Data Recovery Service · Sin Tat Plaza, Mong Kok
Phone Data Recovery | Photos and Contacts from Broken or Wet Devices, Plus Pre-Repair Backups
Unbacked-up photos, contacts and work files on a phone that will not start after liquid exposure, board failure or a drop? Mobile Repair Pro Shop offers phone, iPad and MacBook data recovery and pre-repair backups. We assess the device and recovery feasibility, explain the chances and costs, then proceed with approval. Results are explained honestly, without exaggerated promises.
Common situations requiring data recovery
- Phone will not start after liquid exposure; urgent data recovery needed
- Unresponsive after a drop or logic board failure
- Stuck on the Apple logo and unable to enter the system
- Screen completely black, but the device seems to still be working
- Want to back up important photos and contacts before repair
- Accidentally deleted photos or files
- Transfer old-device data before switching to a new phone
- Failed system update; worried about data loss
Quick answer: Phone data recovery mainly depends on damage to the logic board and storage chip. Apple states that iPhone files are encrypted with device-specific hardware keys, so moving the storage chip to another device does not make them readable. Recovery therefore depends on repairing the original board until the phone starts, then backing up immediately. Data from an iPhone after Erase All Content and Settings is generally unrecoverable except from backups. For accidentally deleted photos, check Recently Deleted or the Google Photos bin. After liquid exposure, switch off, do not charge and seek repair promptly. We are at Shop G81B, G/F, Sin Tat Plaza, Mong Kok (MTR Exit D2). Pre-repair backups usually take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Compare situations
Can your phone data be recovered? Feasibility by situation
These are general examples only; the actual outcome depends on the technician's assessment.
| Situation | Data recovery feasibility | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Phone still starts; only other parts are faulty, such as a cracked screen or ageing battery | High | Back up before repair, then proceed with Screen replacement or Battery replacement |
| Screen completely black, but the device still works | Higher | Resolve the display issue or otherwise make the device usable, then back up |
| Will not turn on after liquid exposure | Depends on damage and elapsed time | First perform Liquid damage repair, then back up immediately once it starts |
| Logic board fault; will not turn on (no liquid exposure) | Depends on logic board damage | Repair the logic board so the device starts, then back up |
| Stuck on the Apple logo or update failure | Depends on the situation | Try data-preserving system repair methods first; see Software Troubleshooting |
| Deleted photos still in Recently Deleted or the bin | High; you can restore it yourself | Restore through the Photos app (see below) |
| iPhone after “Erase All Content and Settings” | Generally not recoverable | Can only be restored from an iCloud or computer backup |
| Severely burnt logic board or damaged storage chip | Low | Explain honestly and suggest checking whether cloud backups contain the data |
*These are general examples only. Feasibility depends on the technician's assessment; success is not guaranteed.
Recovery process
Data recovery process: assessment, repair, backup and handover
Initial assessment
Assess device condition, damage cause and recovery feasibility, then explain the chances, time and cost.
Approval before proceeding
We start only after you approve the plan and always ask you first if new issues are found.
Restore the device to working order
Clean the logic board, repair shorted areas or address system issues as appropriate, attempting to restore startup.
Back up immediately
Once access is restored, prioritise photos, contacts and important files for backup.
Confirming completion
We back up to your own device or cloud service and confirm that the data is complete before handover.
In-Depth Guide
Phone data recovery guide: why the device must work, deleted photos and prevention
Last updated: October 2026
Why is logic board repair essential to iPhone data recovery?
Many people think data can be recovered from a broken phone by removing its storage chip and connecting it to another device. Modern iPhones do not work that way. Apple states that the Secure Enclave contains a device-specific UID encryption key embedded during manufacture, inaccessible even to Apple and its suppliers. The file-system key architecture includes this UID, so moving the internal storage physically to another device makes its files inaccessible.
Apple also explains that each file has its own file key protected by multiple layers of encryption, with some classes also tied to your passcode. In other words, iPhone data can only be read on the original device and logic board with your passcode. Recovering data from a broken iPhone therefore involves repairing its original logic board until it starts up, then backing it up immediately. This is also why liquid damage needs prompt attention: the more severe the board corrosion, the lower the chance of getting it to start.
Common misconception: Can data be recovered after “Erase All Content and Settings”? Generally, no. Apple states that this deletes the file-system keys, making all files cryptographically inaccessible. Always confirm that you have a current backup before resetting an iPhone. If already reset, data can only be restored from an iCloud or computer backup.
Accidentally deleted photos: what can you try yourself?
- iPhone: Open Photos and find Recently Deleted. Deleted photos remain for a period, usually around 30 days, and can be selected and restored. With iCloud Photos enabled, you can also find Recently Deleted in Photos on iCloud.com.
- Google Photos: Open Google Photos, select Collections → Bin, touch and hold the photo, then tap Restore. From September 2026, Google standardises bin retention at 30 days; previously backed-up photos were kept for 60 days.
- Other places: Check for copies in WhatsApp, email, a computer or other cloud services.
Google says photos and videos cannot be restored once permanently deleted from the bin, after the bin is emptied or once the retention period expires. Act promptly if you delete something by mistake.
Phone liquid damage: how to improve data recovery chances
After liquid exposure, switch off immediately. Do not keep trying to turn it on or charge it. Dry the outside and seek repair promptly. Liquid can short circuits and cause continuing corrosion of metal contacts. Applying power again may spread the short circuit and worsen repairable damage. Apple also advises against putting an iPhone in rice or using external heat or compressed air. For full first-aid steps, see 6 first-aid steps for a wet phone.
Why is a pre-repair backup important?
Screen, battery and charging port repairs normally do not erase data. Logic board repair, liquid-damage recovery and system restoration carry some risk. Backing up beforehand protects your data if something unexpected happens. We explain any data risks before repair and recommend a backup. If the device still starts, we can help back it up before repair, usually within 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Regular backups: methods for each platform
| Platform | Common backup methods | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | iCloud Backup, iCloud Photos, or a computer backup using Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows | Ensure enough iCloud space and regularly check the last backup time |
| Android (Samsung, Pixel and others) | Google Backup and Google Photos; Samsung users can also use Samsung Cloud | Confirm photo backup is enabled and note the bin's retention period |
| MacBook | Back up to an external drive with Time Machine, or use iCloud Drive | Keep important documents in more than one backup location |
Data recovery for Android phones, including Samsung and Pixel
The principle is the same as for iPhone: assess the device, try to restore operation, then back up immediately. Android Factory Reset Protection (FRP) requires the previously used Google Account to complete setup after a reset, so know your password beforehand. Samsung and Pixel also offer maintenance or repair modes to hide personal data during ordinary repairs, but a backup is still recommended. See Samsung Repair and Google Pixel Repair.
MacBook and iPad data recovery
A MacBook affected by a drink spill or logic board failure also needs to be repaired enough to operate before its data can be backed up. Regular Time Machine backups greatly reduce the risk. iPad recovery follows a similar approach to iPhone recovery. See MacBook Repair and iPad Repair.
Should I use data recovery software found online?
Some online tools promise one-click data recovery, request account passwords or may contain malware. Repeated attempts on a damaged device can also worsen its condition. If the data matters, stop using the device and seek assessment from a technician with a permanent shop. For accidentally deleted photos, try the official methods above first.
What should I prepare before repair?
- Stop using it: Do not repeatedly try to turn on or charge a wet or broken device.
- Make sure you know your passcode: Your screen passcode is required for data access. Also make sure you know your Apple Account or Google Account password.
- Explain what happened: When it failed, any liquid exposure, and whether it was previously repaired or reset.
- Bring a storage device: You can bring your own external storage device for data handover.
- List your important data: For example, photos, contacts or WhatsApp conversations, so the technician can prioritise them.
For further practical guidance, see Phone repair guide: preparation and privacy before service and Phone repair FAQs.
Why Choose Us
Why choose Mobile Repair Pro Shop for data recovery?
years of phone repair experience
Permanent premises at Sin Tat Plaza, Mong Kok, with extensive experience in liquid damage, logic boards and data recovery.
Then address
We explain the chances of success, time and cost, then start with your approval.
Explain the result
Data recovery is not guaranteed. We explain the situation honestly and do not make exaggerated promises.
minutes for a pre-repair backup
If the device still starts, a pre-repair backup usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
FAQ
Phone data recovery FAQs
Get In Touch
Need data recovered urgently? WhatsApp us or visit our Mong Kok shop
Mobile Repair Pro Shop information
- Address Shop G81B, G/F, Sin Tat Plaza, 83 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong (MTR Mong Kok Station Exit D2)
- Phone / WhatsApp +852 9839 0831
- Opening Hours Mon–Sun 11:00–20:00