Physical & water damage

Screen partially popped out of the frame

A screen that's visibly lifted or popped out on one side is most often caused by a swollen battery and should be treated as urgent, not cosmetic.

Difficulty
Professional only
Time
Same-day service recommended
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$60–$200

Symptoms

  • One edge or corner of the screen sticks up above the frame
  • Phone doesn't lie flat
  • May be accompanied by the phone feeling thicker in that area

Likely causes

  • CommonSwollen battery pushing the screen outwardThis is by far the most common cause of a screen physically popping out of place.
  • PossibleImpact that broke the adhesive sealA hard drop can separate the screen from the frame without a battery issue.

What to do

  1. Power off and stop charging the phone right away.
  2. Do not press the screen back into place — this can puncture a swollen battery.
  3. Do not attempt to pry the screen off yourself.
  4. Place the phone somewhere safe, away from flammable materials, until you can get it serviced.
  5. Take it to a repair shop the same day; this is usually treated as a safety issue, not a routine repair.

When to call a pro

See a repair shop or battery specialist immediately; do not try to push the screen back down or remove the battery yourself.

Safety

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.