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Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. You could have accidentally dropped your phone and left the screen shattered into pieces, or the display just completely stopped working. Whatever the cause is, a broken screen could make using your Android device nearly impossible. However, sometimes the only way to bring your phone back to life is to do a factory reset, but the problem is that you cannot see anything on the screen. In this blog, we will show you how to factory reset Android if the screen is broken.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Factory Reset Android If Screen Is Broken
If your Android device has a broken or unusable screen, it can be quite a headache. You wouldn’t be able to access or download your important files and data, contacts, and personal information. In these types of situations, a factory reset can be the only solution to fix the problem and make your device work properly again. A factory reset will erase all of your data, settings, and applications, restoring your device back to its original settings.
Here are some more reasons why you might need to factory reset your Android device if the screen is broken:
- If you want to sell or give away your old phone, a factory reset will erase all of your data and info, protecting you from identity theft or fraud.
- If your device has been infected by malware or viruses, a factory reset will delete it all, restoring your phone’s software back to its factory settings.
- If your phone is slow, glitchy, or buggy, a factory reset can help fix any software issues that might be causing these problems.
Method 1: Android Device Manager
If you’ve linked your Android device with a Google account, you can use the Android Device Manager to reset your phone remotely even if the screen is broken.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to https://www.google.com/android/find in any browser.
2. Sign in with the Google account you used for your Android device.
3. You’ll see a page with a map of the world and the location of your device. Select your phone from the list of devices in the drop-down menu on the top-left corner of the screen.
4. On the next screen, you’ll see three options: "Play Sound," "Secure Device," and "Erase Device." Select "Erase Device".
5. You’ll be prompted to re-enter your Google account password. Follow the instructions on the screen.
6. Once you provide the password, Google will begin to reset your device, erasing all data and restoring it back to its factory settings.
Pros:
– You can use this method from any device with internet access, not just your own phone.
– The Android Device Manager is a very easy and straightforward service to use.
Cons:
– This method requires your phone to be linked to a Google account.
– This method requires your phone to be turned on and connected to the internet.
Method 2: ADB (Android Debug Bridge) via PC
Another method to factory reset your Android device with a broken screen is to use ADB via PC.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Download the ADB software on your Windows PC.
2. Connect your phone to the PC via USB cable.
3. Launch the ADB software on your PC and select the "Factory Reset" option.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to initiate the factory reset process.
Pros:
– This method works even if your phone is not linked to a Google account or connected to the internet.
Cons:
– This method requires a Windows PC.
– If the drivers for your device are not installed on your PC, you might need to find and install them before you can proceed.
Method 3: Use a USB OTG (On-The-Go) Cable with a Mouse
If your phone supports USB OTG and you have a USB OTG cable lying around, try using it with a mouse to reset your phone.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect your USB OTG cable to your Android device and plug in the mouse.
2. You should now be able to control your device with the mouse, allowing you to access the "Settings" menu.
3. Navigate to the "Backup and Reset" menu.
4. Select "Factory data reset" followed by "Reset Device".
5. Wait for the reset process to complete.
Pros:
– This is a simple and straightforward method.
– You don’t need a PC or internet access for this method.
Cons:
– This method requires a USB OTG cable and a USB mouse.
– Not all Android devices support USB OTG.
What to Do If You Can’t Factory Reset Android
If none of the above methods work for you, your phone may have a hardware issue that only a professional technician can fix. Alternatively, you can try using specialized software like Dr. Fone or TunesBro Android Data Recovery to do a factory reset and recover your data.
Bonus Tip:
Make sure to back up all of your important data and files before attempting a factory reset.
5 FAQs
Q1: Will I lose my data if I factory reset my Android device?
A: Yes, a factory reset will erase all data, settings, and installed applications on your device.
Q2: Can I factory reset my Android device if the screen is shattered?
A: Yes, you can use any of the above methods to reset your phone even if the screen isn’t working.
Q3: Can I reverse a factory reset on my Android device?
A: No, a factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone.
Q4: Will my phone’s warranty be voided if I factory reset it?
A: No, a factory reset does not void your phone’s warranty.
Q5: Is it safe to sell my Android device after a factory reset?
A: Yes, a factory reset erases all data and settings, making it safe to sell or give away your device.
Final Thoughts
A broken screen can be a major inconvenience, but a factory reset can bring your Android device back to life. We hope that the methods outlined in this blog post have helped you to reset your Android device even when its screen is broken. If you have any further questions or comments, please leave them in the section below!