A cracked screen is one of the most common iPhone problems. Thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. But before you pick a DIY fix, consider the potential cost and your warranty situation. You might void your warranty with a homemade repair or, even worse – damage the screen further.
One of the first things you should do when your iPhone screen is broken is assessed the damage. Is it just a single hairline crack, or is there a lot of broken glass all over? If it is a single hairline crack, you might be able to fix the screen yourself without going through a whole expensive repair.
But if it is significantly cracked or there are a lot of broken glass shards, you may want to bring the phone to a professional. If you are doing a DIY screen replacement, make sure to use tape on the area where the glass screen protector is being removed to limit the shards of glass from making contact with your hands or getting into other areas of your phone.
Another way to avoid the problem is to get a protective case. These cases have a lip over the screen and help prevent your phone from getting shattered when it is dropped. They can be purchased in almost any shape or size and are very easy to customize.
Lastly, it is also recommended to take the phone to an Apple Store or a licensed service provider for repair. These professionals have all the specialized tools and know how to replace screens properly.
If you do go for this option, it is important to note that these repairs void the warranty on your device, so if it breaks down again in a few years, you will be out of luck. In addition, these shops often sell non-Apple parts that are not backed by Apple’s warranty.
If you live in the states, there is a self-service repair program available for Apple products at the Apple store and online. This will cost you a bit of money, but it is worth it if you don’t mind being without your iPhone for a while.
Duct tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be used for many different repairs. It’s a popular choice for household and professional users because of its strength and versatility.
Duct tape traced its roots to World War II when it was first invented to help soldiers repair their damaged equipment. Today, it’s widely available and is used in many different industries, from the military to motorsports.
To ensure that duct tape is safe, it must pass a series of standard tests described by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These tests measure two key properties of the tape: its adhesive strength (which determines how well it adheres to another surface) and its cohesive strength (which shows how well it sticks to the cloth backing).
The test method used to assess this includes applying the tape to a standardized stainless steel plate and then measuring the force required to rip it off. Other methods evaluate how long the tape sticks to the plate and whether it leaves a residue behind when removed.
Once duct tape has passed the above test, it can be safely used for most iPhone screen repair jobs. But before you use it, make sure that you remove the old screen protector from your iPhone and clean your display.
Next, place an old credit card or another tool under each corner of the screen protector to detach it from the glass panel. Be careful not to cut any of the adhesives securing the screen protector, or you’ll end up with a messy job. If you’re stuck and don’t have a credit card, you can also try using a toothpick or guitar pick.
A broken iPhone screen isn’t something you want to have to deal with, especially if you depend on your phone for work or personal use. While a number of independent repair shops offer screen replacement services, they can be expensive and void your warranty.
But there are a few ways you can fix your iPhone’s screen at home. One of the best options is using a Band-Aid.