Android Screen Broken, USB Debugging Not Enabled, Need Help!

Mulder · 12 Aug 2014 at 12:22

Hi all,

I broke the screen on my Samsung S4 over the weekend and now cannot see the screen at all. The phone still works (still vibrates, alarm goes off etc) but I didn't have USB debugging enabled when the screen broke so I can't use software to access contacts etc (at least not the software I've tried).

Does anyone know how I can access my contacts? I've got the Photos and Videos from just exploring in Windows but can't see any contacts!

Thanks in Advance.

POB · 12 Aug 2014 at 12:42

Are they not stored online with Google:

https://www.google.com/contacts/u/0/

Jamdude · 12 Aug 2014 at 13:33

As POB said, Google stores them online, they may also be saved to your SIM and memory card.

Mulder · 12 Aug 2014 at 13:53

I was logged into my Google account on the phone but none of my contacts are on Google Contacts.

Is there some software that could retrieve them via USB without having to enable USB debugging mode on the phone?

Thanks

POB · 12 Aug 2014 at 13:59

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/usefulsoftware/KIES/

Samsungs desktop software.

Chillimonster · 12 Aug 2014 at 14:06

MHL Cable will show you what is on screen. - If you're lucky the touch panel will still be working.

Mulder · 12 Aug 2014 at 14:25

Will Kies work without having USB debugging enabled on the phone? I've tried loads of other software that doesn't work.

tom_e · 12 Aug 2014 at 14:28

Mulder said:
Will Kies work without having USB debugging enabled on the phone? I've tried loads of other software that doesn't work.

It's definitely your best chance, would be a bit weird for you to have to enable a hidden developer option to get the mass released manufacturer software to work!

Mulder · 12 Aug 2014 at 14:40

tom_e said:
It's definitely your best chance, would be a bit weird for you to have to enable a hidden developer option to get the mass released manufacturer software to work!

Cool thanks, will give it a go tonight. Thank you all!

Myshra · 12 Aug 2014 at 16:24

While that page suggests you need kies, I think you actually need kies3 for an S4. Samsung make horrible, horrible software.

Orcvader · 12 Aug 2014 at 17:01

Chillimonster said:
MHL Cable will show you what is on screen. - If you're lucky the touch panel will still be working.

This would be my next best bet - it will mirror the screen onto a HDMI screen, so you can see what you're doing. Make sure it's the 11-pin MHL cable and not the 5-pin one.

loltim · 12 Aug 2014 at 17:56

bit of a fail not having your contacts synced with google. This is one of the best things about android.