How to pull data from a broken Xiaomi phone: all the ways from simple to emergency

Why Recovery of Xiaomi Data Is Not a Death

A broken Xiaomi screen is one of the most common emergencies faced by smartphone owners. According to statistics from 2023, more than 40% of calls to service centers are due to mechanical damage to the display. But even if the phone does not respond to touch, does not turn on or only shows a black screen, this does not mean that your photos, videos, contacts and documents are lost forever. Modern Xiaomi (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) retain data on internal memory, which often remains intact even if the screen or motherboard is damaged.

The main problem is how to access this data when the phone does not respond to touch or does not turn on at all. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods, from the simplest (connect to a PC) to emergency (disassemble the device). The effectiveness of the method depends on the degree of damage to the phone and model Xiaomi. For example, on devices with a Snapdragon processor is easier to use. ADB, MediaTek may require a special cable.

Method 1: Connect to a computer via USB (if the phone is switched on)

If your Xiaomi is turning on but the screen is broken or doesn’t respond to touch, the first step is to try connecting it to your PC via a PC. USB-This method works for the cable. 60-70% devices with mechanical damage to the display, but does not help if the phone is not fully turned on or has port damage.

What you need:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the kit, as cheap cables often do not transmit data)
• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📂 Programme Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or File Explorer (for easy access to files)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Use the back. USB-PC port (usually more powerful than front port).
2. If the phone requests permission to access data (even if the screen is broken, you can sometimes guess where you click), try tapping into the area of the screen where the Allow button is usually located.
3. On your computer, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). Your Xiaomi should appear as a removable drive.
4. Copy the files you want (usually in folders) DCIM Downloads for downloads, Documents for documents).

If the computer does not recognize the device, check:

• 🔄 Connection Mode: Some Xiaomis need to manually select File Transfer" (MTP) If the screen is not working, try connecting to the blind: swipe from top to bottom (where the curtain should be) and tap into the intended location of the button.
• 🔧 Drivers: Install Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website – the program will automatically install the necessary drivers.

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If you have Xiaomi with a connector USB-C, Try connecting it to another device (such as a tablet or other phone) via OTG-Sometimes it helps you get around driver problems on the PC.

Method 2: Use of the OTG-Adapter and mouse (for phones with a working screen, but not responsive to touch)

If the Xiaomi screen is turned on but does not respond to touch (for example, due to sensor damage), you can connect USB-mouse-wise OTG-This method works on most models, starting with the Redmi 5 and later, because they support the function. USB OTG.

What you need:

• 🖱️ USB-mouse (wired or wireless with a USB-receiver)
• 🔗 OTG-adapter (adapter with USB-C or micro-USB on USB-A, depending on the phone model)
• 📱 Phone with screen on (even if it cracks, the main thing is that the image is displayed)

How to connect:

1. Connect. OTG-phone adapter.
2. Put the mouse in the adapter. 5-10 The cursor should appear on the screen.
3. Use your mouse to unlock your phone (if it’s locked) and copy files to a flash drive or the cloud.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work if the screen is completely black or the phone is not turned on.
• ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F1) The mouse may not be displayed without prior settings.
• ⚠️ If the phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-It will be difficult to unlock it with the mouse (you will have to guess the location of the buttons).

Method 3: Retrieving data via ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — It's a debugging tool for Android devices that lets you control your phone through the command line:

• 📱 The phone turns on, but the screen doesn't work or respond to touch.
• 🔓 The phone was on debugging. USB (It is usually activated by developers or users who have previously connected the phone to a PC).
• 💻 You have access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

If debugging is on USB It wasn't on before, it won't work, and you can only check if it's debugging on through the screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes) ADB and Fastboot from Google's official website: developer.android.com.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
5. Copy files from phone to PC with command: adb pull /sdcard/Path/To/File /Local/Destination For example, to copy all photos: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos

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ADB It allows you to copy files even from a locked phone if debugging was enabled before, and this is one of the most reliable ways for devices with a damaged screen but no sensor working.

If the phone is locked but debugging is enabled, you can try unlocking it through ADB:

adb shell input text "Your PIN_code" && adb shell input keyevent 66

(where 66 is the Enter key code).

ADB limitations:

• ❌ It doesn't work if the debugging is USB not included in advance.
• ❌ Requires command line knowledge.
• ⚠️ Some Xiaomi models (such as those with MediaTek) may require additional drivers.

Method 4: Extract SIM-cards and memory cards (if the data is stored on them)

If you have contacts, SMS or part of the photo was stored on SIM-A card or an external memory card (microSD) that can be easily retrieved and read on another device will not help with data from internal memory, but often saves you in cases where you can find a way to get it back:

• 📞 Contacts were retained on SIM (It is rare, but some users still do).
• 📷 Photo or video stored on a memory card (if it was inserted into the phone).
• 💾 The phone is not fully powered on, but SIM MicroSD is physically intact.

How to extract data:

1. Carefully get the tray for SIM-card with a paper clip or a special key (usually included with a phone).
2. Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if installed).
3. Put it in. SIM You can use a card reader on your computer to copy your contacts.

Important:

• ⚠️ Not all contacts are kept on SIM — usually only name and number, without additional data (email, address, etc.).
• ⚠️ MicroSD cards can be encrypted (if the phone’s settings have enabled the “External Card Encryption” feature), in which case you can’t read the data without unlocking the phone.

Method 5: Recovery through your Mi Cloud account (if sync was enabled)

If your Xiaomi has been activated synchronization with Mi Cloud, some data (contacts, notes, photos, SMS) It can automatically be saved to the cloud, and it doesn't require physical access to the phone, and it works even if the device is completely broken or lost.

How to check and restore data:

1. Go to the Mi Cloud website and log in with the same account that was linked to the phone.
2. In the Devices section, check if your Xiaomi is showing up. If so, the data is synchronized.
3. Go to the "Contacts", "Photos" or "Notes" section and download the necessary files.

What can be recovered from the Mi Cloud:

• 📞 Contacts (if synchronization has been enabled in Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts).
• 📷 Photo and video (if the "Gallery Backup" function was activated").
• 📝 Notes, SMS, Call history (if synchronization of this data is enabled).
• 📍 Browser bookmarks (if Mi Browser was used).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all data is synced automatically – you had to manually enable backup for each file type.
• ❌ Photos and videos in the cloud can be compressed (the original quality is only preserved with a paid subscription).
• ⚠️ If your phone hasn’t connected to the internet in a long time, the last sync could have been a few months ago.

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If you don't remember if sync was enabled, try to restore access to your Mi Account via email or a linked phone number. Sometimes the data is saved to the cloud even if you didn't know it!

Method 6: Disassemble the phone and connect internal memory to the PC (emergency method)

If the phone is not fully turned on, the screen is black, and other methods have not helped, the last measure remains to disassemble the device and connect internal memory (eMMC or eMMC). UFS) This method requires electronics skills and is only suitable for models where the memory is made as a separate chip (on most Xiaomi it is).

What you need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (star, cross, flat) for disassembling the phone.
• 🔥 A hair dryer or thermo-air station for undoing the memory chip (if it is not on the connector).
• 💾 Memory chip programmer (e.g. UFi Box, EasyJTAG or Medusa Pro).
• 💻 Computer with installed software for working with the programmer.

Step-by-step instruction (simplified):

1. Carefully disassemble your phone by following the guide for your model (e.g. iFixit).
2. Find a memory chip (usually labeled as eMMC or UFS).
3. Connect the chip to the programmer (if the chip is soldered, it must be gently soldered off).
4. Read data using software (e.g. Flash Extractor or ChipGenius).
5. Save your memory image and extract the files you need using specialized tools (such as Autopsy or Autopsy). FTK Imager).

Cost and complexity:

• 💰 The independent disassembly will cost in 3000-10000 ₽ (for programmers and tools, but requires experience.
• 🛠️ In a service center, data recovery in this way costs from 5000 to 20,000 ₽ model-wise.
• ⏳ The process can take from several hours to several days.

When this method is justified:

• ✅ Data is critical (e.g. work documents or unique photos).
• ✅ Other methods did not work, and the phone does not turn on.
• ✅ You have experience with soldering equipment or are willing to pay professionals.

Method 7: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If you don’t want to take risks or previous methods didn’t work, the most reliable (but also the most expensive) way is to contact a Xiaomi service center or a dedicated data recovery lab.

• 🛡️ Data security guarantee (professional equipment is used in official centres).
• 🔧 Recovery capability even from severely damaged devices (for example, after falling into water or short circuit).
• 📄 Official documentation (reception and transfer acts, restoration reports).

How to choose a service:

• 🏢 Official Xiaomi service centers: the list can be found on the Mi Service website, where they work with original parts and comply with the company's standards.
• 🔬 Data recovery labs: specialize in extracting information from damaged media (e.g. Hetzner Recovery, Data Recovery.
• 🛠️ Local workshops: cheaper, but higher risk of data loss.

Average prices for data recovery in 2026:

What to ask the master before handing over the phone:

• 📋 Is there a guarantee of data safety?
• 🕒 How long will it take to recover?
• 💰 Fixed price or payment in fact?
• 🔒 Whether the data will be confidential (especially important for working files)?

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Before handing over the phone to the service, take photos of damage and record IMEI (If the phone is switched on, dial *#06#. This will help to avoid replacement of components.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to extract data from a broken Xiaomi, users often make critical errors that can lead to complete loss of information.

Mistake 1: Using unoriginal cables

Cheap. USB-And the cables often don't support data transmission, they just charge, and that means that the computer can't see the phone, even though it's connected. Solution: use the original cable from the kit or a certified cable. USB-C/Micro-USB cable MTP.

Mistake 2: Multiple attempts to turn on the phone

If the phone doesn't turn on the first time, don't try to charge it or turn it on over and over again.

• 🔋 Short circuit (if the fee is damaged).
• 💥 Overheating and damage to memory chip.
• 📉 Reduced chances of data recovery.

Solution: If the phone doesn't respond to the power button, plug it into charging on the 10-15 Just for a minute, then try to turn it on once. If it doesn't work, call the service.

Mistake 3: Self-disassembly without experience

Many users try to disassemble the phone after seeing a YouTube video, but forget that:

• 🔧 Xiaomi often uses glue to fix the battery and screen – it must be carefully warmed up, otherwise you can tear the plumes.
• ⚡ Static electricity can damage the motherboard.
• 🔥 Incorrect soldering of the memory chip makes data recovery impossible.

So, if you've never taken a phone apart, you better not take a chance.

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The most common cause of irretrievable data loss is trying to repair your phone without the right skills, and if data is really important, trust the recovery to the professionals.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions