Having a broken Android screen is frustrating, especially when you need access to important data like your WhatsApp chats. Don't panic! While it seems impossible, there are ways to back up your WhatsApp data even with a cracked or unresponsive screen. This guide provides high-quality suggestions to help you retrieve your precious conversations and media.
Understanding Your Backup Options
Before diving into solutions, understanding your backup options is crucial. WhatsApp primarily offers two backup methods:
- Local Backup: This backs up your chats and media to your phone's internal storage. This is usually automatic, occurring daily or weekly depending on your settings.
- Google Drive Backup: This backs up your data to your Google Drive account. This requires a Google account linked to WhatsApp and sufficient Google Drive storage space.
Methods to Backup WhatsApp with a Broken Screen
Depending on the extent of your screen damage, you might have varying degrees of accessibility. Here are some methods you can try:
1. Using a USB Debugging Connection (Most Effective)
If you've previously enabled USB debugging on your Android device, this is your best bet.
- Connect to a Computer: Connect your Android phone to your computer via a USB cable.
- Use a File Explorer: On your computer, open a file explorer (like File Explorer on Windows or Finder on macOS). Navigate to your phone's internal storage. You might need to locate the WhatsApp folder within the "Databases" folder.
- Locate the Backup Files: Look for files named
msgstore.db.crypt12(or a similar variation with a number) andmsgstore.db.crypt14. These files are your WhatsApp chat backups. - Copy the Backup Files: Copy these files to your computer for safekeeping. You can restore these later using a new phone or after fixing your screen.
Important Note: The exact file location might vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.
2. Utilizing OTG Cable and Mouse (For Partial Screen Functionality)
If you can still partially interact with your touchscreen, an OTG (On-The-Go) cable and mouse can provide a workaround.
- Connect OTG and Mouse: Connect an OTG cable to your phone's USB port, and then connect a mouse to the OTG cable.
- Navigate WhatsApp: Your mouse should now control the on-screen cursor. Use this to navigate to WhatsApp settings, and initiate a manual backup either locally or to Google Drive (if enabled).
- Backup via Email: Some versions of WhatsApp permit the emailing of individual chats.
3. Screen Repair and Backup (Most Reliable Long-Term Solution)
If possible, repairing your screen is the most reliable long-term solution. Once your screen is functional, you can easily back up your WhatsApp data using the standard in-app backup features.
4. Professional Data Recovery Services
If all else fails, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in retrieving data from damaged devices. While this option incurs a cost, it might be necessary to recover irreplaceable data.
Preventing Future WhatsApp Data Loss
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of data loss:
- Regular Backups: Enable automatic daily or weekly backups to Google Drive.
- Sufficient Storage: Ensure you have enough Google Drive storage space for your WhatsApp backups.
- USB Debugging Enabled: Enable USB debugging beforehand (this needs to be done before the screen breaks).
Conclusion:
Losing access to your WhatsApp data due to a broken screen doesn't necessarily mean permanent data loss. By exploring the methods outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering your precious WhatsApp conversations and media. Remember to always prioritize regular backups to mitigate the risk of future data loss.
