How to extract data from Xiaomi if the screen is not working: step-by-step instructions

A broken screen on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most frustrating situations for a user. Even if the device turns on and makes sounds, the lack of image or touch response makes it almost useless. The main problem in this case is how to save important data: photos, contacts, messages or documents without resorting to expensive repairs. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of extracting information from a broken screen, from simple to technically complex, taking into account the features of MIUI firmware and hardware limitations.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: whether the phone is turned on. USB-debugging, whether there is a backup in the Mi Cloud, whether touch control works (albeit partially), as well as the device model. AMOLED-You can try the lighting method, and for Poco X3 s IPS We'll look at all the scenarios, from no response to touch to situations where the screen just doesn't show the image, but the phone is alive".

1. Connecting to Mi Cloud: Recovering Data through Xiaomi Account

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use Mi Cloud storage if your phone has been synchronized, which is even suitable for a fully blind device, because it doesn't require physical interaction with the screen, but there are nuances: the cloud doesn't update in real time, but with a delay (minutes to hours), so the latest changes may not be saved.

To check for a backup copy:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account that you have linked to your phone.
• 📁 In Devices, select your smartphone. If it shows up as "connected," it means sync worked.
• 📥 Check the available data: contacts, notes, photos (if you have enabled the option to boot in Mi Cloud).

Note that photos and videos are synced only when connected to Wi-Fi, and messages and call logs are only synced on some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 or later).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was enabled Factory reset via Mi Cloud (optional in Settings) → Xiaomi account, after 3 failed attempts to unlock the device can automatically erase all data!

2.Use of USB-debugging ADB: for advanced users

If it's on the phone. USB-Debugging (option in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI, Then you have the developer settings, and you can connect to the device through your computer and copy the files manually, and this method requires minimal technical skills, but it gives you access to all the data, including applications and system files.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or only adb.exe).
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command line (Win) + R → Type in cmd) and execute the commands: adb devices If the device appears in the list, type: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ This will copy all files from internal memory to disk C:.

For Mac/Linux, the process is similar, but the path to adb may be different. If the adb device command returns a blank list, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect the cable or use another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Volume down for 10 seconds) and repeat the command.
• 📱 Install drivers for your Xiaomi model (e.g. Mi) PC Suite).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) USB-The debugging shuts down after you restart. If the phone shuts down, it won't work.

Install Android SDK Platform-Tools|Download drivers for Xiaomi|Connect the original USB-cable|Check on. USB-debugging-->

3. Connect mouse or keyboard via OTG: if the sensor is not working, but the screen is on

If the Xiaomi screen is turned on but does not respond to touch, you can connect USB-mouse or keyboard through OTG-It's an adapter. It allows you to control your phone like a computer, open files, copy them to a flash drive or to the cloud. USB OTG (Almost all devices after 2018).

Step-by-step:

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (stands) ~100–300 RUB) or use a cable with a connector USB-C/Micro-USB → USB-A.
2. Connect the mouse to the adapter, then insert it into the phone. The cursor should appear on the screen in 5-10 seconds.
3. If the screen is not visible due to cracks, but the phone is responding to the mouse, try it: 🖱️ Press the right mouse button to call the context menu (can help you navigate). 🔍 Use the Google Assistant (say, OK, Google, open the gallery"). 📁 Connect the flash drive through OTG and drag files blindly (for example, by holding Ctrl) + A to highlight everything).

For convenience, you can connect the phone to an external monitor via USB-C → HDMI (if the model supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 or later), in which case the image will be duplicated on the screen of a PC or TV.

4. Extract SIM-maps SD-Maps: A quick way to save contacts and photos

If the phone is installed SIM-A microSD card or memory card, some of the data can be extracted without a PC connection, and this method won't help with messages or applications, but it will save you a lot of time:

• 📞 Contacts (if retained) SIM-The map is rare, but it is found on older models).
• 📷 Photos and videos (if stored on the SD-a card, not in the internal memory).
• 🎵 Music and documents transferred to an external drive.

How to extract data:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Use a paper clip or special key to remove the tray SIM-maps (usually on the side panel).
3. Put it in. SIM-card to another phone or adapter for reading on a PC. SD-card reader will need.
4. Copy files from the drive to the computer.

Important: On most modern Xiaomi, the default contacts are saved to a Google or Mi Cloud account, not to a Google account. SIM-Check this in advance on the working device in the Contacts menu → Settings → Imports/exports.

5. Recovery Mode: Reset or Backup

If the screen is not working but the phone is turning on, you can try to enter Recovery Mode and back up your data, a method that is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or customized recavator (TWRP) installed.

Instructions for standard MIUI Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu (if the screen is not visible), focus on vibrations or sounds: 🔽 Press Volume Down to Move Points. 🔼 Confirm the choice of the button Nutrition. 📱 Select Backup (if available) or Mount to connect to your PC.

For TWRP, the process is simpler:

• 🖱️ Connect the mouse through OTG (If the sensor is not working).
• 📁 Choose Backup → Check the Data and Internal Storage sections.
• 💾 Save a copy for SD-map USB-accumulator.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Poco) X2) standard MIUI Recovery doesn't allow you to backup -- just reset your settings. TWRP, But installing it requires unlocking the bootloader.

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If the phone vibrates when you press buttons in Recovery, but the screen does not burn, try to hold the flashlight at an angle - sometimes the image is visible in bright side lighting.

6. Connection to a computer in mass storage mode (MTP)

If USB-Debugging is disabled, but the phone is recognized by the computer as a media device (mode) MTP), You can try to access files through Windows Explorer or macOS. This method works if you want to use a computer:

• 🔌 Phone connected to PC before screen breaks and permission to access has already been given.
• 📱 The lock screen does not require a password (or it is disabled).
• 🖥️ Computer "remembered" device (no request for confirmation of connection).

How to check:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open this computer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
3. If the device is displayed as Xiaomi [model], open it and copy files from the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads) and Pictures folders.

If the computer can't see the phone:

• 🔄 Try another cable or port. USB.
• 📱 Reboot your phone to Fastboot (Power buttons) + Volume down) and check if it is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.
• 🔧 Install Mi drivers PC Suite or Google USB Driver.

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If the phone previously connected to this computer and permission to access files was given, the mode MTP It's going to work without a screen, or it's going to work. USB-debugging OTG-mouse.

7. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, the last option is to go to the service center, and the wizards can extract the data in a number of ways:

• 🔧 Replace the screen (temporary) – connect the working display, copy the data and return your broken screen back.
• 📶 Chip-off – extracting information directly from the memory chip (expensive, but works even with a damaged motherboard).
• 🔄 JTAG — Low-level connection to the board for reading data (used rarely, only for critical information).

The cost of services varies:

Before contacting the service:

• 📋 Check whether they give a guarantee of data safety.
• 🔍 Check out the reviews about the workshop (especially for queries like Xiaomi data recovery").
• 💰 Compare prices: official Xiaomi services are more expensive, but more reliable.

⚠️ Warning: Some services offer "cheap" data retrieval through Wi-Fi connectivity and remote management, which is a scam — without physical access to the phone or its components, you can't save information.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data extraction with Xiaomi