How to download data from a broken Xiaomi phone: from a broken screen to a β€œbrick”

Xiaomi smartphone stopped turning on after the fall, stuck on the logo MIUI, Or did the screen turn into a web of cracks? It's a messy situation, but data can often be saved -- even if the device doesn't respond to the buttons, POCO and other brands, including when:

The phone does not turn on at all (black screen, no reaction to charging).

- The device is getting stuck on the boot (endless logo) MIUI animation).

- The screen is broken, but the sensor is partially working.

The smartphone turned into a β€œbrick” after a failed firmware.

The rule is that the earlier you start, the better the chances of success. For example, if the battery is still on charge, you can use Fastboot or Recovery modes, and if the battery is completely discharged, you will need a direct connection to the board (method). EDL). We will look at options without loss of warranty (for devices with unlocked bootloader) and methods that require disassembly of the phone (for critical cases).

⚠️ Note: If a Xiaomi phone gets into water or has suffered physical damage to the board, do not connect it to charging - this can cause a short circuit.In such cases, first dry the device (section below).

The methods in this article range from simple to complex. Start with the first section and move on to the next one only if the previous one didn't work. For convenience, we've added a method compatibility table with popular Xiaomi models.

Not at all (black screen)|Hanging on the logo. MIUI|The screen is broken, but the sensor is working.|Turned into a brick after the firmware.|Another problem.-->

1.Preparation: What to do before the start of recovery

Before you try to extract data, evaluate the condition of the phone and prepare the necessary tools, which will save time and prevent additional damage.

Step 1: Check the charging response

Connect the phone to the charger (preferably the original) and observe:

Does the charging indicator (red/orange LED) light up?

- Does the logo appear? MIUI or animated charging on the screen?

Strong heating may indicate a short circuit - in which case, do not continue and contact the service.

Step 2: Determine the type of damage

Software failure (hang, cyclic reboot) – methods through Fastboot or Recovery will suit.

Hardware defect (screen is broken, sensor is not working) - you will need a connection to a PC or disassembly.

- Β«Brick (phone does not respond to buttons, no download) – you need access to the mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

Step 3: Gather the tools

You'll need:

USB-Type-C cable (preferably original, with data transfer support).

- Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).

- Programs: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey (complex).

- Screwdriver (if you need disassembly) – select the size for the mounts of your model (for example, for the Redmi Note 10 you need to use the same device). T3).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has been locked with a pattern lock or PIN-In the code, most methods require you to unlock the bootloader. This erases all data. ADB (Section 3) or contact the service center with proof of possession of the device.

2. If the phone is wet: drying and primary diagnosis

Moisture is one of the most dangerous reasons Xiaomi fails. Don't turn on the device if it has come into contact with water! Even if the phone is running after drying, corrosion on the board can manifest itself in days or weeks.

What to do at once:

- Turn off the phone (if it still works) and remove it. SIM-memory-card.

Wash the body with a dry napkin without pressing the buttons.

Do not use a dryer – hot air can damage the display and board.

Drying methods:

1 Rice or silica gel: Put the phone in a sealed bag of silica gel (those in shoe boxes) for 48 to 72 hours. Rice is less effective, but it will also work.

2. Special boxes: Service centers use ultrasonic baths or vacuum cameras. If the phone is expensive (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it is better to contact professionals.

Disassembly: To speed up the process, the back cover can be carefully removed (on models with a non-removable battery, for example, POCO F5, It's more complicated. The main thing is, don't hurt the plumes!

After drying:

If the indicator is not on, try another cable or power supply.

- If the device is turned on, back up immediately (via Mi Cloud or the other). ADB), Because a repeat failure can happen at any time.

⚠️ If after drying the phone turns on, but the screen does not work, do not try to unlock it at random - after 5 incorrect attempts to enter PIN-The data can be erased (Factory Reset Protection function in the MIUI).

What to do if the phone does not turn on after drying?
If the device is not showing any signs of life, the problem may be oxidation of the battery contacts or damage to the power controller: 1. Check the multimeter voltage on the battery (should be) ~3.7–4.2V). 2. If the battery is discharged to zero, try to β€œpush” it with an external source (for example, a charger). PD strained 5V/2A). 3. For models with non-removable battery (for example, Xiaomi) 12T) You will need a soldering station to connect to the contact board.

3. Data extraction through ADB (If the screen is partially working)

If the screen is broken but the sensor responds to touch (or the phone turns on but no image is visible), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) β€” This method works even if the screen is completely black, but the phone is determined by the computer.

Requirements:

- The phone should be on debugging mode on USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 times) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).

The phone should allow you to connect to this PC (if the screen does not work, this method will not work).

Step-by-step:

1. Download. ADB Google Fastboot Tools and Unpack the Archive.

2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the folder with adb.exe.

3. Enter the commands in order:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear)

adb shell
pm list packages -f

(This will show you a list of installed apps with paths to their data)

4.To copy files (e.g. gallery photo):

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\

How to copy specific data:

- Contact: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

- SMS: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

- WhatsApp: adb pull /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/msgstore.db

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked with a password, ADB It will not allow access to personal data without unlocking the bootloader.

Make sure the debugging is done USB was turned on before the breakage|Download and unpack ADB Tools|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the team `adb devices`|Create a folder for backup on the PC-->

4.Fastboot mode: data recovery without phone powering on

If the phone doesn’t turn on but responds to the power button (the indicator vibrates or lights up), try entering Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (if not, read about the mode). EDL).

How to log in to Fastboot:

Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).

- Squeeze the power. + Loud down and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears (Android robot with open belly).

Methods of data extraction:

1. Through TWRP (customization):

- If the phone is installed TWRP, Connect to the PC and use the command:

fastboot boot twrp.img

- V TWRP Choose Mount β†’ Enable MTP Copy files through Windows Explorer.

2. Through ADB fastboot:

- Enter:

fastboot devices

(Your device should be displayed)

- Then:

fastboot boot adb_root.img

(need a file adb_root.img For your model, look for forums. XDA Developers).

Limitations of the method:

- No TWRP or root rights access will be limited to system partitions.

- On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) MIUI Blocks access to user data in Fastboot.

πŸ’‘

If your phone isn’t included in Fastboot, try holding the power buttons. + Up/down volume up to 30 seconds. Sometimes it helps to connect to charging while holding the buttons.

5. Mode EDL: brick-saving"

Emergency Download Mode Mode (EDL) β€” The only way to recover data from a phone that doesn’t respond to buttons and isn’t defined by Fastboot is to connect directly to a Qualcomm processor (used in most Xiaomi models, except for those on Mediatek).

How to log into EDL:

1. Software method (if the phone reacts at least somehow):

- Connect the phone to the PC.

- Enter in the command line:

adb reboot edl

2. Hardware method (if the phone is dead):

- Disassemble the phone and find contacts on the board EDL (usually signed or located near the USB-port).

- Lock them with tweezers or wire for 2-3 seconds, then plug them in. USB-cable.

Data extraction through EDL:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

2. In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as QHUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB Diagnostics 9008.

3.Use the program UFED or Oxygen Forensic (for professionals) or contact the service - self-use EDL experience.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL It can be permanently blocked IMEI On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) to access the EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account.

6.Alternative methods: memory card and cloud

If you have a microSD card installed on your phone, remove it and connect it to another device via an adapter, and even if the phone doesn't turn on, the files on the card (photos, videos, music) will remain intact.

How to recover data from the card:

- Use a microSD adapter→USB Or insert the card into another phone/laptop.

To recover deleted files, use Recuva, DiskDigger, or PhotoRec (free).

Xiaomi Cloud Services:

If you have synced with Mi Cloud on your phone, check:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.

2. In the Devices section, select your phone.

3. Check the available backups:

Contacts and notes are synchronized automatically.

Photo/video – only if the Autoboot function was enabled in Mi Cloud.

SMS and call log – saved if you activate the option Backup in the settings.

Limitations of Cloud Recovery:

Application data (such as WhatsApp or Viber) is not synced with Mi Cloud.

If the phone hasn’t connected to the internet for a long time, the backup may be outdated.

πŸ’‘

Even if the phone is completely dead, the memory card data and cloud backups are still available. Always check them first!

7.When nothing helps: contacting a service center

If the independent methods do not work, professional assistance remains, and Xiaomi service centers and independent workshops offer services to recover data from damaged devices.

What can be done in the service:

- Chip-off method: Retrieval of memory eMMC/UFS Reading data through a programmer (expensive, but effective even for bricks").

- JTAG: Connecting to test board contacts for direct memory access.

Board Repair: Restoring power or replacing damaged components (for example, after moisture is ingested).

Cost and risk:

| Service | Cost (β‚½) | Time. | Risks. |

|----------------------|---------------|--------|--------------------------------|

| Chip-off (eMMC) | 8 000–15 000 | 2-5 days | Microchip damage during soldering |

| JTAG | 5 000–10 000 | 1-3 days | Not all models are supported |

| Recovery of fees | 3 000–20 000 | 1-7 days | Repeated breakdowns are possible |

How to choose a service:

Check the reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.

- Check if you have experience with your Xiaomi model (e.g., your model, POCO X3 Pro has features of disassembly).

- Ask for a guarantee for the safety of data (a contract with a clause on confidentiality).

⚠️ Warning: If your phone had cryptocurrency wallets or corporate data, warn the wizards in advance – some methods (such as chip-offs) can damage critical memory partitions.

Comparative table of recovery methods

MethodConditions requiredDifficultyCostSuitable models
ADBDebugging by USB switched on, the screen reactsLow.Free of charge.All models.
Fastboot + TWRPUnlocked bootloader, custom recoveryMediumFree of charge.Redmi Note 10/11, POCO F3, ol'
EDLPhone on Qualcomm, access to contact boardTall.Free (independent) or 3,000–5,000β‚½ (service)Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi K50, POCO X4 Pro
Memory mapData stored on a microSDLow.Free of charge.All models with card slot
Chip-off.Any condition of the phoneVery high.8 000–15 000β‚½All models.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data recovery

Can I recover data if my phone is not switched on and detected by a computer?
Yes, but only through the regime. EDL (If the phone is on Qualcomm, or the chip-off method is in service, if the device doesn't respond even to charging, the board is likely damaged, in which case only professional repair will help.
The phone is locked with a password, but the screen is broken. How do you copy the data?
If debugging is on USB It was turned on before the break, use it. ADB to bypass the lock (adb shell rm command) /data/system/gesture.key). If not, you will need to unlock the bootloader (erase the data!) or contact the service for the purpose of JTAG.
How to recover deleted photos from memory card?
Use programs like Recuva or PhotoRec: Connect the card to your PC via a card reader. Select Deep Scan. Save the recovered files to disk (not to the card!). ⚠️ Do not write new files to the map before recovery – this reduces the chances!
Will the Fastboot method work on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with a locked bootloader?
On the new flagships of Xiaomi (series) 12/13/14, Redmi K60) Access to data via Fastboot is blocked. You will need: Unlock the bootloader (erase the data!). EDL (Xiaomi authorization is required.
Can I recover data from a phone that was reset to factory settings?
If the reset was made via Recovery or Fastboot, the chances are minimal - the data is overwritten. Exception: If the reset is interrupted (for example, due to discharge), some of the data may remain. The files on the memory card are not affected. If there was a backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Otherwise, only the chip-off will help (but it does not guarantee 100% recovery).