Introduction

When an Android phone’s screen stops working, accessing its data can become a challenge. Fortunately, it is possible to mirror your broken Android phone’s screen onto a Linux Mint computer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the detailed steps and tools needed to regain control of your smartphone using your Linux Mint computer. You’ll need a USB cable, some software, and a little patience to reconnect with your digital life. Let’s explore the methods and tools that will help you mirror that broken screen.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the technical details, it’s essential to understand what screen mirroring entails. Screen mirroring allows you to replicate your phone’s display on another screen, such as a computer monitor. This is particularly useful when your phone’s screen is broken but the device itself is still operational. By connecting your Android phone to your Linux Mint computer, you can control your phone using your computer’s peripherals, retrieving important data and using applications as needed.

When dealing with a broken screen, enabling USB debugging on your Android phone beforehand is crucial. USB debugging mode allows your phone to communicate with your computer via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Without it, certain operations might become more difficult or even impossible.

Preparing Your Linux Mint Computer

Now, let’s prepare your Linux Mint computer for the mirroring process.

  1. First, ensure your Linux Mint OS is up to date. Open the Terminal and run the following commands:
    bash
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt upgrade

  2. Next, install the necessary tools. We’ll primarily be using Scrcpy, which requires ADB. Install both by entering:
    bash
    sudo apt install scrcpy adb

With these updates and installations in place, your Linux Mint computer is now ready for the mirroring process. It’s always good practice to restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect properly.

Connecting Your Broken Android Phone

Connecting a broken Android phone to your Linux Mint computer requires careful handling, especially when the screen is entirely unresponsive.

  1. Enable USB Debugging: If you had USB debugging enabled before the screen broke, you’re in luck. If not, enabling it blindly is almost impossible without prior knowledge of your phone’s layout.
  2. Using an OTG Cable and Mouse: Connect an OTG (On-The-Go) cable to your Android device, and attach a USB mouse. This could allow for navigation despite the non-functional touchscreen, enabling USB debugging.
  3. Connect to Linux Mint: Using a USB cable, connect your Android phone to your computer’s USB port. Ensure you allow data transfer, not just charging.

Properly connecting your phone sets the stage for effective screen mirroring.

screen mirroring from broken android phone using linux mint computer

Using Scrcpy for Screen Mirroring

Scrcpy is a powerful tool for screen mirroring, providing high performance and extensive compatibility. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Launch Scrcpy: Open the Terminal and type:
    bash
    scrcpy

  2. Follow On-Screen Instructions: If your device is detected correctly, your phone’s display should appear on your Linux Mint screen instantly. You’ll be able to control your phone using your keyboard and mouse.

Scrcpy also allows seamless interactions like drag-and-drop file transfers, which can be incredibly useful if you need to retrieve data from your broken phone.

Alternative Methods: Using VNC

For those who face difficulties with Scrcpy, an alternative method using VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is available.

  1. Install VNC Server: On your Android device (prior to screen damage), install a VNC server app like VMLite.

  2. Install VNC Viewer on Linux Mint: You can use software like vinagre.
    bash
    sudo apt install vinagre

  3. Connect Using a VNC Viewer: Open the VNC Viewer, enter the IP address of your phone followed by the port number, and establish the connection.

VNC provides a reliable backup method if Scrcpy fails to work as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, issues might arise during the screen mirroring process. Here are some common problems and solutions:

  1. Device Not Recognized:
  2. Ensure USB debugging is enabled.
  3. Try a different USB port or cable.

  4. Restart both devices.

  5. Scrcpy Fails to Start:

  6. Check for proper installation and dependencies.

  7. Update your Android device drivers on Linux Mint.

  8. VNC Connection Issues:

  9. Ensure the VNC server on your phone is running correctly.
  10. Verify IP address and port configurations.
  11. Disable any firewall temporarily to avoid blockages.

Resolving these issues should help maintain a stable connection and achieve successful screen mirroring.

Conclusion

Screen mirroring a broken Android phone to a Linux Mint computer can save time, data, and effort. With tools like Scrcpy and VNC, you can effectively control and retrieve data from your mobile device. Following the steps outlined above ensures a higher success rate and a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my Android phone without enabling USB debugging?

No, USB debugging must be enabled on your Android phone for mirroring to work with tools like Scrcpy and ADB.

What should I do if my Linux Mint computer does not recognize my Android device?

Check USB debugging settings, use another USB port or cable, and ensure necessary drivers are installed. Restart your devices if needed.

Are there any risks involved in using screen mirroring tools on Linux Mint?

Using screen mirroring tools is generally safe, but ensure software is downloaded from reputable sources to avoid security risks and ensure data privacy.