Can I trust this device when I cant access my iphone screen?
I got a new phone today and am trying to backup the old one to finder because the screen is damaged. When I plugged it into the Macbook it asks to trust this device but I can see anything on my iPhone to accept.
iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26
Bottom line here is that if you cannot access the screen, you will not be able to back up the old iPhone, no matter whether the backup would be to a computer or to iCloud.
"Trusting a new device when you can’t see the screen.: Can I trust this device when I cant access my iphone screen? I got a new phone today and am trying to backup the old one to finder because the screen is damaged. When I plugged it into the Macbook it asks to trust this device but I can see anything on my iPhone to accept."
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Getting Access Through a "Damaged" iPhone Screen:
How exactly has it been "damaged"? Is the screen physically damaged? Or is it stalled? Or, has it just gone black? Or is it something else? If pyically damaged, then you'll have to gt a new screen (if willing). However, if that is not the case, then see if you can troubleshoot that...
Troubleshooting a Black iPhone Screen:
See if it is in a Boot Loop. So, refer to my user tip: How to Fix an iPhone in a Boot Loop - User Tip
No success?...
Try the Tips at these Apple Support Links:
It’s some sort of water damage. The screen is just white and I can somewhat make out the battery life at the top but that’s it. Was working fine after it got wet last night and then when I woke up it was just showing as white.
Were Automatic iCloud Backups not working?
That is the default iOS behavior.
It performs automated backups generally every night while most are sleeping and their phones are charging w/ WiFi available.
"It’s some sort of water damage. The screen is just white and I can somewhat make out the battery life at the top but that’s it. Was working fine after it got wet last night and then when I woke up it was just showing as white."
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Thank you for the followup reply.
Water Damage:
Then, it's hardware damage, and you'll have to remove it from your Apple Account, preferentially though a computer (Mac or PC). Go Here: Check your Apple Account Device List to Find where you’re Signed in - Apple Support
No
That is unfortunate, but if Apple detects water damage when you take the phone in to the Apple Store / Genius Bar, or an authorized Apple service shop.......the tech will simply hand the phone back to you.
Unless you have a prior backup on iCloud or a computer, I'm sorry, but you you are going to have to accept the fact that the new phone will need to be set up from scratch. You will have to manually download apps, set up email, etc.
Hopefully, when you have the new phone up and running, you will set up automatic daily backups to iCloud, so you will always have a current copy of the data on your phone.
It goes without saying that backups have to occur.....before....disasters.
Trusting a new device when you can’t see the screen.
