Best Fix for Cracked Phone Screen & Protection Options

Uh oh - it’s happened again. Your phone slipped from your hand or fell off the table, and you heard the dreaded but unmistakable “crack”. Too late.

It’s a familiar problem. As much as 75% of people have had a broken phone screen at some point in their lives. Some estimates say this happens thousands of times a week! Even more interestingly, one study suggests that around 20% of people with cracked phones continue using them without getting them fixed.

But that’s a bad idea. Cracked screens can lacerate the skin. You might even find yourself unable to reach your data!

You can prevent this from happening. There are proven methods to fix cracked phone screens.

Better still, there are plenty of great ways to protect your device screen before a crack even occurs. Here, we’re going to discover the best fix for a cracked screen and the go-to prevention strategies phone users rely on.

How Bad Is the Phone Screen Crack?

First things first: figure out if the damage requires a professional repair. You might be able to repair it yourself.

• Minor cracks - a single shallow crack that might even be hard to notice. Doesn’t particularly interfere with use.

• Deep cracks - here, cracks are more serious. You might have several of them, and they may interfere with graphics.

• Shattered screen - your entire screen is covered in cracks. Graphics severely affected. Major impact on usage.

Also important: check for signs of damage to internal components. This would be damage that’s within the phone itself and not just the surface layer of the screen. So, find out if you’re dealing with:

• An unresponsive touchscreen.

• Black spots like ink spills.

• Multi-colored or green lines.

If you have a serious crack on your hands, be careful! Cracked glass can easily cut your fingers.

What To Do After Cracking Your Phone Screen: Immediate Steps

Time to take action. Damage can lead to data loss, so deal with the problem ASAP. Follow these steps:

1. Turn phone off - don’t panic. Simply turn your phone off and carefully inspect the damage.

2. Apply temporary fix - keep your screen in place by applying some clear packing tape. A better, but slightly pricier, option would be to apply a screen protector. 

3. Back up your data - your cracked screen could get worse over time. The last thing you want is to lose your data, so back it up as soon as you can (as long as the phone damage isn’t physically dangerous).

Avoid at all costs the DIY “quick fixes” you might have read about on certain corners of the internet. These include applying, if you can believe it, things like baking soda and toothpaste. This is a bad idea. Neither works; they’ll only make the problem worse. Stick to proven - or better still, professional - broken phone screen fixes!

Three Ways to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen

There are a few ways to fix a cracked screen - some reliable, some less so. We’ll go through each:

Method 1: Manufacturer or Authorized Repair Service

Most phone manufacturers offer in-house cracked screen repair services. You might be able to take your phone into the manufacturer’s store. If they don’t have a presence where you live, you can usually mail it in for a repair.

Examples of these authorized, professional repair services include:

• iPhone Screen Repair

• Samsung Repair

• Google Pixel Phone Repair

• Xiaomi Service Centre

Pros:

• High-quality parts

• Warranty retention

• Quality assurance

Cons:

• Higher cost

• Longer turnaround

Method 2: Third-Party Repair Shops

Almost every town centre in the world has third-party phone accessory/repair shops in them. These are stores run by non-authorized (but often professional) phone specialists. You can simply take your cracked phone into one of these shops and usually collect it, repaired, within a day or two.

Pros:

• Faster repairs

• Lower cost

• Convenient

Cons:

• Risk of voiding warranty

• Variable quality

If you’re going with this method, just make sure you choose a reliable cracked screen repair shop. Do some research online. Check reviews, assess parts quality, review certifications.

Method 3: DIY Screen Replacement Kits

Some people prefer to fix their cracked phone screens themselves. This is definitely possible. However, it requires some skill and experience. We don’t recommend trying the DIY method unless you have some idea what you’re doing - the last thing you want is to make the problem worse!

That said, the DIY screen replacement kits you can buy online are a good method if a) you have an older, out-of-warranty phone, or b) you crack your phone screen often.

Pros:

• Cost-effective

• Convenient

Cons:

• Requires time

• Risk-factor

There are plenty of great, reputable how-to guides for fixing your phone yourself online.

How to Protect Your Phone From Screen Cracks

It's usually possible to fix a cracked screen. But that doesn't mean it's not frustrating. You have to take time out of your busy day - not to mention, pay lots of money. To avoid it happening again in the future, invest now in a few affordable and reliable phone protection methods.

Here’s what you should do to prevent future phone damage:

Use a High-Quality Screen Protector

A one-time <$20 investment can save you a whole lot of trouble down the line. Explore a range of tempered glass screen protectors and find the best one for your phone - just make sure it matches your make and model!

Screen protectors come in two types:

• Tempered glass - firmer and higher-transparency.

• Hydrogel - more flexible, better for curved screens.

Both screen protector types are easy to instal at home.

Invest in a Strong Case

Phone cases aren’t just for decoration. A good phone case can easily pay for itself by preventing damage. However, the case you choose makes a difference.

Specifically, look for phone cases made of carbon fiber. These offer max strength. Polycarbonate (PC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are also good options. They're just not quite as strong as carbon fiber.

Choose trusted brands, too. Our top pick is MagSafe. They offer a range of powerful cases for almost all major phone models on the market right now!

Consider Phone Insurance or Extended Warranties

Phone insurance won’t prevent your phone screen cracking, but it’ll make it 10x less stressful if it does. Insurance/warranty coverage will make it quicker and cheaper to get a repair.

Most manufacturers offer extended warranty options when you buy from their sites. Third-party suppliers often offer them, too. These options will probably bump your purchase up a few hundred dollars, but for some it's definitely worth it. It's a good idea for those who work in a highly physical environment, for example. Or even those who are simply prone to accidents!

Final Thoughts

A cracked phone screen may be a pain, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. There are easy ways to keep your data safe and get your phone back up and running. Your three main options are:

1. Use an authorized repair service.

2. Use a third-party repair service.

3. Buy a DIY screen replacement kit.

Remember: the best method of repair is prevention. Invest in a high-quality screen protector and phone case to protect your phone against everyday drops and save yourself some cash! Good luck fixing your cracked phone screen!