Data Recovery 101: Can Your Photos and Files Be Saved?

Your phone won't turn on. Or the screen is completely black. And all you can think about is: "Are my photos gone?"

The short answer: probably not. In most cases — especially when there's no water damage — data recovery has an extremely high success rate.

How Does Data Recovery Work?

Your photos, contacts, and files are stored on a chip inside your phone. Even if the screen is shattered or the phone won't power on, that chip is often perfectly fine. We just need to find a way to access it.

At iRepairThis, we offer three tiers of recovery:

When Is Recovery Most Successful?

• No water damage — This is the biggest factor. Dry phones have an extremely high recovery rate.
• Recent damage — The sooner you bring it in, the better. Corrosion and further damage can happen over time.
• Phone still powers on internally — Even if the screen is black, if the phone vibrates or makes sounds, that's a great sign.

What About Water-Damaged Phones?

Water damage makes recovery less predictable. If the phone sat in liquid for a long time or the board is corroded, recovery may not be possible. But it's always worth bringing it in — we'll be honest about the odds before you commit.

If your phone just got wet, check out our guide on exactly what to do (and what NOT to do) after water damage — the first few minutes matter most.

Is My Data Safe?

Yes. We don't keep copies of your data. We recover it and return it to you — that's it. Your privacy is important to us.

Related Reading