Having a broken iPhone with precious photos and no backup can be incredibly stressful. The good news is that in many cases, it is possible to recover photos from a broken iPhone even without an iTunes or iCloud backup.
Quick answers:
- Yes, it is often possible to recover photos from a broken iPhone without a backup using data recovery software or professional data recovery services.
- Options include connecting the iPhone to a computer and using software like Dr.Fone or iSkysoft Toolbox, removing the memory chip and accessing it directly, or using a professional data recovery service.
- Success depends on the type and extent of damage. Recovery is more likely if the memory chip is intact and uncompromised.
- It’s best not to attempt any DIY software fixes if you lack technical expertise, as you could overwrite the deleted photo data.
Assessing the damage
The first step is to assess the type and extent of damage to determine your options for data recovery. Some types of damage make DIY photo recovery more challenging or even impossible:
- Extensive water damage – Water can short-circuit electronics and cause corrosion. The longer a wet iPhone stays on, the more damage. Recovery may still be possible if the memory chip is intact.
- Cracked screen – Cracked screens don’t necessarily affect data recovery. You may still be able to connect the iPhone to a computer.
- Non-functioning display – As long as the phone powers on and maintains a connection, photo recovery should still be possible.
- Extreme physical damage – If the phone is smashed or bent out of shape, removal and direct access to memory chip may be necessary. DIY attempts risk further damage.
Finding a reputable professional data recovery service is advisable if the phone is badly damaged. But if the phone is still largely intact, DIY recovery using phone data recovery software is worth attempting first before seeking professional help.
DIY iPhone photo recovery software
One option for getting photos off a broken iPhone without backup is to use a third-party iOS data recovery app. Here are some top choices:
Dr.Fone – iOS Data Recovery
Dr.Fone by Wondershare is one of the most well-known data recovery suites. It can recover 20+ types of lost iOS data, including photos, messages, contacts and more. Dr.Fone supports the latest iPhone models and iOS versions.
Pros:
- Recovers data directly from iOS devices or iTunes and iCloud backups
- Allows previewing photos before recovering them
- Simple interface and recovery process
Cons:
- Only scans and recovers data, no repair features
- Must pay for full version after trial expires
iSkysoft Toolbox – iOS Data Recovery
iSkysoft Toolbox for iOS offers photo, message and file recovery from iPhone and iPad. It can recover from iOS devices directly or from iTunes and iCloud backups.
Pros:
- Free trial version allows recovering up to 3 items
- Recovers 19+ data types including photos, messages, notes, etc.
- Works directly on iOS devices or from backups
Cons:
- Must pay to upgrade to full version
- No phone repair features
- Limited customer support in free version
PhoneRescue iOS Data Recovery
PhoneRescue by iMobie focuses solely on recovering lost or deleted iOS data such as photos, messages, contacts, videos, notes and more. It offers three recovery modes: directly from iOS device, from iTunes backup, or from iCloud backup.
Pros:
- Fast, deep scanning for maximum recovery of lost data
- Preview photos, messages and documents before recovery
- Free lifetime upgrades
Cons:
- No option for free trial, must purchase
- No other repair or utility features
- Limited customer service for free version
Using iPhone data recovery software
The general process for using DIY iOS data recovery software is as follows:
- Download and install the data recovery software on a computer the iPhone will connect to.
- Open the software and select the appropriate recovery mode: iOS device, iTunes backup or iCloud backup.
- Connect the iPhone to the computer directly or via USB. Grant access if prompted.
- Select the types of data to scan for – be sure to include photos.
- Let the software scan the device. This may take awhile depending on data amount.
- Preview and select the photos to recover when scanning completes.
- Specify a save location on the computer to recover photos to.
- Wait for the recovery process to complete.
- Retrieve the recovered photos now saved on your computer.
It’s crucial not to interrupt the scanning and recovery process once it begins. Turning off the iPhone or disconnecting it from the computer can lead to data corruption or loss. Also avoid using the iPhone until the process finishes.
Recovering data directly from iPhone storage
Some cases of extreme iPhone damage require directly accessing the storage memory chip to recover photos. This advanced method carries risks of further component damage if not done properly.
Removing the memory chip
Direct access to iPhone storage involves carefully opening up the phone casing to locate and remove the flash memory chip. The exact chip location varies by iPhone model. Special tools like spudgers and suction cups help safely pry open and separate the screen, case and internal components.
Once removed, the memory chip can be inserted into adapters or specialized data recovery hardware to read out its raw stored data. This requires advanced technical skill to handle delicate electronics.
Reading the memory chip data
With the memory chip extracted, professional data recovery experts can use advanced tools to interface with it and access any recoverable data still contained on it. Two common methods are:
- Chip-off forensics – The memory chip gets inserted into a special adapter that can interface with it and read its data. This allows data recovery without needing the actual iPhone.
- ISP – In-System-Programming – The memory chip gets re-soldered back into phone circuitry so it can be read as normal storage via software tools while still inside the phone.
Both methods require very technical skills and special equipment. But they can recover data when all else fails. The intactness of the physical memory chip determines how much data can be successfully recovered this way.
When to use a professional iPhone data recovery service
For severe iPhone damage or highly valuable photo data, turning to professional data recovery services may be warranted. Pros have access to advanced tools and techniques unavailable to everyday consumers. But their high level of expertise comes at a price.
Consider professional iPhone data recovery services if:
- Your iPhone suffered extensive water or other physical damage
- DIY attempts to recover photos failed
- Losing the photo data could impact your business, finances or other aspects of your life
Reputable iPhone data recovery services like iPad Rehab and DriveSavers can recover photos even from phones with disconnected or damaged memory chips. But costs easily run over $1000 in complex cases requiring lots of labor and troubleshooting.
To avoid sticker shock, get a written price estimate upfront listing all charges before authorizing iPhone data recovery services. And consider insuring valuable data in case recovery proves unsuccessful.
Preventing photo loss on iPhone
While photo recovery on a broken iPhone without backup is often possible, it’s always preferable to prevent data loss in the first place. Going forward, implement these iPhone photo backup practices:
- Enable iCloud Photos – Automatically backs up new photos to iCloud storage as you take them.
- Sync with iTunes – Connect iPhone to computer regularly to back up photos to iTunes library.
- Use cloud storage apps – Manually back up batches of photos to Google Photos, Dropbox, etc.
- Export photo albums to computer – Transfer important event/trip photos for safe keeping.
- Back up iPhone regularly – Sync to iCloud or iTunes frequently to update backups.
Setting up redundant backups via both iCloud and iTunes provides an extra layer of protection against data loss. Storing backups in multiple locations – both in the cloud and locally – guards against device theft or failure.
Also consider using a sturdy iPhone case and screen protector to prevent damage in the first place. Take care not to expose your iPhone to moisture or extreme heat which can quickly fry its circuits and components.
Conclusion
While DIY data recovery software often enables successful photo retrieval from a damaged, broken or non-functioning iPhone, results vary case-by-case. Extensive physical damage increases the chance of irretrievable data loss.
Getting professional help gives the best odds of salvaging photos when all else fails. But costs may exceed the value of the recovered data.
Prevention is much easier than recovery. Maintaining vigilant iPhone photo backups to multiple locations will spare you the stress and hassle of data recovery down the road.