Data Retrieval

swamphox

I have a 5a that took a pretty high fall and the sudden stop at the ground rendered the phone dead, mostly. I can start the phone or at least it seems to start up, mostly blank screen, it vibrates a bit. I would really like to get some test messages off of this device. Without paying several thousand for data recovery is there a way to get just the text messages off of my phone? Maybe get a another 5a and start swapping part to access the OS? I have some skill at dissecting electronics and have the tools. I just need a little guidance

de0u

swamphox By design this is supposed to be fiendishly difficult. Half of each storage key is stored in the secure element chip, so just moving the flash won't work. And I think the secure element may be paired with the processor.

In the other direction, a top-notch repair shop might be able to fix whichever parts of your device are broken.

swamphox

de0u Brick and mortar type places or by mail? Typically I don't keep shit on my phone to worry about but I am getting ready to sue someone and I need the F*ing text messages. I change phones all of the time and the one time I actually damage a phone, I need to get in it....unless there is a way to get the messages. I know someone (service provider) has them, maybe?

Skyway

swamphox if it's a damaged screen , I would buy a replacement screen and change it out .

de0u

swamphox Brick and mortar type places or by mail?

I think there aren't many forensic recovery places, so for most people they would be by mail. Whether you live near a good repair shop that is willing to try to retain the data (some of them wipe all devices by policy), I don't know.

If you are thinking of suing somebody, which will inherently cost a lot of money anyway, paying a forensic recovery shop something to increase the likelihood of recovery might make sense. In the other direction, your attorney might advise you about the feasibility of obtaining the messages via discovery.

Overall this might be a good time to stop and discuss with your attorney.