How to copy data from a broken Xiaomi to a computer: step-by-step instructions

A broken screen on a Xiaomi smartphone is always stressful, especially if the device stores important photos, documents or contacts. Things get complicated when the touchscreen does not respond to touch, and the image is either missing or barely visible through cracks. However, even then, there are several proven ways to extract data, from standard Mi Account features to advanced methods using ADB or Recovery mode.

In this article, we will examine all the current methods of transferring data from a broken Xiaomi to a computer, taking into account different scenarios: whether the display is working (albeit partially), whether debugging is enabled over USB, whether there are root rights.

Importantly, if the phone is still on (albeit with a broken screen), the chances of successfully copying the data are much higher, and if the device does not show signs of life, more complex manipulations will be required, including disassembling and connecting to the programmer, but starting with the simplest and most affordable solutions.

1. Method: Using Mi Account (cloud backup)

If your Xiaomi has enabled sync with your Mi Account, some of the data (contacts, notes, gallery photos) can already be accessed in the cloud, which does not require the phone to be physically connected to a PC and works even when the screen is completely dead – as long as the device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

To check what data is stored in the cloud:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in to your account.
2. In the Services section → Cloud Choose Mi Cloud.
3. Check the available categories: Contacts, Photos, Notes, Records.
4. Click Export or Download to save data to your computer.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• 📁 Not all files are synced automatically — only photos from a standard gallery, contacts and notes are usually taken to the cloud.
• 🔄 The latest synchronization could have been a long time ago – if the phone has not connected to the Internet for several days, there is no fresh data in the cloud.
• 📶 An active internet connection is required if Wi-Fi is turned off and SIM-The card is damaged, the method will not work.

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If the Mi Cloud doesn’t have the right files, but the phone is still turning on, try blindly running manual sync: connect to Wi-Fi, then press and hold the power button + increase volume (on some models this causes a menu where you can select “Sync Data”).

2. Method: Connect via USB in blind mode (if the screen is partially working)

If Xiaomi displays a little bit of the image (e.g., you can see the backlight or the shape of the icons), you can try connecting the phone to your computer in file transfer mode, which is suitable for devices that previously allowed debugging over USB (even if the screen does not respond to touch).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 3.0 on your computer for stability).
2. The phone should be asked to select the connection mode. If the screen responds to touch, select File Transfer (MTP).
3. If the touchscreen doesn’t work, but the image is visible, try connecting it. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter – on many Xiaomi models, it works.
4. On your computer, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) – the phone should appear as a removable drive.
5. Copy the files you want manually or use programs like Xiaomi PC Suite.

⚠️ Note: If previously debugging USB It's not turned on, the computer won't see the phone's internal memory, so in this case, move on to the following ways.

Stock up. OTG-Adapter (in case of mouse connection)

Use the original Xiaomi cable (low-quality cables may not transmit data)

Check if the charging indicator is on when connecting to the PC

If the phone is not identified, try another one. USB-computer-port-->

Method: Use of Recovery Mode (for Power Users)

If the screen is completely black, but the phone is turning on (vibrating or making sounds), you can try to enter Recovery mode and connect to the PC via ADB Sideload, a technique that requires some technical skills, but allows you to copy data even without a working display.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power + Volume combination (on some Xiaomi models, Power + Volume Reduction). Hold until you feel the vibration.
3. The phone should boot up to Mi Recovery. If the screen isn't working, be aware of the sounds: usually, when you log in to Recovery, you hear a short signal.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
5. Enter the command: adb devices If the device appears in the list, type: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\XiaomiBackup\ (replace the path to the desired folder on your PC).

🔧 What to do if ADB can't see the device?

• 🔌 Install Mi drivers USB Driver (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone, reconnect.
• 🛠️ Try another version. ADB (for example, Minimal ADB and Fastboot).

4. Method: Retrieval of data through a memory card (if installed)

If your Xiaomi has a microSD slot and you've used a memory card to store files, it's a simpler task to take the card out and connect it to your computer through a card reader.

• 📸 Photos and videos are saved to the card by default only if it was configured manually (in standard Xiaomi camera settings, files are written into internal memory).
• 📁 Applications and their data (for example, chats from Telegram or WhatsApp) are not transferred to the map.
• 🔒 Encrypted data (if device encryption was enabled) on the card will be inaccessible without a password.

If the memory card is not in use or the data is stored in internal memory, proceed to the following method.

5. Method: Data recovery programs (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi doesn’t even include Recovery, but you’re sure that internal memory isn’t damaged, you can try specialized programs to extract data from non-working devices.

• 🛠️ Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android) – supports extracting photos, contacts, messages and documents from broken phones.
• 🔧 EaseUS MobiSaver – works with internal memory, but requires root rights for full access.
• 📱 Tenorshare UltData – can recover data even from encrypted devices (if you have a password).

⚠️ Note: these programs do not guarantee 100% results, especially if you are not a good candidate:

• 🔐 Encrypting the device (starting with Android 6.0).
• 💥 Memory is physically damaged (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
• 🔄 The phone is not detected by the computer even in Fastboot mode.

Before using such programs:

1. Download the trial and see if it can see your device.
2. Do not save the recovered files to the same disk where the program is installed (the risk of overwriting data).
3. If the phone is detected but the data is not retrieved, try unlocking the bootloader (this will delete all data, but can help in further recovery).

Through Mi Account (cloud)

Connecting to USB in blind mode

Recovery + ADB mode

Memory map

Data recovery programmes

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6. Method: Contacting the service center (extreme case)

If all of these methods fail, the last option is to contact Xiaomi’s service center or a dedicated data recovery workshop.

• 💔 Phone does not turn on at all (no reaction to charging, buttons, connection to PC).
• 🔒 The data is encrypted and the password is lost.
• 💾 Requires to retrieve information from physically damaged memory (for example, after a fall or flooding).

💰 The cost of the service depends on the complexity:

• Retrieval of data from a working device (but with a broken screen) - from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
• Recovery from faulty memory (chip-off method) - from 5 000 to 15 000 rubles.
• Unlocking the bootloader or bypassing encryption - from 3,000 rubles.

⚠️ How to choose a reliable service?

• 📍 Check reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
• 🔧 Check if the workshop has equipment for JTAG Chip-Off (this increases the chances of a successful recovery).
• 📄 Ask for a contract with the cost and guarantees (to avoid additional costs).

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If data is critical (such as work documents or single photos), don’t skimp on service. Cheap workshops often use artisanal techniques that can permanently damage memory.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to copy data from a broken Xiaomi, users often make mistakes that make it difficult or impossible to recover.

• 🔋 Continuing to use your phone after damage – if the screen crashes but the device is still working, don’t try to use it.
• 🔌 Using unoriginal cables is cheap USB-And the cables can only charge, not transmit data, and this is particularly critical when you're blind.
• 🔄 Resetting pre-retrieval settings – some users unknowingly reset their phone via Find Device (on i.mi.com), resulting in complete loss of information.
• 💦 Self-disassembly of the phone – without experience, you can damage the plumes or contacts of memory, making data recovery impossible.

Critical error: Trying to flash your phone through Fastboot without backing up, which will result in complete deletion of data, even if the memory was correct, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you better consult a specialist.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions