Develop Bugs

[Q] How do I back up contacts WITHOUT use of phone screen?

Hi All,
I've had a good look through the "contacts" issues and can't see a relevant thread that helps with a 2 point problem so here goes:
I have an Xperia Arc LT15i
It has suffered some water damage, though the indicator is still white.
The screen is completely dead / black rendering the phone unusable.
Connecting the phone to pc with USB lead allows me to access the SD card through PC Companion - this is the good news.
The bad news is I have no way of backing up my contacts to the PC as I assume they are stored on the phone memory and there is no way as far as I can tell to see a contacts folder.
The Contact Back Up feature on PC companion and everything else I've read requires that I access the phone directly, which I can't do.
Does anyone know how I can access my contacts to back them up using a USB connection and not needing to directly interact with the phone?
Also, is there any chance that this fault will repair itself and the phone come back to life or do I save whatever files I can and then write it off?
Thanks a lot.

BrazilNut said:
Hi All,
I've had a good look through the "contacts" issues and can't see a relevant thread that helps with a 2 point problem so here goes:
I have an Xperia Arc LT15i
It has suffered some water damage, though the indicator is still white.
The screen is completely dead / black rendering the phone unusable.
Connecting the phone to pc with USB lead allows me to access the SD card through PC Companion - this is the good news.
The bad news is I have no way of backing up my contacts to the PC as I assume they are stored on the phone memory and there is no way as far as I can tell to see a contacts folder.
The Contact Back Up feature on PC companion and everything else I've read requires that I access the phone directly, which I can't do.
Does anyone know how I can access my contacts to back them up using a USB connection and not needing to directly interact with the phone?
Also, is there any chance that this fault will repair itself and the phone come back to life or do I save whatever files I can and then write it off?
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had your contacts synced with your google account? Try logging from google to your account and search for the contacts page.

Phenomzye said:
You had your contacts synced with your google account? Try logging from google to your account and search for the contacts page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I'd tried that and regrettably the contacts are not there so I can't have synched them.

http://www.droidxforums.com/forum/droid-x-rescue-squad/30987-acquire-contacts-via-adb.html
Of course that would require USB debugging to be enabled.
If it's not, you can use the keyboard and usb-otg adapter to enable it like this guy did:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...een-need-keyboard-sequence-usb-debugging.html
Of course his phone is different, so hopefully you're using stock gingerbread? or ICS?
play around.
Basically, for any other tool you would need ADB, so try to get that enabled.
Are you rooted?

issak42;45427155
Of course that would require USB debugging to be enabled.
If it's not said:
I'm new to all this, but as far as I can tell, the other guy is referring to a separate keyboard on his particular phone. The Arc doesn't have a keyboard - only on screen.
Not rooted.
Can anyone give me a step by step solution?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Wait, don't you have HDMI out? If you don't have HDMI cable, look on ebay for that too, I'm sure you can get one for cheap, you just might have to wait a little to arrive from hong kong or china
Plug in a screen.
That guy is reffering to 'otg' keyboard:
https://www.google.com/search?gfns=...w&biw=1920&bih=986&sei=7skyUry5D4iMtAbr04HoCA
Arc s does support it, I tried. No root needed. And since Arc is pretty much exact same thing, it shouldn't cause any issues either.
Actually if you get the picture on the screen via HDMI, you're better off using a mouse. You will need the 'usb otg' connector (search ebay, they are really cheap) and USB mouse. Any should work, even wireless with dongles (logitech nano any unifying reciever both work)

issak42 said:
Wait, don't you have HDMI out? If you don't have HDMI cable, look on ebay for that too, I'm sure you can get one for cheap, you just might have to wait a little to arrive from hong kong or china
Plug in a screen.
That guy is reffering to 'otg' keyboard:
Arc s does support it, I tried. No root needed. And since Arc is pretty much exact same thing, it shouldn't cause any issues either.
Actually if you get the picture on the screen via HDMI, you're better off using a mouse. You will need the 'usb otg' connector (search ebay, they are really cheap) and USB mouse. Any should work, even wireless with dongles (logitech nano any unifying reciever both work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the advice. If I was in the UK, it would be much easier to get hold of these things, but I'm in Brazil travelling and (whilst not complaining), it's going to be tough to get things set up as you suggest. I still have the USB OTG that came with the phone but keyboard and particularly HDMI connection will be a problem.
But it would be definitely worth a try if I can arrange things at some point. Thanks,

[Q] Galaxy Nexus (i515) - Broken Screen - USB Debugging Disabled

Hello all!
Here's the situation: I dropped my phone yesterday (Samsung Galaxy Nexus - i515) and the screen is destroyed. I can still see the top left corner (maybe 1/4 of the screen), but the digitizer is also hosed and I have a pattern lock. I need to get the data off the phone. When I connect it to my computer, it shows up as an external drive, but there is no file structure. From what I've read... I apparently have to unlock my phone before I can see the files, which as I said before is not possible right now.
Bootloader is locked, not rooted and the best part... USB Debugging is disabled. I've read through tons of information, but most threads either fade away when they get almost to a solution, or they are never fully answered.
I got the Unified Android Toolkit (GNEX V12.1.1.) by SKIPSOFT (which is amazing btw), but since good ole' USB Debugging isn't enabled, I can't use adb commands. I've read you can install a custom recovery and use adb at that point, but my bootloader is locked and I don't want to wipe data to unlock it.
I can get into fastboot, the driver shows up in device manager, serial shows up under 'fastboot devices', etc. but it looks like the only thing I can really do at that point requires a data wipe. I hit recovery (which is stock), the screen goes blank for a few minutes and then boots as normal. I'm guessing I can't use adb with the stock recovery??
I believe my final option here is to use a USB otg cable and use a USB mouse (wired only here? can I use a USB dongle? can I even unlock a pattern lock with a mouse?) to navigate until I can get USB debugging enabled. Since I can see a bit of the screen, I don't think it should be too hard. Even if it does prove too difficult trying to do it blind, there appears to be plenty of small apps that give you the capability to view what's on your phone via your PC. I was initially trying to find something that I could control phone from PC (screencast appears to be the best I've found so far), but without USB Debugging enabled or root, it's a no go.
I would like to hear from some of the smart folks out there about my options. I used to mess around with custom ROMs and all that good stuff, but it's been a few years so I am a little rusty.
TL;DR
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Nexus (i515) - broken screen and digitizer
Bootloader - Locked
Root - No
USB Debugging - Disabled
Phone has pattern lock
What is the best option to get my data backed up/copied?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!

buddy008 said:
Hello all!
Here's the situation: I dropped my phone yesterday (Samsung Galaxy Nexus - i515) and the screen is destroyed. I can still see the top left corner (maybe 1/4 of the screen), but the digitizer is also hosed and I have a pattern lock. I need to get the data off the phone. When I connect it to my computer, it shows up as an external drive, but there is no file structure. From what I've read... I apparently have to unlock my phone before I can see the files, which as I said before is not possible right now.
Bootloader is locked, not rooted and the best part... USB Debugging is disabled. I've read through tons of information, but most threads either fade away when they get almost to a solution, or they are never fully answered.
I got the Unified Android Toolkit (GNEX V12.1.1.) by SKIPSOFT (which is amazing btw), but since good ole' USB Debugging isn't enabled, I can't use adb commands. I've read you can install a custom recovery and use adb at that point, but my bootloader is locked and I don't want to wipe data to unlock it.
I can get into fastboot, the driver shows up in device manager, serial shows up under 'fastboot devices', etc. but it looks like the only thing I can really do at that point requires a data wipe. I hit recovery (which is stock), the screen goes blank for a few minutes and then boots as normal. I'm guessing I can't use adb with the stock recovery??
I believe my final option here is to use a USB otg cable and use a USB mouse (wired only here? can I use a USB dongle? can I even unlock a pattern lock with a mouse?) to navigate until I can get USB debugging enabled. Since I can see a bit of the screen, I don't think it should be too hard. Even if it does prove too difficult trying to do it blind, there appears to be plenty of small apps that give you the capability to view what's on your phone via your PC. I was initially trying to find something that I could control phone from PC (screencast appears to be the best I've found so far), but without USB Debugging enabled or root, it's a no go.
I would like to hear from some of the smart folks out there about my options. I used to mess around with custom ROMs and all that good stuff, but it's been a few years so I am a little rusty.
TL;DR
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Nexus (i515) - broken screen and digitizer
Bootloader - Locked
Root - No
USB Debugging - Disabled
Phone has pattern lock
What is the best option to get my data backed up/copied?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately without ADB I do not know of any way to retrieve your data, or even clear the pattern lock. I think the easiest route would be to try a corded usb mouse and an otg adapter. You could try a cordless mouse with dongle, as long as it is not Bluetooth as that would most likely require a pairing code, but a standard 2.4GHz wireless mouse may work.

Hakugin said:
Unfortunately without ADB I do not know of any way to retrieve your data, or even clear the pattern lock. I think the easiest route would be to try a corded usb mouse and an otg adapter. You could try a cordless mouse with dongle, as long as it is not Bluetooth as that would most likely require a pairing code, but a standard 2.4GHz wireless mouse may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Hakugin.
I wanted to give an update. The USB OTG thing definitely works on the phone, but without being able to see the screen, unlocking the pattern would be extremely difficult. I tried for a little while, but there was just no way of knowing if I was even close.
I ended up getting a new phone via insurance. I took both phones apart and plugged the screen on the new phone into the old phone's motherboard. I was able to get into the phone, disable the pattern lock, enable USB debugging, and everything else I needed to do.
I know it's not the greatest and most available solution, but it definitely allowed me to get where I needed to be. I used MyPhoneExplorer (I think that's what it's called) to backup call logs, texts, etc and then restored to the new phone (once I had them both back together of course).
The USB Debugging is the biggest hurdle to overcome. If someone can find a good answer to solving that problem, we'd be ok. Of course, that would be a huge security issue...

[Q] Need help! Locked broken screen with no root/no debugging!

Hi All,
My note 2 was fine and working with no serious issues until it fell from my pocket and the screen wouldn't show anything anymore. I took it to a repair shop and they said that the screen broke from the inside of the phone and that fixing it will cost a lot :crying:. My problem is that the phone has a pin lock but I can't interact with it to unlock it as the screen is pitch black and the touch doesn't work anymore. I need to backup my files but everywhere I looked seemed to have a solution for either rooted phones or phones with USB debugging being on and I have neither. Is there any way I can root or enable USB debugging with just my pc? or even unlock the pin code to access my files from the pc?
I've been looking for a solution for days now but with no luck . I hope there's hope. I'll appreciate any solution you guys might bless me with. Also, I just recently joined XDA so please excuse me if my question was placed in the wrong section

It will be quite cumbersome but you could buy an MHL adapter to get picture to HDMI and use an USB OTG cable for a keyboard and/or mouse and switch between them. This way you could enter the PIN code by a keyboard and install some apps to access it or as you said you could enable USB debugging and do stuff on your PC via ADB.

How do I Retrieve Data from a OnePlus 3 with a completely destroyed screen?

I dropped my OnePlus 3 on the road the other day, which would've been fine, except someone drove their car over it immediately after. The display is completely gone,and the rear cover won't fit, but surprisingly the internals are okay, because the notification light is blinking green to notify me of emails. I have TWRP installed, but I can't boot into it because there is no feedback at all from the phone, no vibration, no display. Is there a way that I can somehow mirror the screen over USB? That seems to be the only way to get my files off. If anyone can suggest anything, including hacks, then I would be grateful. Anything to get my data back, because I'm not sure Customer Service will allow me to backup data (They haven't responded yet, but I'll give them time).

You could try: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/mirror-android-screen-pc-mac-without-root/
But it won't work when you Turnoff the screen. There are a lot of articles about this problem, a bit research and you should be able to come a bit further!

Vysor needs PTP, and I can't unlock the phone at all to change the USB mode. Thanks for the help though!

a dead lcd+touchscreen ,right?
well then, some idea might you need a monitor with a touchscreen capable, connect it via usb to hdmi adapter
or
if you don't have a monitor with touchscreen,
get usb-c hub to min. 2 port usb3, usb3 to hdmi, and a basic computer mouse.
you'll get the idea, the mouse will act as a touch
it might not work though.. haven't tried it

1.You can go to a phone service in youre city. Ask them to connect (not change) a display (if they have one) just to copy youre data.
2.If the phone it's ok and you like it change the display. But it's expensive. In my country it's about 130-140 euro.

150208 said:
a dead lcd+touchscreen ,right?
well then, some idea might you need a monitor with a touchscreen capable, connect it via usb to hdmi adapter
or
if you don't have a monitor with touchscreen,
get usb-c hub to min. 2 port usb3, usb3 to hdmi, and a basic computer mouse.
you'll get the idea, the mouse will act as a touch
it might not work though.. haven't tried it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OnePlus 3 does not have the hardware for HDMI out. Only WifiDisplay. So that won't work :crying:. Thanks for help though.

null0seven said:
1.You can go to a phone service in youre city. Ask them to connect (not change) a display (if they have one) just to copy youre data.
2.If the phone it's ok and you like it change the display. But it's expensive. In my country it's about 130-140 euro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have emailed them, but so far no reply. The service centre is in another city so I need to know before I make a (very expensive for me) trip.

Mate, i'm talking about any GSM service, not OnePlus service.

If the device boots and you can connect to a computer over ADB, then you could:
* push an open recovery script to your internal SD card ...the script should have instructions to do a data backup
* reboot to recovery, which will then do the data backup
* device will show as media device, which let's you copy the backup to your computer

You have custom recovery? if you do, pc should see youre phone storage.

do you have a custom recovery installed on your phone?
if yes, then you boot to recovery using the adb command or using the hardware button. when the phone boots into recovery, you will be able to see your phone in my computer from where you can access all your data.

null0seven said:
Mate, i'm talking about any GSM service, not OnePlus service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those guys won't touch a OnePlus here, they say they can't get parts

Hardware Problem - Software - data Recovery from broken display

Hi everyone,
I know this forum is more about software and the functioning of custom roms. But maybe someone has experiences with data recovery from a SM-A320FL, stockRom, with a broken display.
The mobile of my son has a broken display. The mobile still works, I can plug it in to a computer and it is still recognized as normal. I can not get access to the data via the laptop because I have to unlock via the phone. I know I could just get out the external sd and save the data, but my son would like to save his data from the phone as well.
The display is completely black and broken. We can not access the phone. Touch does not work.
My idea was to access the phone via an USB-C hub and plug the phone to an external monitor with a mouse and keyboard. So far it has not worked. Has anyone tried this solution and could tell me his /her experiences?
Has anyone experiences with such or a similar problem? Are there any other solutions to the problem, e.g. break up the phone and connect a new display to the phone,?
Many thanks for your help and any suggestions
Best
t---pl

t---pl said:
Hi everyone,
I know this forum is more about software and the functioning of custom roms. But maybe someone has experiences with data recovery from a SM-A320FL, stockRom, with a broken display.
The mobile of my son has a broken display. The mobile still works, I can plug it in to a computer and it is still recognized as normal. I can not get access to the data via the laptop because I have to unlock via the phone. I know I could just get out the external sd and save the data, but my son would like to save his data from the phone as well.
The display is completely black and broken. We can not access the phone. Touch does not work.
My idea was to access the phone via an USB-C hub and plug the phone to an external monitor with a mouse and keyboard. So far it has not worked. Has anyone tried this solution and could tell me his /her experiences?
Has anyone experiences with such or a similar problem? Are there any other solutions to the problem, e.g. break up the phone and connect a new display to the phone,?
Many thanks for your help and any suggestions
Best
t---pl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the phone is not capable of displaying its screen over the USB-C and never has been:
List of devices with video output over USB-C
en.everybodywiki.com
Your only chance would be to use adb or Microsoft's Your Phone. But for the latter, you need to install and set up the app, which would be impossible with a broken screen.
How to fully backup and restore your Android device without root
One of Android’s little-known tricks is its built-in backup and restore process that allows users to save their private data...
9to5google.com
As a matter of fact, you could still root your phone and make a backup using the buttons on the side of the phone, however, you could only do that with a blindfold on as you have no screen. (However, there are many screenshots and videos available to see what theoptions are.)
Of course, if you bring your device to a repair shop, they can attach a touchscreen and perform the backup for you.