Introduction: Why Standard Methods Don't Work on a Broken Smartphone
Xiaomi’s broken screen isn’t just cracks in the glass, it’s the potential loss of all the data — photos, correspondence, documents, even passwords — from accounts. The main problem is that most “classic” backups (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, USB) require unlocking the screen or at least a working display, and if the sensor doesn’t respond and the image is missing or distorted, access to settings becomes impossible.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods that will help extract data even in the most difficult cases: when the phone does not turn on, the screen is completely black, or the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo. It is important to understand that success depends on the state of internal memory and the type of damage: if the motherboard burns out, no software method will work – professional intervention will be required.
Before you start, answer the key question: does the phone respond to charging or connecting to a PC? If so, the chances of data recovery are much higher. If not, it's probably a hardware problem, and repairs are necessary.
Does not turn on at all |On, but screen black/bit |On, but sensor does not work |Works partially (reacts to buttons)|Another option-->
Method 1: Connect via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
This is the most reliable way, but it only works if you've previously activated USB debugging in your developer settings. If you haven't, skip the partition. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) lets you control your phone through the command line, bypassing the screen lock.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website)
- 🔌 Cable USB (It is preferably original to avoid connection problems)
- 📥 Utility. ADB Fastboot (download from Android Developers website)
- 📂 Folder to save data (create it in advance on the desktop)
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
- Go to the folder with ADB (for example, cd C:\platform-tools).
- Enter the adb device command – if the phone is selected, you will see its serial number.
- Copy the data with the command: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ (switch off).
- To extract specific folders (such as photos) use: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Photos\
Debugging by USB was turned on before the breakage|Cable connected to the back. USB-PC port (not via hub)|Xiaomi drivers installed (check in Device Manager)|The phone is defined as Android Device"-->
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It doesn't work if the debugging is USB was offline.
- ❌ Not all files can be copied (for example, some applications are protected).
- ❌ Requires command line knowledge (command errors can interrupt the process).
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If the adb device command does not show the device, try restarting the phone to Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down) and reconnect.
Method 2: Using Fastboot Mode (for phones with unlocked bootloader)
If the screen is not working, but the phone is turned on and defined in Fastboot, you can try to extract data through custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
Important: unlocking the bootloader erases all data, if you haven't done this before, it won't work, but if the bootloader is already unlocked, follow the instructions:
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Put your phone in Fastboot mode (press the Power) + Vol Down with the device switched off).
- 🖥️ Connect to a PC and check detection by command: fastboot devices
- 📁 Install. TWRP For your model (download the correct version from twrp.me).
- 🔧 Recovery Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img (substitute twrp.img in the name of your file).
- 🔄 Reboot to TWRP (fastboot boot twrp.img) and copy the data to a flash drive or PC.
How do I know if the boot loader is unlocked?
Warnings:
⚠️ Don't stitch. TWRP This will lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the phone. The list of Xiaomi models with the ability to unlock can be checked on the website. en.miui.com/unlock.
⚠️ On new models (after 2022), unlocking requires linking your Mi Account. If you didn’t do it beforehand, recovering your data through the new model. TWRP will not be possible.
Method 3: Retrieving data through service centers (most reliable, but paid)
If software methods have not helped, and data is critical (for example, photos of a deceased relative or working documents), it is worth contacting the data recovery laboratory. UFS-chip).
How to choose a reliable service:
- 🔍 Look for laboratories with reviews on independent sites (for example, Otzovic or Yandex.Maps).
- 💰 The cost varies from 3 000 to 15 000 rubles depending on the complexity (price 2026).
- ⏳ Timeframes – from 1 day to a week (urgent recovery is more expensive).
- 📄 Require a contract with guarantees for data safety.
| Type of damage | Probability of recovery | Average cost (₽) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen/sensor broken | 95% | 3 000–5 000 | Data read directly from memory |
| The phone does not turn on (but responds to charging) | 80% | 5 000–8 000 | Requires rationing of food contacts |
| Damaged motherboard (liquid hit, short circuit) | 50% | 10 000–15 000 | Recovery is possible only with the integrity of the memory chip |
| Phone is not detected by PC, no reaction to charging | 20% | 15 000+ | Replacement of the memory controller is required |
What to ask the experts before handing over the phone:
- 🔹 "What kind of manipulations will be carried out with the phone? (for example, soldering or replacing the chip).
- 🔹 "Do you guarantee the safety of data after recovery?"
- 🔹 "Do you have any experience with my Xiaomi model? (explain the model, for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or the model of the Xiaomi model). POCO X3).
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No lab will give you a 100% guarantee of recovery. If the data is priceless (like single photos), check if it provides "diagnosis for free" - some services charge even for inspection.
Method 4: Temporary screen replacement (if the phone is turned on but the display is not working)
If the phone is turned on but the screen is spider-shaped or completely black, you can connect an external display via USB-C → HDMI (for models with Miracast support) or temporarily replace the screen in the service center, a method that is cheaper than full data recovery, but requires the main board to work.
How it works:
- 🔌 Connect your phone to a TV or monitor via an adapter USB-C/HDMI (Check the compatibility of the model on the Xiaomi website).
- 🖱️ Use the mouse through USB-OTG for control (if the sensor is not working).
- 📁 Copy data to a flash drive or to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
List of Xiaomi models with support for HDMI image output:
- 📱 Xiaomi 11/12/13 series (all models)
- 📱 Redmi K40/K50 Pro
- 📱 POCO F3/F4 GT
- 📱 Black Shark 4/5
The average cost of replacing a display at a service center is between 2,000 and 6,000 rubles (depending on the model), which is cheaper than restoring data in the lab, but risky: if the plume or board is damaged when replacing, the phone may stop turning on altogether.
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Before changing the screen, ask the wizards to check the phone’s performance on an external display (via Miracast or HDMI), which will help avoid unnecessary costs if the problem is not in the screen.
Method 5: Extraction SIM-maps SD-cards (if the data is stored on them)
If you have used an external memory card (microSD) or SIM-A contact card that you can extract and read on another device, and that's the easiest and most secure way, but it's only good for a fraction of the data.
What can be restored:
- 📞 Contacts (if retained) SIM-card, not in the phone's memory).
- 📷 Photos and videos (if stored on microSD).
- 🎵 Music and documents (if transferred to a memory card).
How to extract the cards:
- Turn off your phone (if it still responds to the power button).
- Use a paper clip or special key to retrieve the SIM/microSD tray.
- Insert the cards into another phone or card reader connected to the PC.
Limitations:
- ❌ On most Xiaomi, the default contacts are stored in the phone’s memory, not on the phone. SIM.
- ❌ Photos and videos are often stored in internal memory (folder) DCIM).
- ❌ If the memory card was encrypted (option in the settings of Xiaomi), read it on another device will not work.
What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures
If all of these methods fail, there are two options:
- Selling the phone as is on parts. At sites like Avito or Yula, you can find buyers who need a donor phone for repairs. The average price for a broken Xiaomi is from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles (depending on the model), make sure that the data is not deleted, and negotiate a secure deal (for example, through SberMegaMarket with a guarantee).
- Contact Xiaomi directly. Xiaomi's official service does not deal with data recovery, but in rare cases it can help if the problem is software (for example, a firmware failure). mi.com/ru/support Or you can go to a service center that you're interested in, and you can tell them that you care about data preservation, and they might be able to come up with alternative solutions.
Warning about fraudsters:
⚠️ Never send a broken phone to an "expert" on the Internet! There have been cases where scammers promised to recover the data but simply formatted the phone and returned it to the owner with the message "nothing was saved." Always work with proven services or visit the workshop in person.