how to tell if your phone lcd screen is broken brands

Did you drop your phone on the floor? Or did it fall into the water? And now, you observe that the damage is not on the glass touchscreen. Instead, you likely have phone LCD problems. Usually, only the glass screen gets broken, but a significant fall can cause phone LCD problems. If you observe lines, black spots, screen flicker, or discolored areas on your screen, the LCD is damaged. If the screen entirely doesn’t light up, you have Phone LCD problems. Book a phone repair reservation at Carlcare as soon as possible to have your damaged LCD fixed.

You can visit the Carlcare website or app to book an appointment for a repair. Carlcare service centers handle LCD screen replacement not only for Infinix, TECNO, and itel phones. A typical question that most people ask is, how I can repair my LCD screen? The answer is – You cannot fix the LCD. Once the LCD is damaged, you have to replace it with a new one. Replacing the LCD is more technical than merely changing the glass.

The best person to handle the LCD screen repair is a mobile phone technician who has the expertise. So, you may consider taking it to the Carlcare phone repair shop near you.

The cost of an LCD screen repair depends on the phone type and model. Therefore, LCD screen repair for an expensive Android phone will cost more than a cheaper phone model.

Dust is seeping in due to a delay in repairing a damaged screen. If you crack your phone screen and do not fix it immediately, you could damage your LCD. Dust can also seep through the cracks on the screen and cause LCD screen damage.

Water or liquid damage: If you drop your phone into water or some other liquid, some of it could seep into the phone and damage the LCD screen. In this case, you will notice the damage immediately after you turn your phone on.

A fall: The glass and screen protector is supposed to shield your phone LCD from any damage. But, if the phone has a drastic fall, the impact can still cause Android screen display problems. You may notice after the fall that your phone comes on but has a blank screen or lines across the screen.

Poor replacement:If you are experiencing a damaged LCD shortly after changing a cracked phone screen, it could result from poor replacement. Perhaps the technician had used an inferior screen for replacement. As a result, the phone LCD got a problem.

The LCD is present in all phones and some other digital gadgets. LCD is the part of the screen that displays an image in terms of colors. In smartphones, it is the inner screen with all the display features for the phone. Phones usually have another screen or touchscreen protecting and enhancing the LCD screen.

When your phone mistakenly drops, you are usually worried about having an Android display problem. But, there is more cause for alarm if you are having Cell phone LCD problems. The LCD is more important than the outer glass covering it and more expensive to replace. Try to protect the LCD because you cannot manage a damaged LCD screen.

If you also asked, why is my phone glitching? Then you could have LCD screen problems. When the LCD is terrible, it can cause your screen to flicker or shake while using it. A flickering screen is not suitable for the eyes. Your screen might also become unresponsive.

You may sometimes mistake the glass for the LCD of your phone, but they are different. The phone works with a single display which has the glass screen and the LCD components coupled. But, the glass screen is sitting on the top while the LCD screen is inside.

If you have taken your phone for a repair due to the damaged glass, then you should have observed that the glass is different from the LCD even though they are together. Also, the LCD is integrated with the digitizer to allow the touch function to work.

Another difference is the price. If you have damaged the glass, it will cost you less to replace it. LCD is more expensive than glass or touchscreen. If the glass is damaged, you can still use the LCD. But if the LCD is damaged, the glass will not serve you for a more extended period.

The LCD is an integrated component of the phone connected to the digitizer. Since the digitizer converts analog signals to digital signals, some functions may be affected if you have LCD phone problems.

The touchscreen or touchpad:The LCD screen is connected to the device’s digitizer, transmitting touch from the outer glass screen. So, when your phone has LCD screen problems, your touchscreen might also stop responding.

Display: Since the LCD is the display point for the phone, a damaged LCD means that the image display is affected. Depending on the level of damage, you may only see a little, or In extreme cases, a damaged LCD could make it difficult for you to take calls.

Phone LCD problems should not be managed but fixed immediately. If you don’t, it can result in other more damages. Keep the phone away from heat and water too. Also, it would be best if you tried fixing a cracked phone screen as soon as possible.

As soon as you replace your LCD screen, ensure to keep it safe. You can protect your LCD screen by getting a good screen protector. A suitable phone case can also help protect your phone from the impact of any fall.

However, if the digitizer or LCD is also damaged during a fall, that screen no longer carries value because it cannot be refurbished. Repair shops cannot sell broken LCDs to refurbishing companies; therefore, they cannot offset the cost of an LCD repair. That is why repair stores often charge a little extra if there is damage to the LCD or digitizer, to make up for that loss. Repair stores that don’t have an additional charge for an LCD repair typically inflate their glass repair price to make up for the loss from damaged LCDs. If they have one price, that means everyone is paying more to cover the cost of customers who have damaged LCDs and customers who only have cracked glass. This is why TCR separates the price of glass and LCD repairs for you! If you only have cracked glass, you only have to worry about paying to replace the cracked glass.

If your phone or tablet’s glass is shattered there will be cracks or chips on the screen itself. If it is just the glass that is damaged, the device may still function and you may be able to use it normally. If this is the case, it is likely that only the glass needs to be replaced. To prevent further damage to your device it is best to get it repaired quickly. For example, if liquids seep through the cracks it could cause permanent damage to the LCD.

Many people may continue to use their touchscreen with shattered glass and delay fixing the glass on their devices; however, if the touchscreen isn’t responsive, it could be a sign of more significant damage to the device’s digitizer which is integrated with the LCD screen.

A pixelated screen can indicate LCD damage. This would look like a patch of multicolored dots, a line or lines of discoloration, or a screen with rainbow colors. For many people, these colors are an easy way to know that their LCD is broken and that they should get it repaired.

Dropping your phone isn’t the only reason you’ll end up with a pixelated screen. Over time, your screen’s LCD may break down through regular use. This happens to other devices aside from your smartphone or tablet. Pixelation can happen to TVs and computers, too. People typically decide to buy a new device when this happens. Fortunately, with an LCD repair, you can fix the device without needing to replace it.

A black screen or black spots on your smartphone or tablet is an indication of a damaged LCD. Often with a bad LCD, a phone may still turn on and make noises, but there is no clear picture. This does not necessarily mean any other part of the phone is damaged and a simple screen replacement will get it functioning again. Sometimes it can mean a battery or other internal component is damaged. It is best to have a highly qualified phone repair technician diagnose what is wrong so the appropriate repair can be made.

Fortunately, your mobile device is fixable whether you cracked the glass or damaged the LCD. Stop by or call TCR: Triangle Cellular Repair at (919) 263-2699 for a free diagnostic and quick, affordable cell phone repair in Chapel Hill and surrounding areas. We’re always happy to help!

The first thing you need to do when your LCD screen gets broken is to check your phone insurance. You’ll need to know whether it covers your cracked screens and the specific conditions that surround them. Doing this helps you make the most out of the money you paid for your phone insurance.

If the insurance covers the LCD screen, arranging for a repair will be straightforward. In a lot of situations, your main issue will involve going about your day without a phone. You can expect it to return within a few days.

Take note, you might still need to pay for the excess charges. The only time problems start is when you can’t get any replacement when your screen breaks. In that case, you’ll need to do the repairs on your own.

A good option while putting your cracked phone to the repair shop is to use an old phone. If you still have your old phone stashed away somewhere, it might be your best bet for now. Look at your drawers and check whether your old phones are still functional.

If your old phones aren’t there anymore, you still have friends and relatives. Ask them if they have gadgets they’re willing to lend. That way, you’ll have something to use while you decide what method to use to repair your cracked LCD screen.

In 2017 alone, around 5 million smartphone owners in the United States broke their phone screens. That shows how likely it is for you to break yours too. Accidents can happen even when people are careful.

It can get difficult, especially when the screen itself cracks instead of the glass cover. Repairing your screen will need you to take it apart using these steps:

Remove your battery cover as well as the battery and all the cards from the device. Once done, you can now unscrew the back of the device as well as remove the screws around the LCD. The screw types will depend on your phone brand and model, but the most common ones include T4, T6, or #00 Phillips screws.

Using a pry stick, take the housing off your device. Insert the stick between the two pieces of housing. Move it around the housing perimeter so the two pieces get disconnected.

Most devices have a cable that runs from the LCD to the control board. Disconnect the cable by lifting up on the connector. You also need to do the same on the cable that runs from the glass to the control board.

Try using a pry stick to remove the LCD from its own housing. Some devices might require you to remove the glass off first. If so, you need to use a heat gun on the glass for about half a minute to make the adhesive loose enough.

It’s important to remember that some devices like the iPhone combine the glass and the LCD together. That’s why it’s important to look at your replacement LCD and see if it also has the glass with it. If they’re connected, there’s no more need to pry them apart.

Put the replacement LCD in the housing of the cracked one. Once you’re finished, you can now reassemble the device. It’s easy as long as you reverse the steps you took when taking it apart.

There is always the option to send your phone to its manufacturer for the repair. But if you don’t want to pay a lot, you should try a local repair shop. The great thing is that it only takes a short Google search to find the ones near your area.

It’s always important to check the customer reviews before you commit your phone to an expert. Not all repair shops are the same. But if you find a skilled technician, you can rest easy since they can repair your screen fast.

In some scenarios, your phone will sustain irreparable damage alongside its LCD screens. You might think that it’s already worthless and hopeless. But the truth is that there are some websites out there that will pay for your broken device.

A good example is the shopping platform eBay. Some people buy broken phones since they want to salvage other parts to repair their own phone. It won’t net you a lot of money, but you can at least save some money when you need to buy new phones.

Some will also give you credit if you’re buying a used phone. Keep in mind that you might get a better deal if you take that instead of getting cash. But it’s only good if you’re buying a used device.

You have a lot of options if your phone’s LCD screen gets broken. No matter what you choose for your LCD phone screen repair, keep in mind that these options are always available for you. Look for the best option and commit to it as soon as you can.

The LCD underneath the digitizer is damaged, probably by someone dropping it or pressing down on the cracked screen...or moisture/dirt getting into the crack.

A replacement LCD and digitizer will probably cost around $40 just for the replacement parts. If you don"t know how to replace these yourself, you"re looking at around $30+ for labor, if you go to a locally owned repair shop, depending on where you live.

Don"t go to places like Best Buy or Walmart. They might give you a "good" deal, but they often install unwanted bloatware and data tracking software as a "bonus", and their technicians are much less reliable than those at mom-and-pop businesses, where mistakes really matter.

Depending on how much you paid, it may be cheaper to get a new tablet, unless you"re comfortable with changing out the LCD and glass yourself—which I do NOT recommend if you have no phone or tablet repair experience, as its fairly tricky and there"s a high chance of accidentally damaging something and wasting your money.

If you decide you buy a new tablet, you can sell your broken tablet for a few extra bucks on eBay or at a local repair store. If you decide to throw it out, be sure to recycle it properly, as circuit boards contain valuable and environmentally toxic metals.

As often as you use your smartphone, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll eventually drop it. You may be extremely careful, but it only takes one fumble for your phone to tumble. While iPhone screens are designed to withstand impact, you might still end up with a shattered screen.

The good news: a broken screen doesn’t mean your phone is kaput. In fact, if only the glass is broken, the fix is quick and inexpensive. The bad news: if the LCD screen is broken, you’re looking at a pricier repair.

If you’ve looked into replacement parts, you’ve likely come across two very different options: a glass screen, and an LCD screen. While the first option is cheap, the second is definitely not. Here’s the difference:

1. The glass screen is the exterior layer on your phone’s display. While it is specially engineered for durability, it’s still just glass (between layers of plastic film), which is why it’s not very pricey to replace.

Most of the time, the damage to your screen will be pretty obvious. You’ll see the spider web patterns of shattered glass across the front of your iPhone. Occasionally, however, the glass screen will be intact, and you might not realize the damage until you try to use it. Whether the damage is visible or not, it’s a good idea to run a quick diagnostic to determine the extent of it.

If you encounter any of these problems, you’re dealing with a broken LCD screen. If the glass is shattered, but the display is clear and touch capability is working, that’s a good sign. The problem is probably just the glass screen.

Whether you’re dealing with cracked glass or a broken LCD screen, you can find a quick, reliable repair service at FastPhoneRepair.com. Our qualified technicians will get your iPhone repaired and up and running again in record time and at reasonable rates.

JUMP! ®, JUMP on Demand®, and Trade-In devices with damage will be assessed at a lower value or require a fee. See your program terms & conditions for details.

The warehouse will check the device condition when we receive it. If it’s damaged, you may receive a reduced trade-in value or be required to pay a fee on your bill statement. (Prepaid customers will have the defective device shipped back instead.)

When inspecting a screen, remove any screen protectors and cases first. Tilt the device under good lighting conditions and inspect it at multiple angles. Screen damage includes hairline cracks that are difficult to see.

Mobile devices have a Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) to show if the device has contacted any liquids. The indicator is white when it"s new, and it turns pink or red when it contacts water.

iPhone® X and above do not have a visible LDI. If you cannot identify your LDI on an iPhone X or above, we ask you to confirm the device has not been exposed to liquid.

Wearables like Apple & Samsung watches often don"t have visible LDIs. Check for moisture under the display screen, as well as corrosion, discoloration, and fuzzy growth on the charging connection.

If the device does not fully turn on and load the home screen or if it cannot stay on without being connected to a charger, it"s considered not able to turn on.

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Screen damage and liquid damage are not covered under the warranty, so T-Mobile can"t exchange devices with this damage. But, we don’t want you to be stuck with a broken phone, so you have two options to replace or repair your damaged device:

Before visiting a T-Mobile Store, please file a claim with Assurant, our Protection and Repair vendor. This will expedite your repair process and minimize your time in the store. Below are two convenient ways to file a claim.

Once the claim is filed, be sure to schedule an Assurant Repair appointment at one of our T-Mobile Device Service Locations via the text message or confirmation email sent from Assurant.

You could almost see it happening in slow motion: your smartphone is in your hand one moment, and the next thing you know, it’s barreling toward the ground in a nosedive. Sometimes the layers of glass and plastic will hold up, but all too often, this scenario will lead to a chipped, cracked, or broken phone screen.

Thanks to the right-to-repair movement, the options for mending a broken phone screen have expanded. Between simple DIY fixes, third-party repair shops, and even manufacturer-sponsored mail-in programs, there’s an option for everyone.

It all boils down to a difficult-to-reach compromise between consumer desires and engineering reality. In other words, we want phones with maxed out displays that also feature an elegant design. However, those slim edges and nearly bezel-less screens have to make some concessions in the durability department.

But regardless of the design specifics, it’s really about elastic energy, according to Red Zombie, a Clearfield, Utah-based repairs and accessories shop.

“When you drop your phone, elastic energy stored in the phone’s glass is converted into surface energy, which is why your glass cracks,” the company notes in a September 2018 blog post. “[W]hen you drop your phone, the force of impact will overcome the surface compression, resulting in small stresses that could lead to the shattering of your screen.”

To combat this reality, manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are constantly experimenting with tougher kinds of glass to absorb the impact. Red Zombie says most companies mix zinc into aluminum to create a strong base for the body of the phone.

Broken screens come in various levels of severity—from light scratches, to spiderweb-like patterns, to entirely missing chunks of glass—and you could be dealing with anything from a completely shattered display and a broken phone, to a simple cosmetic issue.

First, you should assess the damage, which means getting your phone on a solid surface and under a good light, not just giving it a quick once-over before stuffing it back in your pocket. With a little bit of stress testing and careful prodding you should be able to work out whether the screen is about to fall off or fail completely. In a lot of cases it will stay in place, cracks and all, so you can at least keep tweeting, as long as the screen is still visible and functioning.

If the phone is seriously damaged, back up your data as quickly as you can, making sure all of your photos, videos, and important files are saved somewhere else just in case it dies completely and you can’t get the phone working again. If it’s already stopped functioning, then a professional repair is probably your best bet.

The name of the game here is, “hold out until I’m eligible for an upgrade.” If you want to keep using the cracked phone, and don’t want to risk losing glass or slicing up your fingers, cover the screen with a layer of packing tape. Line everything up carefully and trim it with an X-Acto knife, and it may look almostlike a real screen protector.

This is the gussied-up version of the packing tape solution. Using a screen protector ensures you have no seams and a clean line around the edges of the screen. Granted, that might not be much of a concern when there’s a spiderweb of cracks underneath.

It’s possible to replace a broken phone screen on your own. We’ll refer you to iFixit for their excellent, step-by-step guide with photos. A few key things to keep in mind here: Before you decide to go this route, look into the cost of a replacement screen. Today’s phone screens, which incorporate touch interaction and possibly biometric sensors, don’t come cheap.

You should also look into the warranty situation. If you’re the kind of person who is willing to fix a phone yourself, you’re probably not too worried about maintaining your warranty—but it still can’t hurt to know if you’re going to void it.

Finally, unless you’re already accomplished at repairing modern solid-state electronics, you probably lack the specialized tools you’ll need for the job. Luckily, iFixit sells a handy kit that includes pretty much everything you’ll need, with the possible exception of the iOpener, a tube you heat up and apply to the phone to soften its adhesives.

You can always just take your broken phone screen to a professional repair shop. If you’re an iPhone person, look for your local Apple Store here or consider trying out Apple’s mail-in repair program. Best Buy will work on iPhones and Samsung phones. And finally, UBreakIFix has more than 700 locations across the country.

Kevin is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. In past lives he’s been an economist, computer salesman, mathematician, barista, and college football equipment manager.

Before joining Pop Mech, Courtney was the technology reporter at her hometown newspaper, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied English and economics. Her favorite topics include, but are not limited to: the giant squid, punk rock, and robotics. She lives in the Philly suburbs with her partner, her black cat, and towers upon towers of books.

There is an LCD. That is what the picture is displayed on. On top of that is a digitizer. This is what normally breaks. This is what has broken if the picture is fine, you just have cracks above it.

Replacing the digitizer isn"t the most difficult repair. You open the phone, use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the edges, and then remove it. There"s always risk it might break further and damage the LCD. You might stress the LCD and cause a crack while prying it off.

Here"s a video that gives you an idea. He replaced the LCD and digitizer. You would just be removing the top piece. Other videos show just the digitizer.

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Physical damageIf your device has physical damage, check with the manufacturer. Some manufacturers may exchange or repair your device. Or, if you have an AT&T Pre-Owned device that you bought online from us, and it has a cosmetic blemish, it might be covered.

Otherwise, if your device has any of these types of damage, it won’t be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If you return a device with any of these signs, we’ll charge you the total sales price of the replacement device. Plus, we’ll return your damaged device to you. See physical damage examples (PDF, 357KB)

Have an Apple® device? Go to Apple Support. Liquid damage to iPhones or iPods isn‘t covered by warranty. We don’t support warranty exchange of Apple products.

If you return a device with a liquid damage indicator that’s triggered, missing, or damaged, we’ll charge you the total sales price of the replacement device. We’ll also return your damaged device to you. See examples of liquid damage indicators (PDF, 208KB)

If it has physical or liquid damage and the device manufacturer won’t exchange or repair it, the damaged device isn’t covered by a warranty. You might be able to file a device protection claim or upgrade your phone or device.

At uBreakiFix, we specialize in cell phone repair and cell phone screen repair because we don’t believe that a shattered screen or broken battery should have to ruin your day. Smartphones connect us with the rest of the world and being without this lifeline can be a hassle. Bring your device to the uBreakiFix nearest you for a smartphone repair.

Every mobile phone repair at uBreakiFix starts with a free diagnostic exam, to find the root of the problem and allow the technician to determine the right cell phone screen repair path. Diagnostic exams are especially helpful if the problem with the device is unclear. Once the diagnostic exam is complete, the technician can explain all of your cell phone screen repair options and get started if you want to proceed.

Whether you need a phone screen repair, LCD replacement, water damage diagnostic or clean-up or any of our professional services, you can always be sure that your device is being handled carefully by the most knowledgeable technicians in the industry. Our techs care about you as much as we care about your cell phone repair, so we will keep you updated on every aspect of the repair as it happens. No matter if you have a Samsung, Apple, Sony, LG or any other brand, for our professional techs, no device is too new or too complicated.

Our low price guarantee ensures that you are getting the lowest possible price on your repair. If you can find a lower published price for the same cell phone screen repair, we will happily match and beat it by $5. Every repair also comes with our 1 year warranty should something happen after a phone repair.

We know what it’s like to break your favorite device and we don’t think you should have to be disconnected for any longer than necessary. If you choose uBreakiFix for your cell phone repair, you can be confident that you are getting the best service at the lowest price around. We’d love to complete your cell phone repair and get your phone back to you as good as new.

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It can be pretty tempting to just keep using your phone as usual if you’ve got a cracked phone screen – after all, you may not want to drop the extra cash or run out and get it fixed in the middle of the workday. Add to that the fact that the damage may appear minor at first, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for procrastination – not that most of us need much help putting off a chore.

The thing is, there are a number of hazards to ignoring a cracked phone screen, and while some of them may seem like common sense, there are quite a few that might surprise you. Read on for our list of five risks to using a phone with a cracked screen.

The iPhone 6 was a bit of an anomaly, and this kind of daily pressure is something that an uncompromised handset is built to deal with. But if your screen is cracked, it has lost the integrity that keeps it together, and things can deteriorate rapidly.

We’re able to come to you wherever you are and have a technician fix your phone while you go about your business, but if for whatever reason you absolutely can’t get your phone fixed right away, you may at least put a strip of clear tape or a screen protector over the crack in order to prevent injury. This won’t stop your phone from being prone to damage, but it can at least help keep your fingers in one piece.

Even the moisture in the air can cause a cracked phone screen to have negative effects on your phone’s health over the long-term, causing damage to the hardware that may not be fixable.

With our upfront pricing plan, you can see our fair and competitive prices for yourself – there are no hidden fees and all repairs include our free lifetime guarantee on parts and service (and a one-year guarantee on batteries).

Just go online, book a time slot that suits your needs, and one of our top-notch techs will come to your desired location – be it the gym, office, or your home – as soon as same-day. Of course, unlike conventional phone repair options, our on-site repairs aren’t limited to screen repair.

We handle the gamut of smart phone issues such as battery replacement and headphone jack repair. For quick, professional service with a quality guarantee, book an appointment with us today and you’ll be back with a fully functional phone in no time.

“Original” screens are those containing LCDs manufactured for Apple. “Copy” screens are compatible replacements entirely designed and manufactured by third-party companies not associated with Apple.

LCD display panel can have poorer resolution (i.e. looks “coarser”), worse brightness, contrast and vibrancy and reduced refresh rate amongst other problems.

Changes in specification from original can result in battery and performance issues. Certain badly-engineered screens could even damage the backlight circuitry.

Customers who bring their iPhones to us for a screen repair are offered two choices of replacement- an original or a “copy” screen. The most common response is “Is there a difference- and which one would you recommend?”

Originals are those screens containing LCDs that were manufactured for Apple. So-called “copy” screens are compatible replacements, but designed and manufactured entirely independently by third-party companies, typically in China.

Our answer is simple- the original screen is the one we’d go for ourselves, every time. Some people think we make more money on them, but this isn’t the case. We recommend originals because they’re far higher quality and the price difference is fairly small.

We’d rather only fit original screens. The only reason we don’t is that many people will shop around and choose purely on price. As such, we need to offer the cheaper copy screens to remain competitive and avoid losing these customers. In some cases, they didn’t even know there was a difference in the first place- especially since it’s not in some shops’ interest to draw people’s attention to the issue!

This may well be the worst copy screen we’ve ever come across. As a result, the unfortunate customer has ended up paying twice to have their screen replaced- we’re sure that had they been properly informed, they would have chosen an original in the first place.

While the difference in price between copies and originals can vary across devices, it’s generally around £10 – £14 extra to have an original screen fitted. This really isn’t a lot considering the improved quality and reliability.

We compare our prices to our competitors- and we know that we come out of it favourably. While we have to offer copy screens to remain competitive, we always advise customers to go for the original.

When you’ve spent- directly or indirectly- several hundred pounds for an iPhone with a Retina display, it doesn’t make sense to replace it with a lower-quality screen that can make a £400 phone look like a £40 one! Not only that, but you’re likely to have fewer issues, and a longer-lasting screen.

There’s nothing stopping any random person without training or experience opening up a smartphone repair shop. As a result, the industry is full of companies with little skill or experience who are only interested in getting hold of your money and installing the cheapest parts they can find.

Many- if not most- don’t even acknowledge the existence of copy screens, let alone explain the difference to the customer. Hardly in their interest to do so if they only fit cheap, low-quality copies. Some of them can hardly be blamed- they know so little, they’re not even clear on the differences between OEM, non-OEM and copy displays themselves! Others can be more deliberately misleading… and some outright lie.

Generally, these shops are looking for the cheapest price on replacement screens.. When offered a copy at a half or a third of a price of the original, they’re going to go for that. That might be fine if they offered the customer a cheaper price- what we disagree with is selling “supermarket beans” (i.e. the copy screens) at “Heinz beans” prices!

Heading towards the “blatantly fraudulent”, we’re aware of companies that shamelessly fit copy screens while claiming them to be original. Worse, they’ll take your broken original screen and sell that to a recycler for more than they paid for your copy!

Obtained or manufactured “off the clock” via the same production line that produced them for Apple- in some cases, from the stockpile of parts that didn’t meet Apple’s standards, or

Apple tightened up their supply chain around 2015, which reduced the number of screens available for repairs and increased their price dramatically. A lot of companies went bankrupt, and Chinese manufacturers responded by making their own “copy” screens from scratch. At first, these weren’t much cheaper than the Apple ones, but the price soon fell.

We should be clear that- despite the name- “copy” screens aren’t direct copies of the Apple originals. Rather, they’re compatible replacements that have been designed from scratch and- as a result- vary in some respects that have an effect on usability and quality.

One of the most important differences between an original and a “copy” screen is how the digitizer (touch sensor) is designed. Apple has it manufactured as part of the LCD itself, whereas the copies have it on the glass.

Although there are only a small number of manufacturers of the bare LCDs themselves, these are then bought by countless other companies who add the remaining components needed to turn these into a complete working screen. As a result, you could easily end up with an LCD from the best “copy” manufacturer, but the digitizer/touch (as part of the separately-manufactured glass) from the worst.

There are countless digitizers out there, and you can only take the supplier’s word that the quality is good. Many ship good ones at first, then switch to cheaper parts to make more profit. This is particularly bad with the iPhone 6S and 6S+, since Apple moved the chips responsible for touch processing onto the LCD itself. As a result, you’re not just getting a copy screen- you’re getting copy chips too.

The performance specification (power drain, etc.) of most copy screens isn’t identical to the originals. As a result, they can drain the battery more quickly and mislead the operating system which was optimised for the original screen design.

It’s even possible that this mismatch could damage your backlight. We do a lot of subcontracted repairs for less-experienced shops, and get backlight repairs in almost every day. We’ve had cases where we fixed the circuit, fitted the new copy screen to test it, and had it break the circuit again!

Copy screens can disrupt the touch ID fingerprint reader. With the 6S, 6S+, 7 and 7+, the home button- part of the 3D touch- is part of the screen assembly. Frequently the home button flexes on aftermarket designs don’t work properly and stop the touch ID working- annoying if you use it to unlock the phone or log in to your bank.

We’ve seen many lift away from the frame that holds them in place. This usually results in the flex cable getting torn, and the screen needing replacing. You don’t even need to have dropped the phone- this often happens through general everyday wear and tear.

That brings us to another major issue with the copies. When you drop an Apple original, the glass often breaks, but if the LCD itself is intact, you can continue to use it until it’s fixed. With the copies, the touch/digitizer is on the glass and stops working when that’s broken. Even worse, the LCD itself is more likely to break due to the thinner and more fragile glass.

We’re not convinced this will happen, since Apple recently changed their repair policy to accept iPhones with third-party screens. However, it is possible that copy screens could be stopped from working via an iOS update, since those make a number of security checks.

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.

Should you fix your cracked screen before you sell it? Options compared 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

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.

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 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.

Cracked or broken mobile device screens can be costly to fix, but a few inexpensive do-it-yourself strategies can eliminate a repair shop visit and salvage your tablet or phone.

Third-party repair shops typically replace glass on a tablet for about US$100-$200, depending on the model. Replacing the tablet’s touchscreen can cost $50-$75 extra.

Replacing the cracked glass with a functioning touchscreen is much cheaper. You usually can find suppliers online for $6 to $20 for a phone. A tablet replacement digitizer can cost about $50 or more if you perform the work.

It is relatively easy and cheap to replace the glass on a phone once you get the hang of it. Tablets are a bit more involved because of the larger size and added components.

Tools might require an additional monetary outlay if you do not have a well-functioning workbench. Depending on the device involved, you need a phone opener pry tool, little tweezers to deal with small cables inside, a Torx screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver and a precision screwdriver kit.

Add to that list either a variable hair dryer or a heat gun to soften glued phone parts. Also add scissors, double-sided adhesive tape, canned air and work gloves.

It is first things first when it comes to fixing cracks on a smartphone’s screen. Often, the actual screen is not cracked at all. You may have installed a glass screen protector when you purchased the phone.

The film covers can become cloudy or scratched. They usually help absorb shock from items dropping on the tablet to lessen risk of cracking the touchscreen glass under it.

When the culprit really is a damaged screen, choosing one of the next three approaches can help you solve the problem. You might be able to repair the damage rather than replace it.

For instance, is the screen clouded or otherwise damaged from your mistaken use of harsh cleaning fluids or coarse paper towels to clean the screen? If so, there is a fix for that.

Is the screen merely cracked or full-out broken — as in massive spider cracks from being smashed? You can cure a cracked screen on a phone or tablet more easily with Sugru, a commercial product. A fully cracked screen on either type of device is a solid candidate for a screen replacement.

If your phone or tablet screen shows signs of cleaning abuse or wear from heavy handling, return its condition to nearly new with an oleophobic coating kit. This is an oil-repellent coating that protects the screen, along with adding smoothness and reducing fingerprints.

The coating, a thin layer of fluoropolymer-based solids, is similar to Teflon and is bonded to the glass. You can buy the coating kit from a variety of electronic supply stores and online outlets.

Prepare a wiping finger. The oleophobic coating’s liquid solvent evaporates very quickly when applied, so once you start, work quickly. Wrap one finger with plastic wrap or a sandwich bag. Use this finger to rub the coating liquid onto the screen.

Apply 10-15 drops of the coating to the screen’s surface. If the phone or tablet screen has a large surface, apply 10 drops to a portion of the screen, working on one portion at a time.

Wipe the screen dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Then give the coating time to dry. Do not touch the screen for 8-12 hours to allow the coating to bond to the surface.

If your only complaint involves tiny scratches and cracks on a smartphone screen or a tablet glass, there are remedies that work with varying degrees of reliability. You can use a household eraser pad or an actual pencil eraser.

Pencil erasers also work reasonably well in making scratches disappear. Simply rub the scratch left and right with the eraser for about 60 seconds. Then rub it up and down for 60 seconds.

Does using toothpaste to fill in the cracks really work? I put that fix in the category of more “mythful” thinking, but I know people who swear that this method is a cheap fix that works.

Sugru is a moldable glue kit for repairing rather than replacing cracked screens. Actually, the product was not created with phone and tablet repairs in mind. Its intended purpose is more in the line of general repairs where bonding surfaces together and filling surfaces are needed.

Depending on how badly the screen is damaged, it can be a good solution for cracks that spread from the phone or tablet screen’s edges. However, for massive cracks that spread over the entire screen — as spider cracks tend to do over time — it will be a short-term fix at best.

If your phone or tablet screen has suffered more serious damage, full scale surgery is the only option other than getting a new device. Repairing the device’s LCD screen is a complicated procedure due to the compact internal design.

The repair process involves completely dismantling the phone or tablet’s outer casing. It is particularly easy if the replacement screen comes with a top frame.

Otherwise, you may have to seal the layers to avoid loss of structural strength and moisture/dust protection. You can use either sealing pads for the size of the particular device at hand or double-sided sticky tape. A simpler solution for phone screen replacement is to use B-7000/T-7000 glue.

Before you roll up your sleeves to get started, take one huge safety step. Buy and use a static wristband and a static guard mat. This will ensure against accidentally frying any electronic components while disassembling and reassembling the devices. Disconnecting the battery is not always a guarantee that static discharge will not happen.

The first step is to tear down the device so you can assess the extent of the damage and determine what screen parts to order. Locate the model number for the LCD screen. Use this number in an Internet search to find a replacement screen.

The part or model number usually is printed on a label adhered to the sensor cable attached to the screen. You can access this cable after you separate the screen from the rest of the unit. Carefully disconnect the cable connector from the backside of the screen along the edge.

Step 2: Loosen any stuck-on cabling that is now exposed, like the camera cable. Then remove cables if the clasps are exposed. These cables simply slide out of any exposed sockets after clasps are released. The tape-style cables are often held onto the frame and parts by adhesive, so tug gently to release.

Step 3: Unscrew the Phillips or Torx screws that hold the motherboard-containing back frame to the LCD-containing chassis and place the screws in a bowl for safe-keeping. Then separate the back frame from the chassis by gently and carefully pulling the two apart.

Step 4: Remove any further cable assemblies that have become exposed by the separation of parts. Maintain visual cues as to which cable to reattach where. For example, place them on the work surface face-up in the order of removal. Or take photos with a digital camera or smartphone.

Step 5: Remove the LCD-containing chassis from the front frame or bezel and glass assembly by unscrewing a second batch of screws. Store the second set of screws in a second bowl. Remove any further parts such as the camera.

Step 6: Don’t touch the LCD face. Separate the existing, damaged glass from the bezel or front frame by waving the heat gun over the adhesive join and pulling apart. Wear gloves here because the process involves further breaking the glass.

Tip: Be patient while the heat gun loosens the adhesive and be careful not to break the bezel or front frame while removing the glass. You need the bezel intact.

Step 1: Attach fresh two-sided tape to areas of the bezel that have lost their stickiness. Use the existing adhesive where possible. Do not allow tape to overlap the visual part of the glass.

Step 2: Look for any foam padding or seals and reattach. Do not touch the inside of the glass. You won’t be able to get rid of the fingerprints after assembly.

Step 3: Thread the digitizer cable and remount the new digitizer glass to the bezel by firmly pressing it into place. Then remove any dust from the LCD and glass with canned air.

You may have to assemble and disassemble a few times. The two sets of screws use similar holes. It is easy to insert the initial set of screws into the wrong holes. You will realize that only when the second set does not fit because you already used the hole.

Replacing damaged touchscreens and digitizer panels is not rocket science, but the process does require careful attention to details. Following visual guides and screenshots can make the difference between initial success and having to make second or third efforts.

The methods described above are very effective in allowing access to a device with a broken screen, but to be honest: the second option is a more complicated one, and if you are not familiar with programming commands, you might find yourself completely lost.

Dr.Fone"s toolkit for Android is infinitely more straightforward. To use this program, you only need to connect your phone to your PC and follow simple steps to access your files. However, for Android Control to work, it requires that you have already enabled USB debugging on your device before the accident, so it may not work when you need it most.

Android Control gives you a way to control the device from an external source – you will need to select the files you want to save manually and then copy them to your PC. Conversely, Dr. Fone"s toolkit will allow you to recover all of the files on your device and save them to your PC in just one click.

Dr. Fone"s toolkit is straightforward to use, even if you don’t consider yourself a tech-savvy individual. On the other hand, Android Control requires that you know how to enable USB debugging and learn how to use ADB. This is beyond the capacity of most users, but tech-savvy individuals will likely prefer this method.

As you can see, one of these methods is very easy to use and helps you to claim control over all of your files in less than 5 minutes. The other, Android Control, does require advanced knowledge of ADB. If you have some degree of knowledge and skill in computing, you will likely prefer Android Control. However, if you are not tech-savvy, Dr.Fone - Data Recovery best fits you.

Whichever method you choose to use, we hope you can get all of your files back – a smashed screen can be extremely stressful, and it’s nice to have this weight off your shoulders!