How to recover files from an Android phone that won’t boot

  • Install SDK Platform Tools
  • Only Windows needs drivers
  • Install Motorola Driver Manager for ADB for Mac
  • Flash Recovery TWRP Custom ROM to allow phone to accept ADB commands
  • Unlock device with code (pay for it if the company can’t provide it, ~$20-$35), can’t get it or device is CDMA, then you can’t recover
  • Command line
    • ADB and Fastboot (expand ZIP to Downloads folder, not installed)
    • ./adb – for when you have the phone working with USB debugging turned on in Developer settings
    • ./fastboot – for when phone doesn’t work, it’s best to get it working again if device is unlocked, can’t unlock then can’t recover