How to access internal memory - Sony Xperia Z3, broken screen - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone.
I have searched and tried different things for hours in the end but nothing I found worked. Let me describe the problem a little closer.
My Xperia Z3 took a hard hit. Screen is shattered, unresponsive, black (nothing can be seen). I can't access the internal memory because after connecting the phone to the computer a pop-up asks to select the USB mode (MTP, Charge Only, etc.).
I am able to get past the lock screen by connecting a keyboard and typing in the password.
USB Debugging is enabled, however I cannot use it with ADB because upon connecting I must select the appropriate mode (same problem as above when trying to access internal memory from windows file level).
I thought about connecting the phone to a TV and using a mouse to set the default USB connection mode to MTP, that way I could just plug it in and back up the data using SONY PC Companion but the only device I found that would support a HDMI cable and a USB device (like a PC mouse) is a 5in1 device that is built for Samsung (it has an 11 pin USB micro connector that plugs into the phone).
I tried mirroring the screen on PC using different software but in the end all of them require USB debugging (or selecting the appropriate mode after connecting the phone to the pc) so that didn't work.
A possible solution I thought of is to make a DIY 11 pin to 5 pin micro USB converter (or just cut off the 11 pin plug and wire the cables to a 5 pin one which fits the Xperia Z3 port). The problem here is I can't find the 11 pin to 5 pin converter, however there is a converter that does a 5 -> 11 pin conversion. Which makes me think it must be possible to do it the other way around but so far after quite a long time of searching I failed to find a wiring diagram that would help me do it manually.
My questions:
1. Does anyone know how to manually wire an 11 pin to 5 pin micro USB converter?
2. Is it possible to write a script/executable that I could place on an external SD card, which would auto-execute upon inserting and edit phone config files to change default USB mode to MTP or USB debugging?
3. Does anyone know whether it's possible to use Kali linux to access internal memory via USB cable without selecting any mode after connection? (simply speaking how do I hack into it)
4. Is it possible to write a script/executable that would copy files from certain locations on the internal memory to a location in the external memory? (like photos, videos, etc.)
The 4 questions relate to the theoretical solutions that I thought of to solve my problem but I failed to find information on how to actually do it (if possible at all). I hope someone here will be able to point me in the right direction or give some suggestions.
One other thing I've read somewhere is that someone had reset the phones lock (as in screen lock) by disconnecting some pins/connectors on the phones motherboard for a few seconds which apparently set the phone in some sort of default mode without affecting the memory. Perhaps this would be something worth a try or thinking about if possible in this phone.
I welcome any solutions and ideas. I have some skills in programming and I'm not afraid to take things apart if it comes to that so any solution from easy ones to complicated are welcome.
Some info about the device:
Sony Xperia Z3 - D6603
Android Version: 5.0.1+ (definitely 5+, not 100% sure of the exact version)
If you require more information please ask.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to look at this post
T.

Related

[Q] OTG Support?

My LGOG has completely dead and nonfunctional touch screen, and it was left in charge only mode instead of something useful like MTP (and with no USB debugging on). As it stood I couldn't get any old files off of the phone, since I can't actually use the touchscreen (it otherwise functions perfectly fine, it can still receive texts and I can still see the screen, just not use it).
I figured the easiest option would just be using a mouse with an OTG cable to change the settings and then use something like Moborobo to grab the old files, but I just got the cable and I'm getting no function. Is there any known way to get OTG working? Preferably one that doesn't require me to be able to use the phone without it.
If not, does anyone have any other ideas that could help me recover the information on the internal storage (other than buying an entirely new Digitizer and replacing it?)?
If u have CWM Recovery, boot in and connect cable or use advanced/mound SD

Nexus 9 with no USB setup? Very confused.

So, I have received a hand-me-down Nexus 9, and I start in on my usual cleanup and setup routine, only to find something very weird- my computer utterly does not notice its existence when I plug in the USB, and the USB settings are missing from their usual spot in the Storage and USB section of settings.
I eventually found the control for USB type in the Developer settings (maybe it moves when you activate those?), but the computer still doesn't know anything's connected.
Things I have confirmed:
Tablet charges fine.
The cord works for file transfer with another device (a Kindle that happened to be around)
I can change to different USB connection types- none of them work.
The computer is COMPLETELY unaware of the tablet- no mysterious entries popping up to indicate missing drivers, nothing.
WTF? I can't do most of the other steps I usually do without at least a little bit of access so I can root the thing and put in a decent recovery. Has anyone else seen something like this? Was there a fix?
Firefairy said:
So, I have received a hand-me-down Nexus 9, and I start in on my usual cleanup and setup routine, only to find something very weird- my computer utterly does not notice its existence when I plug in the USB, and the USB settings are missing from their usual spot in the Storage and USB section of settings.
I eventually found the control for USB type in the Developer settings (maybe it moves when you activate those?), but the computer still doesn't know anything's connected.
Things I have confirmed:
Tablet charges fine.
The cord works for file transfer with another device (a Kindle that happened to be around)
I can change to different USB connection types- none of them work.
The computer is COMPLETELY unaware of the tablet- no mysterious entries popping up to indicate missing drivers, nothing.
WTF? I can't do most of the other steps I usually do without at least a little bit of access so I can root the thing and put in a decent recovery. Has anyone else seen something like this? Was there a fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a different cable.
Boot into bootloader and see if computer sees device there
When you plug your tablet to computer a notification pops up on Nexus 9 (Charging only). Click on it and you will be able to select different connection mode.
If changing that notification mentioned in Post #3 doesn't work, updated the USB drivers in the computer Device Manager while the Nexus 9 is connected.
I had a similar issue with a Nexus 9 I bought on Swappa. I had to wiggle the usb cable, but in my situation the "data" portion of the usb port on the tablet was faulty/damaged (PTP/MTG/OTG failed). It was able to charge without issues, and by wiggling it windows would detect it but fail "usb device malfunctioned".. I ended up returning it to seller.
I've had this happen at times (only owner of my device). If you did what maelfilk suggested and no go, you either have a power-only cable (similar to what clockcycle posted) or you need to go through process of upgrading driver on PC; or, if that doesn't work, delete everything related to android USB drivers on PC. Then, let them (each device) repopulate.
Nexus 9

Z5 Compact - Slow USB file access on Windows 10

On two different Windows 10 computers at home, I've had a bit of struggle trying to access the storage on my Z5C (running Nougat .376 UK firmware). I was trying to copy over some new music to the 200GB Sandisk microSD card, but Windows would continually hang and eventually give up even on just browsing folders. I could unplug the phone and try again but with no success. I popped out the microSD card and put it in an adapter and there wasn't any issue copying files over.
Anyone else ever notice Windows having difficulties accessing files on the phone? For what it's worth, I've almost always done firmware updates via Xperia Companion over USB without any problems, so it seems to be specifically related to file transfer/browsing.
doclloyd said:
On two different Windows 10 computers at home, I've had a bit of struggle trying to access the storage on my Z5C (running Nougat .376 UK firmware). I was trying to copy over some new music to the 200GB Sandisk microSD card, but Windows would continually hang and eventually give up even on just browsing folders. I could unplug the phone and try again but with no success. I popped out the microSD card and put it in an adapter and there wasn't any issue copying files over.
Anyone else ever notice Windows having difficulties accessing files on the phone? For what it's worth, I've almost always done firmware updates via Xperia Companion over USB without any problems, so it seems to be specifically related to file transfer/browsing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
make sure the screen doesn't turn off, enable developer options and check do not turn off display on charge
(i feel like MTP gets capped out at 20MB/s or something....from external SD --> internal bus rate??) for really really big transfers 8GB+, I usually remove my SD and use the SD reader, it should be OK if you have a good USB reader that can read the full speed of your card.
Sounds like a new USB cord is needed.
NeoBeum this is not really required to transfer files
*make sure the screen doesn't turn off, enable developer options and check do not turn off display on charge*
genuine?
try sd insight from play store see if ur sdcard is genuine
To all:
Is there a reason why not allowing the screen to sleep would help with file transfer speed back to a PC?
I've tried a couple different USB cables with similar results.
Card is genuine and as mentioned it transfers at full speed when using a SD card adapter and plugging in directly to the PC.
Tingles said:
Sounds like a new USB cord is needed.
NeoBeum this is not really required to transfer files
*make sure the screen doesn't turn off, enable developer options and check do not turn off display on charge*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
& @doclloyd
not really, no (don't really need to enable always on screen), but if some users have problems, i just recommend to do that so they can walk away from the tx, and come back without the screen turning off
the z5c has a tendency to temporarily turn off MTP when the display sleeps, you'll be able to tell, because the files on the PC - will contain 0 data, but still appear in the destination
at the moment i'm looking at MTP Host and the other USB services on the phone to see if it will behave better with battery optimisation disabled
edit: if the phone locks @ sleep, it will disable MTP, I have never successfully transferred while my phone locks itself, smartlock can be another workaround for this, unlock with PC
NeoBeum said:
& @doclloyd
not really, no (don't really need to enable always on screen), but if some users have problems, i just recommend to do that so they can walk away from the tx, and come back without the screen turning off
the z5c has a tendency to temporarily turn off MTP when the display sleeps, you'll be able to tell, because the files on the PC - will contain 0 data, but still appear in the destination
at the moment i'm looking at MTP Host and the other USB services on the phone to see if it will behave better with battery optimisation disabled
edit: if the phone locks @ sleep, it will disable MTP, I have never successfully transferred while my phone locks itself, smartlock can be another workaround for this, unlock with PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I'll give it a try next time I need to copy files over to the phone (usually new music) and see what happens.

Screen android phone broken, no USB debugging on, mouse working no visual

Hi guys,
My screen recently died. Before fixing it at a specialized shop, I want to retrieve the data from the phone. Sadly the phone is pattern-locked and until I unlock it I can't access the data when I connect it to my PC. The screen is essentially dead. The image is almost totally black except for small layer in left top corner and the touch sensor is unresponsive, but other than that the phone works and receives notifications and so on.
USB Debugging mode isn't active on the phone and thus I can't replicate the screen of the phone on my PC through software alone, when I connect it via micro-USB. I also didn't think of this problem in advance and I'm not registered on Sony's FindMyMobile or any similar apps.
I tried using a HDMI-MHL adapter and I confirmed that the phone is indeed working because I'm able to get the phone screen's image on my TV. The problem is I can't actually interact with the phone because as I said earlier the touch sensor is not working.
The HDMI-MHL adapter I've used also seems to have a micro-USB port but that seems to work for power only. If I connect a USB-OTG cable on it and connect a USB mouse to it I get image but no mouse. If I connect the USB-OTG and the mouse, alone, I get a mouse cursor but I can't see what I'm doing (phone vibrates as I 'try' and draw the unlock-pattern blindly).
So, Sony Xperia Z3 Compact screen is dead, I wanna connect my Xperia to my TV via HDMI AND use a mouse at the same time to control my phone. Is this possible_
I also thought of another option... go to recovery mode and flash a zip that removes lock. I thought of trying step by step (switch keyboard and TV al the time just to get at point where I can find zip file and flash it). Unfortunately in recovery mode the phone does not allow to stream to TV. It only works when phone is after SIM lock.
Two additions: by removing and re-installing ADB on my laptop my phone is unauthorized. Only a matter of clicking on yes/allow on phone but that's not possible and TWRP 3.1.1-0 is installed.
Anyone any clue? I know I ask a lot but I'm searching the internetz for 2 days now and I'm devistated.
THNX a great bunch!!!
ciao
Valentijm
PS Copy/paste a part of the text from a guy from the internet who had exactly the same problem as I did but his thread ended a few months ago without result.
Just 30 minutes after my post I magically had all the dots correct and that blind!!! So turned on USB debugging and got rid of lock pattern. It was a nice three days of my life Guess there was no solution than getting lucky like I did or screen replacement and getting all your data removed.
ciao

Stuck on final step to access Xperia phone

Hi
My screen is damaged (black) and unable to use touch.
I just want to backup all my data.
I bought an OTG cable, and put a torch to the screen.
After 30 minutes of tracking lines and dots I was able to unlock the pattern password.
I plugged in the phone to the PC, but then dialogue message asks to choose between charging and file transfer.
Obviously I can't do this as I unplugged the OTG cable.
I tried various remote control apps over wi-fi but none work, my SD card slot is missing so can't go that way.
I'm stuck on something so simple, please anyone know how to get past this?
Found another app to remotely transfer directory/files over wifi

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