It’s your worst nightmare come true—you drop your phone flat on its face, and when you pick it up, you see a spider web of cracks splitting across the screen. But don’t panic—you may have more options with your broken screen than you think. Read on to find out what to do with a cracked screen—and when to throw in the towel and get a new phone.
What do you do if your device screen is cracked?
First things first: check your phone warranty timelines, and if you have phone insurance, check what it covers. Taking this first step could save you money and headaches. If you’re an AT&T customer, you can take advantage of AT&T device protection if you sign up within 30 days of service activation or device upgrade.
But if your broken device’s cracked screen is not covered by a warranty and you don’t have insurance that covers screen damage, things get a little trickier. You may need to take care of the cracked screen repair yourself.
Do your research to find a reputable phone repair shop that specializes in cracked screen replacement or contact the manufacturer to see if they can recommend a certified repair shop that’s local to you. You could repair it yourself, but fair warning—broken screen repair isn’t for novices. But experience or not, you may also run the risk of voiding any applicable warranty. Your safest bet is to take your phone to a professional repair service.
Knowing whether to seek professional support requires a frank assessment of how bad the damage is and how qualified you are to repair it yourself.
Will a cracked device screen get worse?
Even if you only have a little crack in your screen, it may grow and spread—especially if you continue using your phone. If a crack grows, it may also impact your phone’s touchscreen capabilities, which can make it easier for dust and water to get inside.
Should you repair a cracked device screen?
A cracked screen can be a frustrating problem but deciding whether to repair it depends on several factors. The cost of repair, the age of your device, and the extent of the damage should all play a role in your decision.
If you’re wondering if you should repair a cracked device screen yourself, it’s crucial to consider your skill level and weigh it against your options for a professional fix, both in terms of cost and accessibility. Before making a choice, compare the benefits of fixing your phone against the potential costs and consider whether a replacement might be a more cost-effective option.
Fix or replace? Making that call demands a sound cost-benefit analysis.
How much is it to fix a cracked device screen?
It may depend on the phone and the extent of the screen damage, but it can range up to several hundred dollars. If you have to go out of pocket on repair costs, make sure you get an estimate from the repair shop before they begin work or even shop around, so you can decide whether you’d prefer to fix your phone or just get a new one.
How to fix a cracked phone professionally
To find reliable, professional help to repair your phone, consider the following:
- Check your warranty or insurance: As mentioned, you’ll want to see if your phone is still under warranty or if you have insurance that covers screen repairs before anything else.
- Research reputable repair shops: If you’re out of luck with your warranty or insurance, look for professional repair services that are certified by your phone’s manufacturer or have strong customer reviews. Certified professionals can ensure that your screen is repaired correctly without risking further damage.
- Get a repair estimate: Before proceeding, get a cost estimate from the repair shop. This will help you decide if it’s more economical to pay for cracked screen repair or consider other options, like replacing it.
Following these steps can help ensure your phone is in safe hands and that you avoid the potential pitfalls of attempting a DIY repair.
Can you fix a cracked phone screen at home?
If you have experience in repairing shattered screens, then by all means, go for it. You should be able to find the materials you need online. But if you’re not experienced in repairing phones, it’s best to leave it to the professionals—and don’t try any of the do-it-yourself repair suggestions you find online that tell you to fix your cracked screen with toothpaste, baking soda, or other household items.
Is it worth it to replace a cracked phone screen?
If you’re debating whether or not it’s worth it to repair the screen, that’s a different conversation. A lot of this will come down to cost. If your phone is an older model and the screen is severely damaged, it might make more sense to replace your phone instead of repairing it. You could get a new phone, or if cost is a major issue, you could look purchasing a prepaid phone, which are often more inexpensive than postpaid phones. This allows you to replace your phone without paying full, retail price for a replacement device. But a way to determine whether or not it’s worth it to repair the screen is to have a repair shop assess the damage and give you an estimate.
Ways to protect your phone screen
So, how can you help protect your phone? Here are some tips and tricks that may help save you from a broken phone screen in the future:
- Get a screen protector: There are variety of screen protector types, however, a tempered glass screen protector does a great job of protecting your phone against scratches and cracks.
- Get a phone case: A durable phone case may add a layer of protection to your device in the event it’s dropped.
- Get phone insurance that covers cracked screens: A broken phone screen might convince you that phone insurance is worth it and may even inspire you to branch out beyond a basic plan.Consider device insurance that not only offers coverage to fix a cracked screen but that also provides coverage if your device is lost or stolen, or even needs a battery replacement. AT&T Protect Advantage phone insurance and device protection, available to cover either one or four devices, delivers this coverage.
Damage control and prevention for shattered screens
Dealing with a cracked phone screen can be stressful, but with the right approach, you can have your device back in working order in no time. Whether you choose to repair the screen yourself or seek professional help, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully. Remember to protect your phone in the future by using a durable case, a screen protector, and considering insurance coverage.
By taking these steps, you can minimize the chances of another screen mishap and keep your phone looking and functioning like new. With device protection, you can get more life out of your phone. Turn to AT&T for all your unanswered inquiries, from upgrades, to trade-ins, and more.
Visit att.com to browse our products and accessories. Find your local AT&T store to speak with an in-store representative.
Updated by Zoya Cochran, TechBuzz by AT&T and AT&T Business Insights managing editor and contributor.
This article is AT&T sponsored content originally written by former TechBuzz contributor, Carly Milne. The statements in this article are his own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
