Bring Your Lost Photos Back with This Method
Those important memories might not be lost forever.
Before you panic, know that recovering deleted photos is possible — and much easier than it seems.
What do you want to recover?
Check Your Cloud Before Anything Else
Before you dive into cables, tools, or data recovery services — check if your photos are already backed up to the cloud.
Pro Tip: If your files are already backed up to the cloud, you can access them directly through your storage service without physical recovery.
Simply log in to your linked account (Google, Apple, or Microsoft) to check for available backups.
Many Android and iOS devices automatically sync images to platforms like Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive.
Even if your phone is unusable, you can access these backups from any other device with your login.
It’s the quickest win and often overlooked in moments of panic.
Why It’s Still Possible to Recover Photos
Even if your phone is physically damaged, your internal storage might still be intact.
Unless the memory chip itself is broken or overwritten, the data is probably still there—waiting to be recovered.
The key is knowing how to access it safely, depending on the type of damage your device has suffered.
Option 1: Recover Without Turning on the Phone
If your phone won’t power on, there are still a few tricks you can try:
- Use professional data recovery tools: Some software can read your phone’s memory through a PC connection.
- Access internal storage via USB (with proper drivers): If your device supports it, you might still be able to browse the files directly.
- Take it to a data recovery specialist: They may extract the memory chip or connect it to another interface.
Option 2: Do You Need an OTG Cable?
An OTG (On-The-Go) cable can help you connect a mouse, keyboard, or USB drive directly to your Android phone.
This is incredibly helpful if:
- The screen is broken but the phone is working
- You can’t unlock your phone via touch screen
- You want to copy files directly to a USB stick
Here’s how it works:
- Plug the OTG cable into your phone.
- Connect a mouse or keyboard.
- Unlock the device and navigate to your file manager or photo folder.
- Save files to an external drive or cloud service.
🧰 Why Do Photos Get Corrupted After Recovery? The Real Reasons
Option 3: Use a PC to Save Everything
Connecting your phone to a PC is one of the most efficient ways to recover data—if your device is responsive enough.
What you’ll need:
- A USB data cable
- Necessary drivers for your phone
- Possibly ADB debugging enabled (which can be tricky if the screen is dead)
If your phone can still be recognized by the PC:
- Connect it via USB.
- Browse the phone’s storage.
- Copy important folders like DCIM, Pictures, WhatsApp, etc.
If the screen is broken but touch still works, use screen mirroring tools like Vysor or scrcpy to control the phone via PC.
What If Nothing Works?
If your phone is completely unresponsive and none of the above methods work, you may need professional data recovery services.
These specialists often:
- Open the phone in a clean room
- Extract the storage chip
- Use specialized tools to read the memory
It can be expensive, but it’s sometimes the only way to retrieve your photos if everything else fails.
Bonus Tip: Always Back Up Automatically
Avoid this stress in the future by enabling automatic backup with tools like:
These services automatically upload your photos in the background—even if you forget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I recover photos if my screen doesn’t work but the phone still turns on?
A: Yes! Use an OTG cable with a mouse or screen mirroring software to access your data.
Q: What if I didn’t enable USB debugging before the phone broke?
A: This makes recovery harder.
Some tools may still work if the phone is partially functional, but full access may not be possible without prior settings.
Q: Can I retrieve files from a completely dead phone at home?
A: It’s unlikely.
In this case, you’ll need professional help, especially if the motherboard or storage chip is damaged.
Q: Are there any apps that can help with this recovery?
A: Most apps require the phone to be at least partially functional.
Tools like:
- Dr.Fone
Download for iOS | Download for Android
- Tenorshare UltData
Work best when the phone can still boot.
Final Thoughts
Losing access to your photos because of a broken phone is stressful—but you still have options.
Whether it’s using an OTG cable, a PC connection, or seeking professional recovery, don’t give up just yet.
Start by choosing one of the guides below and take the first step toward saving your memories.