can't get past lock screen on dropped Galaxy Note 8

[phonewhyyoudothis]

Galaxy Note 8
I dropped it a thousand times before, but yesterday (a little after yesterday's drop) little hairline green light started coming from the crack. It started flashing between a weird warped green-black screen and the regular (responded well to rebooting, became normal, and then back). I turned it off for the night. Then when I turned it on again, the lock screen with the clock and notifications came on fine but I can't get past it! the hairline green is there (but only about 1/4 of the screen wide, not as wide as before). When I try to get past the lock screen the screen turns black and unresponsive.
Also, when I plug in the phone to transfer my files it says there are no files or photos and videos.

Thanks

 

[kj11]

"Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before."

 

[phonewhyyoudothis]

I'll invest in a massive bulletproof phone case after I get it fixed, thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I'm afraid the best bet is to get the screen fixed. The computer can't see the phone's storage unless the screen is unlocked.

 

[strikeIII]

Did you have Samsung Cloud backup enabled? If so, then at least you can restore from your last back up when you get a new device.

 

[dpham00]

I am able to use Samsung dex with an external keyboard and mouse to unlock the phone. Assuming that it is just a display /digitizer issue then you can use the dex to access the data.

Although, you would need to replace the screen at some point or another anyway.

 

[dpham00]

I'll invest in a massive bulletproof phone case after I get it fixed, thanks

I have a bumper case that's rated for 11' drop. Really light and provides good protection. If you want a heavy duty case then that's fine too but just make sure it has a decent lip,because that is what will help you avoid screen damage on face drops.

 

[phonewhyyoudothis]

Update: The problem might have been the software update that I kept putting off (downloaded but didn't install) ! My phone suddenly became responsive and while it was warped and green but I blind-installed the update and it works perfectly. The streaks from the spiderweb crack are still there though so I do need to replace the screen anyways...

Thanks!