Did you accidentally drop your phone?
While it might still work fine, it might still suffer from a crack here and there. Unfortunately, dealing with cracked screens is a major inconvenience. You might not be able to fully access your screen, making it impossible to open some apps or files.
Should you repair the screen or replace it? How do you transfer files when the phone can’t read your touch gestures?
We’ve got the answers you seek. Read our guide below to learn how to deal with a cracked screen and more:
Using Cracked Screens
A major concern when dealing with a cracked screen is accessing your files.
After all, you still need to safely secure and copy or transfer your files before you can repair or replace the screen. What if the repairs require a system restore, deleting all the contents of the phone? You’ll want to keep all your valuable files but how can you access them with a cracked screen?
Find out which portions of the screen still work. If only a small segment doesn’t recognize your taps and gestures, you’re in luck. You could get away with rotating the screen to access the files, folders, and apps you need.
What can you do if the damage is too severe?
One option is to connect your phone to a keyboard and mouse. Android phones can do this natively with an OTG dongle. iPhone users will need an adapter and a compatible keyboard and mouse set.
After you connect your device to the keyboard and mouse, you can now freely access the files you need without having to rely on the touchscreen. Your next goal from here is to transfer what you can before repairing or replacing the cracked phone screen.
Transferring Files
Moving your files off your phone should be your next priority. You’ll want to secure the important documents, photos, videos, and others before repairing your phone. The process could require a system restore, deleting everything on the device.
Your first option is to upload everything on a cloud service, such as iCloud or Google Drive. This will simplify the process since you don’t need to connect your phone to any PC or laptop.
Can’t access your cloud storage apps because of the cracked screen? Connect your phone to a laptop and synchronize it so you can properly transfer files using your PC. You should be able to access your phone’s internal storage and any external storage, like an SD card, after syncing with your PC.
Of course, this is not the same case with iPhone users. Connecting an iPhone to a Windows PC will require extra software. You can transfer photos instantly but for everything else, you’ll need apps like iTunes.
Repair vs Replace a Cracked Screen
When is it better to replace a cracked screen and when should you repair it? Which is more expensive and when is it reasonable to invest in a professional repairman’s services?
This depends greatly on the extent of the damage. You can get away with repairing some cracks. However, if your whole screen suffers from it and you can’t type or push certain areas of the screen, it’s smarter to replace it.
Repairing the Screen
If the crack isn’t too severe, you can get away with minor repairs. Whether you DIY a solution or hire a professional, the goal is to seal the cracks and make it appear seamless again. This ensures debris and moisture don’t seem in underneath the screen and into the internal hardware.
The expense for fixing a cracked phone screen is relative to the average iPad screen repair cost. It all depends on the year and model of your device.
The newer it is, the more expensive it’ll cost you. These are newer parts, using modern technology and hardware upgrades, which makes them costly but readily available.
However, some older iPhones can cost more because the parts aren’t in production anymore. Those parts are now rarer and harder to find so it might cost you some extra.
Replacing the Screen
If the screen suffers from too much damage, it’s a better option to replace it. Repairs can only get you so far, after all. At some point, the damage can become too severe for repairs to handle.
Don’t know how to replace a cracked screen? You’ll need the right kit for your phone model. However, it’s always a better option to bring your phone to a professional repairman.
How much to replace a cracked screen? It depends greatly on the type of phone you have. Most smartphones with traditional flat screens won’t cost too much but you can’t say the same for those with screens that wrap to the side.
The Samsung Galaxy Edge, for example, will cost you extra. Those types of screens aren’t as simple as traditional ones and they’re harder to find. The expertise needed to replace them can cost you more too.
Cracked Screen Prevention
You can prevent your phone from suffering damage by simply using a screen protector. Gorilla Glass and other products can take an impact whenever you drop your phone. They still have a limit but at least these products will break first before your screen does.
A phone case will also help. Simple rubber casings around your phone’s edges can prevent the screen from dislodging and cracking after a fall.
Fix Cracked Screens Today
Dealing with cracked screens can seem like an expensive inconvenience. You won’t be able to access your apps and files and your phone is no longer in good condition. Fortunately, these tips above will help you transfer your valuable files before replacing or repairing your device.
Unfortunately, cracked screens aren’t the only issue you might encounter. You could also have to deal with water damage and others.
The good news is we have even more phone guides to help you out. Don’t hesitate to continue reading more of our tech posts today and learn everything you need!
