How to pull data from a Xiaomi phone with a broken screen: all the ways from simple to complex

Introduction: Why Standard Methods Don't Work

A broken screen on Xiaomi is not just a cosmetic defect, it is a serious problem if the phone doesn’t respond to touch or show an image at all. Even if the display is partially working, standard ways to copy files (via MIUI File Explorer or cloud services) become unavailable. The main difficulty is that most methods require confirmation of actions on the screen — unlock, allow access or select files.

This is even more complicated if the phone has enabled data encryption (by default in MIUI 12+) or activated the lock protection feature (Settings → Passwords and Security → Lock Protection). In such cases, even a USB connection will not give you full access to files without additional manipulations. However, there is a way out - and we will consider all possible options, from the simplest to the most technically complex.

It is important to understand that success depends on three factors: (1) Screen status (all black, backlighting, touch responsive), (2) MIUI version and phone model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi 12T support different debugging protocols), (3) Availability of backups or sync with Mi Account.

Method 1: Connect to a computer in file transfer mode (MTP)

If the screen displays any information (even cracked, but you can see the picture), try the simplest method: USB-based MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) connection.

• 🔹 Phone unlocked (no input required) PIN-code or pattern lock when connected)
• 🔹 Enabled option File transfer in settings USB (Usually appears on the first connection)
• 🔹 Xiaomi drivers are installed on the computer (you can download from the official website)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable (better to use port) USB 3.0 on PC for stability).
2. If the screen responds to touch, swipe down the notification bar and select File Transfer (MTP).
3. On your computer, open This computer (My Windows computer) - the phone should appear as a removable drive.
4. Copy the files you want (usually they are in DCIM folders for photos, Downloads for downloads, Miui for screenshots).

The critical detail is, if the phone is locked and the screen is not responsive to touch, this method won't work, so go to method 2 or 3.

Original Xiaomi | USB port on PC works (check on another device)| There is enough charge on the phone (minimum 20%)| Xiaomi drivers installed (check in Device Manager)

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Method 2: Use of the USB-debugging (ADB) non-screen

If USB-debugging (ADB — Android Debug Bridge was turned on before the screen broke, you can control the phone through your computer even if the display is completely black.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably with data transmission support).
• 📱 Phone with the debugging enabled USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Mode, then turn on Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and open Command Prompt (cmd) or Terminal.
2. Go to the folder with the platform-tools (for example, cd C:\platform-tools).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone appears in the list, go further. If not, check the drivers or cable.
4. Copy the desired files with the command (example for folder) DCIM): adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\
5. To access contacts or SMS Use: Adb backup -f C:\Xiaomi_Backup\backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -nosystem (Backup.ab can be opened with Android Backup Extractor)

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn't work if the debugging is USB not included in advance.
• ❌ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Poco) F3) You need to confirm the power of attorney of the computer on the phone screen – if the screen does not work, this is impossible.
• ❌ Not all system data (such as WhatsApp messages) can be copied without root rights.

Yes, I always use it | No, I didn't know about it | I don't remember, I need to check | I have a different brand of phone.

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Method 3: Recovery Mode for copying data

If the screen doesn't respond to touch, but the phone is turning on, you can try to enter Recovery Mode and connect to the computer. USB-scaling up, but has limitations.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most people. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Loudness up + Nutrition. 📱 For older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X): Loudness down + Nutrition.

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Then select Connect with MIAssistant (if any) or connect to your computer via USB. Some versions of MIUI Recovery feature Mount (mount storage) option, which allows you to access files via MTP.

Importantly, not all files are available in Recovery Mode, for example, gallery photos are usually in /sdcard/DCIM/, but application data (such as Telegram or Viber) may not be available without root.

Method 4: Retrieving data via Mi Account (cloud and synchronization)

If you have Mi Account sync enabled on your phone, some of the data can be recovered through the cloud, which doesn't require physical access to the phone, but only works for certain types of files.

What can be restored:

How to check if synchronization is enabled:

1. Go to the Mi Cloud website and log in.
2. Check the Devices section – if the phone appears in the list, the data is synchronized.
3. If the phone is not connected, try logging in to another Xiaomi device with the same account – sometimes this triggers sync.

How to connect:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on).
2. Connect the adapter to the port USB-C phone, and the other end is to HDMI-monitor-in.
3. Turn on the phone. The outside screen should show an image.
4. If there is no image, try changing the source of the signal on the monitor (Source or Input button).
5. Unlock your phone (if required) and copy the data via MTP or the cloud.

Limitations:

• ❌ It only works on phones that support DisplayPort Alt Mode (see below for a list of compatible models).
• ❌ Not all adapters support data transfer – some only charge.
• ❌ If the phone is locked with a pattern lock and the screen does not respond to touch, unlocking may not be possible.

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Method 6: Contacting a service center when nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, the last option is to contact the service center, which is relevant in the following cases:

• 🔧 The screen is completely black and the phone does not respond to the connection to the computer.
• 🔒 The phone has encryption on and USB-debugging has not been activated.
• 💾 Restore data from internal memory (such as WhatsApp or Telegram databases).
• 🔄 Reflash the phone to reset the lock (risk of data loss!).

What can be done in the service:

1. Replace the screen with data storage. If the motherboard is working, the wizards can temporarily plug in the working display, copy files and return your broken screen back.
2. Reading memory through ISP (In-System Programming: The researchers are hooked up to flash contacts and read data directly. It's expensive (from 5,000+). ₽), It works even on locked phones.
3. Reset via EDL Mode, which allows you to reflash your phone, but all the data will be deleted, and is used if you just want to bring the phone back to life, rather than save files.

How to choose a service center:

• 🛠️ Xiaomi official centers (list on the site) – more expensive, but a guarantee of data security.
• 🔧 Unofficial workshops are cheaper, but the risk of data leakage or incompetence of masters is high.
• 📦 If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will cancel the warranty.

⚠️ Note: before handing over the phone for repair is required: Remove SIM-Check if the data will be available after the repair (sometimes when changing the screen, the settings will be reset); ask the wizard to show the copied files before paying (if the goal is to save the data).

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FAQ: Frequent questions about recovering data from a broken Xiaomi