A broken iPhone with a severely cracked screen placed on a repair table, highlighting the need for professional data recovery and screen repair.

How to Get Data Off an iPhone With a Broken Screen

When your iPhone screen is broken beyond use, recovering your precious photos, contacts, and data becomes a real priority. Did you know around 25% of Apple users have experienced a broken screen, with many continuing to use their device despite the damage? At Imfixed, we know how stressful it can be trying to retrieve data from a phone you can’t even operate. That’s why we’re here to guide you through practical options to recover your information, especially photos and contacts, even if your iPhone won’t turn on.

Backing Up with iTunes

If you've previously synced your iPhone with a trusted computer, you can back it up using iTunes. Simply connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac and launch iTunes. Once your device is detected, click the iPhone icon at the top-left, select Summary, choose This Computer under the backup section, and hit Back Up Now. This process should save your contacts, messages, photos, and more directly to your system.

If your iPhone is already beyond the point of operating, even showing a black screen, you might not be able to back it up in this way. Don’t panic, we’ve helped countless customers recover their data from devices in far worse shape. You can book a diagnostic with us at Imfixed and we’ll assess the situation professionally.

Why Won’t My iPhone Turn On?

There are several reasons your iPhone might not turn on:

  • A completely drained or faulty battery

  • Damaged iOS firmware

  • Hardware failure due to water or impact damage

  • Failed iOS updates or corrupted system files

We often see customers who have tried everything from button presses to third-party tools. While it’s tempting to troubleshoot endlessly at home, you risk causing further damage. At Imfixed, our trained engineers offer expert iPhone repairs and data recovery services without the risk of data loss.

Quick Fixes You Can Try

1. Charge the Device

Sounds obvious, but a dead battery could be the culprit. Plug it in for at least 30 minutes using a certified Apple charger. If there's no response, it might be a charging port or battery issue, both of which we can fix in-store or via our nationwide postal service.

2. Force Restart Your iPhone

Depending on your model, the force restart method varies:

  • iPhone 8 and newer: Tap Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side button

  • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down and the Power button together

  • iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously

If none of these work, your iPhone might need a more advanced repair. That’s where we come in.

Restore Using iTunes Recovery Mode

Sometimes, entering Recovery Mode and restoring your device via iTunes can help. Connect your iPhone to the computer, perform a force restart, and hold until you see the Recovery Mode screen. Choose Update to reinstall iOS without deleting your data. If this fails, you may have to select Restore, which will wipe your phone unless you’ve backed up your data.

Again, this is a risk many users don't want to take. We suggest bringing your device to Imfixed, where we can assess and restore it safely.

How to Recover Data If Your iPhone Won’t Turn On

A broken iPhone lying on a surface with a black, unresponsive screen, and in need of repair to recover important data.

If your device is unresponsive, here are your recovery options:

1. Restore from an iTunes Backup

  • Open iTunes on the computer where your iPhone was backed up

  • Connect a different iOS device

  • Go to File > Devices > Restore Backup

  • Choose the most relevant backup and click Restore

2. Restore from iCloud

  • Erase the other iOS device via Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content

  • Follow the setup wizard

  • Choose Restore from iCloud Backup

  • Sign in and select your latest backup

This requires an existing iCloud backup, which many users forget to enable. If you're not sure, we can check it for you at Imfixed.

3. Third-Party Data Recovery Tools

If you haven’t backed up your iPhone before it broke, third-party tools may help. Some options include MyRecover and FoneTool. However, these tools only work if the phone is not completely dead and has been trusted on the current computer.

Instead of risking trial and error, let our specialists at Imfixed recover your data professionally.

Transferring Data to a New Phone

Once data has been recovered, it’s often best to transfer it to a new device. This can be done via:

  • Cloud sync: Sign in on the new phone with the same Apple ID or Google account

  • SIM or SD cards: If data was saved locally

  • Data recovery software: Transfer recovered data from computer to new phone

We can assist with full device transfers, just ask during your repair booking.

Backing Up iPhones That Don’t Turn On

If your iPhone won’t turn on and you’re unable to back it up with iTunes, professional tools like FoneTool can help. Unlike iTunes, it allows you to:

  • Selectively back up files

  • Enjoy fast speeds

  • Use a simple, intuitive interface

  • Work with nearly all iPhone models

Still, we recommend letting us handle your backup and repair needs. We’re fully equipped and trusted across the Greater Manchester area and beyond.

Final Step: Repairing Your Screen

If you're still struggling to access your data, the most straightforward solution is to have your iPhone screen repaired. At Imfixed, we offer free diagnostics, quick turnaround, and 12-month warranties on all repairs. We never wipe your data and you can choose to visit us in-store, post your device, or use our call-out service within 20 miles of Manchester.

Once your screen is working again, your data will likely be accessible, and we’ll show you how to back it up so you're prepared next time.

FAQs:

Q: What if I live too far away?
A: You can book online and send your device to us by post.

Q: Do you repair iPads too?
A: Absolutely. We fix all types of devices, not just iPhones.

Q: How much warranty do I get?
A: Every repair comes with a 12-month warranty.

Q: Will I lose my data during repair?
A: No. Your data stays safe.

Q: How much does a repair cost?
A: It depends on the model. You can check pricing by choosing your device here or contacting us.

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