Cracked Screen? Here’s What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do A cracked smartphone screen is one of the most common and most frustrating problems mobile users face. Whether it slipped out of your pocket, fell from your hand, or got knocked off the table, the result is the same: a spiderweb of cracks that makes your phone look (and sometimes feel) unusable. But before you panic or rush to the nearest repair shop, it’s important to know the right steps to take and the mistakes to avoid. Acting wisely can save you money, protect your data, and keep your device working longer.
What You Should Do When Your Screen Cracks 1. Assess the Damage Not all cracks are the same. Some are surface-level scratches that don’t affect functionality, while others may impact touch sensitivity, visibility, or even expose internal parts. Check if: ● The touchscreen still responds. ● The display is visible without distortion. ● There are sharp edges that could injure your fingers.
This quick assessment helps you decide whether it’s safe to keep using your phone until repair.
2. Protect Your Fingers If the glass has sharp edges, apply a screen protector or transparent tape over the cracks. This prevents glass shards from cutting your fingers and also stops further spreading of cracks.
3. Back Up Your Data Even if your phone is still usable, cracks can worsen over time or lead to display failure. Immediately back up your photos, contacts, and important files to the cloud or a computer.
4. Consider Temporary Fixes
If you can’t repair it immediately, a tempered glass protector can help hold the screen together and prevent further damage until you get professional help.
5. Get Professional Repair Help DIY repair kits may look tempting, but modern smartphones are complex, and improper handling can cause more harm than good. Visiting a trusted repair service ensures the problem is fixed correctly, whether it’s replacing just the glass or the entire screen.
What You Shouldn’t Do When Your Screen Cracks 1. Don’t Ignore It Small cracks tend to grow over time due to pressure, heat, or further drops. Ignoring them may eventually damage the display and touchscreen permanently.
2. Don’t Use Super Glue or Tape as a Permanent Fix While tape can be a temporary protective measure, using adhesives like super glue can seep into the screen and damage internal components. This often leads to more expensive repairs.
3. Don’t Try Risky DIY Replacements Screen replacement requires special tools and expertise. Watching a video tutorial might give you confidence, but one wrong step could break connectors or void warranties.
4. Don’t Delay Repairs Too Long The longer you use a cracked screen, the greater the risk of moisture, dirt, or dust entering your phone. This can damage internal circuits and escalate repair costs.
When to Replace vs. Repair ● Minor cracks: If they don’t affect usability, you may wait a short while but should plan for repair soon. ● Major cracks or unresponsive screens: Immediate replacement is the best option to avoid further damage.
Final Thoughts
A cracked screen is inconvenient but not the end of the world. By protecting yourself, backing up your data, and avoiding quick-fix mistakes, you can minimize the impact. The smartest move is to seek professional help early it saves both your phone and your pocket in the long run. For reliable and affordable smartphone repairs, GoFix is here to help. From cracked screens to battery replacements, GoFix ensures quality service with genuine parts and expert technicians so you can get your device back in perfect shape, hassle-free.