Having a broken phone can be extremely frustrating, especially when important data is inaccessible. Losing contacts, photos, videos and other irreplaceable information is heartbreaking. Luckily, there are programs available that can recover data from broken phones, saving precious memories and information.
What causes data loss on a broken phone?
There are several common ways phones can break resulting in potential data loss:
- Cracked screen – A cracked screen can prevent access to data even if the phone still turns on.
- Water damage – Liquid getting inside the phone can short circuit components and corrupt data.
- Software failure – A software glitch or corrupted OS can cause data to be inaccessible.
- Hardware failure – If the internal components like the memory chip fail, data cannot be retrieved.
- Physical damage – Severe drops can destroy internal parts needed to access memory.
Phones store data in the internal NAND flash memory chips. So physical damage to these delicate components or the connecting circuits leads to data loss. Software failures can sometimes be fixed by resetting the device. But hardware damage often requires more advanced data recovery techniques.
Can broken phone data be recovered?
The good news is data can be recovered from many broken phones even with hardware damage – as long as the NAND memory chip is intact. While DIY recovery using software tools is sometimes possible, hardware repairs by professionals have the highest success rate.
Specialized data recovery experts use advanced techniques like:
- Bypassing damaged phone components to directly access memory chips.
- Repairing circuitry like soldering connectors to access memory.
- Using advanced hardware/software to interface with memory chips.
- Harvesting working memory chips and reading them using external devices.
This allows them to read data off the storage chips when the phone itself does not power on or has a cracked screen.
DIY broken phone data recovery
It is possible to recover some data yourself using a USB adapter that connects the phone’s memory chip to a computer. This allows software to interface directly with the storage and extract files. However, DIY repairs can potentially damage components further if not done properly. Consulting a professional is recommended for best results.
If attempting DIY recovery, these are some software options:
DiskDigger
DiskDigger is a free data recovery app available for Windows and Android. It can be installed on another phone and used to scan a broken phone’s memory chip when connected via USB adapter cable. Recovered files like contacts, messages and media can be saved on the functioning phone or synced to a computer.
EaseUS MobiSaver
MobiSaver is data recovery software for Windows designed to retrieve files from broken Android phones and other devices. If the phone connects via USB, it can scan the memory and extract recoverable data. A free trial allows up to 2GB of data recovery.
iSkysoft Toolbox – Android Data Recovery
This Windows software is designed specifically for Android file recovery from broken devices. It supports various data types like messages, contacts, photos, video and documents. A deep scan mode can detect lost and corrupted files.
Professional data recovery services
For maximum data recovery success, specialized electronics repair shops offer professional services. They have experience opening smartphones and performing microsoldering and other advanced techniques to recover data from failed memory chips.
Some top professional phone data recovery services include:
Secure Data Recovery
Secure Data Recovery has decades of experience recovering lost data from all devices. For broken phones, they use specialized tools to bypass damage and extract files from NAND chips. They claim high success rates even for water damaged phones.
Ontrack
Ontrack is a data recovery pioneer with ISO certified cleanrooms and proprietary recovery methods. For mobile device data loss, they can bypass hardware damage and access storage chips at the component level.
Gillware Digital Forensics
Gillware employs certified forensic specialists to assist both consumers and businesses. For broken phones their techniques include chip-off, microsoldering, ISP and JTAG to recover data at an electrical level.
Factors affecting broken phone data recovery
While data recovery is often possible, there are many factors that determine success rates:
- Cause of damage – Severe water or physical damage reduces recoverability.
- Phone model – Newer phones with more storage present more challenges.
- Chip removal needed – If the chip is damaged it may need to be removed and read externally.
- File system and encryption – Encrypted files are harder to recover.
- Technician skill level – An expert generally has better success recovering data.
Phones damaged beyond physical repair can still provide data access in many cases. But the complexity and risk increases for newer model phones as they require advanced techniques.
Tips to avoid data loss on a broken phone
While data recovery services can retrieve lost files in many cases, prevention is the best solution. Follow these tips to minimize risk:
- Backup regularly – Automate backups to cloud storage or a computer.
- Store data externally – Use cloud sync for files and external apps like WhatsApp for messaging.
- Encrypt the device – This protects data if the phone falls into the wrong hands.
- Avoid water damage – Never use a phone near sinks or other wet areas.
- Use phone cases – Quality cases protect from drops – the main physical damage cause.
Setting up protections like backups and encryption ensures critical phone data is not dependant on the device itself. Automating off-device storage provides redundancy for photos, contacts, notes and other information that would otherwise be lost.
Can broken phone data be recovered remotely?
Remote data recovery refers to retrieving files from a broken phone without physical access to the device. This is generally only possible in limited circumstances:
- The phone still turns on – If software is accessible even with a cracked screen, backups can potentially be created.
- Cloud sync was enabled – Media, documents and other files synced to cloud storage can be downloaded to a new device.
- Critical user data was stored externally – Apps like WhatsApp keep messaging data in the cloud.
If the phone will not power on or has software failures, remote access is very unlikely. Physical data recovery methods would be required in these cases.
Is phone data recovery worth the cost?
Professional phone data recovery services can cost hundreds of dollars, but are often worth the expense compared to losing precious memories and information.
Factors that support data recovery expenditure:
- Data has high personal or professional value – Important documents, media and messages.
- Cost of recovery is minor compared to data value – Photos of loved ones can be priceless.
- No backups exist – The broken phone has the only copies of data.
- Advanced techniques are required – DIY methods were unsuccessful.
A quality data recovery firm achieves high success rates in tough cases. For valuable data with no backups, the recovery investment brings peace of mind and avoids devastating loss.
Choosing a broken phone data recovery service
If professional recovery is needed, research services thoroughly first:
- Verify they have experience specifically with phones – Look for mobile device and microsoldering expertise.
- Ask about success rates for your phone model – More complex cases may have lower odds.
- Get a written quote – Avoid vague pricing or surprise fees later.
- Look for positive independent reviews – A trusted service delivers as promised.
- Consider ISO certification – This demonstrates rigorous standards and procedures.
Avoid low-end providers that outsource recoveries or have limited qualifications. The skill and capabilities of the technician performing the repair is the most important factor.
Conclusion
While a broken phone can lead to catastrophic data loss in some cases, there is hope in many scenarios thanks to data recovery software and services. DIY recovery using tools like DiskDigger may work, but professional technicians employ the most advanced techniques with the highest success rates.
Factors like physical damage level, phone model complexity and use of encryption determine recoverability on a case-by-case basis. But data recovery specialists like Secure Data Recovery have decades of experience extracting files from even severely damaged devices. This makes professional recovery well worth the cost when irreplaceable data with high personal or business value is involved.
Carefully researching potential recovery firms and understanding success factors allows broken device owners to maximize the chances of getting their precious files back. Combining professional recovery with vigilant phone security practices like automatic backups provides the most effective protection against catastrophic data loss should the worst happen to your device.