Recovering lost data from a phone is often possible if you take the right steps. Phone repair shops have various tools and techniques to attempt data recovery, but success depends on the type of phone, the specific issue, and how long ago the data was lost.
What are some common causes of data loss on phones?
There are several common issues that can cause data loss on phones:
- Physical damage – Dropping a phone in water, cracking the screen, etc. can make data recovery difficult or impossible.
- Software issues – Bugs, crashes, freezes or errors with the operating system sometimes corrupt data.
- Factory resets – Resetting a phone to factory settings erases all data on the device.
- Deleted files – Accidentally deleting photos, messages or other files removes them from easy access.
- Forgotten passcodes – If you forget your passcode, you’ll be locked out of the phone and unable to access data.
What tools & techniques can repair shops use?
Phone repair shops have access to various professional tools and methods for recovering data. Here are some of the main ones:
- Data recovery software – Specialized software can scan the phone’s memory and finds recoverable files. Some examples include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, Disk Drill.
- Chip-off method – The memory chip is carefully removed from the phone motherboard and read using external tools to extract data.
- JTAG method – Connecting debugging hardware to the chip allows accessing memory directly for data recovery.
- Repairing the phone – If the issue is a cracked screen, water damage or software problem, repairing these can allow data access.
- Bypassing the lock screen – Technicians can sometimes bypass a forgotten passcode to regain access.
What types of data can they recover?
If the phone’s memory chip is still in good condition, repair shops can potentially recover many types of files:
- Photos & videos
- Text messages
- Contacts
- Call logs
- Browsing history
- Notes & documents
- Apps & program data
- Music & audio files
- Emails
- Calendars & schedules
- Bookmarks & favorites
- Some app login details
They are unable to recover or reset passwords stored only in the cloud or on other systems. But they can often find enough to regain access to accounts.
What factors affect the chances of successful recovery?
The likelihood of successfully recovering data depends on several key factors:
- Cause of data loss – Physical damage reduces chances, while software issues increase chances.
- Phone model – Newer phones with advanced security are harder to recover from.
- Time passed – The less time since loss, the better the chances. Data can overwrite.
- What was stored – Whether original files or just references (like social media) affects recovery.
- Condition of phone – Heavy damage to the chip makes recovery impossible.
Can they recover data after factory reset?
Recovering data after a factory reset is often possible, but not guaranteed. When reset, the references to the files are removed but the actual data usually remains until overwritten by new data. So there is a good chance of recovering photos, documents and other files with the right tools. But time is critical – the less you use the phone after resetting, the better.
Can physical damage prevent data recovery?
Yes, physical damage can absolutely prevent data recovery if critical components are damaged:
- Damaged memory chip – If the actual silicon is cracked or corrupted, data will be unrecoverable.
- Water damage – Water can short-circuit and fry components needed to access memory.
- Cracked screens – Cracks alone don’t affect data recovery, it’s only if they allow other damage.
- Bent or broken phone boards – If the motherboard is damaged, the memory chips may be beyond recovery.
So while minor screen cracks or chassis damage doesn’t rule out recovery, significant water exposure or component damage likely does.
How can I prepare my phone for data recovery?
You can take certain steps to give a repair shop the best chance of recovering your lost data:
- Stop using the phone right away if data loss just occurred. More use equals lower chances.
- Don’t try to repair the phone yourself first. Leave internal chips intact.
- Keep the phone dry. Water exposure reduces the chances drastically.
- Wrap in anti-static bag for transport to the repair shop.
- Remove any passcodes if possible. This gives direct memory access.
- Have the repair shop create a backup image first.
Can they get past phone locks and passcodes?
Repair shops have ways to potentially get past phone locks and disabled phones. If standard methods don’t work, they can use special tools like:
- IP-Box – Decodes lockscreen pins, patterns and passwords.
- JTAG boxes – Gain access via debugging interfaces.
- Chip-off – Directly access memory chip data.
- Repairing touchscreens – Fixes touch to enter passcodes.
There are no guaranteed ways past all modern security. But reputable repair shops often have enough methods to gain access and recover data from locked phones.
What should I look for in a phone data recovery service?
To maximize your chances of recovering lost phone data, look for repair shops with these features:
- Uses professional data recovery tools – Not just consumer software.
- ISO certified cleanroom facilities – Prevents further damage.
- Positive customer reviews specifically for data recovery.
- Offers free diagnosis or quotes for your specific case.
- Shares photos of recovered data from real cases.
- Explains the full process and policies upfront.
- Has trained technicians experienced with your phone model.
Avoid shops that seem sketchy, pressure you, demand large upfront payments, or don’t answer your questions. A reputable data recovery service should be transparent and forthcoming.
Can phone companies like Apple & Samsung recover data?
The phone companies themselves, like Apple and Samsung, don’t offer official data recovery services. However, some options exist:
- Apple Stores – Genius Bar staff can sometimes recover data from iOS devices.
- Samsung Service Centers – May attempt limited data recovery but no guarantees.
- Carrier stores – Their repair centers occasionally can recover some data.
- Mail-in services – Send the device to the company for analysis.
- Third parties – Authorized providers can do repairs and recovery for Apple.
But phone company provided options are often limited compared to dedicated professional data recovery firms. And success is never assured.
Can lost data be recovered remotely?
Remote data recovery over the internet is usually not possible for phones. Reasons it won’t work:
- No remote access – Phones don’t allow memory access over the internet.
- Needs hardware access – Direct physical connections are required.
- Passcodes block access – Remote services can’t input unlock passcodes.
- Encrypted data – File encryptions prevent remote access.
- Lack of specialized tools – Scanning hardware is needed for recovery.
So while it’s convenient, remote phone data recovery is rarely feasible. Physical access to the device is needed in most cases.
How much does phone data recovery cost?
The cost for recovering data from phones can range quite a bit depending on where you go. Some typical price ranges:
- Local repair shops – $100-$300 or more for reasonable success rates.
- Mail-in recovery services – $300-$600+ for moderate to high success rates.
- Data recovery specialists – $500-$1200+ for the highest success rates.
Many shops offer free or low-cost diagnostics first before giving a firm quote. Prices depend on how much time & effort is required for the specific device and what data is being recovered.
Can you recover data after a factory reset?
It is often possible to recover data even after a factory reset, but a few key factors determine success:
- The less you have used the phone after resetting, the better.
- Specialized data recovery software can find files marked as deleted.
- Chip-off and JTAG methods can read raw NAND memory to find data.
- Resetting just removes file indexing and access points – data still remains.
- Overwriting old storage cells gradually erases data after a reset.
So for the best chance get professional help immediately after a reset. But even if some time has passed, recovery is often still possible.
What are the chances of recovering lost phone data?
The overall chances of recovering lost phone data greatly depend on specific factors:
| Cause of Data Loss | Chances of Recovery |
| Deleted files or factory reset | 70-90% chance |
| Water damage phone | 30-50% chance |
| Physical damage to components | 10-30% chance |
| Corrupted operating system | 80-90% chance |
| Forgotten passcode | 90%+ chance |
So while success is never 100% guaranteed, in many typical cases, professional phone recovery has a very high likelihood of getting back lost data.
Can a broken phone screen prevent data recovery?
A cracked or broken phone screen alone does not necessarily prevent data recovery. As long as the internal memory chip is intact, data can likely be recovered with the right tools. Some key points:
- Screen is separate from memory – Just display damaged, not storage.
- Connecting to alternative screens – Can bypass a broken display.
- Chip-off method – Accesses memory chip directly when screen detached.
- Only impacts if screen broke other components.
- Water damage from an open crack poses risk.
So phone screens can often be fixed or worked around to recover data. The screen itself does not store anything, only displays it.
What are signs my phone data is corrupted or lost?
Some common signs that your phone data may be corrupted, inaccessible or lost:
- Errors opening apps and files
- Unusual lagging or freezing
- Problems powering on the phone
- Visible display or touchscreen defects
- Being unable to access saved data like contacts
- Strange visual glitches or graphics
- Missing files you know you saved before
- A folder showing 0 bytes space used
If you experience any of these issues, stop using the phone immediately and contact a professional recovery service to prevent further data loss.
Is it better to replace a phone if data is lost?
If crucial personal data on your phone seems lost or inaccessible, replacing the phone right away is not necessarily the best option. It’s often better to have a professional attempt data recovery first. Reasons to try recovery before replacement:
- Replacement does nothing to get lost data back.
- Original data may still be recoverable from old phone.
- Used phone resale value offsets part of the repair cost.
- Waiting preserves the state of the damaged phone.
- Higher chance of full data recovery from original device.
So unless the phone is completely destroyed physically, replacement can actually decrease the chances of complete data recovery. At least attempting professional recovery first is usually worthwhile.
Conclusion
While the outcome is never certain, phone repair shops have many tools and techniques that can effectively recover lost data in many situations. Trying professional recovery services can often get back photos, messages, documents and other important files – avoiding the need to replace the phone. With the right approach to issues like water damage and chip access, there is a surprisingly high success rate. Just be sure to use a reputable shop with experience, cleanroom facilities, and a clear process. With the prevalence of irreplaceable personal data on phones today, it’s worthwhile exploring phone data recovery options before giving up hope.
