If your smartphone doesn’t have a protective case, it will likely get scratches and cracks on the screen. There are many screen repair shops, but knowing how to fix a cracked screen yourself can save you a lot of money.

Cracking your smartphone screen can ruin your day. It can happen from a fall, a throw, or just bad luck. You’ll want to get it fixed quickly.

You have two options: Do it yourself or go to a repair professional.

Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice:

• DIY Repairs: Can save money but require tools and patience.
• Professional Repairs: More expensive but usually faster and with guaranteed results.

By understanding these options, you can decide the best way to fix your cracked phone screen.

How to Fix a Cracked Screen on a Smartphone

You have several options for repairing your cracked screen depending on the severity of the damage:

Use Packing Tape

• Cut a small piece of packing tape and place it over the cracks.
• If the damage is along the phone’s side, use an X-Acto knife to trim the tape.

Use Super Glue

• Cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) can seal small cracks.
• Use as little as possible and carefully wipe the excess adhesive with a cotton swab or cloth.

Replace the Screen Yourself

• If the touchscreen still works, you can replace the glass yourself for about $10-$20.
• The tools required will depend on your type of phone.

Ask the Manufacturer to Fix It

• If your phone is still under warranty, the manufacturer may replace your device for free.
• Even if the warranty has expired, the manufacturer may fix it for a price.
• Most manufacturer warranties don’t cover accidental damages, but you can purchase secondary warranties that do.

Ask Your Mobile Carrier to Fix It

• Your mobile provider may offer phone repair services at a discount to customers.
• Call customer support or visit a local store for help.

Take It to a Repair Shop

• Depending on your device’s model, screen replacement can cost about $50-$200.
• If the touchscreen functionality is damaged, there will be an extra charge.

Trade In Your Phone

• If you’re due for an upgrade, trade in your broken device and use the money to buy a new one.
• Websites like uSell will buy your broken phone for about half the price you paid for it.
• There are also sites specifically for selling used iPhones.

By considering these options, you can decide the best way to fix your cracked smartphone screen and get your device back to working condition.

Causes of Cracked Phone Screens

No matter how careful you are, your phone’s screen can get cracked in many ways:

• Dropping it on a hard surface
• Sitting on your phone when it’s in your back pocket
• Bumping into things while your phone is in your pocket or purse
• Using anything other than a stylus on the screen

The best way to prevent a cracked phone screen is to use a protective case.

Cracked Phone Screen DIY Repair Myths to Avoid

The internet is a strange place, and you shouldn’t trust everything you read when searching for how to fix a cracked phone screen. This especially applies to DIY fixes related to electronics. Here are some common myths and why they are false:

Can you fix a cracked phone screen with toothpaste?

While cracks in a screen could be compared to cavities, toothpaste will do nothing but create a giant minty mess on your screen. Some types of toothpaste are grainy and mildly abrasive. The idea is that rubbing this abrasive into the screen will buff the cracks out, but the screen is too thick, the cracks are too deep, and most toothpaste isn’t abrasive enough for this hack to work.

Can you fix a cracked phone screen with an eraser?

The idea behind using an eraser is similar to the toothpaste hack, aiming to buff out the cracks. While an eraser has more buffing power than toothpaste, the screens on electronics are too thick, and most cracks and scratches are too deep for this to be effective.

Can you fix a cracked phone screen with clear nail polish?

Nail polish is great for fixing runs in pantyhose, but it won’t work on your phone screen. Avoid using it or any other beauty products on your broken phone screen.

Will liquid glass fix a cracked screen?

No. Using a liquid glass screen protector might help prevent screen breaks, but it won’t fix an already cracked screen. It could make a tiny, hairline crack less visible, but it won’t repair it. If liquid glass seeps into the crack or the surrounding housing and touches internal components, your phone could stop working altogether.

Does baking soda fix a cracked screen?

No. Baking soda might make your phone look clean, but it won’t fix a cracked screen. Avoid using abrasives and liquids on your device, as they can cause more problems if they get into the speakers or ports.

How much does it cost to fix a broken phone screen?

Repair cost is a key factor when deciding whether to fix it yourself or go to a professional. Two main components affect the price:

Phone Age and Brand

• The age and brand of the broken device impact the price. Parts for older devices are cheaper but harder to find. Professional repair shops often have deals with manufacturers like Samsung and Google for parts, a perk not available to individuals.

Extent of Damage

• Extensive damage may mean collateral damage to other parts that need repair, increasing the overall cost.

The only way to know the exact cost of fixing your broken phone is to price out the parts or bring your device to a repair expert for a diagnostic test.

Conclusion

Fixing a cracked phone screen can be done in several ways, depending on the severity of the damage and your budget. While DIY repairs like using packing tape or super glue can provide temporary solutions, replacing the screen yourself or seeking professional help from a repair shop or mobile carrier often yields better results. If your phone is still under warranty, contacting the manufacturer can save you money. For those ready to upgrade, trading in your broken phone is another viable option.

In summary, protecting your phone with a protective case can prevent cracks, but knowing how to handle a cracked screen ensures you’re prepared to make the best decision for repair, saving both time and money.

How to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen – FAQs

How do I hide cracks on my phone screen?

Apply a small amount of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to the screen. This won’t fix the cracks or protect your phone but may make the cracks less noticeable.

How do I stop cracks on my phone’s screen from spreading?

• Apply a screen protector to prevent further damage and slow down the spread of cracks.
• Use a tiny amount of clear nail polish (containing cyanoacrylate) to fill in small cracks, wiping off any excess and letting it dry.

How do I color in cracks on my phone?

Use food coloring or markers to color over the cracks on the back of your phone. Wipe away the excess with a paper towel. Note that this won’t repair the damage or make the glass less sharp, and the cracks may still spread.

Can you fix cracked glass on a phone?

Yes, you can fix cracked glass on a phone by replacing the screen yourself or taking it to a professional repair service.

Can you fix a broken iPhone screen?

Yes, a broken iPhone screen can be fixed by visiting an Apple Store, authorized repair center, or doing a DIY screen replacement.

Can I still use my phone if the screen is cracked?

Yes, you can still use your phone if the screen is cracked, but it may worsen over time and can cause further damage.

Will super glue fix a cracked phone screen?

No, super glue will not fix a cracked phone screen and can cause additional damage. It is best to use a proper screen repair method.