Broken screens may appear a simple cosmetic issue, but damage sustained can be hidden. Your screen works for now, but over time you may notice the brightness fade or the touch sensitivity decrease, with the result that your device stops functioning as it once did. Broken screens can cause internal hardware issues that require a professional fix or, in some cases, a replacement phone. However, with many different causes of broken iPhone screens, it can be difficult to know what to do to fix yours. In this article, we guide you through the different steps to take to remedy your broken screen.
What to do when your iPhone screen stops working
When your iPhone screen stops working it can feel like the end of the world because, ultimately, your device is useless if you cannot use the touchscreen. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to fix it, providing that there are no serious hardware issues.
Forced restart
If the touchscreen isn’t working, the first step we recommend is forcing your iPhone to restart. This process can help clear glitches and restore your phone to its normal functioning self. Depending on the type of iPhone you have, you should be able to use a combination of buttons to force a restart. On some models, you hold down the power button. However, on others, you push and hold a combination of power and volume buttons. For further information, refer to Apple's iPhone user guide to Force restart your iPhone.
Disconnect accessories
Sometimes, iPhone screens can stop working due to a faulty charging cable or another accessory connected via the lightning port. By disconnecting it, you may find your screen starts to work again. If that happens, it is likely the accessory is incompatible with your iPhone; a common issue with a range of cheap headphones, power banks and other iPhone accessories.
Cleaning the screen
For most people, their iPhone is the first thing they pick up in the morning and the last thing they put down at night. We use our devices throughout the day at home, at work, while shopping, in the gym, and basically, everywhere we go. So, it is understandable the touchscreen attracts dust, dirt and debris that can disrupt the way your phone functions. iPhones have a capacitive touchscreen that senses your fingertips through electrical conductance – the efficacy of which can be reduced by liquids, moisture, and muc. If you think that could be causing your iPhone screen not to work, you should thoroughly clean and dry the surface – and your hands – before using it again.
Remove phone case
Because most iPhones costing hundreds of pounds, it is only natural you will want to take steps to protect your investment by using cases and screen protectors. However, sometimes you may notice that these extras can cause your iPhone screen to stop working as it should. Some screen protectors may be too thick for the touchscreen to register your fingers, while others cover too much of the screen, causing it to glitch. If you think these protective additions may be affecting your screen, try removing them and seeing if it fixes the problem.
Factory reset
If, after trying all of the methods mentioned, your screen still isn't working, you may want to try a factory rest of your iPhone. This is often a last resort because it can cause you to lose all of your photos, contacts and other important data if you haven't recently backed up your device. However, it may be necessary to try if nothing else is working. If you have no access to your iPhone screen, these are the steps you can take to factory reset using your computer:- Connect your iPhone using a lightning cable to your computer and launch iTunes
- If you have a newer iPhone (iPhone 8 or later), you will need to quickly press the volume up, volume down and side buttons. If you have an iPhone 7, press the volume down and side button together, and for older iPhones, press the home and side button together.
- If you have connected to a Mac, you will have the option to restore or update. Click ‘Restore' and follow the steps to reset.
- If you have connected to a PC, click the ‘Device’ button, select ‘Summary’ and then ‘Restore’ for the steps to reset.
Evident cracks
A telltale sign that a cellphone screen needs replacement is when it is cracked or broken. Cracks can form on the screen if the phone falls. A cracked cellphone screen looks unattractive, impacts visibility, and, if ignored, can result in a complete blackout or severe issues with the internal components functioning.
Flickering screen
Consider a replacement if the cellphone screen flickers frequently and is accompanied by multiple dots or lines. Using a phone with a flickering screen can strain the eyes. The cellphone screen may flicker due to an issue with the internal connection. A cellphone repair professional can diagnose the phone to determine the replacement needs.
Unresponsiveness
Another warning sign that the cellphone screen may require replacement is when it fails to respond to the touch, or the response is slightly delayed. A damaged or malfunctioning touchscreen can cause extreme inconvenience. Consider replacing the screen to boost responsiveness.
Overheating
A cellphone screen getting too hot while in use is concerning. Overheating can permanently damage the internal components. A software or hardware issue can cause the phone to get hot constantly. A technician can replace the screen to resolve the overheating problem.
Dirt and stain patches
Stubborn stains or dirt patches on the screen that do not go away with a cleaner indicate the need for screen replacement. Not resolving the issue can cause problems with the touch function and lead to the screen malfunctioning, making it difficult to use the device.
Poor color quality
High-end cell phones have excellent displays and provide superior picture and video quality. However, damage to the screen can cause it to appear dull, discolored, or develop a yellowish tint. In such circumstances, a screen replacement is the best way to restore the color quality and enhance the viewing experience.
Touch issues
Rogue touch is another reason for replacing the cellphone screen. Issues with the touch screen can cause several random applications to open at once or dial any number without permission from the user. Preventing such situations may require keeping the phone locked at all times. It is better to replace the screen to avoid worsening the initial damage.
Maintain the cellphone screen
If any of the above issues arise, contact a repair professional. A technician can replace the cellphone screen to elevate the overall experience and help one get the most out of the device.
How Can YOU tell if an LCD screen is broken on an iPhone?
What are the dangers of not fixing a broken iPhone screen?
If your iPhone screen is damaged but still working as it should, then it can be tempting not to address the problem. Nobody wants to pay out for an unnecessary fix, and although the damage may seem cosmetic, there are dangers of not fixing a broken screen, such as:
Internal damage
iPhone screens act as so much more than just a display. The are an essential barrier between your device’s hardware and the elements. Screens serve as an airtight seal that keeps the internal portion of your phone protected from moisture, dirt, dust and other debris. However, by not fixing a cracked phone screen, you risk letting everything from pocket lint to moisture from your fingers seep into your device. This is likely to cause long-term damage.
Safety hazard
Although it may not seem dangerous, cracked and broken iPhones can pose a serious safety hazard. Many people with smashed screens are at risk of cutting their fingers on sharp, exposed shards of glass, but the dangers don't end there. Compromised phone screens put you at risk of electric shocks, expose you to radiation, and are a fire hazard. As a temporary fix, you can place clear tape over the affected area to protect your fingers and prevent fire hazardous dust from accumulating in the cracks.
Display failure
Your cracked screen may work for now, but you may notice that the touch response performance and sensitivity decrease over time. The longer your screen is left in this condition, the more chance of dust and moisture seeping into the phone and causing the hardware to malfunction.
What should I do if my iPhone screen is broken?
iPhone screens being damaged is a fairly common occurrence, and Apple provides its own repair service. If your phone is not covered by a warranty, Apple will expect you to pay hundreds of pounds for a screen repair, ranging between £136.44 for an iPhone 5s up to £ 316.44 for an iPhone 13 Pro Max. At those prices, many people would rather buy a new phone altogether and naturally seek out cheaper repair options. When it comes to repairing a broken iPhone screen, we would always recommend calling on the help and expertise of a professional phone repair company such as imFixed.
However, a range of iPhone screen replacement kits can be purchased from online retailers. If your broken screen is simply a cosmetic issue, a DIY option may be an effective quick fix. Often there will be instructions or links to a video tutorial with the kit you purchase, but the process of replacing an iPhone screen generally follows the same steps:
- First, use a pentalobe screwdriver to remove the screws from the base of the phone
- If you have a lot of loose glass from your screen, be sure to cover it with tape to hold it in place
- On newer iPhone models, the screen is secured by an adhesive, so you will need to apply heat to the bottom edge of the phone to loosen it. This can be done with a heating pad, heat gun, or hairdryer
- Firmly place the suction cup from your repair kit onto the bottom half of your screen and gently pull it up while you hold the phone down
- Once the screen has started to move away from the phone, you should take a pry tool, insert it under the screen and slide it along the bottom edge to loosen it further
- Continue to slide the tool around the screen until it can be removed in one piece
- Once it is loose enough, you should lift the screen with your fingers at a 90-degree angle to the right, being aware that it may still be connected to internal components
- You will then need to remove a range of components which will differ depending on the type of iPhone you have
- Once you have removed and reattached the various pieces, you will need to reapply an adhesive to ensure your iPhone is water-resistant
- Take your new screen and carefully reconnect all cables back onto the logic board, finishing by reconnecting the battery
- Once all the internal components have been reconnected, carefully align the new screen with the top clips on the phone and secure it in place
After you have followed all of these steps, you should be able to switch your iPhone back on to test the screen's functionality without reattaching the screws. It is, however, important to note that iPhone screen repairs can be tricky and it only takes one wrong move to cause your phone to stop working completely. If you don't want to risk a DIY job, we recommend contacting a specialist in our team at imFixed one that is experienced in carrying out screen repairs.
Why choose an iPhone repair specialist to fix your screen?
Instead of a risky DIY job or a costly Apple fix, you will save yourself a lot of time, money and stress by employing the services of a phone repair specialist like imFixed. Our service is not only carried out to the highest standards by trained and qualified staff, but we also offer a price guarantee to ensure you are always paying fairly. Unlike an at-home fix, by using a repair specialist your device will be thoroughly assessed for any internal and external defects to ensure the longevity and health of your iPhone.
What should I do if my iPhone screen is broken?
Visit imFixed
It is estimated that more than 50 million phone screens break every year. Unsurprisingly, as one of the biggest phone manufacturers, Apple's iPhones make up a large percentage of these numbers. Despite each new edition of the iPhone being more advanced than the previous one, the fragility of their screens remains the same, resulting in British people spending more than £680m each year to pay for repairs. Whether your iPhone screen has been damaged by heat, water, or after being dropped, it is important that you act straightaway.Get in touch!
Whether your iPhone screen has been damaged by heat, water, or a fall, don't wait for the problem to worsen. At imFixed, we are proud to offer screen repairs on the majority of iPhone models, which can be found on our iPhone Repair page. Here you will be able to select your model, the fix required and see what prices we currently charge. Wherever you're based, we are committed to offering a fast, friendly, professional and reliable service via post and offer a call-out, pick-up and drop-off service within a 20-mile radius of Greater Manchester. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in contact today by calling 01204 520520. Alternatively, send an email to info@imfixed.co.uk
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