docking adapter for your phone’s port, then plug a USB mouse into it.
  2. Connect the adapter to the phone. Samsung says a pointer should appear on compatible setups.
  3. Use the pointer to unlock the phone and navigate. If entering a PIN or password is difficult, connect a USB keyboard as well.

Samsung describes this mouse-and-keyboard approach in its US support guide for accessing Galaxy data when the screen does not respond. An adapter that fits physically is not enough; OTG compatibility also matters. The phone may need to be unlocked before you can reach data or backup features.

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Back up as soon as you regain control

Once unlocked, prioritize the files and settings you cannot replace. Use Smart Switch if it is accessible, or copy files to a computer over a data-capable USB cable. Samsung UK notes that the phone must be unlocked before files can be copied to a computer over USB; charging alone does not establish file access. Its UK broken-screen guidance also covers Smart Switch and other recovery options.

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If the display is also black or unreadable

Check video-output support before buying a hub

A USB-C-to-HDMI hub can connect a compatible Galaxy to an HDMI monitor or television, potentially letting you see the interface. However, Samsung warns: “Not all Samsung phones support HDMI display output.” Support depends on the model, so confirm it before purchasing an HDMI adapter or hub.

Samsung Canada describes one more specific broken-screen transfer workflow. It requires a Galaxy running Android 12 or later with DisplayPort support, a USB-C-to-HDMI hub with USB-A, an HDMI display and cable, plus a wired mouse and keyboard. The phone may mirror its screen or open Samsung DeX. If DeX appears, exit it to reach the mirrored phone view, unlock the phone, and then use Smart Switch to transfer data. See Samsung Canada’s broken-screen data-transfer instructions, updated June 17, 2026. The stated requirements apply to that workflow, not to every Galaxy model or region.

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Choose the route that matches the fault

Situation Route to try What it depends on
Screen visible, touch failed USB mouse through OTG or a docking adapter; add a keyboard for credentials Compatible port and OTG support; ability to unlock
Screen unreadable External HDMI display with a compatible hub Model video-output support; Samsung Canada’s cited transfer workflow also requires Android 12+, DisplayPort support, mouse and keyboard
Phone unlocked and USB file access available Copy files to a computer using a data-capable USB cable Phone must be unlocked
Cloud backup was configured and phone is online Try Samsung’s remote backup route Network access, Samsung account, enabled remote-control settings and account credentials
Files stored on a removable card Remove and read the card with a compatible reader The model must have a removable card and the files must be stored on it

Other ways to retrieve files

Use a computer or a removable card

If the phone can be unlocked, connect it to a computer with a USB cable that supports data and follow the phone’s prompts to allow access. If your model has a removable SD card and the needed files are on it, you may be able to read the card separately with a compatible reader.

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Try remote backup only if it was set up

Samsung UK’s remote-backup instructions depend on the phone being connected to a network, a Samsung account, remote-control settings being enabled, and access to the account credentials. This is not a way to bypass a locked phone or to enable remote access after the screen has failed. Samsung service names and availability can differ by region; use the current local Samsung instructions.

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Use Smart Switch when you can reach it

Smart Switch can help transfer or back up data when you can unlock and operate the phone, including with a mouse or supported external-display setup. If you cannot get past the lock screen or approve the necessary prompts, the transfer may not proceed.

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When to stop and arrange service

Contact Samsung support or book an authorized repair if the phone will not power on, your model does not support the needed adapter or display output, or you cannot safely unlock and access the data. Samsung’s regional guides direct users toward service or repair when these access methods are unavailable. Avoid repeatedly connecting unverified adapters or attempting a repair that could further damage the device.

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