For latest tips, tricks and hacks check out our dedicated section for Android Tricks. The move from traditional buttons to fullscreen devices means, if you can’t access the screen, you’re going to have trouble; especially if your device doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner. Here’s a guide with a couple of different methods to unlock your device if you want to retrieve files, messages, and contacts. If the screen is completely blank, check our guide about how to unlock an Android device with a dead screen.
Method 1: Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
You will need:
Your deviceAccess to a PC
This method has proved to be the most helpful for users in terms of their feedback after completion. However, this method will only work if you have USB debugging enabled on your Android phone. If you don’t have this option enabled, move on to the second method on the list. The ADB is used to create a bridge between your PC and your Android device. This bridge can be used to unlock the device and to access your files.
Step 1:
To Unlock Android Device With Cracked Or Broken Screen, download the Android SDK package on your PC. You can download it here. Make sure that you download the correct version for your PC. Once downloaded, extract the zip file on your PC.
Step 2:
Download the relevant USB drivers for your phone. You can get the USB drivers for your device from your manufacturer’s website.
Step 3:
Launch the Command Prompt on your PC and change the directory to where the ADB file is located. Type in the following command in Command Prompt. cd C:/android/platform-tools
Step 4:
Connect your Android phone to your PC using a micro USB cable and enter the following command. If your phone is recognized, you’ll see some numbers in the Command Prompt message. adb device
Step 5:
Type in the following two commands. You’ll need to type in the second command immediately after the first one. Replace 1234 in the first command with your actual password. adb shell input text 1234 shell input keyevent 66
Step 6:
If the process is successful, your phone should be unlocked. You can now backup your important files and contacts.
Method 2: USB On the Go Mouse Method
You will need:
Your deviceAn OTG adaptorA USB mouse
If you can’t access USB debugging and you don’t have a registered Samsung account, you can try the USB mouse method. This involves connecting your phone to a USB mouse with an OTG adaptor. You can find the adaptor cable online, and it’s reasonably inexpensive. If it lets you access your device, than it’s definitely worth the price. Once connected, the mouse will drain your battery, and some devices, (such as the Galaxy S3 Mini) will also be unable to charge during the process, so make sure your battery is sufficiently charged beforehand. Once you have the wire to hand, the process itself is reasonably easy to complete.
Step 1:
Connect the micro USB side of the OTG cable in your Android tablet or phone and plug in the USB mouse in the OTG adapter.
Step 2:
As soon as you connect the mouse, you should see a pointer on your screen. You can now use the mouse to unlock the pattern or use it to press the keys of the on-screen keyboard if you have a password lock. If you have to connect your device to a computer (to see what is happening onscreen) and you run into errors, you can connect your phone to your PC via Wi-Fi to see what is happening. Checking our guide for unlocking a dead screen is also recommended.
Method 3: Samsung Account Method
You will need:
Your deviceA registered Samsung accountA PC
If you have a Samsung account registered with your device, you can use their website to remotely unlock your screen. The problem is, many users haven’t registered their device with the service. If you’re one of the lucky few to have done so, here’s how to unlock your screen.
Step 1:
Open the Samsung website and login using your account information.
Step 2:
Select your device from the menu on the top left of the screen.
Step 3:
There should be an option called Unlock my screen on the sidebar. Click it, and you should now be able to access your device.
Conclusion
A cracked screen is bad enough, but being unable to unlock the device renders it useless. If you can get past the code you can disable it for future use, or at least recover any files and contacts that you need. If you want to get the screen replaced, it’s always a good idea to back up your files if possible as they will probably wipe the device. This is a common problem, so if you were able to unlock your device thanks to the guide or there is a method that we haven’t covered let us know in the comments below. You can also send us a message, (or a follow) on both Facebook and Twitter. If we managed to help out or you have any problems, let us know in the comments below. Featured Image Credit
