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How to Move Data from Damaged Phone to New Phone 2024

September 25, 2024

Moving data from a damaged phone to a new phone can be a daunting task; it’s completely overwhelming when suddenly the device on which you relied for everything turns into a broken phone.

Whether the device has a cracked screen, water damage, or a complete failure to power on, the thought of losing precious photos, important contacts, and crucial files is enough to make any person anxious.

Fortunately, there are several ways to transfer data from a damaged phone to a new phone so that you can restore what is more important.

Imagine this: You just shifted to the latest smartphone, but now your old smartphone has stopped working. How would you move data from the broken phone to the new phone?

On the plus side, information can be retrieved without having to spend a fortune on repairs, provided one uses the right tools and techniques.

Transferring data from a damaged phone into a new one is possible in many ways, from using cloud backups to directly connecting the damaged device to a computer.

In this article, we will discuss practical ways of retrieving your data so that you don’t lose any memorable or important information during the transition. 

Whether the device is partially functioning or completely unresponsive, we will present step-by-step guidance on how to move data from a damaged phone to a new phone in 2024.

Can You Move Data from a Broken Phone to a New Phone?

Of course, yes, you can move data from a damaged phone to a new phone, but the means depend on the level of damage your phone has. Once your phone is broken or damaged, the first thing you need to do is to get files off the broken phone. 

Some may prefer to recover data from a broken phone on a computer, while others may choose to transfer data from the broken phone to a new phone, especially for files like contacts and photos.

However, depending on the level of damage to your phone, you may or may not succeed in recovering data from a broken phone. Whatever the device situation, it is worth trying to perform data recovery.

Read Also – How to Fake Location on iPhone Without your Computer

What Are the Methods to Transfer Data from a Damaged Phone?

To transfer data from damaged phone to a new phone, several methods can be employed depending on the condition of the old device:

1. Using Cloud Backups

If you have enabled the Cloud Backup feature on the broken Android device, you can transfer data such as photos, contacts, and more from the broken phone to a new phone, regardless of how badly damaged it is.

For instance, if you had allowed Contacts to use the cloud, you could have transferred your contacts from a broken phone wirelessly over Wi-Fi onto a new phone.

To get the contacts off the broken phone:

  • Open the “Settings” app on your new phone and sign in with your cloud account used on the broken phone.
  • Tap “Cloud” and scroll down to turn the switch next to “Contacts” to ON.
  • Tap on “Merge” to merge the contacts on the phone with cloud.

You can do similar things to transfer photos from a broken phone to a new one.

If you have ever backed up your whole device on the cloud, you are fortunate to be able to recover everything, including data and settings, onto the new phone.

To transfer data from a broken phone onto a new phone:

  • Open the Settings app on the new phone.
  • Log in with your cloud account to back up the broken phone.
  • Click “Cloud” > “Cloud backup” > “Restore data.”
  • Here, you will see the backups you made. Select one of the backups that you want to restore.
  • Now, select the types of content you want to recover and click “RESTORE.”

Also Read – 10 Things to Look Out for When Buying a Used iPhone

2. Direct USB Connection

According to the type of damage, you can connect with a USB to move data from broken to new phones. Here are two general scenarios:

For Partially Working Screen

  • If the screen of your phone is cracked but still responsive, you will be able to transfer data as follows easily:
  • Connect your damaged phone to the computer by using a USB cable.
  • Make sure that your computer detects the device. Go into ‘My Computer’ or ‘This PC’ and then look for your phone.
  • Copy all the files you want and document your computer from your broken phone.
  • Then, attach your new phone to the computer and transfer those files to the new device from your computer.

Using this method, you can efficiently move data from broken to new phones without further complications.

For a Completely Broken Screen without Touch Capability

If your screen is completely shattered and unresponsive, you’ll be needing some additional accessories:

  • Connect your broken phone to a monitor or TV via a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
  • You can input the phone using a USB mouse and keyboard via an OTG adapter, which allows you to control it without using the touchscreen.
  • Use the mouse to unlock your device.
  • Open file transfer options and copy the files after unlocking.
  • Finally, connect the new phone to the computer and transfer the data.

This will aid in transferring your data from the damaged phone without losing essential information.

3. SD Card Access

If your phone has an external SD card, you can easily access the media content on your broken phone by taking it out and attaching it to your computer with a card reader. 

First, however, ensure the items you want to retrieve are stored on the card. Learn how you can do this:

  • Take out the SD card from your non-functional phone.
  • Connect the SD card using a reader to your computer.
  • When it appears on your computer in the file explorer, click to open and view your data.
  • Now, select the files from the SD card that you need.
  • Then, simply make the transfer by copying and pasting. Just ensure that you use a functional USB cable when intending to copy media files to your new Android or iPhone.

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4. Data Recovery Software

Imagine that your phone’s screen is cracked or that the phone is entirely unresponsive, and you cannot access any files stored on it. Such circumstances make data recovery software vital for recovering key data, such as contacts, messages, or photos.

Follow these steps to move data from the damaged phone to new phone with the use of data recovery software:

  • Immediately stop using the damaged phone and avoid overwriting the data.
  • Check the damage to the mobile phone; the issue may be software-related or hardware damage.
  • Download operating-system-compatible mobile phone recovery software, which may include either the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or SalvageData. 
  • You must install the software on a secondary computer. 
  • Physically connect the damaged phone via a USB connection. Scan the phone storage. 
  • Sneak preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to transfer. 
  • Recover data and save it onto an external drive or a new phone. 
  • Check the integrity of recovered data. 
  • Transfer saved data to the new phone.

These steps will enable you to recover and transfer data from a damaged phone onto a new device.

5. Google Drive

If Google Backup is enabled on your Android phone, you can easily recover your information from Google Drive. Most smartphones synchronize photos, contacts, and other critical information with Google Drive by default. 

Keep in mind that 15 GB is free on Drive. Of course, to transfer data from a damaged phone to a new phone this way, you’ll first have to get another device.

Step-by-step process to recover data from the broken phone using Google Drive:

  • Go to drive.google.com and sign in with the device at your disposal.
  • Click on “My Drive” and search for your backup.
  • The required files could be downloaded to any device attached to it.

6. Using Smart Switch [Samsung]

As a tool for backup and data transfer between Samsung devices, Samsung Switch can help you restore data from a recent backup on an Android phone with a broken screen. First of all, make sure the screen of the spoiled phone works. Here is how to do it:

  • Connect your broken Samsung phone by using a USB cable with the computer.
  • Open the Smart Switch application.
  • Choose the data you want to recover, such as contacts, photos, etc.
  • Start Smart Switch on the computer and tap “Restore” once it is detected.
  • Transfer data from your broken phone onto the computer.
  • Save your computer’s recovered data.

Also Read – 11 Things to Consider When Buying a Used HP, Dell or Mac laptop in Nigeria

What Should You Do After Moving Data to New Phone?

Once you have moved your data from a damaged phone into a new one, the steps below are important to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the setup is appropriate.

  1. Check Your Data: Once you have moved your data from a damaged phone into a new one, check that all the important files, contacts, and apps have been transferred appropriately. This way, you will not lose anything important.
  1. Set Up Auto Backups: Now, it is time to prevent file and data losses if the phone gets broken. Tap Settings > Google > Backup; then, turn on “Backup now” to save the data on Android periodically.
  1. Avail Cloud Services: You can use services like Google Drive or Google Photos, which will automatically back up your photos and documents. This is one paramount step you must take to retrieve data from a broken phone at any time in the future.
  1. Backup Sensitive Data Manually: For those critical files that do not necessarily form part of your regular backups, make personal copies to a safe location, such as an external drive or cloud storage.
  1. Periodically Check Backup: Periodically check your backup settings to make sure they are set right. This will allow you to recover data in case you have to transfer it to a new phone from a broken phone again.

By following these steps, you can minimize the risks of losing data after transferring from a damaged device in the future.

Read Also – How to Remove Private Number on Samsung, Infinix and other Android Phones 2024

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

In cases of complete failure or damage beyond your recovery capability, the best thing to do is seek professional help. You can start by assessing the extent of the damage. 

If your phone is still on and allows access to files, you may attempt simple recovery methods.

But if it just doesn’t turn on, or in cases where the damage appears to be rather serious nature-for instance, a crack in the screen or exposure to water, the services of professionals will be required.

Professionals are provided with and thus can implement expert machinery and expertise in recovering data from seriously damaged devices. This helps them efficiently transfer data from one broken phone to another. 

Techniques that may be played include cleanroom recovery or direct extraction from memory chips.

In summary, if the phone does not turn on or is unable to boot after trying these methods, never hesitate to approach experts who offer safe and sound data recovery or transfer options.

Final Thoughts

Transferring data from a damaged phone to a new one doesn’t have to be headache-inducing. With the right tool, you can easily transfer all data from a broken phone to a new one.

Whether through cloud backups or with specialized applications, options abound for recovering important files.

If you find this guide on moving data from broken to new phones, leave a comment below!

Don’t forget to Follow us on Facebook: Silicon Africa, Instagram: Siliconafricatech, and Twitter: @siliconafritech for more tech insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover data from a completely dead phone?

Apart from that, your phone is dead; there are hardly any recovery options. First, try charging it and then connecting it to a computer. If it is detected, you can access some data. Otherwise, you may want to try professional repair services.

What else could be used to recover data if your Android device is broken?

Third-party applications designed for data recovery, such as Dr.Fone or MobiKin, could help restore data from broken devices without necessarily requiring direct interaction with the phone.

Can I get my contacts from my SIM card?

Yes, if they are stored on the SIM card itself, they can be directly accessed from any other device.

What should I do if none of those mentioned above methods work?

In case all recovery attempts fail, visit a professional repair shop. They may be able to provide further data recovery with more sophisticated tools or other techniques on such badly damaged devices.

Reference 

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Onyinyechi Ikemefuna
Onyinyechi Ikemefuna

Ikemefuna Onyinyechi Patience, a skilled Content Writer hailing from Anambra State Nigeria, holds a Higher National Degree in microbiology from Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra. Armed with robust research and SEO expertise, she excels in crafting articles spanning technology, finance, healthcare, education, and lifestyle. Her work stands out for its ability to authentically inspire and engage while inciting action. Beyond her writing prowess, Ikemefuna finds joy in reading, exploring movies, and delving into continuous research, contributing to her growth as a proficient writer.

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