Symptoms
- Crack radiating from or crossing the front camera hole
- Front camera photos may look blurry, dark, or have artifacts
- Crack may extend toward the earpiece or sensors nearby
- Rest of the screen may look fine
Likely causes
- CommonImpact damage concentrated near the camera cutoutCutouts are a weak point in the glass, so cracks often start or travel through them.
- PossibleDebris or glass shards lodged in the camera openingBroken glass can fall into the small gap around the camera and interfere with focus or images.
What to do
- Avoid using the front camera until the glass is inspected, since shards near the lens can scratch it further.
- Cover the area with tape to prevent glass fragments from falling into the camera opening.
- Test the front camera carefully to see if photos show new artifacts, blur, or dark spots.
- Avoid blowing forcefully on the area to clear debris, which can push glass further in; use compressed air from a distance if available.
- Get the screen assessed by a professional, since cracks near sensor cutouts often mean the whole assembly needs replacing.
Tools and parts
- Clear tape
- Compressed air (optional)
Screen assembly with camera cutoutSearch: “screen replacement for [your phone model]”
When to call a pro
See a repair shop, since cracks through a camera cutout usually require full screen replacement and can affect the camera.
Safety
Use caution
Broken glass near the camera can shed sharp fragments into a sensitive opening; avoid touching or blowing on it forcefully.