How and when to fix a cracked phone screen

Hands up if you're a serial screen breaker... Living with a cracked phone screen isn't necessarily the end of the world and it might not be the end of your phone. Whether you're heavy-handed, clumsy or this is your first dalliance into the world of broken phone screens, (from all of us already here, welcome), it's important to know what to do when those cracks appear.

In this guide, we will see you through your options and their repercussions. So if you're searching for iPhone screen repair or looking for a tougher alternative to suit your butterfingers, we've got you covered.

Assess the damage

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Broken screens come in many forms and can range from a tiny crack with no other damage all the way to a shattered screen with your phone refusing to turn back on. Before you dust your phone off and just shove it back in your pocket, assess the screen break and note the extent of the damage.

With some gentle poking and prodding, you should be able to figure out your next steps.

Do I need a full screen repair?

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If you have any sort of cracks to your actual phone screen, the best option is to always get a full screen replacement, either through your manufacturer or a third-party repairer.

Broken screens are one of the most common smartphone woes, so you won't have any problem finding a place that can fix it. iPhone screen repairs normally take a couple of hours in-store, but others can take up to a few days depending on the level of damage.

Keep in mind that broken screens are usually deemed “accidental damage” and therefore not covered under warranty. So expect to pay out of pocket to get the screen replaced no matter who does your repair.

We've compared the manufacturer vs a third-party repairer screen repair cost, on some popular phones below:

Cost isn't the only factor to consider when fixing your phone. Remember that third-party providers often don't use genuine parts, so not only can they be more expensive but they may also void your warranty.

Minor Damage – screen repair options

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The good news is that your screen is mostly OK and should stay that way as long as you take good care of it. Congrats!

Cracked screens might look superficial, but they can lead to further damage, as they allow dust and moisture to enter the phone. To avoid any more damage you should cover up the cracks in your screen as soon as possible.

If you're not in a position to get it repaired right away, the best option is to opt for a tempered glass screen protector, which you can use to protect the cracks from the elements.

Amazon stock a variety of quality glass screen protectors. These are usually sold in packs of three, because it clearly knows its audience, for as little as $7 plus shipping. For Amazon Prime members, you could be holding these in your hands in as little as a few days.

Moderate Damage – screen repair options

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It's hard to feel lucky when you're staring at a broken screen, but in this case you are.

It's important to remember though while cracks might look superficial when it's an impact that causes a screen to crack, it can lead to further damage to the touch sensors and leave your phone unusable.

For now, concentrate on covering the cracks in your screen as the damage could get worse if dust and moisture enter the phone.

The best option is to still opt for a glass screen protector to cover the cracks from the elements and further damage.

If you're not in a position to get it repaired right away, the best option is to opt for a tempered glass screen protector, which you can use to protect the cracks from the elements.

Amazon stock a variety of quality glass screen protectors. These are usually sold in packs of three, because it clearly knows its audience, for as little as $7 plus shipping. For Amazon Prime members, you could be holding these in your hands in as little as a few days.

Significant Damage – screen repair options

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Oh no, not only is your screen broken, but it seem like there are a few other issues going on.

Sometimes a cracked screen is just that, but in other cases the touch sensors and other hardware can be damaged in the impact. If your phone isn't working the way it usually does, then you're going to need to see a professional. Repairs can be made through your manufacturer or a third-party repairer.

If you happen to have Samsung Care+ or AppleCare+ you may be eligible for a heavily discounted screen or back glass replacement.

Major Damage – screen repair options

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At this stage your phone might as well be flashing a skull and crossbones, it would come as no surprise that this kind of damage is going to need a professional.

Sometimes a cracked screen is just screen damage, but in cases like this the hardware inside the phone has been compromised. You may even need to replace the battery. It may be that replacing the screen will do the trick, but there could also be other problems buried inside that you won't be able to diagnose yourself.

Your first point of call should be your manufacturer, they will be able to assess the extent of the damage and usually give you a quote on the spot for repairs. Be warned that large scale repairs such as this don't come cheap and in some cases it might just be time to trade it in.

There are a bunch of great phones on the market. Here are the most popular models available on a plan.

Other options

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Sell your broken phone

If your phone isn't salvageable or you can't afford to replace the screen, you aren't out of options. Believe it or not, there are companies that pay good money for broken phones.

While your shattered screen seems useless, these companies may recycle them for parts or extract some of the precious metals used in phone manufacturing. Before you get excited and start ripping into your phone for gold, the metals are used in tiny quantities so it isn't worth the effort for just one phone.

Different companies will offer varying amounts for the same phone, so make sure you shop around for the best deal. Here are a few we recommend:

• Mobile Monster
• Bank my cell
• Decluttr

Prevention is better than a cure

The cost of replacing a screen, or any phone damage for that matter, can add up quickly. If you have a tendency to drop phones then it's probably worth investing in some protection early on to save you some money and heartache.

Tempered glass screen protectors provide an extra glass layer to help to protect your phone screen.

Even the most basic phone cases offer some serious shock absorption during unexpected drops. Depending on your lifestyle and your history with phones, there are a range of cases to suit everyone. We've got some recommendations here for iPhone cases, iPhone screen protectors and Samsung Galaxy cases.

Regardless of the precautions we take, accidents do happen. All the major providers offer some kind of Device Protection Insurance and you can read about them here in our Insurance Guide.

Consider a tougher phone

Phones are getting tougher these days, and many of them come with higher drop resistance than they used to. Furthermore, the iPhone 15 series is also rated IP68 for a maximum depth of 6 metres of water for up to 30 minutes. For serial phone droppers, this is a great option. Here are some of our most popular iPhone 15 plans: