Fixing a Broken Laptop Screen
Assessing the Damage
When I opened my laptop one morning, I was dismayed to see a giant crack across the screen. The laptop was still working, but there was a large black line through the middle of the display.
First, I had to assess the damage to determine if it was something I could fix myself or if I needed to take it to a professional repair shop. I looked closely at the cracked screen and saw that the LCD panel underneath was clearly broken. However, the rest of the laptop seemed intact – the hinges were fine and the plastic frame wasn’t cracked.
Based on the location and severity of the crack, I determined that the LCD panel would need to be replaced, but the repair was something I could potentially do myself.
Buying a Replacement LCD Panel
Once I decided to repair the laptop screen myself, the next step was finding the right replacement LCD panel to buy.
I looked up my laptop model number online to find the exact size, resolution, and model number of my existing LCD screen. Knowing the right specifications ensured that I got a compatible replacement part.
I found LCD panels available from a number of online retailers. I compared prices and delivery times to find the best deal on an exact replacement screen. I ordered a new 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) LCD panel for my Dell Inspiron model.
The replacement LCD cost me $85 including shipping – much cheaper than taking it to a repair shop.
Disassembling the Laptop
With the new LCD panel on its way, I watched some online tutorial videos to prepare for taking apart my laptop. Since models vary, I looked specifically for videos showing how to replace a screen in the same Dell Inspiron model that I had.
Once I received the replacement LCD in the mail, I cleared a large flat workspace and gathered the tools I would need:
- Small phillips head screwdriver
- Plastic prying tools
- Microfiber cloth
I followed step-by-step instructions to:
- Remove the plastic bezel covering the edges of the screen
- Disconnect the LCD cable from the motherboard
- Unscrew the hinges attaching the LCD to the laptop base
- Carefully lift out the old cracked LCD panel
Taking my time and following the video guides, I was able to fully disassemble the laptop without any major difficulties.
Installing the New LCD
With the old cracked LCD removed, I was ready to install the new replacement panel. I made sure to handle it gently by the edges and avoid touching the screen itself.
I seated the new LCD into place and began reassembling the laptop in reverse order:
- I screwed the hinges back into place, carefully aligning the new panel
- I reconnected the LCD cable to the motherboard
- I snapped the plastic bezel back on around the edges
After double checking that all screws were tightened and connections secure, I turned the laptop on to test out the new screen. The replacement LCD powered up perfectly with no issues. My laptop looked good as new again!
The Takeaway
While replacing a broken laptop screen requires disassembling most of the device, it was not as difficult as I feared with the right replacement part and tutorial guides. Doing it myself saved hundreds of dollars over taking it to a repair shop. With some care and patience, most broken laptop screens can be fixed by DIY replacement of just the damaged LCD panel.
