Few circumstances beat the heart-stopping horror of seeing your beloved smartphone slip from your grasp. One moment, it’s securely in the palm of your hand and your scroll finger is hard at work. The next, it’s tumbling toward the ground and you’re powerless to stop it.
You pick it up with bated breath, hoping that by some miracle, the screen is left intact. However, you soon discover that it’s indeed shattered into a million pieces.
Don’t fear. There are a few go-to broken cell phone screen repair tips that can restore your smartphone in no time. Today, we’re sharing a few of our top ones.
1. Examine It Carefully
Not every screen breaks the same way. Before you start putting any of our phone screen repair tips into practice, take the time to thoroughly assess your phone’s damage.
Is the screen just slightly cracked, with a hairline fracture that doesn’t impede your visibility? Or, is it smashed beyond repair, with large shards of glass missing? You might even find that the damage occurred to your screen protector and not your actual screen, which can lead to a welcome sigh of relief.
To understand what you’re working with, put your phone on a solid, unmovable surface, like a table. Then, shine a light onto it and carefully examine the screen. If it looks like you can still use it without a full repair, then you might be able to proceed with caution.
Otherwise, put it in a soft pouch until you can start working on it. This way, you won’t come into contact with any sharp pieces and if they do fall out, they’ll be contained together.
2. Back Up Your Data
If your phone screen is broken beyond repair, your next step should be to back up all of your data. If your phone dies completely and you have no way to get back into it, then there’s a good chance you could lose all of your important media, including:
- Photos
- Videos
- Files
Not sure how to go about saving your important information? Here’s a quick guide on how to do so using the ever-helpful Google One.
3. Cover With Tape
Are you a few days away from a smartphone upgrade? As long as you can still safely use your cracked phone screen, you may be able to use a thin layer of packing tape to get by.
Simply trim the tape to fit the dimensions of your screen, and place it securely on top. This way, the screen should still be operable, but you don’t have to worry about damaging your fingers as you use it.
Keep in mind that while this method can work in a pinch, nothing takes the place of a real screen protector. These are minimal investments that can save you a ton of money down the road. Tech accessory companies like www.i-blason.com sell high-quality screen protectors, phone covers, and more at a competitive price.
4. Take a DIY Approach
Nowhere near an upgrade, but don’t want to shell out the money for professional phone screen repair? In that case, you may be able to fix the screen on your own.
To do so, start with a simple household staple: super glue.
Also known as cyanoacrylate glue, this do-all adhesive can seal small cracks in your phone screen. The key is to use it sparingly and resist the urge to splatter it all across your device, which can impair operability. Once you’re sure you’ve applied it to all the right spots, you can use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe up any excess.
5. Reach Out to the Manufacturer
Rather let a professional take the reins than attempt to fix your phone screen yourself? If so, check to see if your device is still under warranty.
If it is, then reach out to the manufacturer and explain what happened. In some cases, they may be able to replace the screen for free as long as you’re still in the coverage period. This is especially the case if you purchased a secondary warranty specifically for accidental damages.
Even if you’re not still under warranty, the manufacturer could still offer to fix the screen for a price. Before you agree to their terms, check local computer repair companies to get a comparative quote.
6. Ask Your Phone Carrier
If you come up empty with your phone manufacturer, all hope is not lost. You can also check with your local phone carrier company. While it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to replace it for free or even offer those services in-house, they should have connections with repair companies in your area.
Sometimes, they’ll even help you get a discount for those services. They’re also experts in this field, so they’ll be able to offer professional phone screen repair advice, including ways to back up and restore your data.
7. Invest in Professional Repair
If any of the above methods fail, you can always take your cracked phone directly to a local repair shop. While this might be the most expensive option, you can also rest assured that you’re getting quality service that will last.
These teams will have the tools, knowledge, and experience required to fully restore your screen. Keep in mind that if the crack is more than aesthetic and you need to restore the touchscreen functionality as well, there might be an additional charge.
Broken Cell Phone Screen Repair Is Worth It
If you crack your cell phone screen, your first reaction might be to immediately trade in your phone or pursue an upgrade. While these are certainly options, it’s important to understand that they aren’t your only ones.
With a little research, you can find many resources and services designed to support broken cell phone screen repair. From DIY quick fixes to professional solutions, the right answer depends on the severity of the crack and how much you’re willing to spend.
Looking for more advice to help you navigate the digital realm? Head over to our Technology section for additional guides!
