How to Enable USB Debugging on a Broken Screen Android Device

If you’ve ever found yourself with a broken Android screen, you know how frustrating it can be to access your device’s data and settings. One crucial feature that becomes challenging to enable in this situation is USB debugging. This article will guide you through various methods to enable USB debugging on an Android device with a broken screen, allowing you to access your phone’s data and perform necessary troubleshooting.

What is USB Debugging and Why is it Important?

USB debugging is a developer feature that allows your Android device to communicate with a computer running the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). This feature is essential for:

• Transferring data between your device and computer
• Installing and testing apps directly from your development environment
• Accessing advanced device settings and performing system modifications
• Troubleshooting software issues

Enabling USB debugging becomes crucial when your screen is broken, as it may be your only way to access and retrieve important data from your device.

Method 1: Using ADB Commands

One of the most reliable methods to enable USB debugging on a broken screen device is by using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands.

Prerequisites:

• A computer with ADB installed
• USB cable
• Android device drivers installed on your computer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
3. Type adb devices and press Enter to ensure your device is recognized.
4. If your device is listed, enter the following command: adb shell settings put global usb_debugging_enabled 1
5. Your device will reboot automatically with USB debugging enabled.

If you’re facing issues with this method, you might need to repair your Android system first to ensure ADB commands work correctly.

Method 2: Using Recovery Mode

If ADB commands don’t work, you can try enabling USB debugging through recovery mode.

Entering Recovery Mode:

1. Power off your Android device.
2. Press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously.
3. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Recovery Mode” and press the power button to select it.

Enabling USB Debugging in Recovery:

1. In recovery mode, use the volume buttons to navigate to “Advanced” or “Options.”
2. Select “ADB Debugging” or “Enable ADB” using the power button.
3. Your device will reboot with USB debugging enabled.

This method can be particularly useful if you’re also trying to bypass the Android lock screen due to a forgotten password or pattern.

Method 3: Using an OTG Adapter and Mouse

This method allows you to navigate your device using an external mouse.

Required Equipment:

• USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter
• USB mouse
• Fully charged Android device

Enabling USB Debugging with a Mouse:

1. Connect the USB mouse to your Android device using the OTG adapter.
2. Navigate to Settings > About phone using the mouse.
3. Tap on “Build number” seven times to enable Developer Options.
4. Go back to Settings > System > Developer Options.
5. Scroll down and enable “USB debugging.”

If your screen is displaying a white screen instead of the normal interface, you may need to fix the white screen issue before proceeding with this method.

Method 4: Using Scrcpy

Scrcpy is an open-source tool that allows you to display and control your Android device from a computer.

Setting Up Scrcpy:

1. Download and install Scrcpy on your computer.
2. Connect your Android device to the computer via USB.

Enabling USB Debugging with Scrcpy:

1. Open a terminal or command prompt and type: scrcpy --otg
2. This command initiates OTG mode, allowing you to interact with your device.
3. Use your computer’s keyboard to navigate through the on-screen options.
4. Enable USB debugging in the Developer Options menu.

If your device appears to be stuck in headphone mode, which can interfere with Scrcpy’s audio functionality, you may need to fix the headphone mode issue first.

Method 5: Using a Second Device

If you have access to another Android device, you can use it to mirror your broken device’s screen.

Screen Mirroring Approach:

1. Install a screen mirroring app on both devices.
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Use the working device to view and control the broken device’s screen.

Authorizing USB Debugging:

1. Navigate to Settings > Developer Options on the broken device using the mirrored screen.
2. Enable USB debugging.
3. Confirm the USB debugging authorization prompt on the broken device’s screen.

If you’re having trouble with screen rotation while mirroring, you might need to fix the screen rotation issue on your device.

Tips for Preventing Future Issues

Regular Backups:

Always keep your data backed up to cloud services or your computer. This ensures you can recover your information even if your device becomes inaccessible.

Pre-Enabling USB Debugging:

Consider enabling USB debugging on your device before any issues occur. This proactive step can save you a lot of trouble if your screen breaks in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I enable USB debugging without a computer? While most methods require a computer, using an OTG adapter and mouse can allow you to enable USB debugging directly on your device.
2. Will enabling USB debugging void my warranty? No, enabling USB debugging is a standard feature and doesn’t void your warranty. However, some actions performed using USB debugging might.
3. Is it safe to leave USB debugging enabled? It’s generally recommended to disable USB debugging when not in use for security reasons. Only keep it enabled if you frequently use it for development or troubleshooting.
4. Can I recover data from my broken screen device after enabling USB debugging? Yes, once USB debugging is enabled, you can use various data recovery tools to retrieve information from your device.
5. What should I do if none of these methods work? If you’ve tried all methods and still can’t enable USB debugging, it may be best to consult a professional repair service or your device manufacturer for further assistance.

By following these methods, you should be able to enable USB debugging on your Android device even with a broken screen. Remember to always handle your device with care and keep important data backed up to avoid potential loss in such situations.

If you’re experiencing issues with your home button while trying these methods, you might want to check out how to fix a non-working Android home button.