How to Get Photos from a Dead iPhone or Android Phone
There’s nothing worse than the gut wrenching feeling of staring at your phone, willing it to turn on, because you know that all of your data is trapped inside. This situation is a trauma and it’s hard to think clearly in that moment. I’m writing this post as a real person, Jessa Jones--founder of iPad Rehab Microsoldering to help you navigate through the trauma of data loss and the scams in this space on the internet.
Is Data Recovery Possible?
The short answer is yes, you can recover undeleted photos and other data from most dead iPhones and Androids. However, it's important to be cautious as there's a plethora of scam software out there preying on those in moments of distress. Many top search results for data recovery solutions often lead to sketchy paid software that can only extract data from backups you've already made. But if you had a backup, you wouldn't be searching for ways to recover data from a device that’s not working, right?
The truth is, the only way to retrieve this information is to temporarily make your device's internal logic board boot again and input the correct passcode. Each piece of your data is separately encrypted, making it impossible to decrypt mathematically within your lifetime. Even if it were as simple as just reading the data from the storage chip inside the phone, the data inside is encrypted. This is why all roads to getting the data out of the device first start with making the device turn on natively so it can use the stored encryption keys to unwrap the data.
Seeking Professional Help
The good news is that your local repair shop can often assist with common issues like a faulty screen, battery, or charge port that might be preventing your device from powering on. Even if these components are not the issue, in most cases, the logic board, which holds your encrypted data, can be made to boot again. Think of it like a string of Christmas lights where one faulty bulb can darken the entire strand. Various types of damage, such as water exposure, drops, or other mishaps, can create short circuits inside your phone. Our company specializes in identifying and temporarily resolving these issues, allowing us to boot your logic board long enough to extract your precious information to a USB flash drive or create a full backup.
Extreme Data Recovery
In the most extreme cases, like a phone submerged in saltwater for months, recovered from an airplane crash, or even run over by a lawnmower, your data can still be retrieved. We've documented some incredible dead phone data recoveries on our YouTube channel. The process involves transferring the three essential chips, as long as they remain intact, to a working receiver device where the same chips have been prepared. The hybrid device will boot up with all your data intact, and we can safely transfer it to you.
Learn More
If you want to explore your options further or simply have someone to talk to about your situation, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 585-397-4174. Sometimes, having a conversation with a real person can be the best remedy when you're faced with the distressing prospect of a non-responsive phone.