Hardware Repair

Beginners Guide To Replacing Smartphone Screens

February 25, 2024

Introduction

Replacing a cracked or broken smartphone screen is a common repair that many smartphone owners attempt. As smartphones become more ubiquitous, broken screens are an unavoidable issue. With some basic tools and patience, replacing a smartphone screen is a DIY project even beginners can tackle. This guide will walk you through everything I learned as a first-time screen replacer. I’ll cover the basics of smartphone screen construction, prep work, removing the old screen, installing the new screen, and testing the repair. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to breathe new life into your smartphone and save money in the process. Let’s get started!

Smartphone Screen Construction

Understanding the basics of how a smartphone screen is constructed will help as you embark on this repair project. Here’s a quick overview of the layers and components that make up a smartphone screen:

Glass or plastic outer layer – This protective layer shields the screen from scratches and impacts. Glass is more premium while plastic is cheaper.
LCD display – The LCD panel contains the liquid crystals that form the pixels creating the actual image you interact with.
Touchscreen digitizer – This layer detects touches and gestures on the screen. It’s usually integrated into the LCD panel.
Adhesive layers – Optically clear adhesive sticks the glass outer layer to the LCD display underneath.
Backlight – LEDs illuminate the screen from behind allowing you to see the images on the LCD panel.

Understanding the stackup of layers in the screen will help during disassembly and reassembly. Now let’s look at the preparation work involved before replacing a smartphone screen.

Pre-Repair Prep Work

Completing some prep work before you begin the actual screen replacement will make the process smoother. Here are the key steps I recommend before you start:

Purchase replacement screen – Buy a replacement screen that specifically matches your smartphone model. Screens are not universally interchangeable.
Backup smartphone data – Backup any data on your phone in case anything goes wrong during the repair. Better safe than sorry.
Charge smartphone battery – A charged battery prevents the smartphone from powering off during the procedure.
Clean work area – Clear a clean, well-lit work area to complete the repair without losing any small components.
Gather tools – Have fine tip tweezers, plastic prying tools, precision screwdrivers, gloves, and magnifying glass on hand.
Watch repair videos – Check YouTube for videos of repairs on your specific smartphone model to get an idea of the process.

With the proper preparation complete, you’re ready to safely remove the old cracked screen. Let’s dive in.

Removing the Damaged Screen

Removing the old screen is the first step to installing the new replacement screen. With the right techniques, you can remove the original screen without damaging any of the internal components:

Remove any screws – Use the appropriate precision screwdriver to remove any screws securing the screen to the smartphone body. Keep screws organized.
Separate phone body – Often the rear case needs to be pried open to access the screen. Use a plastic prying tool to gently separate the body.
Disconnect cables – Use tweezers or precision tools to disconnect any cables attaching the screen to the phone’s motherboard. Be gentle.
Heat adhesive – Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften any adhesive securing the screen. This helps separate the screen.
Slice through adhesive – Run an exacto knife or razor blade along the edges to cut through adhesive. Go slowly and follow the edge.
Lift old screen – Once all screws are removed and adhesive sliced, slowly lift the original screen away from the phone body.

Patience and care are required at this step to avoid damaging cables or electronics inside the phone. Safely removing the old screen is the biggest hurdle for first-timers.

Installing the Replacement Screen

With the original screen removed, it’s time to install the new replacement screen. Follow these tips when attaching the new screen:

Check screen fit – Test fit the new screen to ensure it aligns properly within the body before installing.
Reconnect cables – Use tweezers to carefully reconnect any cables that were detached during removal. Refer to videos if unsure.
Clean surfaces – Use alcohol wipes to clean the phone body and new screen. This helps the adhesive stick.
Apply fresh adhesive – Lay adhesive strips or dots around the perimeter where the screen will attach.
Mate surfaces – Slowly lower the new screen into place, applying gentle but firm pressure to adhere it.
Replace brackets – Reinstall any metal brackets or screws that secure the screen to the smartphone body.
Check for gaps – Inspect the edges to make sure the screen is flush with no gaps between surfaces.

Take it slowly and double check connections. Rushing can lead to a faulty installation. If aligned properly, the fresh adhesive will bond the new screen in place.

Testing the Repair

With the new screen installed, it’s time to fire up the smartphone and test your work:

Reseal phone body – If you separated the rear case, snap it back into place and insert any screws.
Power on phone – Press and hold the power button to boot up the smartphone.
Check display – Verify the new screen lights up and displays a picture. Also check for any dead pixels.
Test touch input – Open apps and tap around the screen to ensure the touch digitizer is responsive.
Examine edges – Look along the edges for a tight seal with no light leakage around the perimeter.
Use phone normally – Make calls, send texts, browse web. Try out all normal usage to confirm full function.

Don’t reassemble the phone fully until you’ve verified the screen replacement was a success. If issues arise, it’s much easier to troubleshoot and re-do the repair with the phone still opened up.

Summary

While daunting for beginners, replacing a cracked smartphone screen is very doable with some research preparation. Following this process of understanding screen construction, prepping your tools and workspace, removing the damaged screen, installing the replacement, and thoroughly testing the repair will set you up for success. Take it slow, double check everything, and don’t be afraid to lean on the abundance of online videos and guides. With some perseverance, you can save money and breathe new life into your smartphone by replacing the screen yourself.