How to Transfer Data from a Broken Xiaomi Phone to a Computer: All Ways 2026

Introduction: Why Standard Methods Don't Work

Xiaomi’s broken screen is not just a crack in the glass, but the potential loss of all data: photos, correspondence, documents and contacts. The main problem is that most standard methods of transfer (via the Internet) USB-cable, Mi PC Suite or cloud require unlocking the screen or confirming actions on the device itself. If the display does not respond to touch, the sensor floats, or the phone does not turn on at all, classic instructions become useless.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven techniques that work even when the screen is completely broken, including little-known techniques using ADB, hidden Mi Account features and hardware features of Xiaomi smartphones. Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the degree of damage (for example, whether the sensor works under a cracked glass) and the version of MIUI. For convenience, we have compiled a compatibility table at the end of the section.

Before you start, answer the key question: does the phone turn on? If so, you have a chance to save up to 90% of data. If not (for example, after a fall in water or short circuit), you will need specialized tools or a call to the service. In any case, do not panic: even with a broken Redmi Note 10 Pro or Xiaomi 13 Ultra there is a way out.

Method 1: Use Mi Account (if synchronization is enabled)

The easiest and least risky way is to recover data through your Mi Account, which works if your phone has been enabled to sync with the cloud (which is active on most Xiaomi devices by default), and you don’t need physical access to your smartphone, just your computer and your account data.

What can be restored through Mi Cloud:

• 📱 Contacts (including numbers from the SIM-cards, if they were imported)
• 📷 Photo and video (if the autoload was enabled in the gallery)
• 📝 Notes and recordings from the Mi Notes app
• 📍 Log of calls (last 30 days)
• 🔄 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, shortcuts)

How to check and download data:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your smartphone (if it is connected to your account).
3. Open the Cloud tab → Gallery/Contacts/Notes.
4. Select the files you need and click Download (or Export for Contacts).

⚠️ Note: If a two-factor password is enabled on the phone (SMS or email, and SIM-The card is damaged, you need to access the backup email, and without it, it's going to be very difficult to restore your account.

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If the cloud doesn’t have the right photos, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on your memory card (if it’s pasted into your phone). Xiaomi sometimes creates local backups automatically.

Method 2: Connecting via ADB (for power users)

If the screen responds to touch, but the image is missing (for example, after a fall), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) - a tool to control the phone through the command line. This method requires pre-activating USB Debugging in the developer settings. If you have never turned on this mode, skip the section.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB Tools (download and unpack the archive).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better than the one that came with the kit).
• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader (not necessarily, but simplifies the process).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC. If the screen is partially working, unlock it (even if you can't see anything, try swiping your finger up or entering a blind PIN).
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:
3. Check the connection of the device:
4. If the phone appears in the list, copy the data with the command (replace /sdcard/DCIM/ by the desired path):

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) block ADB-If the adb device team returns an unauthorized error, try restarting your phone to Fastboot (press the Power) + Vol Down and reconnect.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download ADB Tools (latest version)|Enable USB debugging before breakdown |Use the original cable |Try commands in precise syntax-->

Method 3: Remove the memory card (if it was inserted)

If your Xiaomi has a microSD card installed and you've saved photos, videos or documents on it, you're in luck. You can extract it and read it on any card reader device.

On hybrid slot models (such as the Redmi Note 11), the memory card and the second SIM share a single slot. If you don't remember whether a microSD was inserted, check to gently tuck the slot cover with a paper clip (don't press hard - you can damage the contacts!).

How to Remove the Card Safely:

1. Turn off the phone (press the Power for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Use a plastic mediator (complete with your phone) or a thin paper clip to open the tray.
3. If the card is jammed, do not pull it by force - it is better to contact the service.
4. Put the card in the card reader and connect it to the PC, and the data will be in the DCIM, Downloads or MIUI folders.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 3, the memory card can be encrypted with the device's password, and without unlocking the screen, the data will not be available. Check out: if you connect the card to the PC asks you to enter a password, this method will not work.

Method 4: Connect to a TV or monitor over HDMI (for supported models)

Few people know, but some Xiaomi smartphones support HDMI image output via USB-Type C. This allows you to control the phone from the desktop screen of the monitor, if the sensor responds to touch at least a little.

• 📺 Xiaomi 11T Pro, 12 Pro, 13 Ultra
• 📺 Redmi K50 Gaming, POCO F4 GT
• 📺 Black Shark 4/5 (gaming-smartphone)

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C → HDMI (adapter + common HDMI-cable).
• 🖥️ Monitor or TV with HDMI-port.
• ⚡ Power supply (the phone must be charged or connected to a charger).

How to connect:

1. Connect the phone and monitor with a cable.
2. On the TV, select the HDMI signal source.
3. If the image doesn’t show up, try restarting your phone (sometimes you need to reconnect).
4. Control your phone through a monitor screen using a sensor (if it works) or a connected mouse over OTG.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, you may need to confirm the connection to the external display on the phone itself. If the screen is completely black, but the phone is turning on, try pressing the area of the screen where the Allow button should be (usually at the bottom right).

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HDMI-The output works only on flagship models Xiaomi with USB-C 3.1 and support for DisplayPort. on budget smartphones (for example, Redmi) 10A) This method won't work.

Method 5: Contacting a service center (extreme case)

If none of these methods helped, and the data is critical (for example, photos from a wedding or work documents), you can contact the service center.

• 🔧 JTAG — Low-level connection to the phone’s memory (works even if the device is not turned on).
• 🔧 Chip-Off – extracting memory chips and reading data on the programmer.
• 🔧 Screen replacement – if the problem is only in the display and the phone is working.

How much does it cost?

How to choose a service:

• 🔍 Look for centers with a data recovery license (not to be confused with regular repairs!).
• 📄 Ask for a contract with an indication of the cost and timing.
• 💬 Check whether the data will be stored in its original form (sometimes files are retrieved in a raw format and require conversion).
• 🚫 Avoid craftsmen who ask for 100% prepayment or can't explain the process.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has been encrypted (the password is included in the settings or PIN), The chances of recovering data are plummeting. JTAG It will not help – you will need a factory reset that will remove everything irrevocably.

What to do if the phone does not turn on at all

If Xiaomi does not show signs of life (does not vibrate, does not warm, does not light up the charging indicator), the reasons may be different:

• 🔋 Battery is discharged (even if the phone was charged 50% before breaking down).
• 💧 Short circuit after moisture is ingested.
• 🔌 Damage to the motherboard (for example, after a severe impact).

Try these steps before you bring them to the service:

1. Connect your phone to charge for 30 to 60 minutes, and sometimes a damaged screen doesn't show you how to charge, but the battery gradually gains power.
2. Try Forced Reboot: Hold Power + Vol Up for 15 to 20 seconds. If the phone vibrates, try again.
3. If the device is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (check in Device Manager), then the phone is in emergency mode, in which case only a service with firmware will help.

If the phone falls into water: don't dry it with a hair dryer or on a battery! This will speed up the corrosion of the contacts. Better put it in a silica gel bag (out of a shoe box) for 24 hours, and then carry it to the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data recovery with Xiaomi