Physical & water damage

Phone screen cracked

A cracked screen ranges from a cosmetic corner chip to a fully shattered display; the fix depends on whether the touch and display still work underneath the glass.

Difficulty
Professional only
Time
1–3 hours at a shop
DIY cost
$20–$60 (protector/tape only)
Pro cost
$80–$400

Symptoms

  • Visible crack lines or shattered glass
  • Glass shards on the surface
  • Touch may or may not still respond
  • Display may show discoloration near the crack

Likely causes

  • CommonImpact from a dropCorners and edges take the hardest hits and crack first.
  • PossiblePressure crack from sitting on the phone or a tight pocketCreates a spiderweb pattern without an obvious drop.
  • Less commonPre-existing weak point from a prior minor crackSmall chips can spread into larger cracks over time.

What to do

  1. Stop using the phone with bare fingers if glass is loose — shards can cut you.
  2. Cover the screen with clear packing tape to hold shards in place until repaired.
  3. Back up your data over Wi-Fi or cloud sync as soon as possible in case the screen fails completely.
  4. Check whether touch still responds fully; note any dead zones for the repair tech.
  5. Get a tempered glass screen protector as a temporary shield if you must keep using it.
  6. Schedule a screen replacement rather than waiting — cracks let in dust and moisture.

Tools and parts

  • Packing tape
  • Screen protector (temporary)
Replacement screen assemblySearch: “phone screen replacement kit for your model”
Tempered glass screen protectorSearch: “tempered glass screen protector for your model”

When to call a pro

Have a professional replace the screen rather than DIY unless you're experienced — modern screens are glued in and glass can shatter further during a home repair.

Safety

Use caution

Loose glass shards can cut fingers; handle carefully and avoid pressing on the cracked area.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.