A cracked or smashed laptop screen is one of the most common issues laptop owners face. As soon as you see those cracks spread across your display or hear the sound of your screen shattering when it hits the ground, you’re faced with an important decision – should you repair or replace the screen? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros, cons, costs, and steps involved with both options to help you make the right choice.
Assessing the Damage
The first step is to thoroughly inspect the damage.
- Are there hairline cracks or major fractures?
- Is the LCD panel still fully functional and displaying an image?
- Is the backlight bleeding through anywhere?
- Are there any distorted areas or dead pixels?
- Is the glass pane or LCD panel damaged?
Minor cracks may not immediately affect usability, but will likely spread over time. Significant cracks, fractures, bleeding, distortions, or dead pixels indicate a broken LCD panel and the need for replacement. Cracked glass alone may be repairable.
Carefully consider if a repair is feasible based on the type and extent of damage.
Repairing the Screen
Repairing a laptop screen involves replacing just the damaged components, not the entire display. Typical repair options include:
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Glass replacement – The top glass layer is replaced while keeping the LCD intact. Ideal for cracked glass with undamaged LCD.
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LCD replacement – The LCD panel is swapped out while reusing the intact glass pane. Best for cracked LCD panels.
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Backlight repair – Fixes backlight issues like bleeding without replacing LCD or glass.
Cost of Repair
Laptop screen repairs typically cost between $100 and $350 depending on the make, model, and type of repair:
- Glass replacement – $120 to $200
- LCD replacement – $150 to $300
- Backlight repair – $100 to $150
High-end laptops like MacBooks often cost more. Extra charges may apply for pickup/delivery.
Repair Process
Screen repairs should only be performed by experienced professionals. The process involves:
- Ordering replacement parts specific to your laptop model
- Carefully disassembling the display assembly
- Removing old glass pane, LCD panel, or backlight
- Installing the new replacement parts
- Reassembling the laptop and testing display
- Calibrating colors, brightness, and touch sensitivity
High-quality components and proper installation are vital for getting a flawless repair. Avoid cheap aftermarket parts.
Replacing the Entire Screen
For major cracks, fractures, or obsolete laptop models, replacing the entire display assembly may be better than just repairing components.
Cost of Replacement
Complete LCD screen replacement typically ranges from $250 to $600 depending on the laptop model.
Parts for premium laptops and newer models cost more. Touchscreen, 4K, and OLED displays are also pricier.
Replacement Process
The replacement process involves:
- Ordering a fully assembled display panel designed specifically for your exact laptop model
- Complete disassembly to access internal components
- Disconnecting and removing the old LCD assembly
- Installing the new replacement display
- Reassembling the laptop casing
- Testing and calibrating the new display
A full replacement ensures compatibility and restores the screen to factory conditions. However, the labor costs are higher.
Repair vs. Replacement: Which is Better?
Whether to repair or replace your laptop screen depends on several factors:
Cost
- Minor cracks – Cheaper to just replace the glass.
- LCD panel damage – Comparable cost for LCD repair or full replacement.
- Completely shattered – Replacement is cheaper than replacing glass, LCD panel, and backlight.
Convenience
- Repair – Requires disassembly, part replacement, and reassembly. Takes time.
- Replacement – Simple swap of display assemblies. Much quicker process.
Performance
- Repair – Might not fully fix backlight bleeding or dead pixels.
- Replacement – Returns display to like-new factory condition.
Laptop Age
- Old laptop – Not worth investing in repairs. Go for replacement.
- New laptop – Repairs are viable to extend display life.
In summary, minor cracks warrant glass repair while major damage requires complete replacement. Also replace screens on very old laptops. Evaluate cost, time, performance gain, and laptop age before deciding.
Hiring a Professional Repair Service
Screen repairs and replacements require experience working with sensitive electronics. Do not attempt DIY repairs unless you have the proper skills. Instead, seek professionals:
- Check local repair shops that service laptops.
- Mail-in options from retailers like Dell and HP.
- Experienced freelance technicians on sites like UbreakIfix.
- Electronics repair chains like Geek Squad and UbreakIfix.
Verify services, warranties, quality of parts, and turnaround times when choosing a repair provider.
Preventing Future Screen Damage
Avoid needing future screen repairs or replacements by handling your laptop carefully:
- Always store your laptop in a protective sleeve or bag when not in use.
- Don’t place heavy objects on top of your closed laptop.
- Never pickup your laptop by the screen. Always grasp the base.
- Keep the screen closed when carrying your laptop around.
- Avoid placing your laptop in areas where it can get knocked off or dropped.
- Only clean the screen with microfiber cloths and approved cleaners.
- Install a screen protector to prevent cracks and scratches.
With proper care and handling, you can extend the life of your laptop display. But if damage does occur, weigh the choice between repairing specific components versus replacing the entire screen. Making the right decision can save you money while getting your laptop’s screen back to flawless working order.
