Quick Answers
Yes, there are several methods you can try to recover photos from a broken, unbacked up iPhone:
- Connect the iPhone to a computer and use data recovery software to scan the device and extract photos.
- Take the iPhone to a repair shop and have them remove the storage chip to recover data.
- Replace the broken screen/digitizer if that is the only issue to regain access to the device.
- Back up the iPhone to iCloud or iTunes if it will turn on and connect briefly.
Assessing the Damage
When an iPhone is damaged or broken, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage to determine your options for data recovery. There are a few key things to check:
- Does the screen work? If the screen is cracked or damaged but still functional, you may be able to back up photos before attempting repair.
- Does it power on? If the phone won’t power on at all, your options are more limited but data recovery is still possible.
- Is it water damaged? Water damage makes data recovery much more difficult and requires disassembly.
- What else is damaged? Damage limited to the screen/case is better than motherboard damage.
Based on this assessment, you’ll have a better idea of which data recovery options are available to you. The less damage the better odds you can recover the data yourself via software or by backing up to iCloud.
Attempt to Back Up Before Repair
If the phone powers on and the screen works even partially, immediately try to back up photos before repairing or tampering with the device. Connect it to a computer and use iTunes or iCloud to back up. Here are some tips for backing up a damaged iPhone:
- Clean the charging port if needed so the device charges and connects.
- Force restart the iPhone if it’s unresponsive: press and hold power + home for 10 sec.
- Use Siri voice commands to initiate a backup if touch isn’t working.
- Point a bright light at the screen to see content if badly cracked.
- Use an external keyboard if built-in keyboard won’t work.
Backing up right away gives you the best chance of saving your photos. The repair process may destroy your data, so it’s best to not attempt any repair until your content is backed up.
Use Data Recovery Software
If you’re unable to back up the iPhone, using data recovery software is your next best option. There are a few reputable tools designed to scan iOS devices and recover deleted files from the internal storage. Some top options include:
| Software | Key Features |
|---|---|
| iMyFone D-Back | Recovers up to 30+ data types, easy to use, fixes common iOS issues. |
| Fonelab | Advanced scanning with high recovery rate, recovers directly to computer. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Free trial available, also has Android version, recovers a wide variety of files. |
The general data recovery process involves:
- Download and install the software on a Windows or Mac computer.
- Connect the damaged iPhone to the computer via USB.
- Select the types of data to scan for (photos, messages, etc.)
- Allow the software to run a scan of the device which can take some time.
- Preview and selectively recover photos and other data to your computer.
For water damaged or unresponsive iPhones, the tool may have a “rebuild” or “repair” mode to essentially bypass the main device interface and pull raw data from the memory chips. This gives you the best chance of recovering photos even from an iPhone that won’t turn on.
Tips for Using Data Recovery Software
- Allow several hours for a full scan of a damaged iPhone.
- Save recovered data to a different drive than you’re scanning from.
- Try multiple software tools if the first doesn’t work.
- Contact the software company if you have issues with the process.
Remove Data Chip from Logic Board
For iPhone’s with severe water or motherboard damage, you may need to remove the NAND memory chip from the logic board directly to extract data. This delicate process requires disassembling the device, desoldering the chip, and reading it externally with a reader/programmer tool.
Here are the general steps involved:
- Fully disassemble the iPhone down the the bare logic board.
- Locate the NAND chip. It’s typically labeled clearly on the board.
- Carefully desolder the chip from the logic board using a desoldering tool/station.
- Purchase a NAND flash reader/programmer that is compatible with your chip type.
- Solder and connect the chip to the reader device so it interfaces properly.
- Scan and extract the data, such as your photos, using data recovery software.
- Re-solder the chip back onto the iPhone’s logic board if desired.
This very technical process should only be done as a last resort. The skills and tools involved make it advisable to seek professional assistance unless you have experience with electronics repair and data recovery.
Risks/Challenges of Logic Board Chip Removal
- Further damaging connectors/chips during disassembly.
- Accidental electrostatic discharge ruining components.
- Incorrectly desoldering the chip and breaking connections.
- Failing to properly interface the chip with reader tool.
Given the challenges, it’s often worth paying an experienced pro for this method rather than risk making the data recovery impossible. But for major data loss from water damage, it may be your only hope.
Replace Broken Screen/Digitizer
If the primary damage to your iPhone is a cracked or broken screen/digitizer assembly, replacing it can allow you to regain access and back up data before further repair.
By swapping in a working screen, the device can be powered on once again. From there, you can:
- Back up photos/data via iTunes.
- Use iCloud photo sync to save them.
- Log into iCloud and enable photo backup remotely.
A screen repair takes 1-2 hours and costs $50-$100+ depending on model. While inconvenient, it’s a viable option if software data recovery methods fail and damage is limited to the screen.
DIY Screen Replacement Tips
- Purchase a compatible, high-quality replacement kit with tools.
- Follow step-by-step video guides for your model.
- Take your time and don’t damage connectors/cables.
- Try to backup data before completing full repair.
Contact Professional Data Recovery Firms
For an iPhone with excessive damage, contacting a professional data recovery company may be necessary. They have access to advanced tools and methods beyond what the average user can access. Here are a few top firms to consider:
| Company | What They Can Do |
|---|---|
| DriveSavers | In-lab clean room data recovery, advanced iPhone chip tools. |
| Gillware | Potentially lower cost starting at $379, mail-in service. |
| iPad Rehab | Microsoldering experts focused solely on Apple products. |
The benefits of professional data recovery include:
- Bypassing software limitations of consumer tools.
- Direct access to the iPhone’s memory chips.
- Proprietary equipment for reading NAND/NOR chips.
- Clean room facilities protect against dust/ESD damage.
- Retrieval of data even from severely water damaged devices.
- Highest success rates in the industry.
Costs vary widely from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on damage and desired turnaround time. But for truly irreplaceable photos or data, the cost may be warranted.
Getting a Free Evaluation
Most professional firms offer free evaluations to assess your device and determine if they can recover your data. Shipping your iPhone to them for inspection doesn’t obligate you to proceed with paid recovery. They’ll diagnose the problem and provide a firm cost quote.
Preventing Data Loss
While the above methods may recover lost iPhone photos, prevention is always the best approach. Here are tips to avoid data loss from a damaged device in the future:
- Back up regularly to iCloud and iTunes.
- Keep local encrypted backups on a computer/external drive.
- Do occasional full iTunes syncs not just backups.
- Download originals from iCloud Photo Library.
- Store irreplaceable photos on the cloud as well.
- Consider a second backup service like Google Photos.
- Encrypt your device with a long PIN code.
- Enable Find My iPhone to remotely wipe data if stolen.
Following best practices for backing up your iPhone will help mitigate data loss. But if disaster does strike, use the techniques outlined above to give yourself the best chance of photo recovery possible.
Conclusion
Recovering photos from a broken, unbacked up iPhone is very challenging but possible in many cases. The key is to:
- Assess the damage to choose the right approach.
- Act quickly to back up data before repair if partial access.
- Leverage data recovery software as a first step.
- Consider screen replacement or chip removal with caution.
- Use professional recovery firms for difficult cases.
With persistence and the right tools, you can often get photos back under the worst circumstances. But regular backups remain the ultimate solution to avoid heartache down the road.