How to download data from Xiaomi to your computer if the screen is not working: all ways

The non-working screen on Xiaomi’s smartphone is one of the most frustrating breakdowns: the phone may be completely functional, but access to data blocks broken glass, unresponsive touchscreen or black display. Things get complicated if the device does not have USB debugging enabled, there is no backup in the Mi Cloud, and unlocking the screen requires a pattern lock. However, even then there are ways to extract photos, videos, contacts and other files without screen repair and with minimal risk of data loss.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods adapted for different Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, taking into account the features of the firmware MIUI From simple solutions for beginners (via the cloud or memory card) to advanced ones using the ADB-Special attention will be paid to the nuances: what to do if the phone is not determined by the computer, how to bypass the lock screen and what data can be restored in priority order.

1. Method: Retrieval of data via memory card (SD or OTG)

The easiest and safest method is if your Xiaomi supports microSD cards or USB OTG drives. Suitable for models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) or a separate SD connector.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Does not require unlocking the screen or enabled debugging USB.
• 🔹 Maintains data integrity – files are copied without transformation.
• 🔹 It works even with a completely black screen (if the phone is turned on).

How to proceed:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if the screen is unresponsive).
2. Remove the tray for SIM-You can use a paper clip to check if you have a microSD installed. If you don't, you can insert it (inside memory data is not copied!).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable and wait for the sound of the device connection.
4. On a PC, open this computer -- my computer on Windows -- the phone should show up as a removable drive. If not, try another cable or port.

⚠️ Note: If the memory card has not been installed before, this method will not help to extract data from internal storage.

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If the phone is not defined as a drive, try using a card reader: remove the microSD from the phone and paste it directly into the computer via an adapter.

2. Method: Using Mi PC Suite (official Xiaomi software)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi’s official utility for controlling your phone from a computer, allowing you to copy files, install apps, and even back up (assuming the screen responds to touch at least a little), a method suitable for devices with USB debugging enabled or an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

• 📥 Download Mi. PC Suite from the official website and install on PC.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer via the original cable (importantly, not all cables support data transmission).
• 🖱️ Run the program and wait for it to identify the device. If the phone screen is completely black, but the phone is on, try pressing the Trust this computer button at random (usually appears on the first connection).
• 📁 In the File Manager section, select files to copy (photos, videos, documents) and transfer them to your PC.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn't work if the debugging is USB disabled in settings.
• ❌ Not all models are supported (for example, new HyperOS smartphones may require additional drivers).
• ❌ It is impossible to copy application data (for example, messages from WhatsApp or Telegram).

3. Method: ADB-commands for copying files (advanced)

If USB debugging was enabled before the screen broke, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to extract data.This method requires command line knowledge, but allows you to copy almost any files, including application databases.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB (You can download it as part of Android SDK).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the terminal (cmd in Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection of the device command: adb devices If the phone appears in the list – you can continue.
3. Copy the files you want. Examples of commands: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos (copying a photo from a folder DCIM folder Xiaomi_Backup on disk C:) adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db (Copying the database of contacts; requires root rights)

⚠️ Note: Commands to copy application data (such as WhatsApp or WhatsApp) SMS) You need root access. Without it, you can only copy files from folders. /sdcard/ (Photos, videos, music).

4. Method: Mi Cloud Cloud Storage (if synchronization was enabled)

If your Xiaomi has been enabled to sync with Mi Cloud, you can recover some of the data without connecting your phone to your PC, a method that is suitable for copying contacts, notes, photos (if autoload was enabled), and some settings.

How to access data:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in to the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
• 📂 In the Cloud section, check the available data: 📷 Gallery – photos and videos (if autoload is enabled). 📞 Contacts - phone book. 📝 Notes - records from the Mi Notes app.
• 💾 Download the necessary files to your computer through the web interface.

Limitations:

• ❌ Not all data is automatically synchronized (e.g. messages) SMS application files).
• ❌ If the synchronization was not configured in advance, the method is useless.
• ❌ The volume of free storage in the Mi Cloud is only 5 GB.

5. Method: Recovery Mode and reset to factory settings

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to reset your phone to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data from the device, but allow you to unlock it for later use. Importantly, this method is only applicable if you are willing to lose data or have already backed up it by another method.

How to reset Xiaomi through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For POCO: Sometimes Power button + Volume down is used.

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, the phone will be unlocked, but all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. If the screen does not work, you will not be able to confirm the reset via the pattern lock - in this case, you will need authorization through Mi Account (Xiaomi account) associated with the device.

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Recovery is the only way to unlock a phone without a screen, but it erases all data. Use it only as a last resort!

Additional Advice and Frequent Mistakes

When trying to copy data from a non-working screen, users often face typical problems.

🔧 The phone is not defined by the computer?

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Install the drivers. ADB or Mi PC Suite manually.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 🔧 On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) You have to choose the mode of transmission in the notification curtain, but with a non-working screen, this is impossible. ADB Mi Cloud.

📵 The screen is completely black, but the phone vibrates?

• This means that the device turns on, but the display doesn't work, so you can try connecting via ADB or Mi PC Suite.
• If there's no vibration, it could be a battery problem or a motherboard problem, and that's where repairs are needed.

🔒 The phone is locked with a pattern lock?

• If USB debugging has been enabled, you can delete the key via ADB by command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key After rebooting, the screen lock will reset.
• If debugging is disabled, unlocking your phone without data loss is almost impossible (you will need a Mi Account or reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions