Back Up Samsung SMS/Contacts with Broken Screen: 6 Practical Methods

"I just broke the screen of my (unrooted) Galaxy S. How do I backup data (SMS/contacts) from a device with a broken screen?"

- from Android Enthusiasts

A broken screen on your Samsung device can be a nightmare, especially when you need access to important data like text messages and contacts. Whether your screen is cracked, unresponsive, or completely black, losing this personal or work-related data can cause serious trouble. The good news is that you don't have to panic; there are multiple reliable ways to back up Samsung SMS and contacts with a broken screen.

This article will guide you through six practical solutions, tailored to different scenarios such as a visible but unresponsive screen, a completely black display, or USB debugging not enabled, so you can select the method that works best for your situation and keep your valuable data safe.

Part 1. Back Up Samsung SMS/Contacts with Broken Screen by Broken Android Data Extraction

If your Samsung screen is completely black, unresponsive, or if the system is crashing, a professional broken Android data extraction tool is your best bet. Tools like Broken Android Data Extraction are designed specifically to extract data from broken Android devices, including Samsung, without requiring touch operation or USB debugging.

Key features of this tool:

• Extract messages, contacts, call history, WhatsApp, photos, videos, and more from broken phones.
• Support most Samsung models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series.
• Fix frozen, crashed, black-screen, virus-attack, or non-responsive phones and restore them to normal.
• Preview all data after scanning and export selected items to your computer with one click.
• Safe to use without causing any harm to your device.

Free Download for PC

How to back up messages/contacts from broken-screen Samsung?

Part 2. Back Up SMS/Contacts from Broken Samsung Using Samsung Cloud

If you have previously logged into your Samsung account on your device and enabled automatic sync for SMS and contacts, Samsung Cloud is the simplest and most cost-effective way to back up your data. It automatically syncs your contacts, SMS, and other data to the cloud, allowing you to access and export them from any computer or other Samsung device without touching your broken phone.

Step 1. Open a web browser on your computer and go to the official Samsung Cloud website.

Step 2. Log in with your Samsung account credentials - the same account used on your broken Samsung device. Make sure your device has previously enabled sync for contacts and SMS.

Step 3. Once logged in, you will see a dashboard displaying all synced data, including Contacts, Messages, Photos, and more.

Step 4. To back up contacts, click the "Contacts" tab, preview the synced contacts, and then click the "Export" button. Choose a format (VCF is recommended) to save the contacts to your computer.

Step 5. To back up SMS, click the "Messages" tab, preview the messages, select the ones you want to back up, and click the "Export" button to save them to your computer (usually in HTML or CSV format).

• Pros: Zero hardware required, fully remote operation, free up to 5GB.
• Cons: Only works if Samsung Cloud sync was previously enabled; limited storage space if you have large amounts of data.

Part 3. Back Up Samsung SMS/Contacts with Broken Screen with OTG + Mouse

If your Samsung screen is visible but unresponsive, or black but the system is still running, using an OTG adapter and USB mouse allows you to control the device and back up SMS and contacts. You can navigate the interface, enable USB debugging, and use tools like Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud.

Step 1. Connect the OTG adapter to your Samsung device's charging port, then connect a USB mouse. For devices that support Display Port, you can also connect an external monitor via HDMI for better visibility.

Step 2. A mouse cursor will appear on your Samsung screen (or on the external monitor if the screen is black). Use the mouse to unlock your device by entering your PIN, pattern, or password.

Step 3. After unlocking, you have two options to back up SMS and contacts. You can either use Samsung Cloud (navigate to "Settings" > "Accounts and Backup" > "Samsung Cloud" and export data via the web) or connect your device to a computer via USB and use Smart Switch or another backup tool.

Step 4. Once the backup is complete, safely disconnect the OTG adapter, mouse, and any USB cables.

• Pros: Works for most broken screen scenarios; low cost; easy to operate.
• Cons: Requires OTG support; if the screen is completely black without an external monitor, you may need to guess the cursor position.

Part 4. Back Up Broken Samsung SMS/Contacts Using Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch is the official tool for backing up, restoring, and transferring Samsung data. If your device is recognized by a computer and USB debugging is enabled (or can be enabled via OTG + Mouse), Smart Switch can back up SMS and contacts directly.

Step 1. Install and launch Samsung Smart Switch on your computer.

Step 2. Connect your broken Samsung device via USB. If the screen is unresponsive, use OTG + Mouse to unlock the device and enable USB debugging.

Step 3. Smart Switch will detect the device. If prompted to "Allow USB Debugging" or "Trust This Computer", confirm using the mouse.

Step 4. Click "Backup" in Smart Switch, select "Contacts" and "Messages" (or other data if desired), then click Start Backup.

Step 5. Wait for the process to finish. Do not disconnect the device during backup. Once complete, you will see a confirmation message, and the backup files will be saved to your computer.

• Pros: Official and safe tool; supports selective or full backup; free and reliable.
• Cons: Requires USB debugging to be enabled (or OTG + Mouse to enable); may not work if the computer cannot recognize the device.

Part 5. Back Up SMS/Contacts from Samsung with Broken Screen Through ADB

For technical users, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can extract contacts and SMS directly from the device's system files, even if the screen is broken. USB debugging must be enabled in advance.

Step 1. Install ADB tools on your computer and open a terminal/PowerShell window in the ADB folder.

Step 2. Connect your Samsung device via USB. Ensure USB debugging is enabled.

Step 3. Type adb devices to check if your device is connected.

Step 4. To back up contacts, run adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db C:\Backup\ (Windows) or adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db ~/Backup/ (Mac/Linux).

Step 5. To back up SMS, run adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db C:\Backup\ (Windows) or corresponding Mac/Linux command.

Step 6. Use SQLite Browser to open the .db files and export contacts to CSV or VCF and SMS to CSV format.

• Pros: Free and powerful; works for black or unresponsive screens; extracts raw data.
• Cons: Requires technical knowledge; USB debugging must be enabled; requires SQLite Browser to view/export data.

Part 6. Back Up Samsung Contacts with Broken Screen with SIM Card [Only Contacts]

If you only need to back up contacts, exporting them to the SIM card is simple and offline. This is suitable if your screen is partially usable or can be controlled via OTG + Mouse.

Step 1. Connect OTG + Mouse if needed and unlock the device.

Step 2. Open the Contacts app and navigate to "Manage Contacts" or "Import/Export Contacts".

Step 3. Select "Export Contacts", then choose "Export to SIM Card".

Step 4. Select the contacts you want to back up (or all contacts) and confirm. Wait for the export to complete.

Step 5. Power off the device, remove the SIM card, and insert it into another phone to import the contacts.

• Pros: Offline; no computer or internet required; simple and fast.
• Cons: Only backs up contacts; SIM storage is limited; requires partial device operability.

The Bottom Line

It is never pleasant to deal with a broken Samsung phone. But being able to back up your important SMS and contacts from a broken device turns misfortune into an opportunity. Above, we have introduced several practical ways to save your data, from Samsung Cloud and SIM card export to Smart Switch, ADB, and professional tools like Broken Android Data Extraction. The whole process is safe, reliable, and simple; don't wait, secure your important data now.

For the fastest and most dependable backup, consider using Broken Android Data Extraction to recover all your contacts and messages in just a few clicks.

Related Articles:

[Simple Steps] How to Back Up Android Phone with Broken Screen?

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How to Retrieve Text Messages from a Broken Samsung Phone [4 Ways]

Samsung Data Recovery with Black Screen (8 Practical Solutions)