How to Back Up WhatsApp from a Broken or Old Phone (2025 Guide)

Switching to a new phone but worried about losing your WhatsApp chats, photos, and media? Even if your old phone has a cracked or unresponsive screen, there are still several ways to back up and transfer WhatsApp data safely. This guide walks you through different scenarios—from partially working screens to completely black displays—along with both free and professional solutions.

1. If Your Old Phone’s Screen Is Still Usable

The simplest way to back up WhatsApp is directly through the app itself.

1. Open WhatsApp on your old phone.
2. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
3. Choose iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android) to save your data.

Once complete, just log in to WhatsApp on your new phone using the same number, and the app will prompt you to restore from backup.

2. If the Screen Is Lit but Not Responding to Touch

If your phone still powers on but the touchscreen is unusable, you can use an OTG cable (On-The-Go adapter) to connect a USB mouse.

• Plug in the mouse.
• Use it to navigate your phone.
• Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and create a cloud backup.

This is a quick fix if only the touchscreen is damaged.

3. If the Screen Is Black or Fully Unresponsive

For phones where the display is completely unusable, you’ll need computer software to control the device remotely.

⚠️ Note: This requires USB Debugging to have been enabled before the screen broke.

Steps:

1. On your computer, install Scrcpy (free) or Vysor.
2. Connect your broken phone via USB.
3. Mirror the phone’s screen on your computer.
4. Open WhatsApp, then go to Chat Backup to create a backup.

This method allows you to operate your phone directly from your PC.

4. If Cloud Backup Isn’t an Option

Sometimes iCloud or Google Drive isn’t available—or you may prefer a manual transfer.

• On Android: Connect your phone to a computer and copy the folder:
  Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
  Paste this folder into the same location on your new device.

• On iPhone: You’ll need to back up the entire phone via iTunes or iCloud, since Apple doesn’t allow separate extraction of WhatsApp data.

5. Best Solution for Broken Screens: MagFone Chats Transfer

If USB Debugging wasn’t enabled—or if you want a simpler, more reliable option—use MagFone Chats Transfer. This tool works even on partially broken devices and supports WhatsApp, images, videos, and attachments.

Here’s how it works:

1. Install MagFone Chats Transfer on your computer.

2. Select WhatsApp > Backup.

3. Connect your old phone via USB. If the screen is unresponsive, use an OTG mouse to unlock it.

4. Click Start Backup and enter a password if prompted.

5. Once finished, you can:

   • Restore the backup to a new phone, or
   • Export chats and media directly to your computer.

Unlike manual methods, MagFone ensures your entire WhatsApp history is backed up securely without data loss.

Final Thoughts

No matter how damaged your old phone is, there’s almost always a way to recover and transfer WhatsApp data.

• If the screen still works → Use WhatsApp’s built-in backup.
• If the screen is unresponsive → Try OTG with a mouse.
• If the screen is black but USB Debugging is enabled → Use Scrcpy or Vysor.
• If none of the above works → MagFone Chats Transfer is your best option for a full, safe backup.

With the right method, you won’t lose years of conversations, memories, or important media—even if your old phone is on its last legs.