Having a broken screen on your device can be frustrating, especially if you need to access and debug your device. However, there are essential tips and tricks that can help you enable debugging with a broken screen. In this article, we will discuss various methods and techniques that will allow you to continue debugging even with a broken screen, ensuring you can still troubleshoot and fix any issues with your device.
Utilize A USB OTG Cable To Connect Mouse Or Keyboard
If your Android device’s screen is broken or unresponsive, utilizing a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable can be a lifesaver. This cable allows you to connect external accessories such as a mouse or keyboard to your device. By doing so, you can regain control over your device’s functions and enable debugging.
To get started, connect the USB OTG cable to your broken Android device. Then, connect your mouse or keyboard to the other end of the cable. Once connected, you will be able to navigate through your device’s interface using the external accessory.
To enable debugging, follow these steps: Go to “Settings” on your device, locate “Developer Options,” and tap on it. If you don’t see this option, go to “About Phone” or “About Tablet” and tap on the “Build Number” several times until you see a message confirming that you’ve become a developer. Go back to “Settings,” and you should now be able to access “Developer Options.” Tap on it, scroll down, and toggle “USB Debugging” on.
Using a USB OTG cable and an external accessory is a practical solution for enabling debugging with a broken screen, allowing you to troubleshoot and fix issues effectively.
Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) Commands To Enable Debugging
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a versatile command-line tool that allows users to communicate with an Android device from a computer. It can be a powerful tool for enabling debugging when dealing with a broken screen.
To begin, you will need to download and install the ADB tools on your computer. Once installed, you can connect your broken-screened Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
Next, open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the folder where the ADB tools are installed.
With the ADB tools and the device connected, you can run various commands to enable USB debugging on your Android device. For example, you can use the command “adb devices” to check if your device is recognized by ADB. If it is, you can then use the command “adb shell” to access the device’s shell and execute further commands.
By utilizing ADB commands, you can enable USB debugging on your broken-screened device, which will allow you to access it through various debugging methods or even use third-party software for further troubleshooting.
Enabling USB Debugging Through Recovery Mode
Enabling USB debugging through recovery mode is a useful method when dealing with a broken screen on your Android device. Recovery mode is a built-in feature on most Android devices that allows users to perform various system-related tasks. Here’s how you can enable USB debugging through recovery mode:
1. Power off your Android device.
2. Press and hold the volume down button and power button simultaneously until the device enters recovery mode.
3. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select options.
4. Locate and select the “Enable USB debugging” or similar option. The exact name may vary depending on your device.
5. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
6. Open the command prompt or terminal on your computer and enter the ADB commands to debug your device.
Enabling USB debugging through recovery mode can provide an alternative way to access your Android device and perform debugging tasks even with a broken screen. However, it is worth noting that this method may vary slightly depending on the specific device model and manufacturer.
Leveraging Third-Party Software For Debugging
Third-party software can be a lifesaver when it comes to debugging a device with a broken screen. These software solutions provide alternative methods for accessing and controlling your device, even when the screen is unresponsive.
One popular option is Mobizen, a screen mirroring and remote control app that allows you to access your device from a computer. By connecting your broken-screened device to the computer via USB, Mobizen lets you view your device’s screen and control it using a mouse and keyboard. This enables you to navigate through your device, enable USB debugging, or retrieve important data.
Another useful tool is iSkysoft Toolbox – Android Data Extraction. It offers a feature called “Broken Android Data Extraction,” which allows you to retrieve data from a broken device, including enabling USB debugging. By following simple on-screen instructions, you can access your device’s data and even recover important files.
Additionally, applications like AirDroid and ApowerMirror provide wireless connectivity to your device, allowing you to remotely control it from another device or computer. These apps offer screen mirroring, file transfer, and remote control capabilities, allowing you to navigate your broken-screened device with ease.
Leveraging third-party software can be a valuable solution for enabling debugging with a broken screen, giving you the ability to regain control of your device and troubleshoot any issues you may be encountering.
Enabling Wireless Debugging with a Broken Screen
Wireless debugging is a useful method for enabling debugging on your device even when the screen is broken. This method allows you to establish a connection between your device and a computer without any physical cables.
To enable wireless debugging, follow these steps:
1. Ensure that both your device and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your device, go to the “Settings” menu and tap on “About phone”.
3. Locate the “Build number” and tap on it seven times to unlock the developer options.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options”.
5. Look for the “Wireless Debugging” or “ADB over network” option and enable it.
6. A popup will appear showing the IP address and port number.
7. On your computer, open the command prompt or terminal and enter the following command: adb connect [device IP address]:[port number].
8. Press enter, and if successful, a message will appear stating that the device is connected.
By enabling wireless debugging, you can now use ADB commands or third-party software to debug your device, even with a broken screen. Remember to disable wireless debugging after you have finished troubleshooting to ensure the security of your device.
Leveraging TeamViewer Or Vysor To Access A Device With A Broken Screen
TeamViewer and Vysor are popular tools that allow users to remotely access and control their devices from a computer. These tools can be extremely helpful when it comes to debugging a device with a broken screen.
To use TeamViewer or Vysor, first, you need to install the respective software on your computer and the device with the broken screen. Once installed, follow the provided instructions to establish a connection between the two devices.
With TeamViewer or Vysor, you will be able to see and control your device’s screen directly on your computer. This allows you to navigate through the menus, access the settings, and enable USB debugging without relying on the broken screen.
However, it is important to note that both tools require an active internet connection and may have certain limitations depending on the device and operating system. Additionally, you may need to grant certain permissions and enable USB debugging on the device before using them.
By leveraging TeamViewer or Vysor, you can effectively enable USB debugging with a broken screen and proceed with the necessary troubleshooting or data recovery processes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During The Debugging Process
Troubleshooting common issues during the debugging process is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful debugging experience. While enabling debugging with a broken screen, you may encounter certain obstacles that can hinder your progress. Here are some tips to overcome these common issues:
1. Ensure USB connections: Check if the USB cable is properly connected to both your device and the computer. Try using a different cable or port to rule out any connectivity issues.
2. Restart your device: A simple restart can sometimes resolve minor software glitches. Reboot your device and try enabling debugging again.
3. Update drivers: Ensure that you have the latest USB drivers installed on your computer. Outdated drivers can cause connectivity problems.
4. Grant necessary permissions: If you encounter permission issues, make sure to grant the necessary permissions to access your device’s files and enable USB debugging.
5. Check compatibility: Double-check if the software or tool you are using for debugging is compatible with your device and operating system.
6. Disable security software: Temporary disable any security software, such as antivirus or firewall, as they may block the debugging process.
7. Seek professional help: If you still face issues despite troubleshooting, consider consulting an expert or reaching out to the device manufacturer’s support for further assistance.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common issues that may arise during the debugging process with a broken screen and ensure successful debugging.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I enable USB debugging on my Android device with a broken screen?
To enable USB debugging on an Android device with a broken screen, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, connect your device to a computer using a USB cable. Next, install the necessary USB drivers for your specific device model on the computer. Once the drivers are installed, use a VNC (Virtual Network Computing) server to mirror your device’s screen on the computer and control it. Finally, navigate to the Developer Options on your device and enable USB debugging.
2. Is there any way to enable USB debugging on an iPhone with a broken screen?
Unfortunately, enabling USB debugging on an iPhone with a broken screen is not possible. Unlike Android devices, iPhones do not have a similar feature for USB debugging. However, if your iPhone is still functional aside from the broken screen, you can try connecting it to a computer and using iTunes or a third-party software to retrieve your data.
3. Can I enable USB debugging wirelessly if my Android device has a broken screen?
Yes, it is possible to enable USB debugging wirelessly even if your Android device has a broken screen. Some Android devices offer a feature called “Wi-Fi Debugging” or “ADB Over Wi-Fi.” To use this feature, ensure that your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Then, connect your device to the computer via USB and enable USB debugging. Finally, run the following command in the command prompt or terminal: “adb tcpip 5555”. Once done, you can disconnect the USB cable and use wireless ADB debugging.
4. Are there any alternative methods to enable debugging on a device with a broken screen?
Yes, if the methods mentioned above do not work for your specific device, there are alternative options to enable debugging with a broken screen. One option is to use a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable and connect a USB mouse to your Android device. This allows you to control the device even with a broken screen. Another option is to use an HDMI adapter or cable to connect your Android device to a TV or monitor, which will provide a larger display for you to navigate and enable USB debugging.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, enabling debugging with a broken screen is a challenging task, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be done effectively. Ensuring that USB debugging is enabled beforehand, using a reliable screen mirroring tool, and utilizing keyboard shortcuts are crucial steps to successfully accessing and controlling a device with a broken screen. By following these essential techniques, users can troubleshoot their device and retrieve valuable data, minimizing the impact of a broken screen on their daily activities.