How to Recover Photos from Broken iPhone
There's nothing quite as disheartening as breaking your iPhone and fearing the loss of your cherished photos. Whether it's a family vacation, a milestone event, or day-to-day memories, our photos hold significant sentimental value. But don't panic—this comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to retrieve pictures from a broken iPhone.
Assess the Damage of Your iPhone
iPhones can suffer various types of damage that impact photo retrieval. Here are some common scenarios and what they mean for your recovery options:
- 💔 Cracked Screen: If the screen is cracked but the iPhone is still functional, you have a good chance of getting your photos.
- 📴 Non-Responsive Screen: If the screen doesn't respond to touch but the phone powers on, you can use external tools to restore data.
- 🧩 Completely Dead Phone: If the phone won't turn on at all, recovering data becomes more complex but is still possible.
8 Ways to Recover Photos from a Broken iPhone
Attempting to get pics from the broken iPhone comes with risks, such as further damaging the device or losing additional data. It's crucial to handle the process carefully to maximize the chances of a successful recovery. To do this, try the following effective methods.
1. From iCloud or Other Cloud Storage
If you regularly sync your images to cloud storage like iCloud, this method is typically the fastest and easiest way to get your photos. Here is a guide:
- Open iCloud on a web browser.
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After logging in, click the "Photos" icon to access all photos backed up to iCloud.
- Select the pictures and click the download icon to save them to your computer.
2. Use Apple Photo Stream
This is also a way to regain inaccessible photos due to a damaged iPhone simply, but only if you enabled it before. Here's how to recover pictures from a broken iPhone:
- Go to System Preferences > iCloud
- Click "Options" behind "Photos"
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Check the box before My Photo Stream to enable it.
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Go to the Photos app and click "My Photo Stream" on the left to view the pictures on the damaged iPhone.
Tip: This setting is very useful for any situation of photo loss. If you haven't enabled it yet, go to "Settings" > "[Your Name]" > "iCloud" > "Photos" and toggle on "My Photo Stream."
3. Utilize Other Apple Devices
Although you cannot access the photos on your iPhone due to damage, they are usually tied to your Apple ID. Therefore, you can use the following methods to return these precious memories.
A: For iOS Device
- On another iOS device, go to Settings and log in with the same Apple ID.
- Enable iCloud Photos in the iCloud settings to sync your photo library across devices.
- When the progress is completed, you should be able to see the photos stored on the damaged iPhone.
A: For Mac
- Connect your broken iPhone to a Mac.
- Open "Finder" and select your iPhone on the left.
- Select "Photos" and click "Sync."
4. From Your Backup
You're in luck if you've been diligent about backing up your iPhone using iTunes or iCloud. Here's how to recover photos from broken iPhone with a backup:
A: iTunes Backup
- Connect your broken iPhone to a computer that has iTunes installed.
- Open iTunes and wait for detect your device.
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Click on the iPhone icon, then select "Restore Backup."
- Follow the tips to complete the restoration process.
Tip: If you're tired of the traditional method that saves unnecessary files, consider using professional tools like iBeesoft iPhone Data Recovery for a more efficient and direct way to extract them. With its help, you can also recover permanently deleted photos from iPhone.
- Download and install iBeesoft software to your computer.
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After launching it, click on "Recover from iTunes." at the top.
- Select your backup and click "Scan."
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Once the progress is complete, select the photos you need to save and click "Recover."
B: iCloud Backup
This method is similar to the above, but the source is different. To do this, you still need to use iBeesoft but select "Recover from iCloud" in step 2.
5. Try the Recovery Tool
"How can I recover photos from a broken iPhone without backup?" In this case, you must rely on third-party software like iBeesoft iPhone Data Recovery. Step-by-step guide below:
- Connect your broken iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
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Click "Recover from iOS Device" in the top tab.
- Select the damaged iPhone and click "Scan."
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Once the scan is complete, select the pictures you want to restore and follow the prompts to save them to your computer.
6. Contacte Apple Support
If you cannot get your photos using the methods above, contacting Apple Support might be your best option. Apple technicians can often retrieve data from severely damaged devices. Here's how to proceed:
- Visit the Apple Support website and schedule an appointment at your nearest retail store.
- Clearly explain the issue and the importance of recovering your photos.
- Apple technicians will guide you through the steps, which may involve sending your device for repair.
Preventive Measures for Future Incidents
Once you've successfully recovered your photos from a damaged iPhone, it's crucial to take preventive measures to avoid future data loss:
- 📤 Ensure you regularly back up your iPhone using iTunes or iCloud.
- ☑️ Enable the "Optimize iPhone Storage" setting to ensure high-quality versions of your photos are stored in iCloud.
- 🏷️ Invest in a high-quality case and screen protector to minimize the risk of damage.
- 🎏 Consider using additional cloud storage services like Google Photos or Dropbox for an extra layer of protection.
- 🔍 Regularly check that your backup methods are functioning correctly and that your data is secure.
Conclusion
Recovering photos from a broken iPhone may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it's often achievable. Whether you use iTunes, iCloud, third-party software, or seek professional help, there are multiple avenues to explore. Remember, the key to safeguarding your memories lies in regular backups and taking preventive measures to protect your device. We hope this post has provided you with valuable insights and practical steps to recover your cherished pictures.
FAQs
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Even if your iPhone won't power up, your photo and other files might still be recoverable. Use a professional iOS photo recovery app or service to extract data from non-functional devices.
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A broken screen doesn't necessarily mean your data is lost. If your phone is still operational, connect it to a computer or use iCloud to get them. You can also try third-party tools to recover photos off a broken iPhone without backup.
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Several reliable third-party tools can help recover photos from a broken iPhone:
- iBeesoft Data Recovery Software (iOS)
- Dr.Fone
- iMobie PhoneRescue
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If third-party software fails to restore photos from a broken iPhone, consult with professional data recovery services. These experts can often retrieve data from severely damaged devices, though it can be costly.
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Apple may assist with recovering data if you approach them through Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. However, their ability to help might be limited depending on the extent of the damage and whether backups exist.