Smartphones are an integral part of our lives, but what happens when they suddenly stop functioning due to a broken screen? If you’re a Samsung phone user, you might find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Fortunately, there are ways to reset your Samsung phone even if the screen is broken. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps to reset your Samsung device, along with precautionary measures and alternatives, to ensure that you can regain control of your device and protect your data.
Understanding the Need to Reset Your Samsung Phone
When a Samsung phone’s screen is broken, access to the operating system becomes difficult, preventing you from performing key tasks like managing settings or backing up data. Reasons you might need to reset your device include:
- Inability to access your phone: A broken screen may hinder your ability to enter the PIN, password, or perform gestures to unlock your device.
- Software issues: If your phone is unresponsive or plagued by software glitches, a factory reset may help restore its performance.
- Preparation for sale or disposal: To protect personal information, it’s crucial to wipe your device clean before passing it on to someone else.
While resetting your Samsung phone can resolve these issues, it’s essential to understand the process and the implications it will have on your data.
How to Reset Your Samsung Phone with a Broken Screen
Resetting a Samsung phone with a broken screen can be achieved through several methods. Here’s how you can execute the reset, depending on the severity of the damage to your device.
Method 1: Using Samsung Find My Mobile
Samsung’s Find My Mobile is a robust service that can help you reset your phone remotely, provided that you have enabled it beforehand. Here’s how to use this service:
Step 1: Access Find My Mobile
- Visit the Samsung Find My Mobile website: On a computer or another device, go to findmymobile.samsung.com.
- Log in: Sign in using the Samsung account associated with your broken phone.
Step 2: Locate Your Device
- Select your device: Once logged in, you’ll see a list of devices linked to your account. Choose the Samsung phone you wish to reset.
Step 3: Initiate the Reset
- Select ‘Erase data’: Navigate through the options and select “Erase data.” This process will initiate the factory reset.
- Confirm the reset: Follow the prompts to confirm the action. Your phone will be reset, and all data will be wiped, returning it to its factory settings.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If you cannot access Find My Mobile or if it is disabled on your device, a hard reset through recovery mode could be another solution. Here’s how to do it, even if the screen is mostly unresponsive.
Step 1: Power Off the Device
- If your phone’s screen is partially working, you can attempt to power it down. Press and hold the Power button and select “Power off.” If you cannot see anything, press and hold the Power button, Volume Up button, and Home button (for older models) until the device powers down.
Step 2: Boot into Recovery Mode
- Hold the appropriate buttons: Depending on your Samsung model, hold the volume up button + the power button + the Bixby button (if applicable).
- Release buttons: Once the Samsung logo appears, release all buttons. This will take you to the recovery menu.
Step 3: Navigate the Recovery Menu
- Since your screen is broken, this step can be a challenge. However, you can navigate using the volume buttons:
- Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate.
- Press the Power button to select.
Step 4: Perform the Factory Reset
- Select ‘Wipe data/factory reset’: Navigate to this option and confirm the selection using the Power button.
- Confirm the reset: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the factory reset.
Precautions Before Resetting Your Device
Taking precautions before you proceed with resetting your device is crucial. The following steps ensure that you minimize data loss and secure your personal information:
- Backup Important Data: If you can access your phone at all, try to back up your important files, photos, and contacts to a cloud service or computer.
- Remove SIM and Memory Cards: Take out your SIM and microSD cards to ensure that your data is not lost in the reset process.
Alternatives for A Broken Screen Samsung Phone
If resetting your phone does not resolve the issue or if you cannot perform the steps outlined above, consider the following alternatives:
Getting the Screen Repaired
- If the screen is physically broken but the internal components are functioning, consider visiting a certified service center for repair. Professional repair services can provide a new screen, enabling full access to your device without losing any of your data.
Use Accessibility Features
If your screen is partially functioning, enabling Accessibility features can also help. Here’s how:
- Use a USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter to connect a mouse to your phone.
- Once connected, you can control the phone using the mouse, allowing you to navigate through the settings and perform a factory reset.
Conclusion
Resetting a Samsung phone with a broken screen can seem daunting, but with the right procedures, you can regain access or ensure your data is safe. Whether you choose to utilize Samsung’s Find My Mobile service, perform a hard reset through recovery mode, or consider alternatives for repair or data accessibility, running through these steps provides a thorough understanding of the options available.
Always remember to prioritize data backups and remove SIM/memory cards as precautionary measures before undertaking any reset. Armed with this knowledge, you can tackle the challenge of a broken screen confidently, regaining control over your Samsung device and protecting your personal information.
What should I do first if my Samsung phone has a broken screen?
If your Samsung phone has a broken screen, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage. If the screen is partially functional, try to back up your data immediately. Connect your phone to a computer via USB and transfer important files such as photos, videos, and documents. If you can use the touchscreen, you might also consider enabling USB debugging through the settings, which can further assist in transferring files.
In cases where the screen is entirely non-functional, you may need to use an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter to connect a mouse to your phone. This will allow you to navigate your device even if the touchscreen is not operational. Once you have secured your data, you can proceed to consider resetting or repairing the device.
Can I reset my Samsung phone with a broken screen?
Yes, you can reset your Samsung phone with a broken screen, but the method may vary depending on the functionality of the device. If the screen is partially responsive, you can navigate through the settings and perform a factory reset. However, if the screen is completely unresponsive, you’ll need to use hardware button combinations to initiate the reset.
To perform a hard reset, power off the device, then press and hold the Volume Up, Power, and Home buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears. Release the buttons, and you should enter Recovery Mode, where you can use the volume buttons to navigate and select ‘Wipe data/factory reset’ with the Power button. Remember that this process will erase all data on your device.
Will resetting my phone fix the broken screen?
No, resetting your phone will not repair a broken screen; it only restores the phone to its factory settings. If the screen is physically damaged, a reset will not address the hardware issue causing the malfunction. In this case, the damage requires physical repair or replacement of the screen, which cannot be resolved through software options.
However, if the screen issues are due to software glitches or corrupted files, a reset might help alleviate those problems. It’s essential to determine whether the screen damage is purely hardware-related or if there are underlying software issues that might also contribute to malfunctions.
How do I back up my data if my screen is broken?
Backing up your data from a Samsung phone with a broken screen can be challenging, but it is doable. If the screen is partially operational, connect your phone to a computer, use Samsung Smart Switch, or access your cloud storage service to back up your files. This allows you to transfer important data even if you cannot fully interact with the screen.
If the screen is unresponsive, you can use an OTG adapter to connect a mouse. This will give you control over the device and enable you to navigate to the backup options. Alternatively, if your device has previously synced with your Google account or Samsung Cloud, you can log in to retrieve your data from those services on another device.
What happens to my data after a factory reset?
A factory reset removes all personal data stored on your Samsung phone, including apps, photos, contacts, and settings. The process returns the phone to its original factory state, which means that any data not backed up before the reset will be permanently lost. It’s vital to ensure you have secured all necessary files and information beforehand to avoid any irreversible data loss.
If you have backed up your data using services like Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, you can restore your information after the reset. Following the reset, you’ll go through the initial setup process and have the opportunity to restore your backed-up data during this time. Always verify your backup methods to ensure your essential files are protected.
Can a broken screen affect the reset process?
Yes, a broken screen can significantly affect the reset process, especially if the damage renders the touchscreen inoperable. If you can see the display but cannot interact with it, you might be able to complete the reset through hardware buttons or by connecting a mouse. However, if the screen is entirely black or exhibiting severe defects, it may be challenging to initiate the reset without professional help.
In some cases, utilizing the hardware button combination can bypass the need for touchscreen functionality. By using specific button combinations, you can access recovery mode and perform a reset. This method is essential for ensuring the reset process goes smoothly, even with a damaged screen.
Should I consider professional repair after resetting my phone?
If you have reset your Samsung phone with a broken screen and the display issues persist, seeking professional repair is a wise choice. Resetting the device may resolve some software-related problems, but if the screen remains non-functional or displays defects, it indicates underlying hardware damage that requires expertise to repair. Continuing to use the device with a broken screen can lead to further complications down the line.
Professional repair services can assess the damage more thoroughly, providing options for screen replacement or other necessary repairs. If the device is under warranty or if you have insurance coverage, be sure to check those options to help minimize repair costs. Taking prompt action can help restore your phone to optimal functioning and protect your data.