Having a phone with a cracked screen can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your device’s useful life. In this article, we’ll provide you with a practical guide on how to handle a phone with a broken screen while minimising the risks and preserving your data.
Protect your fingers and avoid injury:
Before handling a phone with a broken screen, make sure you protect your fingers from the sharp edges of the broken glass. Use latex gloves or wrap the phone in thick material to avoid any risk of cuts.
Use an OTG cable and a mouse:
If the broken screen prevents you from using touch, you can use an OTG (On-The-Go) cable to connect a mouse to your phone. This will allow you to navigate the interface and save more data.
Use an MHL cable for video output:
Some phones support video output via an MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) cable. By connecting your phone to an external display, you’ll be able to see the display on a monitor or TV and interact with the interface from there.
Avoid water and moisture:
Avoid handling your phone with a broken screen near water or in damp environments. Internal components could be vulnerable to moisture, which could cause further damage.
Sharing your Phone Screen on a PC
1. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network:
Make sure your phone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Most screen sharing methods work more effectively when the devices are on the same network.
2. Use third-party applications:
a. Screen Cast:
Screen Cast is an open source application that allows you to share the Android screen on a PC.
- Download and install Screen Cast on your PC.
- Enable USB debugging on your phone.
- Connect your phone to your PC via a USB cable.
- Run Scrcpy on your PC, and you will see your phone screen on your computer.
b. ApowerMirror :
ApowerMirror is an app that supports screen sharing for Android and iOS.
- Download and install ApowerMirror on your PC and phone.
- Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the app on your phone, scan the QR code displayed on your PC, and screen sharing will begin.
3. Use the built-in applications:
a. For Android :
Some brands, such as Samsung, offer built-in screen sharing features.
Go to your phone’s settings, then to “Connections” or “Advanced features”, depending on the model. Find the “Screen sharing” or “DeX” option and follow the instructions to connect your phone to your PC.
b. For iPhone :
Use the “AirPlay” function to share your iPhone screen on a PC. Make sure your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your PC, use an AirPlay-compatible application, such as LonelyScreen or ApowerMirror, to stream your iPhone screen to your computer.
Handling a phone with a broken screen requires caution and preventive steps. By following these tips, you can minimise the risks, preserve your data and, in some cases, continue to use your device functionally despite the damaged screen. If at-home handling methods aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to consult professionals for further assistance.