To directly address the question: No, there is no way to “fix” a cracked iPhone screen without replacing it. While there are temporary solutions to stop the spread of minor cracks, most situations will eventually require a screen replacement for a permanent fix. You can use something over the screen to prevent the further spread of the damage, but the damage that is done will be there permanently. Here’s a detailed look at the options available:
Temporary Fixes for Minor Cracks
- Screen Protector: For minor cracks, applying a screen protector can help prevent further damage and keep the glass shards in place. This won’t fix the crack but can make the screen safer to use in the short term. You’ll find screen protectors everywhere online, at big box stores, and most cell phone shops in your area. Look for a ‘screen protector’, ‘tempered glass‘, ‘screen cover’, etc.
- Phone Case With Front Cover: In the same vein as getting a dedicated screen protector, you can get a case that covers the front of your phone. This method probably won’t be as good as a having a dedicated adhesive backed screen protector bonding the glass together but it will be good as a way to avoid getting cuts and scrapes from the glass being broken.
- DIY Repair Kits: There are crack repair kits available that include resins to fill minor cracks. These can temporarily make the screen look better and prevent the crack from spreading, but they don’t restore the original integrity of the screen. Some of them straight up don’t even work so make sure to read the reviews before buying.
- Doing Nothing: For minor cracks that aren’t spreading, you can choose to do absolutely nothing. The only issue with this approach is that your screen could be very vulnerable to any future bumps or hits it might take. Doing nothing might be OK for a short while, but you’re risking the whole screen getting cracked or the tiny crack becoming a much bigger problem for you.
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a quick fix to fill in the holes caused by a minor crack to hold you over until the screen can be replaced, you can use toothpaste to do the trick.
Assessment and Safety Measures
Before attempting any repair, it’s crucial to assess the damage. If your screen is shattered with sharp glass shards, it’s important to prioritize safety, possibly by covering the screen with clear packing tape to prevent injury.
Backing up your iPhone is also advised in case the damage has affected the internal components. You also never know what can happen during the repair process so if your data is valuable and you have access to back it up, do it sooner rather than later.
Professional Repair Options:
Apple Repair Service: Apple offers screen repair services, but these involve screen replacement rather than fixing the existing one. The cost varies depending on whether you have AppleCare+ and the extent of the damage. AppleCare+ significantly reduces the repair cost.
Local Repair Shops: Many local shops offer screen replacement services but make sure you’re reading up on the company you want to go with to make sure they know what they’re doing and use quality parts. Note that by visiting a 3rd party shop you risk voiding any Apple warranty you may have left if non-Apple parts are used. Also, as mentioned previously, the quality of the repair and can vary from shop to shop.
Mail-In Repair Services: These services also replace the screen but can be slower, taking up to a week or more for the repair process. They used to be more popular before cell phone shops became available all over the country. Nowadays there’s not much point to using a mail-in service over a local shop that can do the repair in just a few hours.
DIY Repair:
Self Repair Program: Apple’s Self Repair Program allows you to buy parts and rent tools for screen replacement. This is available for newer iPhone models and requires a good understanding of the repair process. This might be more of a “theoretical” option than an actual one as Apple has never really been that friendly toward self repair. If you can figure out how to get access to the program in your area, go ahead and take advantage of it.
But as a word of caution – repairing an iPhone requires technical skill, and there’s a risk of causing further damage or voiding warranties.
Consideration for Replacement vs. Repair
When dealing with the prospect of a screen replacement (especially cases of severe damage) replacing rather than repairing your phone might make the most sense for you. If you have an older phone that has multiple other issues with it, it might not be cost-effective to fix it. This is especially true for older models where the cost of repair can be close to the cost of replacement or brand new models where the screens aren’t as readily available.
In summary, while there are ways to manage and temporarily fix minor cracks on an iPhone screen, most methods don’t really ‘fix’ the screen without replacement. For significant damage, screen replacement, either through Apple, local repair shops, mail-in services, or DIY, becomes necessary. The choice largely depends on the extent of the damage, cost considerations, and personal preference for repair vs. replacement.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
