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If your Galaxy phone is available and working, unlock it and back it up with Samsung Smart Switch or copy accessible files to a computer. If it is lost, reset, or unusable, check Samsung and Google account backups from another device. A broken touchscreen may still be operable with a compatible mouse or keyboard, but a USB connection does not bypass the phone’s lock. What you can recover depends on what was backed up, which features were enabled, and whether the phone can still power on.
Choose the recovery route that matches your situation
| Route | Original phone needed? | Prior setup or access needed? | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung or Google account restore | No, if a usable backup exists | A backup and access to the matching account | A lost, reset, or replacement phone | Only backed-up or synced data is available; included categories vary. Samsung UK; Samsung France |
| Smart Switch computer backup or restore | Usually yes to make a new backup; no to restore an existing one | Smart Switch on the computer; a connected phone may need on-device approval | A working phone or an existing computer backup | Some secure, encrypted, DRM-protected, app, and login data will not transfer. Samsung UK |
| Monitor with a compatible HDMI adapter | Yes | The phone must power on and support video output | A damaged display when the phone remains usable | Model and adapter compatibility vary. Samsung UK |
| USB mouse or keyboard with a compatible adapter | Yes | The phone must power on; you must know the unlock credentials | A touchscreen that does not respond | Does not bypass the lock or fix a phone that will not boot. Samsung UK |
| Removable memory card and card reader | No, after the card is removed | The target files must be stored on the card | Files saved to an SD card | Does not retrieve internal-storage data. Samsung UK |
| Repair or professional data recovery | Depends on the fault | Service-specific | A phone with serious hardware damage or no power | Recovery is not guaranteed. Samsung UK |
Check cloud and account backups first
If the original phone is missing, reset, or unavailable, check for an existing Samsung Cloud or Google account backup by signing in to the same account on a replacement Galaxy. Samsung’s support instructions place backup and restore options under Settings > Accounts and backup, though menu labels and availability vary by device, Android version, and region. Review the backup details for the particular data you need rather than assuming every category was saved.
Photos and videos may be handled separately: Google Photos backup must have been enabled, and Samsung France also lists OneDrive for Gallery synchronization and My Files backup. These services are not proof that every item on a missing phone was saved. Samsung France notes that Samsung cannot access or return data stored only on a lost device. Samsung France backup overview; Samsung UK backup and restore guidance
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Restore to a replacement Galaxy
During setup, sign in with the account used for the backup and follow the device’s restore prompts. If setup is already complete, look in Settings > Accounts and backup for Samsung Cloud or Google restore options; exact steps differ by software version. Restore only the data actually listed in that account’s backup. For photos and videos, check Google Photos or the relevant sync service separately if it was configured.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Back up a working phone to a computer with Smart Switch
Samsung’s PC/Mac process uses Smart Switch. The phone must be connectable, and if prompted you must approve access on its screen. Use a USB cable that supports data transfer, not just charging. Samsung describes the PC/Mac software as free on its UK support page. Samsung UK: Smart Switch backup and restore
- Install Smart Switch on the PC or Mac from Samsung’s official download page.
- Connect the Galaxy phone to the computer with a data-capable USB cable.
- Open Smart Switch and select Backup.
- If the phone asks for permission, unlock it and approve the prompt.
- Wait for the backup to finish before disconnecting the phone.
If the computer does not recognize the device, Samsung suggests reinstalling the device driver through Smart Switch. If the phone cannot be unlocked or the approval prompt cannot be accepted, this route may not be available.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Restore a computer backup
- Open Smart Switch on the computer.
- Connect the destination Galaxy phone.
- Select Restore, then choose the latest backup or another available backup.
- Approve any prompt on the destination phone and wait for the transfer to complete.
Smart Switch screens can vary by software and device version. A completed transfer does not mean every app, credential, or protected item has been duplicated.
Transfer directly to another Galaxy with Smart Switch
If both phones are usable, Smart Switch can transfer data wirelessly or by cable; it also supports computer-based transfers. Samsung lists common transferable Android categories such as contacts, schedules, messages, photos, videos, music, documents, call logs, settings, and some Galaxy-specific app data. It also describes importing from iCloud for categories including contacts, calendar, notes, photos, videos, and documents. What appears depends on the source and destination devices, operating systems, and app restrictions. Samsung UK Smart Switch transfer guidance
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Plan for items that may not transfer
- Secure or encrypted app data, including WhatsApp chats, may require the app’s own transfer or backup process.
- Banking app credentials and other logins may need to be entered again.
- DRM-protected content cannot be transferred through the general process.
- App data and credentials vary by app; some OS-version combinations also restrict call logs, email settings, or internet settings.
Before starting, preserve app-specific backups and make sure you can sign in to important services independently of the old phone. Samsung UK transfer limits; Samsung UK backup and restore guidance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Retrieve data when the screen or touchscreen is damaged
Display is damaged, but touch still works
If the phone powers on and responds to touch, unlock it and back it up using Smart Switch or another available route. Samsung describes connecting a Galaxy phone to a TV or monitor over HDMI with the appropriate adapter when the screen image is unavailable. This requires a supported phone and compatible adapter; it is not available on every Galaxy model. Samsung UK broken-screen guidance
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Touch does not work, but the phone powers on
A compatible USB-C OTG adapter, or the appropriate adapter for the phone’s connector, can let you attach a wired mouse or keyboard. Use the external input device to enter your known PIN, password, or pattern, then back up the phone. Connector and accessory compatibility vary. The adapter helps operate the phone; it does not defeat its lock. Samsung UK broken-screen guidance
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Copy files directly over USB
For direct computer file access, Samsung says the phone must be unlocked. Its guidance states, “Your phone has to be unlocked for you to access your files this way.” This requirement applies to browsing files over USB, not to every account-backup restore method. Connecting a cable is not a way to bypass a PIN or password. Samsung UK broken-screen guidance
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Check a removable SD card
If the phone has a removable card, take it out and use a card reader or computer slot to copy files stored on it. This can retrieve only content saved to the card; it does not expose data stored in the phone’s internal memory. Samsung UK broken-screen guidance
When remote backup or repair may be the only path
Remote backup requires prior setup
Samsung’s remote backup option through Find My Mobile is conditional: the phone must be online, signed in to a Samsung account, and have the relevant remote-control settings enabled. You also need the account credentials. If these conditions were not in place before the phone was lost or damaged, remote backup is not a guaranteed fallback. Samsung UK backup guidance; Samsung UK broken-screen guidance
The phone will not turn on
Samsung cautions that its self-service methods may not work when a device will not switch on. If the data is not present in an account or computer backup, contact Samsung or a qualified repair service to assess the hardware. A repair may restore access, but neither the cited guidance nor any cable or adapter guarantees recovery. Samsung UK broken-screen guidance
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