A cracked or completely broken screen on Xiaomi is a stressful situation, especially if the phone has important data left on it: photos, work documents, correspondence or archives. The main problem is that without access to the display, you can not unlock the device, confirm your connection to the PC or even see if the smartphone responds to touch. But there is a way out - and there are several of them.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to extract files from Xiaomi (including the Redmi models, POCO and Mi) when the screen is not working or only displays artifacts. USB-Cable to advanced solutions via Fastboot mode and cloud services. Importantly, some methods require pre-configuration (e.g. enabled debugging for the cloud). USB), We will show you how to circumvent these restrictions.
If the phone still has any response to touch (like vibrating when pressed), the chances of success are higher, and if the display is completely dead and does not display the image, additional tools will be needed to help the phone to make the phone more accessible. OTG-Don't worry, even if you've never done this, our instructions will help you save your data without the risk of losing it.
⚠️ Critical warning: Don't try to disassemble your smartphone yourself if you don't have experience! Damage to the display plume or battery can lead to complete data loss or even fire. Better entrust the physical repair to the service center, and try to extract files software.
1. Method: Connect to PC via USB (if debugging was enabled)
The easiest method is to connect Xiaomi to your computer and copy files like a regular flash drive. But here's a caveat: by default, Xiaomi smartphones block access to memory without confirmation on the screen. If you have enabled USB debugging beforehand (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB), then there will be no problems.
If the debugging isn't activated, it won't work, go to the following methods. But if you've turned it on, follow the instructions:
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC through the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 3.0 on your computer for stability).
- 🖥️ The computer must automatically identify a new drive (usually as Xiaomi). If not, check the driver (download). MIUI Driver).
- 📂 Open the conductor (Win) + E) and find the connected device. File folders are usually in Internal Storage. → DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads), Documents.
- 📋 Copy the data you want to use on your computer's hard drive. Use archiving to speed up: select folders. → PCM → Send. → Compressed ZIP-folder.
⚠️ Note: If you are connected to a request to unlock the screen on your phone (even with a broken display), try entering a pattern lock or PIN blindly, for that:
- Mark the pressing area (for example, the corners for the pattern lock) on the screen.
- Connect the charger - vibration when touching will help to orient.
- Try entering the code 3-5 times. If the phone unlocks, reconnect to the PC.
Make sure the cable is working (try another)| Check the USB port on PC (better the rear)| Install MIUI drivers from the official website |Reboot the phone and PC | Try another computer (on Windows 10/11)
-->
Method: Use of OTG-adapter and mouse/keyboard
If the screen reacts to touches but you can’t see anything (such as cracks with backlight), you can connect. USB-mouse or keyboard through OTG-This will allow you to control the phone blindly and enable file transfer.
You'll need:
- 🔌 OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on Xiaomi model).
- 🖱️ USB-Mouse (better wireless so as not to pull the cable).
- 🔋 Charger (the phone should not be discharged during the process).
Step-by-step:
- Connect. OTG-Adapter to the smartphone, and to it – the mouse.
- If the screen is a little light, try moving the cursor, which usually appears in 5-10 seconds.
- Blindly swipe the screen to find the notification menu (swipe down).
- Click on the icon. USB-Connect (usually in the top panel) and select File Transfer.
- Connect your phone to your PC – now it should be defined as a drive.
💡 Useful tip: If the mouse doesn't work, try the keyboard.Win combination + E (on the connected keyboard) will open a conductor where you can find files from memory (for example, DCIM → Camera for photo).
3. Method: Data recovery via Mi Account (cloud)
All Xiaomi smartphones sync some of the data to the Mi Cloud by default. If you logged in to your Mi Account and backed up, you have a chance to recover at least some of the files.
What can be recovered from the cloud:
- 📸 Photo and video (if gallery synchronization was enabled).
- 📄 Contacts, notes, calendar.
- 🔄 Backups of applications (if you did backup manually).
How to check:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- In the Cloud → Gallery section, check for photos.
- In Devices → Backups see if there are fresh backups.
⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud only stores files that you have clearly synced. If the option is disabled, this method will not help. Also note that free storage is limited to 5 GB - older files could be deleted automatically.
| Type of data | Synchronized by default? | How to repair |
|---|---|---|
| Photo/video | ❌ No (must be manually included) | i.mi.com → Gallery → Download |
| Contacts | ✅ Yes. | i.mi.com → Contacts → Exports |
| Notes | ✅ Yes. | Mi Notes app on another device |
| Text | ❌ No. | Only through MIUI backup. |
| Annexes | ❌ No (only settings) | Backup in Settings → Additional → Backup |
How to increase your chances of success with Mi Cloud?
Method: Fastboot mode and ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
If previous methods didn’t work and USB debugging was enabled on the phone, you can try extracting files via Fastboot mode and ADB utility. This method is more difficult, but often saves you when the screen is completely dead.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original).
- 📦 Established ADB and Fastboot.
- 🔋 Charge at least 50% (so that the phone does not turn off during the process).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the screen may be black, but the charging indicator should be on).
- Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the serial number appears - the connection is established.
- Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock ⚠️ It'll dump all the data, only use it if the other methods don't work.
- If the bootloader is already unlocked, go to ADB: fastboot boot twrp.img (you need a TWRP file for your Xiaomi model).
- In TWRP, connect to your PC and copy files through ADB Pull.
Important: The bootloader unlock method erases all data on the phone, and use it only as a last resort if other methods have failed and files are critical.
💡
If you’re not sure about ADB commands, use graphics tools like Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools to automate the process and reduce the risk of errors.
5. Method: Connect to a TV or monitor (Miracast/HDMI)
Few people know, but many Xiaomi smartphones support displaying images to an external screen via Miracast or USB-C → HDMI. If the screen crashes, but the phone is working, you can connect it to a TV or monitor and control it with your mouse.
Connection options:
- 📺 USB-C → HDMI (You need an adapter, it works on models that support DisplayPort Alt Mode, for example, Xiaomi 11/12/13 series).
- 📶 Miracast (wireless transmission to Smart) TV). To do this: Turn on Miracast on your TV (usually in screen settings). On your phone (blind) swipe down. → Press the Cast icon (if the screen is even slightly light, focus on vibration.