How to Bypass ‘Trust This Computer’ On An iPhone With A Broken Screen

Jacob Bergman

iPhone Trust This Computer Message

Learning how to bypass the “Trust This Computer” prompt on an iPhone with a broken screen can save you a lot of stress. A broken screen shouldn’t stop you from accessing important data. Using specific techniques, you can bypass this obstacle and connect your iPhone to a computer. These methods range from using Siri and VoiceOver to entering DFU mode or software recovery tools.

Many users face the “Trust This Computer” issue, especially when their screen is broken. Each method involves simple steps that anyone can follow. You will find approaches that leverage Siri, the DFU mode, and some third-party software options.

Follow the steps carefully to avoid further issues. You will regain access to your iPhone and its data. These methods are straightforward and can be done without professional help.

1. Use an OTG Cable + External Keyboard/Mouse

  • If the screen is cracked but still shows content, you can connect a Lightning-to-USB adapter (OTG adapter) and plug in a USB keyboard or mouse.
  • With VoiceOver enabled (via Siri), you can navigate and select “Trust” using the external device.
  • Steps:
    1. Hold Home button / Side button to activate Siri.
    2. Say “Turn on VoiceOver.”
    3. Connect your mouse/keyboard via OTG.
    4. Use the external input to highlight and tap Trust.

*(source: ComputerCity)


2. Enable Siri & VoiceOver Navigation

  • Even without external devices, you can sometimes use VoiceOver gestures to navigate the screen.
  • Steps:
    1. Activate Siri → say “Turn on VoiceOver.”
    2. Swipe left/right to move focus.
    3. Double-tap anywhere to select the highlighted option (in this case, “Trust”).

3. Use iTunes Backup (if previously trusted)

  • If you’ve already trusted this computer before, iTunes or Finder will still recognize it without asking again.
  • Simply connect the iPhone → open iTunes/Finder → back up or restore data.

4. DFU or Recovery Mode (if data doesn’t matter)

  • If you don’t need the data and just want to restore the iPhone, you can bypass the trust prompt by entering DFU mode:
    1. Connect iPhone to computer.
    2. Press and hold Power + Home (or Volume Down on newer models) for ~10s.
    3. Release Power but keep holding Home/Volume Down until iTunes/Finder detects the device.
    4. Restore iPhone.

⚠️ Warning: This erases all data.

*(source: Apple Community)


5. Third-Party Data Recovery Tools

  • If the screen is broken but you need to extract data, tools like FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery or TunesKit iOS Unlocker can sometimes bypass the trust requirement by accessing iTunes backup files or using system exploits.
    *(sources: FoneGeekTunesKit)

✅ Best Option for You

  • Need data & screen still shows display: Use Siri + VoiceOver or OTG mouse/keyboard.
  • Already trusted this computer before: Just connect → no issue.
  • Don’t care about data, just want to reset: Use DFU/Recovery Mode.
  • Screen totally dead & never trusted before: You’ll likely need professional repair to recover data.

Key Takeaways

  • Bypass “Trust This Computer” on broken screens using methods like Siri or DFU mode.
  • Different methods suit various situations and device conditions.
  • Simple steps help regain access to your iPhone and data.

Understanding iPhone Trust Settings

When you connect your iPhone to a new computer, you receive a prompt to “Trust This Computer.” This setting ensures security and privacy, but poses challenges if your screen is broken or unresponsive.

The Role of ‘Trust This Computer’ on iPhone

“Trust This Computer” is a security feature on the iPhone. When you connect the device to a computer, a prompt appears, asking if you trust the machine. This prevents unauthorized access to data and ensures that only trusted devices can view or copy data. By confirming trust, your computer gains access to your photos, messages, and other files, enhancing convenience while maintaining security.

Challenges with a Broken iPhone Screen

A damaged or broken iPhone screen presents unique problems with the “Trust This Computer” prompt. If the display is unresponsive or visually impaired, confirming the prompt can be impossible. This situation significantly hinders data access or recovery. Without the ability to interact with the screen, users may struggle to retrieve important information or back up their files to a computer, making it vital to explore alternative methods for bypassing this setting.