While a cracked screen can be incredibly stressful, a broken phone display does not always indicate that your gadget is beyond repair. Knowing how to fix broken display on phone will save you time and money from finding a professional repair shop. From evaluating the damage to contemplating professional repair choices, this guide will walk you through bringing your screen back to life if it's still fixable.
Assessing the Damage: Is Your Phone Screen Repairable?
Examining the degree of the damage will help you determine if you can do a DIY repair job on it. Cracked screens can range from minor, surface-level damage to more severe damage that compromises your phone’s performance. Little cracks that do not affect display clarity or touch sensitivity could be more cosmetic. This kind of minor damage can be repaired by anyone without a background in electronic repairs.
If the screen breaks and has unresponsive touch controls, the damage most likely affects the LCD or digitizer. You can still repair your screen, but you must learn more about opening your device and replacing important components.
How to Fix Broken Display on Phone
For minor cracks, a temporary solution might be to use a screen protector or clear tape to stop the cracks from spreading. If the damage is more severe, you must replace the entire screen. Note that opening your phone can void its warranty or increase the risk of damaging your phone.
If you are comfortable with the risks and are eager to learn a new skill as well as save money, you can follow the steps below:
Tools You Need for DIY Phone Repair
Here’s a list of the basic tools you’ll need to perform the job safely and effectively:
- Precision screwdriver set: You need a screwdriver to remove the screws. A set ensures you have a driver to remove screws of varying sizes.
- Plastic prying tools: This is a wedge tool to help open your phone and separate other components..
- Suction cup: A suction cup gives you a better grip of the screen when separating it from the frame.
- Tweezers: This can be hand to move or pick up any small parts during the replacement process.
- Replacement screen: The replacement screen must work on your phone. You can find these screens at online electronic stores.
- Touch Screen Glue: Most phones have glue securing the screen onto the frame. To replace the screen successfully, secure it with a special glue or adhesive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Phone Screen
With all of your tools ready, we proceed to take the device apart to replace the screen:
Step 1: Turn The Power Off & Remove All Accessories
Your phone must be completely turned off, holding the power button until a “shut down” or “power off” menu appears. After turning your device off, remove any external accessories and components, such as its phone case, SD card, and SIM card.
Step 2: Prying Open The Phone
Use your prying tool to open your phone’s housing and access its screen. Be gentle in separating the panel by moving your tool around the edges. Forcefully removing the panel can crack its housing.
Step 3: Removing Internal Parts & Screen
Upon opening the housing, carefully lift it to see if cables are connected between the two. Use your tweezer to find the cable’s connector and remove it. Finally, remove the screen from its frame with the prying tool. Clean the old adhesive from the frame before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Replace the Screen
After removing the broken screen, apply glue around the frame. Place the new glass screen onto the frame and gently push down on the corners to secure it in place.
Step 5: Reassembling the Phone
Reconnect any cable you detach and assemble your phone’s housing. Turn on your phone to test it out before inserting your SD card and SIM card.
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
Fixing a broken display by yourself comes with the risk of further breaking your phone. You can decrease the risk by avoiding the following mistakes:
Using too much force: If you forcefully separate the components, you could crack your phone's housing, screen, or internal components. To avoid this problem, take your time separating the components.
Not properly disconnecting cables: You could severely damage your device if you break the cables while disconnecting it. Use your tweezers to remove the connector instead of pinching the cable with your fingers.
Skipping the adhesive clean-up: Leaving old adhesive on the phone frame can prevent the new screen from fitting properly and make it hard to reassemble your phone. Clean any adhesive before applying a fresh set.
Falling for DIY repair myths: The internet is full of DIY hacks that promise to fix a cracked screen but could cause more harm than good. For example, using toothpaste or an eraser to buff out cracks won't work, as phone screens are too thick and the cracks are often too deep. Similarly, clear nail polish and baking soda won't fix the screen and can damage internal components if they seep into the cracks. Liquid glass is also ineffective once the screen is already cracked, and trying these myths can potentially worsen the situation.
Professional Repair Options for a Broken Display
If replacing the screen seems too risky, you can have a professional fix its display. Below is a guide on the professional repair options available to you.
Authorized Repair Center vs. Third-Party Shops
Authorized repair centers are run by phone companies or mobile carriers. They offer professional service using original components and can preserve your phone's warranty. Although they generally cost more, their specialized repair is nearly 100% guaranteed.
Another option is to find third-party repair shops. This option is often the cheapest one to consider. However, there is a risk of leaving your phone to someone lacking training or experience in repairing your device’s model. It pays to check on a shop’s review before having them fix your phone’s display.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Phone Screen?
Expect a professional screen replacement to cost around MMK 50,000 to MMK 450,000. iPhone models like the iPhone 11 can reach up to MMK 550,000. The cost depends on the type of screen used to fix your phone’s display. Original OE parts tend to be pricier but are likely to last longer.
Tips for Preventing Future Screen Damage
After fixing your phone’s display, you will want to take better care of it. Below are ways you can prevent any damage to your device’s screen:
Use a sturdy case: Invest in a premium case that provides shock absorption and shields the corners and edges of your phone. Both features prevent any drop impact from damaging the screen.
Apply a tempered glass screen protector: Install a tempered glass screen protector to help absorb impact and lower your screen's likelihood of cracking should you drop your phone.
Avoid risky situations: Be mindful of where you place your phone. Do not place it near the edge of a table or shelf where it can easily be bumped off. Another way to prevent accidental drops is to consider buying a phone with an intuitive grip, like the Meizu Note 21. Its housing has a sandstone texture that makes it comfortable and secure in your hands.
Conclusion
Understanding how to fix broken display on phone will enable you to decide whether to try a do-it-yourself repair or call a specialist. With the correct tools and knowledge, you can increase your device's lifetime and save on repair costs. Remember to act preventatively to prevent future screen damage.
FAQs
Can you fix a cracked phone screen with liquid glass?
Liquid glass products are a form of scratch or crack prevention, not a solution to fixing broken displays or cracks in the glass. The product creates a protective layer on your display much like a screen protector. In addition, applying liquid glass to a cracked screen could also aggravate the damage should it seep into the phone's internal components.
How long does it take to repair a phone screen?
If you take your phone to a professional repair shop, your screen can be replaced in about thirty minutes or less than an hour. Remember that the shop must have a screen compatible with your phone. If the replacement screen needs to be ordered, the repair can take several days if you leave your phone with the shop.
What happens when phone display breaks?
This depends on the severity of your display’s damage. Minor cracks usually damage glass, so you can still fully use the touch screen. However, deeper cracks that reach the touch sensor and module could compromise your phone's use. Major cracks would mean you can only access part of the screen or completely out of order.