A broken screen on Xiaomi’s smartphone is not only a management problem, it also risks losing all data if you can’t copy it in time. Even with a completely broken or unresponsive display, the phone can be connected to a PC via a PC. USB-cable, but standard methods (such as choosing file transfer mode) are becoming unavailable. In this article, we will discuss all possible methods of connection, from basic to advanced, including bypassing the lock screen and working with the Internet. ADB.
Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, Mi) use proprietary MTP protocol to transfer files, which requires confirmation on the phone screen. If it is not available, you will have to use alternative protocols or debugging tools. It is important to note that some methods require pre-configuring the phone before the screen breaks (for example, the developer mode is turned on). If you have never connected the device to a PC before, the chances of success are reduced, but not equal to zero.
1.Preparation: What it takes to connect
Before you start manipulating, make sure you have everything you need:
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the Xiaomi kit – cheap analogues may not support data transfer).
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11 or macOS (for the ADB drivers will be required).
- 🔧 Programs: Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi), ADB Tools, Fastboot.
If the screen responds to touch, but the image is missing (for example, after a fall), try blind input: remember the sequence of gestures to unlock (for example, swipe up). + PIN-Otherwise, proceed to the methods below.
⚠️ Note: If the phone was locked with a pattern lock or password, and debugging is done USB (USB Debugging) is not on in advance, the chances of connecting without a screen are minimal, in which case only a service center with equipment for the use of the device will help. EDL-regime.
Method 1: Charging mode (if MTP is enabled earlier)
If you had even connected your phone to this computer and you had selected file transfer (MTP) mode, the system could have saved the settings.
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB.
- Open this computer (My computer in Windows 7)
- Check if the device appears in the Portable Devices or Other Devices section.
If the phone is defined as a drive, you can copy files in the standard way. If not, move on to the next method.
Make sure the cable is in good working order.|Check the phone's charge (>30%)|Set up Mi. PC Suite (optional)|Put the phone in the back. USB-PC port (front may not provide enough power)-->
Method 2: Blind input to unlock the screen
If the screen responds to touch, but you can't see anything, you can try unlocking the phone blindly.
- Swipe up (on most Xiaomi, this action opens the lock screen).
This method requires patience and precision, and if it doesn't work the first time, try changing the swipe angle or the force of the tap.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) after 5 failed input attempts PIN-The code locks the phone for 30 seconds.
How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
Method 3: Connecting via ADB (if debugging is enabled)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool for managing Android devices from a PC. If the Xiaomi phone has enabled Developer Mode and USB Debugging, you can connect even without a screen.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools (part of the Android SDK Platform-Tools).
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
- Enter the command: adb devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), type: adb shell input keyevent 82 This will unlock the screen (analogue swipe up).
- To copy files, use: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\XiaomiBackup\ (replace the path with the desired one).
If adb devices returns a blank list, then debugging is not enabled and this method will not work.
| ADB Team Team | Action. |
|---|---|
| adb shell input text 1234 | Entering PIN-1234 (replace with your own code) |
| adb shell input keyevent 3 | Pressing the home button |
| adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ | Download photos and videos on PC |
| adb reboot recovery | Reboot to Recovery Mode |
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If the phone is not identified in ADB, Try to reconnect the cable or use another one. USB-Sometimes it helps to reboot a PC with a connected device.
5. Method 4: Fastboot Mode for Firmware or Unlocking
If the screen is not working, but the phone is turning on, you can try to switch it to Fastboot mode. This will allow you to flash the device or unlock the bootloader (if necessary).
How to Sign In to Fastboot on Xiaomi:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press Loudness down + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until you feel the vibration.
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the device definition by command: fastboot devices
Fastboot mode can be used to:
- 🔄 Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (deletes all data!).
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (requires a Mi Account and permission from Xiaomi).
- 📱 Install custom recovery (TWRP) backup.
⚠️ Note: Fastboot erases all data on your phone, including photos and messages. Use this method only if other methods have not helped, and the data is not critical.
Method 5: Use of OTG-adapter and mouse
If the screen reacts to touch, but you can’t see anything, you can connect it. USB-mouse-wise OTG-This will allow you to control the phone without touching the screen.
What to do:
- Buy it. OTG-Adapter (Anyone is suitable for Android).
- Connect the adapter to the phone, and to it – wired USB-mouse.
- The mouse cursor should appear on the screen (even if it is not visible).
- Press the left mouse button and try to "touch" unlock the phone (swipe up + PIN-code input).
Once unlocked, connect your phone to your PC and select Mouse File Transfer.This method works on most Xiaomi, including Redmi 9, POCO X3, Mi 10T.
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OTG-Adapter is the most reliable way to control a phone with a broken screen, if the sensor is working.
7.Alternative methods: cloud services and backups
If a physical connection is not possible, check if your phone is syncing with cloud services:
- 🌥️ Mi Cloud: If backup is enabled, data (contacts, photos, notes) can be restored via the web version.
- 📁 Google Account: Check Google Drive and Google Photos – there may be backups there.
- 🔗 Social networks: many messengers (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp) store media files in the cloud.
If the phone was connected to Mi Account, try finding it through Find the device on Xiaomi's website, which sometimes allows you to remotely copy some of the data.
8.When to contact the service center
If none of these methods work, you can only get professional help.
- 🔧 The phone didn't have debugging on. USB.
- 🔒 The screen is locked with a pattern lock or password, and blind input does not help.
- 💥 The phone is not powered on or detected by a computer, even in Fastboot.
- 📱 Requires the storage of data from internal memory (not SD-map).
The cost of screen repair on Xiaomi varies from 2 000 to 10 000 rubles depending on the model. Some services offer pulling data without repairing the screen (through direct soldering to the board), but it is more expensive.