How to transfer files from Galaxy J7 with a broken screen

Many Samsung Galaxy owners often ask us how they can transfer files from their device with a damaged screen assembly. Today’s troubleshooting article will answer that so hopefully you’ll find it helpful.

Problem #1: How to transfer files from Galaxy J7 with a broken screen

Greetings. I am wondering if you can help me try and recover the files from my phone. Allow me to elaborate: My Galaxy J7 suffered a minor drop, but decided to crack the screen and completely stop responding to any touchscreen inputs. I shipped it off to service while the screen was still showing some contents, but when I got it back it just show the BsOD. I opted not to have the phone fixed, as the repairs would be more than 3 times as expensive as the outstanding debt I still have on the phone. It makes more sense to pay off the remaining dues to my carrier and buy a new phone. However, I do have some images on my phone that were not yet synced to my google account, and I would like to try and retrieve them if possible. My initial plan was to use a micro USB to USB converter, plug a mouse into the phone and sync up any outstanding files to my google account. However, as the screen is no longer functioning, I can’t do that. I can connect it to my PC, but again, I cannot select the “transfer files” option that pops-up on the screen upon connection to PC, as not only the touch screen is broken, but it also does not display anything. My question is whether or not there is an option to skip this safety protocol, and access the files on the phone? Regards.

Solution: Unlike a computer or laptop, a smartphone’s screen is more than just a monitor that displays images that you see. It’s basically your gateway to the system as it also allows you to input your commands via touches. Without a good working screen assembly, you are unable to both see what the operating system is meant to show you (such as the USB options to allow you transfer files) and input your commands (using your touches). Since moving files from your phone to any other device like a computer requires that you unlock the screen, select the right USB option, and navigate to the right menus or directories, you are basically left without a way to do the things that you want. Needless to say, without the screen, there’s nothing much that can be done as far as file transfer from your J7 is concerned. Even if the motherboard was not damaged, you still need to have a working screen in order to transfer files. If those files are worth a few hundred dollars, have the screen replaced first so you can recover them.

Problem #2: How to fix Galaxy J7 boot loop issue

I am hoping that TDG or someone in this group might be able to help me with my Samsung Galaxy J7. On Sunday, I was looking up a shopping mall using the Google search. When the results came up, the first listing was the Google listing for this shopping center. When I hit “Directions” in order to pull it up into Google maps, the screen had some static so up and some other distortion, then it froze and entered a boot loop. I immediately went to the Verizon store and talked to a guy there. We were unable to get it to start in Safe Mode or do any other sort of boot. It just boots over and over and over. Sometimes it only goes to the Samsung Galaxy J7 powered by Android screen, sometimes the outline of Samsung shows up and fills in, sometimes it is able to get to the Verizon screen before freezing and rebooting.

Also, the notification LED is a constant blue with the green LED fading in and out.  I have tried deleting the cache. I have tried a factory reset. I have even gone so far as to download the latest firmware and Odin to completely flash the phone (not worried about what I may lose as far as data goes as I back up regularly). Odin shows success with downloading the firmware, but I cannot seem to get it to install properly. I get to the screen with the resting Android figure and the caution triangle with the statement “NO COMMAND.” I have done the factory reboot, everything that I have found on various guides found on the TDG site. I have done all the various button configurations, tried loading the firmware multiple times, I have tried safe mode, recovery mode, and more. I cannot seem to get the system to reinstall and just get stuck in a boot loop. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do? This has been a solid phone. It has not seen any water damage. It has always been in an Otterbox and the exterior of the phone is in near flawless condition. I really don’t want to have to buy another unit, but I am afraid that this is what I am going to be forced to do. Thank you! Note:  I have taken out the SD card before I did a lot of this. The thing that is odd is the solid blue indicator with the green LED fading in an out. Occasionally I will get the blue line of text “RECOVERY BOOTING…” Sometimes I get a bunch of code at the bottom.

Solution: If factory reset and restoration to its stock firmware did not help at all, then the issue is most probably beyond your ability to fix. The phone may have encountered a coding error it cannot resolve. Whatever that is will most probably remain a mystery. Before you send it in for repair or replacement, you can try flashing its bootloader. Sometimes, a corrupted bootloader may also lead to the issue you’re experiencing.

Flashing the bootloader back to its stock state is similar to flashing the firmware. The only difference is the file type to use before authorizing the proper flashing command. Below are the general steps on how to flash a typical Samsung Galaxy device. Be sure to consult other guides on how to properly flash your particular phone model.

1. Look for the correct firmware for your phone model and download it. Make sure that you select the right one. It should be the same exact firmware that ran previously on your device. We assume that you list down the firmware version somewhere. If you did not take note of it before, there’s a chance that you may pick the wrong one. As you may know now, using an incorrect firmware can cause complications so good luck with that.
2. Let’s now say that you have identified the correct firmware. You then want to download it to your computer. The firmware file should have a bunch of files in it like AP_, BL_, CSC_, etc.
3. Look for the file that starts with a label BL; this should be the corresponding bootloader file for this firmware. Once you’ve identified the bootloader file, copy it to your computer’s desktop or to any other folder that you can easily access.
4. Proceed with the rest of the flashing procedure using the Odin program.
5. In Odin, click on the BL tab and make sure to use the bootloader file you’ve identified earlier.
6. Now, make sure that the “Device Added” status and its “ID:COM box” has turned blue before hitting the START button. This will initiate the flashing of your phone’s bootloader.
7. Restart the phone once the procedure is finished.

Problem #3: What to do if Galaxy J7 won’t charge using multiple chargers

my Samsung Galaxy J7 suddenly stopped charging.  I thought it was the cable or charger, but they seem fine.  I tried other cables and chargers and none worked, so I believe it is the phone/battery/interface itself… of course this happened just as I about to board a plane…. so I turned off the phone to preserve whatever I had left, but did try an external battery charger – I got a screen with the android icon and some words in red and green and white and something about factory settings.  It said it was downloading and not to turn off the source, but I was in airplane mode, so nothing was downloading. it was stuck on this screen for several hours. I was able to access my stuff, no factory reset happened! and am now trying to upload my photos before the phone completely dies. it won’t charge, and my PC won’t recognize the phone when I connect it via several cables.

Solution: The most probable reason why your phone no longer charges must be a bad charging port. It may had been damaged or may be disconnected from the motherboard. The best thing that you can do right now is save whatever files you can then send the phone in to Samsung for repair or replacement.

 

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