Data recovery FAQ: answers to your questions

Yes, the architectures are different and influence the recovery method. The iPhone systematically encrypts all data via the Secure Enclave chip. Without the PIN code or Apple ID credentials, extracting the encrypted data is impossible even in a laboratory—this is a deliberate protection by Apple.

Android smartphones offer more flexibility: encryption is enabled by default on recent devices, but the access methods (ADB, EDL mode for Qualcomm, manufacturer recovery modes) are more varied. Success depends on the manufacturer (Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.) and the Android version.

In both cases, our technicians have the necessary professional tools (Cellebrite, MSAB, specialized hardware tools) to maximize the chances of recovery.

The cost of smartphone data recovery depends on the nature of the failure and the necessary intervention method. As an indication:

• Software failure or accidental deletion — less complex intervention
• Broken screen or phone that no longer starts — hardware intervention required
• Water damage or severe physical damage — chip-off extraction, the most technical intervention

Our pricing policy is results-oriented: if no data is recovered, only a contribution to the diagnostic costs is requested. The complete diagnosis is free and carried out in our Swiss laboratory within 3 hours. Use our price calculator to get a personalized estimate in less than a minute.

Yes. A broken or malfunctioning screen does not affect the phone's internal memory. If the device is still recognized by a computer via USB or turns on (vibration, sound), the data is accessible with the appropriate tools.

Depending on the condition of the phone, several approaches are possible:

• OTG connection + external mouse/keyboard — to navigate a phone where only the screen is faulty
• Access via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — if USB debugging was enabled
• Direct memory chip extraction — for cases where the screen AND other components are faulty

For iPhones, extraction often requires repairing the screen first (using a replacement screen in the lab) to bypass iOS encryption.

Yes, data recovery from a wet smartphone is possible in most cases, provided you act quickly and correctly. Fresh water is less destructive than salt or chlorinated water, but in all cases, the intervention time is critical.

The first rule is to not turn on the phone after immersion — a short circuit can irreparably damage the memory chips (eMMC or UFS). Remove the battery if possible, do not plug in a charger, and bring the device to a specialized laboratory as soon as possible.

In the laboratory, our technicians completely disassemble the device, ultrasonically clean the components, and directly extract the data from the memory chip. The success rate exceeds 80% when the smartphone reaches us within 24 to 48 hours following the water damage.

Yes, recovering deleted photos and videos from a smartphone is technically possible, even without a prior backup. Deleting a file does not immediately erase it from the internal memory: the data remains present until the space is reused by new files.

The faster you stop using the phone after deletion, the higher the chances of recovery. Every new photo taken, application installed, or update downloaded can overwrite the deleted data.

Our technicians extract data directly from the device's eMMC or UFS chip using professional tools (JTAG, ISP, chip-off). This method allows us to recover files even when the file system is corrupted or the phone no longer starts.

In the vast majority of cases, yes. A smartphone that no longer starts does not mean that the data is lost. The memory chip (eMMC/UFS) that stores your photos, contacts, and applications is separate from the processor and faulty power components.

Common causes of a phone that won't turn on include:

• Faulty or depleted battery — data is intact
• Damaged motherboard (drop, overheating) — recovery possible by chip extraction
• Corrupted software (failed update, rooting) — recovery via recovery mode or direct extraction
• Water damage — see the appropriate emergency procedure

Our technicians first assess the cause of the failure, then choose the appropriate extraction method (JTAG, ISP, or chip-off for the most complex cases).

The first few minutes are critical. Here's the procedure to follow in order:

1. Stop using the phone — every action (taking a photo, installing an app) can overwrite the deleted data
2. Switch to airplane mode — to stop automatic synchronizations that could potentially overwrite data
3. Do not attempt data recovery yourself with consumer software if the phone is making abnormal noises or not starting correctly
4. Check your backups — iCloud, Google One, Samsung Cloud — before any intervention
5. Contact a specialized laboratory for a free diagnosis within 3 hours