How to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen

Cracking your phone screen is a common cosmic misfortune for many smartphone users. According to recent statistics, around 50 million Americans broke their phone screens last year alone.

Fortunately, with the proper techniques, you can often fix a cracked phone on your own without taking it to a repair shop. Alternatively, you can leave it to professional phone repair services.

Here is an in-depth look at DIY methods to fix a cracked phone, what causes the cracks, whether to DIY or take it to a pro and the costs for cracked phone screen repairs.

How to Fix a Cracked Phone on My Own

Fixing a cracked phone will depend on the extent of the damage and the phone model. Here are some of the most common DIY methods to fix a cracked phone screen:

Clean the Screen

Before attempting any repair on a cracked screen, it’s important to clean the phone screen first properly. Use a soft dry cloth or brush to gently wipe away debris near the cracked area.

Avoid getting any moisture inside, as this can cause further damage. Proper cleaning preps the screen for the next steps to fix the cracked phone screen.

Apply a Screen Protector

If the crack is relatively minor, applying a screen protector can help hold the screen together and prevent worsening. Carefully clean the display, trim the protector to fit over the cracked portion, then apply while avoiding bubbles.

The protector essentially protects the fractured screen from additional impacts. This provides temporary protection but can buy you time to fix a cracked phone screen.

DIY Screen Replacement

You’ll likely need to replace the screen for more serious cracks. This involves ordering a replacement screen for your model, opening the phone, disconnecting and removing the damaged screen, and installing the new one. Take proper safety precautions when handling tools and phone hardware during DIY repairs. 

If you have an iPhone with Face ID, be aware that Face ID may stop working after a screen replacement. But worry not; there is still a way to fix Face ID not working after screen replacement.

Many online tutorials have step-by-step screen replacement guides for specific phones. Here is a summary:

Tools needed: Screen replacement kit, Phillips screwdriver, plastic prying tools, tweezers, alcohol, microfiber cloth, and adhesive strips.

1. Remove the phone case and battery. Heat edge glue holding screen to soften.
2. Carefully disconnect the screen cables with tools.
3. Lift out the cracked screen while avoiding snapping connectors. Remove glass shards.
4. Thoroughly clean with alcohol and cloth. Insert and connect the replacement screen.
5. Firmly press the screen in place and reseal edges with adhesive. Reassemble phone.
6. Power on the phone and test the new screen. Calibrate touch sensitivity if needed.

Following detailed guides lessens the risk of damaging connectors or losing screws when fixing a cracked phone screen. Take it slow, and don’t force anything. DIY repair allows you to fix your phone for much less than the shops’ charge.

Clear Nail Polish

Applying layers of clear nail polish over the cracked area can also help seal cracks temporarily. But this provides minimal protection when trying to fix a cracked phone screen.

Packing Tape

Putting strips of clear packing tape over the cracked screen can keep glass shards in place and prevent cuts to fingers. But it’s also just a temporary cracked phone fix.

What Causes a Cracked Screen to Crack?

Before figuring out how to fix a cracked screen, it helps to understand what causes cracks and which ones are the most common:

• Dropping: Dropping can fracture the glass, whether on a hard surface or carpet. Drops account for over 70% of cracked phone screens.
• Doors/car doors: Slamming it shut in doors easily breaks the glass.
• Sitting on the phone: Our body weight applies enough force when sitting on the phone in a pocket or bag.
• Temperature extremes: Sudden temperature swings make the glass prone to cracking as it expands and contracts.
• No case: Cases absorb impact forces from drops. Not having one raises the chances of cracks.

Being aware of common causes can help prevent future cracked screens. Carefully handle your phone, avoid temperature extremes, and always use a protective case.

In addition to cracked screens, power button issues are another common problem. Fortunately, there are ways to turn on an Android phone with a broken power button.

Should I Fix My Phone Screen or Leave It to a Professional?

For minor cracks, DIY solutions like a screen protector can temporarily fix cracks. But for serious damage, taking it to repair professionals is recommended.

Pros have the proper tools, parts, experienced technicians, and warranties on their work. DIY repairs have no such protection.

While DIY can save money upfront, the risks of damaging your phone may outweigh the savings. Shops properly fix your exact phone the first time.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen?

Costs to fix a cracked phone screen vary based on the following:

• Phone model: More expensive phones often have pricier replacement parts and repairs. iPhones tend to be costlier to fix cracked screens than Androids.
• The extent of the damage: A single small crack costs much less to fix than a shattered screen.
• DIY vs. Professional repair: Doing it yourself just costs the replacement part, while shops charge for labor.
• Location: Repair costs in rural areas are often cheaper than urban shops.

Here are some average costs:

• DIY replacements: $50-$100 for the screen kit. Cheaper options exist for older phone models.
• Local repair shops: $100-$200, including labor and screen. More for newer phones like the iPhone X or Galaxy S10.
• Manufacturers: $200-$300+ for official brand repair. Apple charges $279 to fix an iPhone 11 Pro screen.
• Insurance claims: $50-$200 deductible through mobile provider plans. Depends on the carrier and coverage.

Summary

Cracked screens are annoying but fixable in most cases. With basic tools and tutorials, minor cracks can be DIY’ed often for under $100 total. But professional repair may be the best long-term solution for serious smartphone screen damage despite the higher cost.