Most cell phones withstand minor bumps well, but a cracked cell phone screen can render an otherwise good phone unusable. Fortunately, several options are available to help you replace a cracked cell phone screen; and if you’d rather purchase a new phone, you can even sell iPhones, Android phones and other phones that are broken if you know where to find buyers. The following details how to replace a cracked phone screen plus how to sell a damaged phone.
First, it’s important to understand that most phones have a separate digitizer and display. The digitizer covers the display; it’s what you actually touch on a smartphone. When your cell phone screen is cracked, in many cases it’s the digitizer that is damaged and not the underlying display. These are two separate parts; however, many repair kits come packaged with both parts together. Make sure you purchase the appropriate replacement parts or service to avoid overpaying for cell phone screen replacement.
You can either have your cell phone screen replaced by a professional cell phone repair service or, if you have a bit of technical savvy, you can do it yourself.
WARNING: No matter how tech-savvy you are, do-it-yourself repairs always run the risk of damaging your device and likely void any warranties and insurance claims. Be sure you know what you’re doing and accept associated risks before you try to replace your cell phone screen. In addition, always make sure your device is unplugged and turned off before you begin repairs.
Every phone is different, but in general you can expect to take the following steps to replace your cell phone screen: 1. Separate the screen from the rear case. You might need to heat the screen and carefully pry it away 2. Disconnect various cables and screws 3. Swap out the old screen for the new 4. Reassemble your phone
Obviously, this is an oversimplified set of instructions. Here’s what the process looks like for the iPhone X:
This video demonstrates how to replace a Galaxy S10 screen:
You can find more step-by-step cracked phone screen repair guides online, or get more information about repairing specific models below:
If you’re going to go the DIY route to repairing or replacing your cell phone’s scratched or cracked screen, here are three online outlets that sell replacement parts (be sure to check manufacturer’s websites for replacement parts prices as well):
If you don’t want to replace your own cell phone screen, you can opt for a professional cell phone screen replacement service. Such services can range anywhere from $70 to $300 or more, but will typically not void your warranty or will provide insurance or warranties of their own. Keep in mind you will be without your phone for the duration of the repair and any applicable shipping.
Professional cell phone screen replacement services are offered by both manufacturers and third-party companies. You can find third-party cell phone repair services online and in local stores and shopping malls. Here are some popular cell phone screen replacement services:
If the cost of a replacement screen is more than you’d like to pay (especially for older cell phone models), you can consider selling your damaged cell phone and then using the funds toward the purchase of a new device. Several companies routinely purchase cell phones with cracked screens for a fair price.
Before you check prices, be sure to understand the condition of your cell phone so you can get accurate offers. In the vast majority of cases, a cell phone with a cracked screen will be considered to be in “broken” condition.
If you want to sell your damaged cell phone, start by visiting Flipsy.com, where you can instantly compare real-time prices for buyback offers from reputable vendors.
If your cell phone screen is cracked, you have options. You can attempt to replace your cell phone screen yourself, you can hire a professional to replace it, or you can sell your phone. No one wants to use a cell phone with a cracked screen, but when the unfortunate event occurs it’s fortunate to have options. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine which option is the best for your situation.
How to replace a cracked cell phone screen
First, it’s important to understand that most phones have a separate digitizer and display. The digitizer covers the display; it’s what you actually touch on a smartphone. When your cell phone screen is cracked, in many cases it’s the digitizer that is damaged and not the underlying display. These are two separate parts; however, many repair kits come packaged with both parts together. Make sure you purchase the appropriate replacement parts or service to avoid overpaying for cell phone screen replacement.
Should you fix your cracked screen before you sell it? Options compared |
WARNING: No matter how tech-savvy you are, do-it-yourself repairs always run the risk of damaging your device and likely void any warranties and insurance claims. Be sure you know what you’re doing and accept associated risks before you try to replace your cell phone screen. In addition, always make sure your device is unplugged and turned off before you begin repairs.
DIY cell phone screen replacement
Every phone is different, but in general you can expect to take the following steps to replace your cell phone screen: 1. Separate the screen from the rear case. You might need to heat the screen and carefully pry it away 2. Disconnect various cables and screws 3. Swap out the old screen for the new 4. Reassemble your phone
Want to Fix It Yourself? Here’s where & how to learn phone repair |
This video demonstrates how to replace a Galaxy S10 screen:
You can find more step-by-step cracked phone screen repair guides online, or get more information about repairing specific models below:
- Broken iPhone screen: Sell or fix?
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 7
- Galaxy Note
- Google Pixel
- Samsung Galaxy
- OnePlus
Where to purchase cell phone parts and additional guides
If you’re going to go the DIY route to repairing or replacing your cell phone’s scratched or cracked screen, here are three online outlets that sell replacement parts (be sure to check manufacturer’s websites for replacement parts prices as well):
- Witrigs
- Repairs Universe
- Phone Parts USA
- ETrade Supply
- Injured Gadgets
- Mobile Sentrix
- Mobile Defenders
- FixEZ
- Mengtor
Not worth fixing? Many phones are worth $100+, even broken. Find the value of your phone.
iPhone | Samsung | |
OnePlus | LG | Motorola |
Professional cell phone screen replacement
If you don’t want to replace your own cell phone screen, you can opt for a professional cell phone screen replacement service. Such services can range anywhere from $70 to $300 or more, but will typically not void your warranty or will provide insurance or warranties of their own. Keep in mind you will be without your phone for the duration of the repair and any applicable shipping.
Online Phone Repair: How it works & what it costs |
Professional cell phone screen replacement services are offered by both manufacturers and third-party companies. You can find third-party cell phone repair services online and in local stores and shopping malls. Here are some popular cell phone screen replacement services:
- Apple Support
- Motorola Repair Center
- Samsung Repair Center
- Phone Doctors
- CPR Cell Phone Repair
- UBreakiFix
- My Broken Phone
- Puls
- Best Buy Geek Squad
How to sell your damaged cell phone
If the cost of a replacement screen is more than you’d like to pay (especially for older cell phone models), you can consider selling your damaged cell phone and then using the funds toward the purchase of a new device. Several companies routinely purchase cell phones with cracked screens for a fair price.
Before you check prices, be sure to understand the condition of your cell phone so you can get accurate offers. In the vast majority of cases, a cell phone with a cracked screen will be considered to be in “broken” condition.
If you want to sell your damaged cell phone, start by visiting Flipsy.com, where you can instantly compare real-time prices for buyback offers from reputable vendors.
If your cell phone screen is cracked, you have options. You can attempt to replace your cell phone screen yourself, you can hire a professional to replace it, or you can sell your phone. No one wants to use a cell phone with a cracked screen, but when the unfortunate event occurs it’s fortunate to have options. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine which option is the best for your situation.