Backup your Galaxy device with a broken or damaged screen using Maintenance mode

Last Update date : Jun 08. 2024
A person holding a Samsung Galaxy phone with a broken screen, displaying visible cracks and black spots obscuring parts of the floral wallpaper.

When the screen of your Galaxy device is damaged or unresponsive, you might worry that your data is lost forever. Fortunately, Samsung's Maintenance Mode allows you to back up your data even when the screen is not functional. By connecting your device to an external display, such as a monitor or TV, you can access your device's features through screen mirroring. All you need are a few additional tools: a USB-C to HDMI hub adapter, a mouse, and a keyboard. This setup enables you to operate your device and secure your data under challenging circumstances.

Before backing up your data, ensure you have all the necessary equipment properly set up.

Items required:

  • Galaxy device with a broken screen

  • USB-C to HDMI hub adapter (with USB-A port)

  • External display (HDMI enabled)
  • HDMI cable

  • Wired USB mouse

  • Wired USB keyboard

Note: The USB-C to HDMI hub adapter, external display, HDMI cable, wired USB mouse, and wired USB keyboard are not included with the purchase of a Galaxy phone and must be acquired separately.

Step 1: Connect the monitor, mouse, and keyboard

Connect a monitor (or TV) along with a mouse and keyboard to the HDMI hub adapter. This setup is necessary for interacting with your Galaxy device once it's connected.

Step 2: Connect your Galaxy device to the HDMI adapter

Hold down the volume up and down buttons on your phone. While keeping these buttons pressed, connect your Galaxy device to the USB-C port of the HDMI hub adapter. Release the volume buttons once your phone and the adapter are securely connected.

A Galaxy phone, keyboard, mouse and monitor connected to an HDMI adapter.

Step 3: Activate the external display

Once your phone and the external display are connected, you may see your phone’s screen mirrored on the display or the Samsung DeX screen might appear.

A monitor mirroring a Galaxy phone screen. A monitor mirroring a Galaxy phone screen.

Screen 1. If the phone’s screen is mirrored, unlock it using your mouse or keyboard, then navigate to the Settings menu to enable Maintenance Mode.

Samsung DeX menu displayed on a monitor. Samsung DeX menu displayed on a monitor.

Screen 2. If the Samsung DeX screen appears, go to the Apps menu in the bottom left corner, select Exit DeX to switch to the mirrored screen, and proceed to the Settings menu.

Note about handling the DeX initial setup screen: If the DeX initial setup screen appears, you can close it by pressing the Esc key on your keyboard or by pressing the Windows and Backspace keys simultaneously.

Maintenance mode is specifically designed to protect your personal data, including photos, videos, contacts, and messages before sending it for repair. This feature is particularly crucial when your screen is damaged or broken, as it allows you to back up your data securely.

1 Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Battery and device care.
2 Navigate to and tap Maintenance mode.
A Galaxy phone screen displaying settings with options for 'Software update', 'Diagnostics', and 'Maintenance mode', described as protecting privacy during repairs.

Note: You'll be asked to create a Lock screen if absent. Refer to our complete guide for more details.

3 Tap Back up your data.
4 Tap Temporary cloud backup or External storage backup, depending on your preference and available resources.
5 Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the backup process.

Everything you need to know about Maintenance mode

Explore the power of Maintenance mode to securely back up your data. Our in-depth guide details the prerequisites and offers straightforward instructions to help you protect your data effectively. Essential reading for those needing detailed assistance.

A hand holding a Samsung Galaxy phone displaying 'Maintenance mode' on the screen. A hand holding a Samsung Galaxy phone displaying 'Maintenance mode' on the screen.

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