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How to Backup iPhone with a Broken Screen: A Lifeline for Damaged Devices

Backing up your iPhone when its screen is cracked or completely unresponsive can feel like trying to assemble a puzzle with missing pieces. Fear not! Even with a compromised display, data retrieval is often possible. The key lies in leveraging alternative methods, understanding the extent of the damage, and knowing your options. This guide will navigate you through various techniques, from using iCloud and iTunes to exploring specialized recovery software, ensuring your precious data doesn’t vanish into the digital ether.

Assessing the Damage: The First Step

Before diving into backup methods, honestly assess the damage. Is it just a cracked screen, or is the touchscreen completely unresponsive? Can you see the screen at all, even faintly? These details significantly influence the methods available to you. A cracked screen where the touchscreen still functions opens up more possibilities than a completely blank display. Remember, time is of the essence, especially if the damage was caused by water or another potential threat to the internal components.

Method 1: If the Screen is Visible and Touchscreen Works

This is the easiest scenario. If you can still see the screen and the touchscreen responds to your touch, you’re in luck! You can perform a regular backup using iCloud or iTunes.

Backing Up to iCloud

Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Navigate to Settings: Tap on the Settings app.
Access iCloud: Tap on your name at the top, then select “iCloud”.
Start Backup: Scroll down and tap “iCloud Backup.”
Back Up Now: Tap “Back Up Now.” Ensure the “iCloud Backup” toggle is switched on for future automatic backups. This method requires enough iCloud storage space or upgrading to iCloud+.

Backing Up to iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and Later)

Connect to Computer: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
Open iTunes (or Finder): If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. If you’re using a Windows PC or an older version of macOS, open iTunes.
Trust This Computer: If prompted on your iPhone, tap “Trust This Computer” and enter your passcode.
Select Your iPhone: In iTunes, click the iPhone icon near the top left of the window. In Finder, your iPhone will appear in the sidebar under “Locations.”
Start Backup: In iTunes, click “Back Up Now.” In Finder, click “Back Up Now.” Choose whether to encrypt the backup for added security, requiring a password.

Method 2: If the Touchscreen is Unresponsive but the Screen is Visible

This is a more challenging situation, but not hopeless. You’ll need to leverage AssistiveTouch or a mouse adapter to navigate the screen.

Using AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature that creates a virtual button on your screen, allowing you to perform gestures and navigate without a fully functioning touchscreen.

Enable AssistiveTouch (If Already Enabled): If you had AssistiveTouch enabled before the screen broke, you can use it immediately. If not, you’ll need a way to enable it.
Using Siri (If Siri Works): If Siri still works, try saying “Hey Siri, turn on AssistiveTouch“.
Using Keyboard and Adapter: You can use a lightning to USB adapter and connect it to your iPhone. Once connected, you can use a USB keyboard to enable the accessibility feature to enable AssistiveTouch.
Navigate and Backup: Once AssistiveTouch is enabled, use it to navigate to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or connect to iTunes/Finder as described above.

Using a Mouse Adapter

Some adapters allow you to connect a USB mouse to your iPhone. This can give you more precise control than AssistiveTouch, especially if the screen is severely cracked.

Obtain a Compatible Adapter: Purchase a Lightning to USB adapter that supports mouse input.
Connect the Mouse: Connect the adapter to your iPhone and then plug in your USB mouse.
Navigate and Backup: Use the mouse to navigate to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or connect to iTunes/Finder as described above.

Method 3: If the Screen is Completely Black or Unresponsive

This is the most difficult scenario. If you can’t see anything on the screen and the touchscreen is unresponsive, your options are limited. However, there’s still a chance, especially if you’ve previously trusted your computer.

Relying on a Previously Trusted Computer

If you’ve connected your iPhone to your computer before and clicked “Trust This Computer,” your computer might still recognize the device, even with a black screen.

Connect to Computer: Connect your iPhone to the computer you’ve previously trusted.
Open iTunes (or Finder): Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Hope for Automatic Sync: iTunes/Finder might automatically start a backup if it recognizes your device. If not…
Attempt to Manually Start Backup: Even though you can’t see the screen, try clicking the iPhone icon in iTunes or selecting your iPhone in Finder. Then, try clicking “Back Up Now.” You’re essentially performing these actions blindly, so patience is key.
Third-Party Data Recovery Software: If your computer does not recognize the iPhone, you may need to try third-party data recovery software.

Data Recovery Software

Several data recovery software options claim to be able to extract data from damaged iPhones. These programs often require jailbreaking the device, which might void your warranty (if it’s still valid) and can be risky. Proceed with caution and research the software thoroughly before using it. Examples include PhoneRescue and iMyFone D-Back, but their effectiveness varies greatly depending on the severity of the damage.

Method 4: Professional Data Recovery Services

If all else fails, consider professional data recovery services. These companies have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from even severely damaged devices. This is often the most expensive option, but it might be your only hope if the data is critical. Examples include DriveSavers and Secure Data Recovery.

Important Considerations

Passcode: If your iPhone is passcode-protected, you’ll need to enter the passcode to unlock it before backing it up. This is a major hurdle if the touchscreen is unresponsive.
Water Damage: If your iPhone has water damage, disconnect it from any power source and avoid turning it on. Seek professional help immediately.
Battery Life: Make sure your iPhone has enough battery life to complete the backup process. Connect it to a power source if necessary.
Regular Backups: This situation highlights the importance of regularly backing up your iPhone, even when it’s in perfect condition.

FAQs: Backup iPhone with a Broken Screen

Here are some frequently asked questions about backing up an iPhone with a broken screen:

Can I backup my iPhone with a broken screen using iCloud if I can’t see the screen at all?
- Unfortunately, no. You need to be able to navigate to the iCloud settings to initiate the backup.
Does replacing the screen fix the issue and allow me to backup normally?
- Yes, replacing the screen might restore the functionality of the touchscreen, allowing you to backup using standard methods. However, ensure the underlying issue isn’t more severe than just the screen.
Is there a way to remotely access my iPhone’s data with a broken screen?
- No, there is no built-in feature to remotely access an iPhone’s data if the screen is broken.
Will Apple help me recover my data from an iPhone with a broken screen?
- Apple can offer repair services, and if the logic board is intact, they might be able to assist with data recovery. However, they primarily focus on hardware repair, not data recovery.
What are the risks of using third-party data recovery software?
- Risks include potential malware infection, data breaches, and further damage to your iPhone. Always research the software and the developer before using it.
How much does professional data recovery typically cost?
- The cost varies depending on the severity of the damage and the service provider, but it can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard to control my iPhone with a broken screen?
- No, you cannot connect a bluetooth keyboard without accepting it on your phone. You can connect a USB keyboard if you have an adapter.
Is jailbreaking my iPhone to recover data a good idea?
- Jailbreaking can void your warranty and make your iPhone more vulnerable to security threats. It’s generally not recommended unless you’re comfortable with the risks and have no other options.
I have Find My iPhone enabled. Can I use it to backup my data?
- Find My iPhone is for locating and securing your device, not for backing up data. It can remotely erase your device, but this won’t create a backup.
If my iPhone is backed up regularly to iCloud, does it matter if the screen is broken?
- If you have a recent iCloud backup, you can restore your data to a new iPhone. The broken screen becomes less of a concern, although you might still want to recover any data created since the last backup.
Can I prevent this from happening again?
- Yes! Invest in a high-quality screen protector and a durable phone case. Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes.
Are there any apps that can automatically backup data even when the screen is broken?

No apps can automatically start a backup when the screen is broken, as they require user interaction to grant permissions and initiate the process. Your best protection is a high-quality screen protector, a durable case, and frequent backups.