Can a Phone Survive with a Cracked Screen? | Explained

Have you ever dropped your phone and heard that awful crack? It’s a feeling we all know too well. You might think about keeping your phone, even with a cracked screen. But, it’s crucial to know the risks and what could happen next. At Asurion, we deal with this a lot, and we’re here to tell you if a phone can keep going with a broken screen.

Key Takeaways

• Cracked phone screens can lead to further damage, increasing the vulnerability to screen shattering¹.
• Cracks and scratches can cause touch screen malfunctions, resulting in delayed response or non-functioning apps¹.
• A distorted screen due to cracks can lead to eye strain and headaches¹.
• Scratches and scrapes on the screen can create openings for water, dirt, and oil to damage the device¹.
• Broken glass from a cracked screen can cut fingers, posing a safety risk¹.

Cracks Can Spread on a Cracked Phone Screen

Cracked phone screens are more than just a cosmetic issue. Once a crack shows up, it can spread fast, making your device more at risk. Steve, a 24-year-old, saw his phone’s small punctures grow into a big line, covering the screen with a green color². Sabina, a court registrar in Auckland, had a screen protector with two “X” shape cracks².

Tiny Cracks Can Lead to Shattering

Even a small crack can lead to big problems. Phone screen expert Nephi Hatcher says phones with a few hairline cracks can still work well with a $5 Duraseal². But, if you drop it again, those small cracks could cause the screen to shatter.

Increased Risk of Further Damage

Leaving a crack unfixed can make it spread and increase the risk of more damage. People spending less than $400 on a new phone often don’t fix it². But, those spending over $1000 might fix minor issues². Not fixing a cracked screen can lead to a worse display, touch issues, and risks from water, dust, and other contaminants³.

It’s important to protect your phone and keep it working well. Fixing a crack quickly can stop more damage and keep your phone working for years²⁴³.

Touch Screen Malfunction and Unresponsiveness

Having a smartphone with a cracked screen can be really frustrating. It often leads to touch screen malfunctions and unresponsiveness. These issues can make your phone nearly unusable, making it hard to use apps and do basic tasks. Let’s look at the common problems with a cracked screen and how to fix them.

One big issue is the “ghost touch” problem, where the screen thinks you’re touching it even when you’re not⁵. This can cause apps to open by themselves, making your phone hard to control. The screen might also be less responsive, making typing or navigating harder⁵.

There are steps we can take to fix touch screen problems⁵. We can restart the device, check for updates, and make sure the screen is clean and clear of any blockages⁵. If these steps don’t work, we might need to get professional help for a detailed check and repair⁵.

The severity of touch screen problems often depends on how badly the screen is damaged⁶. If we ignore a crack, it can get worse, making it harder to fix⁶. Fixing the screen quickly can keep the touch screen working well, keeping the phone functional⁶.

Many touch screen issues might be due to software or settings, not hardware⁷. Regular updates, proper cleaning, and using touch screen testing apps can help solve many problems⁷. But if the issue doesn’t go away, we might need professional help to find and fix any hardware problems⁷.

By knowing what causes touch screen issues and acting on them, we can keep our smartphones working well, even with a cracked screen. Keeping our devices in good shape is key for smooth digital use and a good user experience.

Eyestrain and Distorted View from a Cracked Screen

Our smartphones are a big part of our daily lives. We use them for many things, like checking emails and watching shows. But, a cracked screen can make viewing hard and cause eye strain. Struggling to read text or see content clearly through a cracked screen can lead to headaches and discomfort⁸.

Cracked screens also scatter blue light, which can harm our eyes and vision over time⁸. In fact, between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS)⁹. This can really affect how well you work and your overall health if not fixed.

Difficulty Reading and Viewing Content

A cracked screen makes reading emails, looking at photos, or following GPS directions hard. The distorted view and glare from cracks make focusing tough⁸. This is especially risky while driving, as you can’t see the screen clearly, which is a big safety risk⁸.

Potential Safety Risks While Driving

Using a phone with a cracked screen while driving is very dangerous. The distorted view and eye strain can make it hard to safely drive. Struggling to see directions or important info on a cracked screen increases the risk of accidents. This puts the driver and others on the road at risk⁸.

To keep your vision and safety in check, fix a cracked screen quickly. Getting professional screen repair services helps you see clearly again. This avoids the risks of a damaged screen.

Internal Damage from Dust, Dirt and Moisture

When your phone’s screen gets cracked, it opens the door to many internal problems. Dust, dirt, and moisture can get in through the cracks, harming your phone’s inner parts¹⁰.

Exposure to Inner Components

A cracked screen can also make your phone more prone to water damage. Sadly, about 25% of smartphone users have damaged their device by exposing it to water¹¹. Even a little water inside can cause big problems, so avoid cleaning the cracked screen with a damp cloth.

Loss of Water Resistance

Once your phone’s screen cracks, it can no longer be water-resistant. This has led to legal issues for some companies. For instance, Apple was fined €10m (A$15.5m) in Italy for false water resistance claims¹¹.

To keep your phone water-resistant, act fast if it gets wet. Apple suggests waiting five hours before charging a wet phone. Using silica gel packets can also help dry out any moisture¹¹.

Cuts and Injuries from Glass Shards

A cracked phone screen can be dangerous, especially for our fingers and hands. Sharp edges and glass shards can cause painful cuts and infections¹². Every year, millions get hurt by broken glass at home or work, facing cuts, bleeding, infections, shock, and glass wounds¹³.

Sharp Edges Can Cut Fingers

When we use a cracked screen, the sharp edges can cut our fingers, leading to cuts and bleeding¹². Tempered glass breaks into small pieces, making it safer¹³. But without it, a cracked phone screen is a big risk.

Risk of Glass Particles in Eyes

Using a cracked screen and rubbing our eyes can push glass particles into our eyes. This can cause irritation, pain, and serious damage¹². Taping and gluing small cracks can help, but it’s not a lasting fix¹³. Fixing or replacing the screen is key to avoid these risks.

Broken glass can lead to heat loss, water damage, and let insects in¹³. Fixing glass is cheaper than replacing windows or doors, and it must meet Australian safety standards¹³.

“Westview Glass has been providing glass repair services to Western Australian homes and businesses for over 16 years, offering prompt and professional service following Australian safety standards.”

A cracked phone screen is risky for cuts, injuries, and eye damage. Quick repairs or a new screen are crucial to keep us safe and our devices in good shape.

Can a Phone Survive with a Cracked Screen?

It’s not a good idea to keep using a phone with a cracked screen. Even if a small crack seems harmless, the risks are greater than any benefits. A damaged screen can lead to more problems, like not working right and even safety issues¹⁴¹⁵.

Cracks can spread quickly, making the screen shatter. This harms the display and puts the phone’s inside parts at risk of water damage and short circuits¹⁵.

A cracked screen can also mess with how the phone responds to touch. You might accidentally make calls or send texts. This is a big problem, especially if you’re driving¹⁵.

The damage isn’t just on the screen. A cracked display can cause eye strain and make it hard to see things clearly. This affects how you use the phone and can be a safety risk¹⁵.

Ignoring a cracked screen can lead to more damage inside the phone. Dust, dirt, and moisture can get in and harm the phone’s parts. This might mean expensive repairs or needing a new phone¹⁵.

In short, it’s not safe or wise to use a phone with a cracked screen. The dangers of more damage, not working right, and safety risks are too great. It’s best to fix the screen or get a new phone quickly to keep your device safe and working well¹⁴¹⁶¹⁵.

Phone Insurance and Repair Options

As an Australian phone owner, finding the right fix for a cracked screen can be tricky. First, see if your phone insurance covers screen damage. If it does, fixing your phone should be easy¹⁷. But, if your insurance doesn’t cover it, look into other choices, like a local professional repair service¹⁸.

Checking Insurance Coverage

Many phone insurance plans cover cracked screens, but how much can vary. It’s key to read your policy well and know what it says¹⁷. This way, you’ll see if your insurer will pay for the repair or if you’ll have to pay part of it.

Professional Repair Services

If insurance won’t cover the repair, a local pro might be your best bet¹⁸. These experts can fix your screen fast and for less than sending it to the maker¹⁸. Just make sure to check the shop’s reputation and skills before giving them your phone.

Choosing between phone screen repairs means looking at costs and risks. DIY kits might seem cheap but can risk more damage and cancel your warranty¹⁸. A pro service, though, offers a solid fix and often comes with a warranty.

The best fix for your cracked screen depends on the damage, your phone’s worth, and what you can do. Knowing about your insurance and checking out pro repair services can help you find a good and affordable way to fix your phone¹⁷¹⁸.

DIY Cracked Screen Repair

If your phone has a cracked screen, don’t worry! There are plenty of online guides to help you fix it yourself. Sites like iFixIt offer step-by-step instructions and links to buy the parts you need¹⁹. YouTube also has many tutorials for beginners¹⁹.

Online Tutorials and Replacement Parts

First, check how badly your screen is damaged¹⁹. If it’s not too bad, you might just need a new glass screen¹⁹. You’ll need tools like a screwdriver, tweezers, and glue for the repair¹⁹. You can find high-quality replacement parts at good prices¹⁹²⁰.

Follow a repair guide carefully to fix your phone¹⁹. With the right tools and patience, you can fix it like a pro and save money¹⁹. But, if you’re not sure about a repair, it’s best to get help from a pro to avoid making things worse¹⁹.

Fixing a cracked screen or upgrading your phone’s look can be done at home and saves money¹⁹²⁰²¹. With the right guides, tools, and patience, you can make your phone look new again. This way, you avoid expensive professional repairs¹⁹²⁰.

Selling or Trading In a Cracked Phone

If fixing your cracked screen isn’t an option, think about selling or trading in your phone. Sites like SellCell, Gazelle, and Gizmogul will buy phones with cracks, even big ones²². You won’t get as much cash as for a new phone, but it’s a way to get some money back for a new one²².

Or, you could sell it on eBay, where people buy used and damaged phones²². The money you make can help pay for a new phone²².

Trading in your phone means you might get less than for a working one. But, some programs might offer a good deal if the phone still works well inside²³. Checking your phone insurance and looking at repair options can also boost your phone’s trade-in value.²²

Whether you sell or trade in your cracked phone, do your homework and know what it’s worth. Making a smart choice can help you get the most from your old phone and move forward with your next buy.

“Repairing screens on Apple phones may result in losses, except for the iPhone 15 Pro 512GB model that could yield a $3 gain when repairing from ‘faulty’ to ‘good’ condition.”²³

Conclusion

Dealing with a cracked phone screen can be a real hassle, but there are ways to fix it. We can use our phone insurance, get help from pros like²⁴ Star Phones, or try fixing it ourselves²⁵. Taking steps to prevent damage, like being careful and using screen protectors, can also help.

If fixing it doesn’t work, we can sell or trade our cracked phone. It’s important to act fast, as ignoring a broken screen can be dangerous²⁴. With the right steps, we can fix our phone or find a new one that fits our needs.

A cracked screen doesn’t mean our smartphone is useless. By looking at our options, we can fix the issue and keep our devices working well. With care and the right repair, our phones can keep serving us, even with some damage.

Source Links

1. Is a cracked phone screen dangerous? Risks to consider | Asurion
2. I will never, ever fix my smashed phone screen – and I’m not alone 
3. 7 risks of using a cracked phone screen (and why you NEED an OMOTON screen protector)
4. Is It Worth Fixing My Cracked Samsung Phone Screen?
5. Why Is My Touch Screen Not Working? 11 Steps to Fix It
6. 7 Reasons Why You Should Repair Your Phone Screen
7. Troubleshoot iPhone Touch Screen Responsiveness Issues
8. Are Phone Screens Bad For Your Eyes? | Calgary
9. Computer Vision Syndrome: Too Much Screen Time?
10. Risks of Using a Phone with a Cracked Screen
11. Phone wet and won’t turn on? Here’s what to do with water damage (hint: putting it in rice won’t work)
12. The Impact of Screen Damage on Smartphone Functionality
13. Glass Repair 101: the dangers of cracked glass! – Westview Glass (Perth)
14. How to fix a cracked phone screen | Asurion
15. 7 risks of using a cracked phone screen (and why you NEED an OMOTON screen protector)
16. Can’t Live Without Your Phone? Don’t Let A Broken Screen Slow You Down – Mayfield Cell Phone Repair To The Rescue!
17. How to deal with a cracked screen | Insurance2go
18. Can I Use Another Phone’s Screen to Replace My Cracked Screen? – RepairSpotter
19. How to Safely Repair a Cracked Phone Screen at Home? | Dr. Phone Fix
20. DIY Demo: Just How Easy Is It to Fix Your Phone’s Shattered Screen Yourself?
21. Is It Worth Fixing My Cracked Samsung Phone Screen?
22. What To Do If You’ve Just Broken Your Phone Screen | BuzzTech
23. Should I Repair My Phone Before I Sell It? – SellCell.com Blog
24. Cracked Phone Screen Repair: A Comprehensive Guide
25. How to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen – An Easy Guide – HONOR SA

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