How to transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer if the screen is broken

The situation when the screen of Xiaomi smartphone is broken, but the device continues to work, is one of the most stressful for the owner. the internal memory of the Android file system often contains thousands of important pictures that cannot be copied in the usual way. The sensor may not respond to touch, or the image is completely absent, making navigation on the menu impossible. However, modern technology and features of the MIUI shell allow you to extract data even in such difficult conditions.

There are several proven methods that depend on the degree of damage to the display and the device's presets. If the touchscreen is partially working, the process will take several minutes. If the sensor fails completely, you will need to use additional accessories or specialized software. The key to success is the ability to unlock the device or the presence of previously enabled debugging over USB. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from simple cable connections to advanced ADB commands.

Don't despair if the glass is completely gone. The data on your Xiaomi smartphone is probably intact and waiting to be seen. The main thing is to act consistently and not try to randomly press the cracked screen so as not to damage the matrix completely. We will look at options for different scenarios of failure.

Use of the USB-cable and file transfer mode

The most obvious and easy way to get overlooked in panic is to connect directly to your computer. If the screen of a Xiaomi smartphone displays even a partial image or you can feel (or use an external mouse) the action, this method will work. When you connect a USB cable, the Android system defaults to Charge Only mode, so you need to switch it to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode.

This requires unlocking the device. If the sensor is not working, but the image is there, you can try using the voice control function or connecting an external mouse through the OTG adapter (more on this in the next section). Once the cable is connected to the PC, the system message will appear in the notification curtain.

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer using the original cable USB.
• 🖱️ Unlock the screen (pin code, pattern lock, or fingerprint if it is configured).
• 📂 In the notification curtain, select the mode of operation USB and switch to "File Transfer".
• 💻 Open “My Computer” and find the Xiaomi device.

Once you have selected the file transfer mode on your computer, a new device will appear in Windows Explorer or macOS. Inside the DCIM → Camera folder, you usually store all the photos taken on the main camera. If you have used different applications, look for Pictures or Screenshots folders. It can take time to copy large amounts of data, so do not interrupt the connection.

⚠️ Note: If the cable is connected, the computer makes a sound of the device connection, but the folders do not appear, then the smartphone has gone into charging mode. Without confirmation on the screen (even if it is not visible), access to the file system will not open. OTG.

It's important to understand that this method only works if you can confirm access. If the screen is completely black and unresponsive, a simple cable won't help without first configuring the debugging over USB, which is disabled by default for security reasons.

Connection USB-mouse-over OTG

If the touch layer is completely out of order, but the matrix is at least partially glowing or you are willing to act at random, the salvation will be USB OTG (On-The-Go). Most modern Xiaomi smartphones support connecting peripherals directly. You will need an adapter from USB-A to USB-C (or Micro-USB for older models) and a regular computer mouse.

Once you connect your mouse through the adapter to the charging connector, a cursor will appear on the smartphone screen (if visible), allowing you to fully control the device, bypassing the broken touchscreen, you can enter a pattern lock, skip system warnings, and turn on file transfer mode.

If the screen is completely black, connecting the mouse can still help, but you have to go blind. The cursor will appear, but you won't see it. However, if you roughly remember the location of the elements, you can try to click in the right zone. A more reliable option for a black screen is to use the keyboard, if it is supported, to enter the unlock code.

• 🖱️ Connect the adapter. OTG to the Xiaomi charging connector.
• 🔌 Put it in the adapter normal USB-mouse.
• 👀 If the screen is visible: Use the cursor to unlock and select mode USB.
• 📂 If the screen is not visible: try clicking in the center (unlock) and swiping your finger down (curtain), then clicking in the transmission mode selection area.

This is the most effective method for models with a completely broken sensor, and once you switch USB mode to File Transfer, you can copy all the photos to your computer in the standard way through the conductor.

⚠️ Note: Some cheap adapters OTG They may not support simultaneous charging and data transfer. If the smartphone battery runs out in the process, you lose access to data. USB-feed-in.

Using Xiaomi Cloud Cloud and Google Photos

Often users forget that their Xiaomi smartphones automatically sync data to the cloud. If the screen was switched on before the screen broke, your photos are already online and do not require a physical connection of the device, this is the easiest way, not requiring any manipulation of the cables.

To check, go to the official Mi Cloud website via your browser on your computer, you will need to enter your Mi Account (login and password). If the gallery sync was active, you will see all your photos in the Gallery section. Similarly, Google Photos, which is the default service on all Android smartphones, works.

The advantage of cloud-based methods is that they don't depend on the state of the charging port or touchscreen, and even if the phone isn't fully powered on but it's been synced before, the data is available, but if the sync has been disabled or the Internet on the device is missing, it won't help.

Check out other cloud services you may have used, such as Yandex.Disk or Dropbox. Sometimes social media apps (Telegram, WhatsApp) also back up media files in their clouds, which can be a lifesaver.

Application of debugging by USB and ADB

For advanced users who have pre-built USB debugging in the developer menu, there is a powerful tool – Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to control the file system of the smartphone through the command line of the computer, completely ignoring the state of the screen.

If debugging was activated before the failure, the computer can access files without screen confirmation (provided you have previously authorized that computer). ADB platform SDK Tools on PC.

adb devices


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

The first command checks the connection. If a device appears on the list, it means access is allowed. The second command copies the entire folder with the camera to the computer's hard drive into the specified directory, which is one of the most reliable ways to save data if the touchscreen is dead.

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If ADB Can't see the device, try different ones. USB-ports (better) USB 2.0 at the back of the system unit) and the original cable. Often the problem lies in poor-quality wire.

In case debugging wasn't enabled, this method won't work, alas, since Android security will request confirmation on the smartphone screen that you can't give. So always keep this feature on if you're storing important data.

Image output via HDMI (for models with support)

Some flagship Xiaomi models and tablets support video output via a charging port (DisplayPort Alt Mode technology).If you have one, you can connect it to a monitor or TV via a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

The image from the phone will appear on the big screen, allowing you to see the interface even if the smartphone's matrix is shattered. USB-(via mice) USB-hub HDMI), You will get a full-fledged desktop.

• 📺 Connect the adapter. USB-C → HDMI smartphone-wise.
• 🖥️ Connect the adapter to the monitor cable HDMI.
• 🖱️ Connect the mouse to the free one. USB-hub-port.
• 📂 Control your smartphone from a monitor and transfer the photo to your PC or the cloud.

Unfortunately, most of the low-end and mid-end models of Redmi and POCO do not support video output through the charging port. In such cases, the image on the external monitor will not appear, and this method will not help.

⚠️ Note: Use of cheap adapters HDMI It can cause your smartphone to overheat or run out of power. Use only certified accessories, especially if you plan to plug in the device for a long time.

Radical measures: replacement of the display or contacting the service

If none of the software methods worked, and data is critical, then physical intervention is the most reliable, but costly, way to change the display module temporarily. You don't have to buy an original expensive screen; the cheapest analog or even a used module is the best way to extract data.

The wizards in the service centers often go along and can plug the desktop screen into a diagnistic stand or temporarily screw the module so you can unlock the phone and copy the information. It costs money, but it's a guarantee of file retention.

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If the data costs more than repair, temporary installation of a cheap screen is the most rational solution. Don't try to disassemble the phone yourself if you don't have the experience to avoid damaging the plumes.

Trying to heat up or press the screen can be temporary, but it's a lottery, and often after that manipulation, the touchscreen stops working permanently, and you'd better spend time looking for a compatible cheap display on marketplaces for a one-time data rescue procedure.

In conclusion, successful photo extraction depends on pre-production. USB And storing important files in the cloud is the best way to prevent data loss. USB-Mouse and patience often allow you to return your memories.