Getting a cracked or broken laptop screen can be frustrating. However, with the right tools and patience, fixing a broken laptop screen is totally doable as a DIY project. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully repair your laptop’s display.
Assessing the Damage
The first step is to thoroughly examine the damage to determine what exactly needs to be fixed or replaced.
Types of Damage
There are a few common types of laptop screen damage:
-
Cracked screen – This is when the LCD panel itself is cracked, causing lines or spiderwebs across the display. Cracked screens need to be replaced.
-
Broken LCD – If the screen is black, blurred, or distorted, the LCD is likely broken and needs replacing.
-
Faulty cable – Sometimes a screen stays black due to a damaged video cable connecting the LCD to the motherboard. The cable just needs to be reseated or replaced.
-
Inverter failure – The inverter provides power to the backlight in the display. If the inverter is bad, the screen will be very dim or black.
Inspecting the Damage
Carefully inspect the screen and determine what type of damage occurred. Pay attention to any visible cracks, dark spots, color distortion, flickering, or dimming issues.
See if an external monitor works when connected to the laptop. If the external display works fine, it points to an issue with the laptop screen itself, not the graphics.
Gathering Your Replacement Parts and Tools
Once you’ve diagnosed the issue, it’s time to get the replacement parts and tools you’ll need for the repair.
Parts
-
LCD panel – For cracked or broken screens, you’ll need to purchase a new LCD panel. Make sure it’s compatible with your laptop model.
-
Video cable – If a faulty cable is the culprit, buy a new display cable.
-
Inverter – If the inverter is malfunctioning, purchase a compatible replacement inverter board.
-
Replacement lid – For major cracking or damage, replacing the entire display lid may be needed.
Tools
Here are some essential tools for laptop screen repair:
- Small Phillips screwdriver
- Prying tools like a flathead screwdriver or guitar pick
- Tweezers
- Isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloth
Step-by-Step Repair Instructions
With your new parts and tools in hand, you’re ready to fix that busted screen. Follow these steps closely:
1. Remove the Bezel
- Pry up the plastic bezel starting at a corner. Slowly work your way around, releasing plastic clips.
- Be careful not to crack the bezel. Go slow and apply even pressure.
- Once the bezel is removed, set it aside.
2. Detach the Display Panel
- Remove any screws securing the display panel to the lid.
- Gently lift up the panel and disconnect the display cable attached to the back.
- Remove any pieces of broken glass if the LCD panel itself cracked.
3. Install the New Display
- Attach the new LCD panel or cable to the lid. Make sure the connections are secure.
-
Replace any screws that hold the display in place. Do not over tighten.
-
Carefully snap the bezel back into place around the edges of the panel.
4. Reassemble the Laptop
- Place the display lid back onto the laptop case and reconnect hinges.
- Replace all screws to re-secure the lid.
- Power on the laptop and test that the new display works!
Troubleshooting Tips
If your repaired laptop screen still doesn’t work, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Try reseating the display cable on both ends.
- Verify the LCD panel is compatible and installed correctly.
- Check for a bad inverter if the backlight doesn’t power on.
- Try connecting an external monitor again to isolate the issue.
With concentration and by carefully following each repair step, you can successfully replace a broken laptop screen on your own. Patience and the right parts are key. While daunting at first, fixing a busted laptop display is very doable with the right DIY approach.
