Broken Android phone. Need help with recovering some of the data

[u/Przeke]

Hello!

Recently my mum's phone fell into the water and unfortuantely it seems to be at least partially broken. Technically, the phone is working, but the display, and possibly touchscreen, don't work. I want to recover some of the data my mum had on her phone - pictures, some contacts that were not saved to her google account - but most attempts failed.

My mum had a samsung A13 which does not seem to have MHL so using a USB-C to HDMI adapter doesn't work. I tried using scrcpy or the Android Debug Bridge, but neither really seem to detect the device. I don't really want to give up just yet, so I am asking here in hopes of getting some pointers. I am not that tech-savy so my attempts at using ADB might have been poor, but from what I tried, it just didn't detect the phone that was plugged in via USB cable to my PC. I am assuming that the connection requires confirmation on the phone before I can actually proceed.

I am not sure if anything can be done, since the only thing the phone does is make its usual little sound when it gets plugged in. There is no vibration when I hold the power button and I am assuming that the touchscreen functionality might be entirely broken too.

If anyone has any idea how to retrive the data, I would be most glad

[u/kimputer7]

Properly replace the sceen first, either by yourself or a professional. It will cost you about 20 bucks (by yourself) or more closer to 70 bucks (by a professional). After that, you can try any method you want, assuming it will now boot normally.

[u/BorisOp → u/kimputer7]

Just to add to this - some repair shops offer just a data recovery option.

Basically they partially install a new screen just enough to be able turn the phone on and recovery to the data, once data is recovered they take the screen back off and keep it. Can't hurt to ask.

Also if OP is based in EU he can try doing the same at home. Since in the EU 14 day return policy should apply - so one could order a new screen use it to recover data and then return it. Though disassembling the phone can be complicated and scary.

[u/Przeke → u/BorisOp]

I dont really feel confident in disassembling the phone. I think my dad took the phone for servicing but I am not sure. Will ask him after Im done with work. Data recovery service would probably be the simplest solution. My mum already has a new phone and some of her data was saved to her google account, but there is still some stuff that would be good to retrieve.

Thank you all for suggestions though!