- Cracked glass can cut you, and impact damage can also harm the battery, so check for warning signs first.
- Back up while the screen still works, because a crack can spread or the touch can fail.
- Screen repairs are usually worth it unless the phone is old, slow or has other faults.
- Ask whether the repairer uses genuine or compatible parts, and get it written down.
- Do not rely on water resistance after a screen repair, even if new seals are fitted.
Is it safe to keep using a phone with a cracked screen?
Not for long. Broken glass can leave tiny splinters on your fingers and face, especially near the edges. Apple's own safety advice says not to use an iPhone with cracked glass, as it may cause injury, and the same sense applies to any phone.
A drop hard enough to crack the screen can also damage the battery. Stop using the phone and do not charge it if it gets hot, smells odd, makes a hissing sound, or if the screen is lifting or bulging away from the frame. A lifting screen can be a sign of a swollen battery. Keep it away from anything flammable and get it checked by a repairer.
What should you do first?
If the phone still works, the next hour matters more than the repair. A crack can spread, and touch can stop working in parts of the screen without warning.
- Back up now to iCloud, Google, Samsung Cloud or a computer, and check photos and messages are included.
- Write down or save any two-factor codes and passwords stored only on the phone.
- Note the exact model, found in Settings under About phone or General.
- Check whether your phone insurance, contract or bank account covers accidental damage, before booking anything.
- Make sure you know your passcode and your Apple or Google account password, as you may need them after the repair.
How can you protect a cracked screen until it is fixed?
A cheap screen protector or a layer of clear packing tape over the crack holds loose glass in place and protects your fingers. Smooth it on gently without pressing hard on the damaged area. Put the phone in a case so the frame is not knocked again.
Avoid heat, moisture and pockets with keys. Do not try to pick out loose glass. If the display shows lines, black patches or flickering, the screen panel underneath is damaged too, and the phone may fail completely, so book the repair sooner rather than later.
Should you repair or replace the phone?
For most phones less than a few years old, a screen repair makes sense. A good repairer replaces the whole display assembly, and the phone works as before. It is also better for the environment than buying new.
Replacement is worth considering if the phone no longer gets software updates, the battery is already weak, the frame is bent, or there is other damage such as a broken camera or water exposure. Ask the repairer to check the whole phone and tell you about other faults before they start, so you can decide with all the facts.
Genuine or compatible screen: what is the difference?
Genuine parts come from the phone maker. Compatible, or third-party, screens are made by other companies and often cost less, but quality varies a lot. Cheaper screens can have duller colours, lower brightness, weaker touch response or higher battery use.
Some phones notice the change. On recent iPhones, Settings shows a parts and service history, and a screen that is not genuine, or has not been verified after repair, can be shown as an Unknown part. Apple says this may affect trade-in value. Ask which type of screen will be fitted and have it written on the quote or receipt.
Will the phone still be water resistant after the repair?
Do not count on it. Water resistance depends on adhesive seals around the screen. Opening the phone breaks them, and even when a repairer fits new seals, the phone may not be as well protected as when it was new. Apple notes that water resistance is not permanent and can fall with normal wear, and that taking the phone apart may cause loss of water resistance.
After any screen repair, treat the phone as if it has no water protection. Keep it away from baths, pools and heavy rain, and do not charge it if it gets wet.
How do you protect your data when handing over a phone?
A screen repair does not usually touch your data, but the repairer may need to test the phone, which can mean unlocking it. Back up first, then decide how much access to give.
Many Samsung Galaxy phones have Maintenance mode, which hides your photos, messages and accounts behind a separate user while the phone is repaired. On other phones, sign out of banking and payment apps you do not want accessed, and ask whether the repairer needs your passcode or can test the phone in front of you. An at-home repair, where the phone stays in sight, is one way to keep control. Change your passcode afterwards if you shared it.
How AYS can help
On AYS you can book a screen repair for many popular models at a fixed price shown before you pay, or describe the damage and get free quotes. Tell the repairer your exact model and what still works, and ask which parts they will use.
Questions people also ask
How do I know if only the screen protector is cracked?
Look closely at the edge of the protector, where you can usually see its outline. If the crack stops at that edge, or you can feel a raised lip, gently lift one corner with a fingernail. If the glass underneath is smooth and the display and touch work normally, you only need a new protector. If the crack carries on below it, the screen itself is damaged.
Can I fix a cracked phone screen myself?
Some makers sell parts and repair guides, but screen repairs involve heat, strong adhesive, tiny cables and sometimes the battery. A mistake can damage the display, the battery or the water seals, and a damaged battery can be a fire risk. Unless you have done it before, a trained repairer is the safer choice.
How long does a phone screen repair take?
For common models with the part in stock, many screen replacements take around an hour or so. Rarer models may need a part ordered first, and mail-in repairs take longer because of postage. Ask the repairer when you book, and have your backup done before the appointment.
Will a screen repair wipe my phone?
A straightforward screen replacement should not delete your data. The problem is usually that a repair goes wrong or another fault is found that needs a reset. That is why you should back up first. If the screen is too damaged to back up, tell the repairer that saving your data matters most.
What are my rights if the screen repair goes wrong?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader must carry out a service with reasonable care and skill. If the new screen fails, touch stops working or other features break after the repair, contact the repairer first and give them the chance to put it right. Keep your receipt and any written details of the parts used.
- Apple: Important safety information for iPhone
- Apple: iPhone parts and service history
- Apple: Important handling information for iPhone
- Samsung UK: How to use Maintenance mode on your Galaxy phone or tablet
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 49 (legislation.gov.uk)
Rules can change. Check the official pages above for the latest position.
