Symptoms
- Visible crack lines or spiderweb pattern on screen
- Dark blotches or bleeding colors spreading from the crack
- Screen partially or fully black near the damage
- Damage from a drop, impact, or pressure
Likely causes
- CommonPhysical impact or dropLCD and OLED panels are made of thin glass and plastic layers that crack under impact or pressure.
- CommonPressure damage from mounting or movingSqueezing the panel during transport or improper wall mounting can crack it without an obvious impact.
- Less commonManufacturing defect causing spontaneous crackingVery rarely, panels crack without impact due to a factory defect, usually within the warranty period.
What to do
- Unplug the TV to avoid electrical risk from a damaged panel.
- Take clear photos of the crack and the surrounding area for insurance or warranty claims.
- Check if the TV is still under manufacturer warranty or covered by homeowners/renters insurance for accidental damage.
- Get a repair quote for a new panel, which typically costs 50–80% of a new TV's price.
- If the TV is older than 4–5 years, compare the repair quote to buying a new TV of similar size.
- Recycle the damaged TV responsibly through an electronics recycling program if you decide to replace it.
Tools and parts
Replacement LCD/OLED panelSearch: “TV replacement screen panel for model”
When to call a pro
A cracked panel is a job for a professional repair shop; for most TVs older than a few years, replacing the TV is more cost-effective than repairing it.
Safety
Use caution
Do not touch a cracked screen with bare hands if glass is exposed, and unplug the TV before handling it.