Accidentally cracked your iPhone screen but need to ensure your data is safe? Backing up your iPhone with a broken screen is crucial to prevent data loss, especially if you plan to repair or replace your device. This guide walks you through practical steps to securely back up your iPhone even when the screen is unresponsive or damaged. Before beginning, ensure you have access to a computer with iTunes (Windows or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later). You might also need a Lightning cable or a compatible USB-C to Lightning cable, depending on your iPhone model. Having these ready will make the process smoother and faster.
What You’ll Need
- A computer with iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
- Lightning or USB-C to Lightning cable
- Access to your iCloud account (optional, for wireless backups)
- Patience and a steady hand, especially if your screen is unresponsive
Step-by-Step
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using the appropriate cable. Ensure the connection is secure and that your computer recognizes the device.
- Open iTunes on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier, or open Finder on macOS Catalina and later. If your device is recognized, you should see it listed in the sidebar or device section.
- If your screen is completely unresponsive and you cannot unlock the device, you may need to put your iPhone into a specific mode for backup. For most models, this involves a force restart:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release volume up, then volume down, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both the volume down button and the Sleep/Wake (side) button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the side or top button until the Apple logo appears.
- Once the device appears in iTunes or Finder, select it. If prompted to trust the computer, and your screen is unresponsive, you might need to use a third-party tool to bypass this step, but proceed with caution.
- Choose the option to back up now. For a complete backup, select
Related
- How to Add MLB TV App to Samsung TV for Live Baseball
- How to Add Microsoft Teams to Outlook on Windows 11/10
- How to Add Minecraft to Your Steam Library Easily
How to Back Up an iPhone with a Broken Screen Easily