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Consumer Electronics
•06 min read
Imagine your Android screen is shattered, making it impossible to navigate through your device. You urgently need to recover important files or connect your phone to your PC, but the usual touch controls are out of reach. This guide explains how to enable USB debugging on Android with a broken screen, offering practical methods for cases where your phone is locked, the display is completely black, or the touchscreen is unresponsive. With these techniques, you can access your device and safeguard your data without excessive technical hassle. Plus, enjoy exclusive benefits like earning up to 5% NeuCoins and swift Express Delivery when you shop on Tata Neu.
USB debugging is a hidden feature provided primarily for developers. It enables your Android device to communicate with your computer directly, facilitating tasks such as troubleshooting, file transfer, and executing various commands. (ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge, a tool that helps execute commands remotely.) This tool becomes indispensable when the device screen is broken, as it allows you to bypass the need for direct interaction with a defective display.
When faced with a broken screen, enabling USB debugging is crucial for recovering your files, executing ADB commands, and otherwise accessing your phone’s internal storage without relying on the touchscreen. This functionality is particularly relevant when traditional methods of navigation are no longer viable. By utilising USB debugging, you gain the technical control needed to connect your damaged Android to your PC, ensuring that you can still recover essential data.
Before diving into any method, it’s important to verify your device’s compatibility. Knowing your Android version and model can guide you in selecting the most efficient approach. While various tools such as AirDroid and Scrcpy are popular for accessing or mirroring your screen, their compatibility might vary depending on the device in question. A quick check can save time and avoid potential setbacks. (These steps apply to most recent Android versions; please check your device documentation for any differences.)
Successful data recovery first requires gathering the correct tools. Essential items include an OTG cable to connect an external mouse, a PC equipped with ADB software, and the proper drivers installed to facilitate communication with your device. Each of these items plays a pivotal role in executing the methods described below, helping you overcome the limitations of a broken screen.
If your screen is partially functional, take a moment to create a backup of your data. Making a backup either to the cloud or via a physical storage option like a USB drive can protect your important files before you attempt more intricate operations, such as enabling USB debugging. This precautionary step underlines a customer-first approach, ensuring your valuable data remains secure during the recovery process.
A straightforward solution is to connect an OTG cable along with an external mouse to your Android device. Once the mouse is connected, you can navigate the interface, access the Developer Options, and enable USB debugging. Although it might require a bit of coordination to click through the settings, this tactile approach is ideal when visual feedback is still partially available or when the screen’s response to touch is erratic.
An alternative and technical method involves using ADB commands directly from your computer. First, install ADB drivers on your PC and then connect your Android device. With the right command line inputs, such as adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 1, you activate USB debugging remotely. This automated approach is perfect for situations where the screen is completely unresponsive, capitalising on advanced command-line techniques to regain control over your device.
For those whose device is completely locked due to a broken screen, third-party software like Scrcpy can provide a viable workaround. These tools mirror your device’s screen onto your PC, allowing remote control even when the touch interface is inoperative. With an emulated display, you can enable USB debugging within the usual Developer Options menu, offering a practical solution for damaged screens.
Sometimes, a broken screen is accompanied by a locked device. In such instances, using Google’s Find My Device service or specialised unlocking tools can help you bypass the lock screen. Once the device is unlocked, go into the settings and activate USB debugging. This method is particularly useful when traditional recovery approaches fail due to the additional challenge of a secure lockscreen.
Pro Tip: "Enable USB Debugging via ADB Even When Your Screen Is Completely Black"
If your screen is entirely non-functional, ADB commands are your best option. Install ADB drivers on your computer, connect your Android device, and use the command
adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 1to enable USB debugging remotely.
Once USB debugging is enabled, you can use ADB commands to extract critical data from your device. Commands like adb pull allow you to copy files from the phone’s internal storage directly onto your PC. This method is extremely helpful if you need to complete data recovery swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that valuable files are safely transferred away from the damaged device.
In addition to command line methods, dedicated data recovery software can help you extract lost information from your Android device. These trusted tools are designed to interface with devices even when the screen is broken, automating the process of file recovery while maintaining your privacy and the integrity of the data. This approach aligns well with a tech-savvy yet user-friendly path to resolving technical challenges.
After enabling USB debugging, you can also allow file transfers via MTP mode. With the correct drivers installed on your PC, the device essentially becomes a portable storage unit. This functionality is particularly useful once you have regained access to your device settings, paving the way for seamless file transfers and continuing your digital workflow smoothly.
If your PC does not recognise your device, consider reinstalling the USB drivers and trying different USB ports. In some cases, the solution could be as simple as switching cables or ports to achieve a stable connection, thereby enabling all subsequent recovery steps to work as planned.
At times, ADB commands may fail due to driver issues or insufficient permissions. Double-check that the correct drivers are installed, and ensure that your device is set to the proper mode, even if the screen is non-functional. A careful review of these settings can help bridge technical gaps and enable commands to execute correctly.
When dealing with a locked device that has a broken screen, bypassing the security lock is paramount. In such scenarios, utilising tools from trusted sources or leveraging the functionalities of your Google account can offer a temporary solution to regain access, allowing you to complete the USB debugging activation and recover your data effectively.
Use an OTG cable and mouse or ADB commands to access Developer Options and enable USB debugging.
Unlock the screen using Google Find My Device or third-party unlocking tools, then proceed with USB debugging activation.
Use ADB commands to enable USB debugging remotely or screen mirroring tools like Scrcpy.
Unfortunately, USB debugging requires the device to be powered on. If the phone doesn’t turn on, consider professional data recovery services.
Yes, with ADB commands, you can enable USB debugging directly from your computer if the device is connected and recognised.
Enabling USB debugging on an Android device with a broken screen is a challenging but manageable task if approached with the right techniques and tools. Whether you opt for the tactile convenience of an OTG cable and mouse or the technical efficiency of ADB commands, each method provides a viable pathway to accessing your device and recovering critical data. By following these clear and practical steps, you’re better equipped to resolve common issues tied to a non-working screen, maintain your digital life, and continue progressing in an increasingly connected world. Additionally, shopping on Tata Neu gives you the added advantage of earning NeuCoins and enjoying Express Delivery, making your experience both rewarding and convenient. Embrace these strategies as part of your broader approach to overcoming everyday tech challenges with confidence and ease.
