Backup using adb on a phone with a dead screen

Question

I have a Galaxy S3, screen is visually and touch impaired. It is USB debug enabled, un-rooted.

I'm able to use Droid@Screen to see my screen, which i'm able to unlock. I then run this command:

adb backup –apk –shared –all –f /backup/mybackup.ab

Which then initiates a backup on the phone. On the screen I can see it asking for an encryption password, which i provide by keyevent through adb. The final sticking point, is being unable to find a keyevent which will press the "Backup up my data" button. I am able to tab to it, and have it highlighted, but the 'space' and 'enter' events do not trigger it, as well as 'soft_right'.

I'm getting my keyevents from HERE.

If there is another way for me to dump the ab, that would be awesome.

Answer 1

I was in the same situation as you. Once you enter the full backup screen Use the following commands:

adb shell input text <your password>
adb shell input keyevent 22
adb shell input keyevent 23

the "adb shell input keyevent 22" command is Dpad Right, you'll be able to select back up my data the "adb shell input keyevent 23" is the Dpad Center, It will allow you to select enter

22 --> "KEYCODE_DPAD_RIGHT"

23 --> "KEYCODE_DPAD_CENTER"

Answer 2

Have you tried sending a KEYCODE_DPAD_CENTER?

adb shell input keyevent 23

Answer 3

Use Droid Explorer and the Screencast plugin to use your keyboard and mouse from your desktop computer to control the handset?

That would make life easier instead of fiddling around with using adb shell input keyevent ...