Introduction
Screens are one of the most vulnerable parts of electronic devices like laptops and phones. Cracks, scratches, and broken screens are common forms of physical damage. Repairing physical screen damage can seem daunting, but is often simpler than it appears. This guide will cover common screen problems and how to repair laptop and phone screens yourself or through professional services.
Assessing the Damage
Before attempting any repairs, thoroughly inspect the screen damage. Pay attention to:
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Type of damage – Cracks, chips, scratches, discoloration, dead pixels, etc.
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Severity of damage – Size, depth, location of cracks or scratches.
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Impact on functionality – Are parts of the screen unresponsive to touch? Is visibility impaired?
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Cause of damage – Accidental drops, compression damage, closing lid on debris, etc. Understanding the cause can prevent future damage.
Document the damage with photos from multiple angles and magnification. Use a magnifying glass to inspect scratches and cracks closely.
Repairing Laptop Screens
Laptop screens are layered components glued into the display assembly. Proper repairs require separating these layers carefully without causing further damage.
Cracked LCD Panel
The LCD panel is the innermost display layer. Cracks often start in the corner and spiderweb across the panel.
Repair options:
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Screen replacement – The LCD panel cannot be repaired, only replaced. This requires disassembling the screen and replacing the entire LCD component.
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External monitor – Connect an external monitor via HDMI or other ports as a temporary solution.
Backlight Bleeding
With backlight bleeding, light leaks through cracked corners or edges. The backlight sits behind the LCD panel.
Repair options:
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Screen replacement – Like LCD cracks, backlight housing damage requires total screen replacement.
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Backlight repair – Some minor backlight issues can be fixed by reseating cables and connectors between the LCD panel and backlight.
Dead Pixels
Dead pixels are unresponsive, discolored spots on the screen. They are caused by transistor or wiring failures.
Repair options:
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Pixel repair – Specialized shops can repair dead pixels by reactivating transistors. This is affordable for isolated pixels.
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Screen replacement – Extensive dead pixels across the whole screen will require replacement.
Scratched Screen Surface
The front glass or plastic layer gets scratched from frequent wiping and objects like keys in a bag.
Repair options:
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Screen protector – Plastic screen protectors prevent further scratching. They peel off easily when damaged.
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Screen replacement – Deep gouges in the screen surface cannot be repaired, only replaced.
Repairing Phone Screens
Phone screens feature thin glass bonded to the LCD display underneath. Cracks must be repaired quickly before moisture damages the LCD.
Cracked or Shattered Screen
Phone screens commonly crack on concrete drops. The glass can crack slightly or shatter completely.
Repair options:
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Screen replacement – Cracked glass cannot be repaired, only replaced. Phone repair shops can source replacement glass and perform screen swaps.
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DIY screen kit – Replacement screens with basic tools can be purchased as kits for common phone models. Carefully watch tutorial videos before attempting.
Dead Pixels
Like laptops, dead pixels are isolated dark/bright spots caused by hardware failure.
Repair options:
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Pixel repair – Shops can repair a few dead pixels affordably if confined to one area.
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Screen replacement – Widespread pixel defects across the screen will require replacement.
Water Damage
Water can seep beneath the glass and cause LCD corrosion. Damage may manifest slowly over time.
Repair options:
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LCD repair – If water ingress was minor, carefully cleaning and drying connectors may salvage the LCD.
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Screen replacement – Visible corrosion on the LCD will eventually spread, needing full replacement.
Choosing Repair Shops
Look for repair shops that:
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Have certified, experienced technicians specifically for phone/laptop repair
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Use high-quality OEM or OEM-grade replacement parts
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Provide warranties on parts and workmanship
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Have stellar customer reviews mentioning quality work, fair pricing
Avoid shops that seem questionable or unreliable. Getting the repair done properly is worth the search for a reputable shop.
DIY or Professional Repairs?
You can often save money doing simple screen repairs yourself. But weigh the risks:
- DIY kits and tutorials are abundantly available online for common phones and laptops
- Perform repairs in a clean, organized workspace to prevent damage to tiny components
- Working slowly and carefully is critical to avoid cracking sensitive layers
- Any mistakes could severely damage the device and make professional repair much costlier
For complex screen repairs beyond your skill level, hire professional technicians to avoid the frustrations and risks of DIY repairs gone wrong.
Conclusion
Damaged screens are a common electronics headache. With careful assessment of the damage and good repair choices, phones and laptops can be restored fully. Be selective in choosing repair shops, and be cautious before attempting DIY repairs on fragile screens. Patience and care will reward you with a flawless screen that looks brand new.
