Let’s not beat around the bush — we’ve all stared down an unresponsive phone or cracked screen and had a moment of panic. One moment you’re casually scrolling and the next, it slips from your hand and lands face down on the ground. The dreaded cracked screen strikes again!
Fear not! As experts in Australia phone repairs and screen replacements, we’re here to help you navigate the chaos of a cracked phone screen. To educate our newer clients about the process behind phone repairs, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you figure out what to do next or you’re facing a crack or black screen of death.
Read on to learn more about where to begin–and where to get your device fixed, functional, and back online.
The First Steps to Take with a Cracked Screen
If you’re not immediately able to get your phone fixed, there are temporary measures you can take to keep using your device without worsening the situation.
- Use an Old Phone: If you have an old phone lying around, consider temporarily switching to it. It might not be the latest model, but it can serve you while your primary phone is out of commission.
- Try a Screen App: Some apps can help you work around screen damage, especially if the cracks are affecting touch functionality. These apps can adjust the touch setting to make your device usable again.
Safety First: Dealing with a Severely Damaged Phone
In some cases, the phone might be severely damaged to the point of being hazardous. If the glass is splintering off or the internal components are exposed, it’s essential to prioritise your safety.
- Avoid Contact with the Glass: Tiny shards of glass can cause injury. If the screen is falling apart, avoid using the device until it’s been repaired.
- Prevent Contact with Liquids: If the internal components are exposed, keep the device away from liquids to prevent further damage or potential electrical issues.
Understand Your Options: Broken Screen Repair Kits vs Professional Help
Before you take the next step, it’s essential to weigh your options. There are DIY repair kits available on the market, but these should be approached with caution. Here are a couple of solutions you might want to pursue:
- DIY Repair Kits: These can be a cost-effective solution, but they’re not for the faint-hearted. You’ll need a steady hand, a good deal of patience, and the understanding that you might void your warranty if you attempt to repair the phone alone.
- Professional Services: Professional repair services might come with a heftier price tag, but they often provide warranties on most services. Plus, they can diagnose and treat any hidden issues that might not be evident to the untrained eye.
5 Quick Steps to Getting Your Cracked Phone Screen Repaired
First things first, carefully pick up your phone to assess the damage. Be cautious, as cracked screens can sometimes result in sharp edges. Check to see if the display and touch functionality still work. If the phone operates normally, you’re dealing with a cosmetic issue. If not, there may be underlying damage.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
First things first, carefully pick up your phone to assess the damage. Be cautious, as cracked screens can sometimes result in sharp edges. Check to see if the display and touch functionality still work. If the phone operates normally, you’re dealing with a cosmetic issue. If not, there may be underlying damage.
Step 2: Backup Your Data
If your phone is still operational, backup your data immediately. Cracks may expand over time, potentially causing more damage. Connect your device to your computer or use cloud-based services to ensure your photos, contacts, and other data are safe.
Step 3: Consider a DIY Screen Protector
While not a long-term solution, applying a DIY screen protector can help prevent further damage and protect against sharp glass while you’re waiting to get your phone repaired. In a pinch? You can use either clear packing tape or a screen protector for this–just make sure the screen is clean and free of dust before application.
(And get a proper screen protector added to your phone after you get your screen replaced!)
Step 4: Professional Repair or Replacement
Depending on the extent of the damage and the age of your phone, you might want to consider professional repair or even replacement.
- Repair: Many manufacturers and independent services offer repair options. While this can be pricey, it’s often cheaper than buying a new device outright.
- Replacement: If your phone is older or the repair cost is high, it might be worth considering an upgrade.
Step 5: Consider a Phone Upgrade
We should point out that most screens can be easily replaced in the right hands and won’t require you purchasing an entirely new phone. That said, if your phone is a few generations old, it might be the perfect time to explore what’s new in the world of smartphones. With everchanging technology and feature upgrades, you might find the enhancements in newer models far outweigh the comfort of your old device–for a similar price comparable to replacing your screen.
Like we said–most screens can be fixed and will hardly affect the overall operational functionality of your phone. That said, if you’re in the market for something new, you can consider upgrading your phone.
Remember: Prevention is Better than Cure
Once you’ve navigated the aftermath of a cracked screen, consider taking steps to prevent future accidents. Investing in a robust case and screen protector can save you from the heartache (and wallet-ache) of a cracked screen.
Contact PTC to Replace Your Cracked Phone Screen Today
While a cracked screen can seem like a life-altering disaster, it’s not the end of the world. Following the above steps you can navigate through a cracked screen and come out the other side relatively quickly and affordably.
As with any phone break down, we always like to remind customers that prevention is key. After this hiccup, we suggest investing in a protective case and screen cover to safeguard against future drops and leave your stress levels at a bare minimum next time you drop your phone.
Need more support getting through the screen replacement process? Reach out to Australia’s PTC phone repair team today.
