The undoubted convenience of a tablet computer or a modern smartphone is the touch screen - it is very easy to work with. But this is overshadowed by unsightly cracks on its surface. Damage can be prevented if a special protective film is applied to the device immediately after purchase, but it has a detrimental effect on the sensitivity of the touchscreen. It’s worth taking a closer look at how to get rid of scratches on the screen of a phone, tablet or any other touch device.
How to remove a crack from a phone screen - folk remedies
You can use both folk remedies and professional ones. The best solution is to change the glass, but if this is not possible, then it is worth using independent means for such activities.
The user himself accepts the risk of using the methods listed below or not. It is not necessary to guarantee that everyone will help a person get rid of a scratch. Of course, each method will cope with a small scratch, but not with a larger one. No one can be held responsible for damage except the person himself, because he determines his actions.
Car polishes
Car polishes are a great option as they are often used to polish cars or other vehicles themselves. They do an excellent job of polishing, which is why they can help eliminate various cracks or scratches.
To start using it, you must find such a paste. As a rule, it is purchased at various service stations, where this procedure is often practiced. Once the user has found it, he must take some of the paste itself, as well as a soft cloth. The product must be applied to the display, and then begin to rub it with a soft cloth at the crack site.
It is necessary to perform polishing actions, circular movements, in order to cope with the scratch. Typically, after a few minutes the scratch becomes less noticeable.
Vegetable oil
A questionable method that also has its place. His wanderings on the Internet began with the fact that someone was able to eliminate minor defects with his help. In practice, this is impossible, since the oil itself does not have such properties, as well as abrasive particles.
Despite this, a beautiful shine and gloss will appear on the phone, which can make it look new and attractive. To use this method, simply apply oil to a soft cloth, and then rub it over the surface with polishing movements. Then wipe with a dry cloth and the salon effect of a new phone is ready.
Toothpaste
It turns out that regular toothpaste, which every person has in their bathroom, will help the user cope with some cracks or scratches that could appear after some cases, such as dropping the device, or simply careless handling.
It is worth noting that this method is very popular. This is due to the fact that many people have simple toothpaste at home. The method is accessible - this is its distinctive property and main advantage.
Toothpaste works because it has abrasive properties. If it helps clean teeth, it can also cope with other surfaces. It is worth giving preference to pastes rather than gels. The operating algorithm is as follows:
- First you need to apply a small amount of paste to the device itself;
- After this, using a napkin or cotton pad, the polishing actions themselves begin. It is necessary to move in circles around the device, carefully passing the location of the scratch itself;
- After this, you need to clean the screen from the paste. To do this, you should go over with a damp cloth, and then with a dry one, for a more lasting effect.
Note! Regular toothpaste for polishing is suitable. No need to use tooth gel.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a great helper that can be found in every kitchen. It is worth noting that baking soda, like other products, has abrasive particles that help deal with any crack. The main thing is to prepare the correct solution, since the dry mixture is never used:
- To prepare the solution, you need to take half a teaspoon of soda and mix it with a small amount of water until a homogeneous mass is formed;
- After this mass is applied directly to the problem area;
- Next you need to polish the surface in a circular motion;
- Then wipe the screen dry, first with a damp and then with a dry cloth.
Talc
Talc has polishing properties, so it does an excellent job when you need to remove minor defects.
I don’t use pure talc, you need to prepare a mixture: talc is mixed with water in a ratio of 3:1 to form a homogeneous porridge.
After preparing the mixture, apply it directly to the phone screen, and then pass it with a cloth and begin to rub it in until the defect begins to be eliminated. The method is available for testing by everyone.
Furniture cleaner
Some aerosol furniture cleaners are actually suitable for this purpose. It is necessary to first secure the phone connectors so that liquid does not get into them.
After closing, you need to apply a little product to the device and start wiping the screen with a soft cloth. After completing the steps, you can wipe the smartphone with a soft cloth. A salon shine will appear, minor defects will disappear.
Aluminum Potassium Sulfate and Egg White
This is such an unusual powder that does an excellent job of cleaning. A paste is often prepared from it, which is subsequently kneaded and then applied to the screen itself in order to remove some dirt and scratches.
It is worth noting that after polishing and cleaning, the scratch actually becomes smaller. After the procedure itself, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned of residues.
It is very difficult to remove severe surface defects in this way; you should give preference to other methods, but small scratches can be removed quite easily.
Search for parts
There are different types of screens. Conceptually there is a display and a touchscreen (sensor). The display displays the image, and the touchscreen is essentially a sensor through which you can control the smartphone.
Screens on smartphones are implemented in several ways:
- Separate display and touchscreen. There is an air gap between them. Most often these are simple TFT displays. If there is a crack on the touchscreen, but the screen itself works, then it is enough to replace the touchscreen.
- Modular assembly. Both the sensor and the display are a single unit. There is no air gap between them; instead there is glue that covers the entire area. Glass is added to this sandwich on top, which performs a protective function. Or, for example, there may only be a display and a sensor, but no protective glass (not to be confused with a protective film).
How to identify a modular screen
Just pay attention to the reflection on your smartphone screen. If it doubles, then the display and touchscreen are not made in the form of a module. You can also apply a little pressure on the screen and the sensor will begin to stick to the display. If the image does not double, then it is a modular smartphone.
Or you can search on the Internet. Just enter the name and model of the smartphone (and year of manufacture, if it’s Samsung).
If the screen is of a modular type, then the cost and complexity of repairs increase significantly. For example, the screen on the A320F smartphone is broken.
It lights up, but there is no picture. If there was an image, you could change the touchscreen. However, this is a modular type of screen; you will need to either cut off the broken touchscreen or very carefully peel it off. The whole difficulty lies in the AMOLED display. It is thin and fragile, any careless and sudden movement can lead to a crack. One crack is enough to destroy the entire display. In addition, for a good repair you need an ultraviolet lamp and special glue.
In this case, only replacing the module will help, since the display does not work. There are several options available for sale. There is a copy of the module. This is a TFT display. It displays colors worse, has no brightness adjustment and has glare. The main advantage of such a module is its low price compared to the original.
As you can see, the price of the original differs from the copy by more than 3,000 rubles.
This does not include consumables and tools. Then the smartphone user decides whether to buy the original module or take a copy, but much cheaper.
You can buy a module or a separate touchscreen either in a specialized store or on the Internet.
Even before purchasing, you need to take into account an important detail - the presence of different revisions or models of the device.
For example, the tablet model is almost the same.
Both characteristics and external data. However, the internal filling is completely different. And you can mistakenly order and buy a completely unnecessary spare part. It may differ in cables and attachment points. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying your device model to see if there are different revisions or types of models. It is also advisable to first disassemble the tablet or smartphone and visually compare the screen you are purchasing with the one that is broken. All cables and attachment points must be 100% identical.
When purchasing, make sure that there are no cracks on the part you are purchasing, that the cables are intact, and that all seals are in place.
Seals, ribbons, and protective films must not be torn off before checking the functionality of the part. This is very important, if the protective film or seal is torn off and the part turns out to be defective, then it will no longer be possible to return it. No one is insured against a defective or damaged part, so it must be checked before installation and glue.
When ordering a part from an online store, you need to take a video of its unpacking and visual inspection. Also, protective seals and films cannot be peeled off. This will be the only evidence that the part was received in this particular form. It is not uncommon for glass and screens to break during delivery due to mail. And unscrupulous sellers may seal the damaged cable with tape.
Professional products
Indeed, there are special products that are designed to eliminate scratches. Many users really rely on it, since such substances are sold in professional stores, where they should know a lot about it. In fact, sometimes it really works. The main thing is to find a quality product.
After purchasing such a professional solution, it must be applied to a microfiber cloth, and then applied to the display in a circular motion. After this, you can start polishing the device. As it hovered, 10 minutes is enough for minor scratches to become smaller and some to disappear.
You must read the instructions carefully to use this method correctly. It is worth following the recommendations, as well as the time indicated.
No. 4 Out of warranty repair
If you can't take the time or don't have the experience needed to repair your cracked iPhone or Android screen yourself, there are other solutions.
Explore the possibility of warranty repair for your device. Apple offers a one-time iPhone screen repair option that is cheaper than buying parts and doing the repair yourself, although in some cases it will still be cheaper to do it yourself.
IPhone 5 out of warranty - Screen replacement - $129 IPhone 5s / out of warranty - Screen replacement - $129 IPhone 6 out of warranty - Screen replacement - $109 IPhone 6 out of warranty - Screen replacement - $129 IPhone SE out of warranty - Screen replacement - $ 129 IPhone 6s out of warranty - Screen replacement - $129 IPhone 6s Plus out of warranty - Screen replacement - $149 IPhone 7 out of warranty - Screen replacement - $129 IPhone 7 Plus out of warranty - Screen replacement - $149
For other manufacturers, you will need to contact Samsung, HTC or other manufacturers to get a quote for fixing your faulty Android screen.
How to polish your phone screen from scratches mechanically
For this method, you can use sandpaper or felt. It is worth noting that the method is extreme, the user can use it at his own peril and risk, as it can damage the phone even more.
Note! You need to find a fine-grained sandpaper, otherwise it won’t work. You can ask about “zero” in stores. They will give you the correct one.
After tearing off a piece of felt or sandpaper, you need to carefully begin to move in a circular motion directly to the scratch site. After removing it, you should also polish it with a soft cloth to consolidate the effect.
More details about this method can be seen in this video.
No. 1 Contact the manufacturer
Before attempting any screen repairs, you should contact the company that made your phone to replace your broken screen with a new one.
See if you can get your screen repaired or replaced for free.
Apple offers AppleCare+ if you make the purchase within 60 days of purchasing the smartphone. For amounts starting at $99, depending on your iPhone, you receive a deductible for accidental damage. If you have AppleCare+, you'll need to pay $29 for screen repair at a company or partner store, and technicians will replace the screen on-site while you wait, or by shipping it in, send your smartphone in for warranty repair.
HTC offers a Uh-Oh protection plan that covers screen replacement if the HTC One M9 breaks within the first year. This is a free replacement and you will have to mail the phone back. But don't worry about the time - HTC is fast.
Samsung sells warranty plans with the Galaxy S7 for other Samsung phones, similar to AppleCare+. If you buy the seven before damage occurs, you will be protected.
How not to remove scratches on your phone
There are recommendations and instructions for people who want to make their device perfectly clean, without any scratches. You shouldn't fly in the clouds, but you should take precautions:
- Do not use any polishing methods while the device is hot. This may lead to its sensor simply deteriorating;
- You cannot use methods with acetone and other strong agents. After using such methods, you can really forget about a high-quality display, since such substances are quite caustic;
- You should not use several methods in one day. If some method does not help, then you need to wait a day, and then repeat it or try something new;
- Do not remove heavy scratches. This is useless, you should replace the screen instead of giving in to your dreams.
The user is responsible for his device and does so at his own risk.
Why does the screen not work after replacement?
If a part was tested before installation, but after final installation it behaves as if it were faulty, then there are several main reasons. Error during installation or screwed in bolt. An installation error may be due to either a poorly secured cable or damage to it. And with a bolt screwed in everything is worse. This happens very often on iPhone. If the wrong size bolt was screwed into a different seat, then most likely the board or microcircuit was damaged. Another sign of such an error is stripes on the screen.
Further repairs and diagnostics will have to begin with the device’s motherboard.
What to do with a crack on the screen
After a scratch appears, users are not so worried, but when a crack appears, that’s when they should start to panic. A crack, if you don’t start fixing it in advance, can lead to many unpleasant events in the form of a damaged phone system, as well as a non-working sensor. It is necessary to begin elimination immediately so that later it is not too late:
- It is necessary to assess the situation. Sometimes the user has no choice but to contact the center for glass replacement. Maybe there's no point in trying?
- It’s worth contacting a service center, where you can either replace the glass or recommend something additional;
- View glass prices. Usually, there is no point in installing new glass, since it does not cover the cost of the device itself;
- For small cracks, first aid can be provided in the form of protective glass.
Vyacheslav
For several years he worked in mobile phone stores of two large operators. I understand tariffs well and see all the pitfalls. I love gadgets, especially Android ones.
Ask a Question
Question to the expert
Is it possible to remove a crack using folk remedies?
No. Under no circumstances should this be done, as this will cause substances to enter directly into the system, thereby damaging the contacts. The phone may stop working altogether.
When should you contact the service center?
Immediately after a crack occurs. It is worth understanding that this problem will not go away, so you need to take the first steps immediately.
You can install the glass yourself
Yes, this is possible, but non-professionals should not do it themselves. You should watch the video below for more details on this.
In what situations should the display be replaced?
If the crack is small, then you can ignore it. It is also better to replace this module, but most likely there is no need to go to a workshop. Modern phones in most cases have “Multi-layer” displays. For example: the layer that displays the picture and the touch screen are glued together. If this is so, then such a smartphone can be used for quite a long time.
It is unlikely that there is another glass at the top of the module. If a phone's cracked glass does not break off and has virtually no effect on its functionality, there is no particular need to take the phone to a repair shop.
How to prevent scratches and cracks
So that you don’t have to look for steps to remove many scratches, you just need to carefully prevent their occurrence. This can be done using simple recommendations:
- It is worth purchasing a bumper or case that will protect not only the back panel of the phone, but also the top. Such cases are not sold in every store. They resemble a folding bed;
- It is necessary to use a protective film, or better yet, glass;
- You cannot carry your phone in the same pocket with keys or other metal items;
- You should not give your phone to others if you are not sure of their accuracy.
These four simple rules will help avoid deaths.
4.1/5 — (40 votes)
The dangers of broken glass
A broken phone can turn off once and for all overnight. But while it is working, many owners do not hand it over for repairs. Why is such a device dangerous?
The screen does not respond to touches
The sensor is installed on top of the display, and it suffers first of all. The module does not respond to touch. This problem can be resolved by replacing the screen.
If the glass is broken, the sensor may trigger randomly, which leads to rapid wear of parts and failure. And this leads to buying a new phone.
Glass will damage the inside of the smartphone
If glass shards get inside, you cannot use this device. They can disrupt the operation of parts and microcircuits, the replacement of which will be comparable in price to buying a new phone. Such a gadget must be immediately taken for repair, and if there is no financial opportunity to do this right away, it is better to use another one.
Moisture may get in
When the glass breaks, the seal of the phone case is broken. For moisture to get inside, it is enough to get caught in the rain, after which it causes wear of the iron and a short circuit of the microcircuits, the operation of which cannot be restored.
#5 Local repair shop
If you can't realistically get to an Apple Store or don't want to send your Android phone back to the manufacturer, you can go to your local repair shop. Even in small towns, as a rule, there is someone who will repair broken iPhone screens or Android screens.
Keep in mind that a private repairman may not use original parts. Apple no longer voids the warranty if the iPhone is repaired by third-party manufacturers or private repairmen. This is good news, but if there is any damage to the iPhone from a third-party repair, you may get your warranty voided. If your phone is less than a year old, it may be worth looking towards an official repair.
As for local workshops. Find out if they provide any guarantee on their work. Many provide a short warranty period, a couple of months or even less.
