A broken screen on Xiaomi is not only a nuisance, but also a risk of losing all data: photos, correspondence, contacts and documents. Even if the sensor does not respond, and the display shows only cracks or a black screen, the chances of recovering information remain. In this article, we will analyze 7 proven ways to get data from the phone – from simple (through the cloud) to complex (disassembly and connection to a PC).
It's important to understand that the method depends on the degree of damage. If the screen is completely black, but the phone vibrates when it's turned on, that's one scenario. If the device doesn't show signs of life, then we'll look at the options for Redmi, POCO and all generations of models including AMOLED and LCD-We also warn you of critical errors that can lead to permanent loss of data.
Before you start, answer two questions:
- Do you have a backup in Mi Cloud or Google Account?
- Does the phone react to charging (lights, vibrates)?
It depends on which section to start with.
1.The way for the lazy: recovery through Mi Cloud
If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, you can access data from any device, and this method works even if the screen is completely broken and the phone is not turning on.
What can be restored through the cloud:
- 📱 Contacts and call log
- 📷 Photo and video (if autoloading was enabled)
- 📝 Notes and calendar entries
- 🎵 Downloads (if saved to the cloud)
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
- Sign in with the same account as the broken Xiaomi.
- In the Devices section, select your phone (if it is tied).
- Check the Gallery, Contacts and Notes sections.
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If Mi Cloud doesn’t have the right files, check Google Photos – many Xiaomi defaults to sync photos there.
⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone, and SIM-The card cannot be retrieved, access to the cloud can be blocked. In this case, try to restore access through the linked email.
2. Connect to the PC via USB (if the screen is even slightly visible)
If the display shows an image (albeit with cracks), but the sensor does not work, you can try connecting the phone to your computer in file transfer (MTP) mode.
The problem is that Xiaomi defaults to USB debugging permission when you first connect, and if you haven't given it before, it won't work.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (not cheap!).
- 🖱️ On your computer, open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager).
- 🔍 Check if the phone is called MediaTek Preloader or Qualcomm HS-USB.
- 📁 If the device appears, try opening it through this computer.
If the telephone is not identified:
- Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
- Install Mi PC Suite drivers from Xiaomi’s official website.
- Restart the phone while holding power. + Loudness up (sometimes it drops) USB-setting).
Use the original Xiaomi cable|Try the port. USB 3.0 (blue connector)|Install Mi. PC Suite|Reboot your phone to Fastboot (Power) + Loudness down)-->
3. ADB-Teams: for advanced users
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — It's a tool that lets you control your phone through the command line, and it'll help if the screen isn't working, but it's not working. USB-debugging was included earlier.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the folder with ADB (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Enter the command: adb devices If the phone is determined (serial number will appear), type: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup This will copy all files from internal memory to disk C.
If ADB does not see the device:
- 🔄 Restart your phone to Fastboot (Power) + Volume down) and try the command: fastboot devices
- 🔧 Install Google Drivers USB Driver.
- 📱 Check if the antivirus is blocking the connection.
⚠️ Note: Adb shell and fastboot commands can erase data if you type it incorrectly. Don't use commands like fastboot erase userdata, which will result in a complete reset!
List of the most dangerous ADB-team
4. Extract SIM and SD-Maps: low-tech, but effective way
If the phone was installed SD-map SIM-It's not going to help with the photos in the internal memory, but it's going to save some of the data.
How to extract:
- 🛠️ Take a plastic spatula (or paper clip) to remove the tray SIM-map.
- 📱 On most Xiaomi tray is on the left side (on the left side). POCO X3 — top-up).
- 💾 If I was. SD-map, data from it can be read through the card reader on the PC.
- 📞 Contacts with SIM-Imported cards to any other phone.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Does not work for data in internal memory.
- ❌ Modern phones often don’t keep contact with the SIM-map (only in the cloud).
- ❌ SD-The card can be encrypted (if encryption was used in the settings).
Synchronization with Google/Mi Cloud|Retention on SIM-map|Export to file VCF|I only keep it on my phone.-->
5. Connection to a TV or monitor (Miracast/HDMI)
If the screen is broken, but the phone is working, you can display the image on the external display.
| Method | Requirements | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C → HDMI | USB-C to HDMI adapter, HDMI TV | Stable connection, full control | Not all Xiaomi supports HDMI output |
| Miracast (Wireless Display) | Wi-Fi, Miracast TV or set-top box (such as Mi Box) | Wireless, it works on most models | Lagi requires a working Wi-Fi |
| Scrcpy (screen viewing on PC) | USB-Debugging, PC with Scrcpy installed | Full keyboard control, free of charge | Requires pre-setting ADB |
Instructions for Scrcpy (the most reliable option):
- Download Scrcpy and unpack.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start scrcpy.exe.
- If the screen is displayed on a PC, you can control the phone from the keyboard (arrows, Enter, Esc).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) HDMI Before buying an adapter, check the compatibility of your model in the forums.
6. Disassembly of the phone and connection to the programmer
If the screen is not working and the data is critical (for example, photos of a deceased relative or work documents), you can contact the service center for direct memory reading.
How it works:
- 🔧 The phone is disassembled and connected to a programmer (for example, EasyJTAG or Medusa Pro).
- 💾 Read data directly from a memory chip (eMMC or UFS).
- 📥 The information is stored on the PC in the form of an image that can then be unpacked.
Cost and risk:
- 💰 Price: from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles (depending on the model and complexity).
- ⚠️ Risks: with careless disassembly, you can damage the fee.
- ⏳ Time: 1 day to a week (if you need spare parts).
Where to look for service:
- 🔍 Official Xiaomi service centers (list on mi.com).
- 🛠️ Private workshops with equipment for JTAG (check the reviews!).
- 📦 If the phone is warranty, the disassembly cancels it - consider this.
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Direct memory reading is the only way to get back data if your phone isn't powered on and is not detected by USB. But it's expensive and risky: choose only proven services!
7.Last chance: Screen replacement
If all the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to replace the display, which is expensive, but sometimes cheaper than data recovery.
How much does it cost?
| Xiaomi model | Screen price (ruble) | Cost of work (ruble) | Totally. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 4 000 — 6 000 | 1 500 — 2 500 | 5 500 — 8 500 |
| POCO X3 NFC | 3 500 — 5 000 | 1 200 — 2 000 | 4 700 — 7 000 |
| Mi 11 | 8 000 — 12 000 | 2 000 — 3 000 | 10 000 — 15 000 |
Where to order:
- 🏢 Xiaomi’s official service is more expensive, but with a guarantee.
- 🛠️ Private workshops are cheaper, but the risk of running into a poor screen.
- 📦 AliExpress – you can buy the screen yourself (search by model) + "LCD Assembly”), but installation will require skills.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11 or Redmi) K40) If you replace it, you may lose the color calibration, so make sure that the master uses the original matrix instead of the cheap one.