One of the easiest ways to damage a smartphone is to accidentally drop it onto a hard surface, such as pavement or concrete. These accidental drops can cause unsightly scratches and can even contribute to causing a cracked phone screen that can only be fixed if you have the best cell phone insurance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- After an accidental drop, smartphone screens can become cracked and otherwise damaged.
- Assess the damage to see how serious it is, and then back up all of your data to a computer and the cloud.
- Use clear packing tape or a dedicated screen protector to protect your fingers from errant shards of glass.
How to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen
A cracked phone screen can severely impact the overall user experience. Not only are these cracked touchscreens unsightly, but they can cause physical harm due to errant pieces of glass and other components.
Insider Tip
Take a close look at the phone to see whether or not the crack is merely cosmetic or if there is damage to the overall functionality of the touchscreen.
Tips on Repairing a Cracked Cell Phone
Fixing or replacing a cracked cell phone touchscreen can be an extremely difficult task for the layman. In most cases, we would recommend the use of a professional. Still, we have assembled a list of tips to make sure your smartphone screen gets replaced or at least remains usable until your next upgrade. If you took out a policy for your phone, you may know how to claim phone insurance to ensure you don’t dig deep into your pockets.
Assess the Damage
The first thing you need to do upon cracking a phone’s touchscreen is to assess the damage. Take a close look at the phone to see whether or not the crack is merely cosmetic or if there is damage to the overall functionality of the touchscreen. Perform some light stress testing and prod gently to figure out if the screen is in danger of completely falling off. Also, be on the lookout for potentially dangerous glass fragments and shards. If the damage is just cosmetic, you may be able to live with an unsightly crack instead of springing for professional repairs.
Insider Tip
You should immediately back up your data in the event of accidentally dropping your phone.
Back-up Your Data
You should immediately back up your data in the event of accidentally dropping your phone. Even if you think the damage is purely cosmetic, there could be damage to the phone’s internal components. Plug your phone into your laptop or desktop computer and undergo a full backup. You may also want to upload important data and documents to a cloud storage server of some kind, for peace of mind. Ideally, this is the same process you would follow if you know how to fix a hacked android phone or an iPhone for that matter. This is an important step to take even if you have not recently dropped and cracked your phone.
Apply Clear Packing Tape
If you have found that there may be loose shards and pieces of glass on your touchscreen, then a simple solution would be to apply a layer of clear packing tape. This tape will not impact the touchscreen’s efficacy and should protect your fingers from interacting with minuscule glass shards. Simply apply the tape carefully and then cut around the edges using an X-acto knife. This should last you until it is time to turn the phone in for a replacement, though it may not be as effective as a dedicated screen protector.
Install a Screen Protector
Purchasing a dedicated screen protector can be a great option when it comes to using a smartphone with a cracked screen. These protectors are purpose-built to act as touchscreen replacements. They will not cover up any cosmetic damage, as they are clear, but they will allow the phone to function normally until it is time for a professional repair or replacement. We recommend purchasing and installing one of these screen protectors at the time you actually purchase a smartphone, as they can reduce the chances of screen damage.
Contact a Professional
If the damage from an accidental drop is extensive and is interfering with day-to-day use, it may be time to contact a professional. There are many repair shops that deal exclusively in smartphone repairs and touchscreen replacement is typically a primary area of professional expertise. Professional touchscreen replacement costs can vary anywhere from $100 to $200. Before you shell out the cash, take a look at your manufacturer’s warranty to see if any of the costs will be covered. If you have a dedicated insurance plan, give that a look as well. Most phone insurance plans cover screen repairs and replacements.
Warning
Even if you think the damage is purely cosmetic, there could be damage to the phone’s internal components.
F.A.Q.
Why do screens break so easily?
The technology that makes touchscreens so functional and gorgeous to look at can also make them easier to break. Slim edges and near bezel-less screens can contribute to easy damage.
Can I use sticky tape to fix my broken screen?
Yes, but only as a short-term solution. Sticky tape will prevent physical harm due to glass fragments, but this tape could tear over time.
How does my device protection plan work?
Every device protection plan, insurance, and extended warranty is different. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for details.
STAT: As for trade-in possibilities, damaged phones will only get you about 50 percent of what the device was originally worth. (source)
