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Published on: 20.07.2023 | updated on: 05.04.2024
Dealing with a broken iPhone screen can be a frustrating and challenging experience. An iPhone's sleek, user-friendly interface, which typically provides a seamless user experience, can be your worst nightmare when its screen gets damaged. From minor cracks to a whole shattered area, a broken screen can severely hamper the device's usability, lead to potential harm from sharp glass edges, and even risk damaging internal components or compromising all your data and information. This article provides insight into various aspects of handling an iPhone with a broken screen, including solutions for dealing with the issue.
Broken screens can be fixed and you have a few options to choose from such as DIY or professional repair. Visible cracks on the screen, unresponsive screens, and flickering or discolored screens are all caused by a damaged screen. Your screen may be damaged but to the naked eye, it can look fine. Not all damage happens on the outside.
Both a hairline crack and a smashed screen can be replaced
Both DIY and professional repairs are available.
A broken screen is worth fixing if there are no other problems
A cluttered workspace and not researching enough are common DIY mistakes
Never attempt to fix broken screens with toothpaste, baking soda, or nail polish
Yes, you certainly can. It doesn’t matter if the problem is a small hairline crack or a smashed screen both can be fixed on all model iPhones. You just need to contact your local repair store, either Apple or a third-party option and speak to them about the situation, and they can give you a quote over the phone and book you in if you wish to proceed with the repair.
If your phone has a crack on the screen but it is smooth when you run your finger over it the crack hasn't penetrated far and may not need to be repaired asap. If the screen is showing a blurry image dark ink-like substance under the screen, you can feel the crack with your fingers, the screen is not responding to your touch, or the phone will turn on the damage is serious and will need to be repaired as soon as you can.
Sometimes, when you crack your screen, you may not be able to get into a repair store ASAP or the repair store may not be able to fit you in until the next day. There are some temporary fixes that you can do. If the phone is still functioning fine, then a quick fix can help until you can get in to get the repair. If you have a spare screen protector at home, you can pop one of them on, which can hold the screen together and prevent you from cutting your fingers on the glass. If you are at work and crack your screen, some clear tape can be put over the crack to hold the pieces together and prevent further damage until you can fix it.
It certainly is. In fact, it’s a must if you plan on keeping the phone. If the crack is minor, you may still be able to use the phone with no problem, but eventually, the crack will worsen, and it can affect the touchscreen. If the crack is minor, putting the phone in your bag or pocket can damage it more, which can lead to small particles of glass cutting your finger or the screen will be unresponsive and may not turn on. Cracks in the glass also make the phone susceptible to water and moisture that can seep in and cause further damage.
If you cannot get into the repair store right away to get the phone repaired, the phone might still be usable with a few of the features built into the iPhone.
You have the voiceover gesture, which allows you to still use the phone even if the screen is dark and you cannot see it. The voice-over will tell you what is on your screen. If someone calls, voiceover can tell you who is calling, even your battery level. If you place your finger on the screen it can tell you what app your finger is on and speak as you navigate. It might seem annoying but it allows you to use your phone when waiting for a repair. Simply ask Siri to turn voice-over on for you.
Siri is another option she can do basic functions like call or send a message. If you have activated Siri, simply say ‘Hey Siri’ and then tell her what you want to do.
When you consider doing a DIY repair, you need to think about a few things before deciding if that is the best option. First of all, think about the cost. You will need to purchase the parts, which can cost between $50 to $150, plus the amount it will cost for all the specialized tools and equipment that you will need. You cannot use everyday tools as they are too big for the tiny components of an iPhone. Secondly, think about the extent of the damage. If the phone has been dropped, there may be more damage than just the screen that you may not be able to recognise. For a basic screen, the cost is usually under $250 on average but you may end up paying more if you are not experienced in repairing iPhone screens and you cause more damage. The model of the phone will need to be taken into consideration as newer model parts are more expensive than older models.
You can try the broken iPhone controller, which is an app that helps you to control your iPhone and gain access to your data. You do not need to enter the password on your phone. You simply connect it to the computer, and you can access your messages, photos, contacts, etc.
Step 1. Install the app on your computer and open it
Step 2. Plug in your phone and wait for the app to find it
Step 3. Once it has found the phone, click on start, and it will begin finding your content
Step 4. Click on the data you want to recover and then click on recover down the bottom
If your phone has been trusted with your computer previously, you can gain access to the files on your phone using iTunes.
Step 1. Plug the phone into your computer
Step 2. Locate and open iTunes
Step 3. Once iTunes finds your phone, click on the phone icon and go to the summary
Step 4. Tick the computer in the backup area and then go to back up now
Your phone will then be backed up to your computer
You can use Siri to access your phone functions when the screen isn't working. If you have Siri enabled just say “Hey Siri”. This will only work if you have enabled Siri when the phone is locked.
Step 1. Say “Hey Siri” or push the button on the side of the phone to activate her
Step 2. Tell Siri to turn on the voiceover and go to home. Now swipe left to unlock and then double-tap on the password page, and then enter the password. Swipe again to accept and then double-tap to submit the code. If this works, your phone will unlock. It is a complex process and does not always work.
For the last attempt, you can try to use iCloud but you must have my iPhone enabled.
Step 1. Go to iCloud and sign in with the same account that is registered on the iPhone.
Step 2. Go to find my iPhone
Step 3. Click all of the devices, then hit erase
Step 4. You will erase all the data, but it will unlock your phone so you can use it
Here is an easy guide to give you an idea of what is involved with a DIY repair for your iPhone screen. For more complex steps visit the guide above.
Step 1. Turn off the iPhone and disconnect any cords or chargers.
Step 2. Remove the screws
Step 3. Melt the adhesive and remove glass
Step 4. Remove the connections and undo the rest of the screws
Step 5. Remove the battery cable, connector plate, and display ribbons
Step 6. Remove the front camera parts
Step 7. Remove the front assembly and move it to the side
Step 8. You need to make sure the new screen sits even with the frame.
Step 9. Aline the screen, and put everything back into place and do all the screws up.
There are specialized tools that you will need for the DIY screen repair. We list them below.
New screen kit
Suction cup
A heat gun or hair dryer can work
Philips screwdriver
Y000 screwdriver
iPhone Penelope screwdriver
Fine tip tweezers, the electronic type only
Fine tip smudger
Triangle opening pack
You can rent the tools from Apple if you don’t wish to buy them. Amazon also has great kits with everything you need.
The average cost for the screen is $113, but you need to factor in the tools you will need. The cost of the screen will differ depending on the model of iPhone that you have.
If you are unsure whether you need professional help, you can contact either Apple or other third-party stores like Simply Fixable and explain your situation and they can offer their friendly advice on the next step that is suitable for your situation. Simple Fixable offers quality parts that can be installed quickly at an affordable price. Apple offers genuine parts, but they are more expensive. Apple stores are not as common as others so you may need to end the phone away to be repaired. If you have Applecare, you may get your repair at a cheaper rate when you repair with Apple.
In some cases, you may need to opt for a professional repair. If the job is beyond your expertise and you are confused or stressed by attempting this job on your own, then you can seek professional advice and get a local repair store to do the job for you. If you don't have the skills and knowledge for this type of work, it is not recommended to conduct them on your own as the internal parts are fragile and can easily break, causing further damage to the phone that will cost more to repair professionally than just getting the screen repaired.
When you are looking for someone to carry out the repairs on your phone there are many factors that you need to consider.
Do you have a warranty that is still valid with Apple? Maybe you have Applecare+. If so then talking to Apple about your phone repair may mean you can get the repair done at a cheaper rate.
We all know how important your phone is so getting it back quickly is something to consider. You want a repair store that can offer you quality repairs with a quick turn around time meaning a reduced time you have without the phone.
It is vital you check the reviews of the company you are looking at getting the repair done by. You want those with a minimum 90% positive reviews, uses quality parts and has great, supportive customer service. What other people say about the store can determine whether you are likey to have a good experience or a bad one.
The average cost at Simply Fixable is $155.00 to replace a broken screen. It can cost more for newer models like the iPhone 14 Plus, which costs around $195 or cheaper for older models such as the iPhone 11 Pro at $110. You may get a discount rate with Apple if you have Applecare or a warranty or the phone is covered by personal insurance.
If you are still unable to fix the broken iPhone screen, you should take it to a repair center before it causes any further damage to your device. Here are Simply Fixable's and competitors' avg iPhone screen repair costs:
Cost |
Simply Fixable |
Apple |
Avg. iPhone screen repair cost |
$155.77 |
$250.15 |
Table. iPhone screen repair cost
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Apple website
The important thing to do is to protect your phone, which can prevent the need for more costly repairs in the future. Using a screen protector and hard case can help to protect the phone from drops, floating around your bag, or sliding in and out of your pocket. Screen protectors cost around $12 and a proper case you can get for about $20, so $32 against the cost to repair the screen is a huge difference. Why spend your hard-earned cash on a repair when prevention is the key?
In most cases, this is due to a flat battery, and charging the device will solve the problem. If the phone is on but the screen is black and you have recently dropped the phone or it has suffered damage then you will need a screen replacement to get the phone back to full function.
A frozen iPhone screen can occur when there is significant damage done to the screen. The screen can freeze up and not respond to your touch. If you have tried a reset and this hasn't fixed the issue, then there is damage done to the LCD, and it will need replacing.
A broken iPhone 13 screen can occur when you drop the phone or when something is dropped on the screen, like a cup or drink bottle. The screens are fragile which is why it is a good idea to keep a screen protector and a fold-over case cover on the phone to protect it from trauma.
A broken iPhone 14 screen might be completely black as if the phone was turned off or you might get a white screen with dark lines across the screen. If you are seeing this there has been damage done to the screen and there is no quick fix unless you opt for a screen replacement. After the repair the phone will be back to working and the screen will look like new.
If you have received your new iPhone and the screen is broken from the factory then you can get a replacement from Apple. If you have dropped the phone and broken the screen yourself then a screen repair is the only option to fix the problem. A crack in the phone’s screen will only get worse, so to prevent further damage, contact a repair store as soon as possible.
No matter how damaged your iPhone screen is, it is still possible to unlock and access your device. By using a few techniques and tools, you can navigate through the screen lock and regain control of your iPhone.
Even if your iPhone’s screen is broken, there are still ways to safeguard your data and create a backup. By following a few simple steps, you can get a backup of your iPhone with a broken screen.
Having a damaged iPhone screen can be frustrating, especially if you have stored a large amount of data on it. If you have not taken any backup and your screen is broken, the first thing that will come to mind is ‘transferring the data quickly to another iPhone.’
Transferring data from an iPhone with a broken screen to another iPhone can be challenging, but it's not impossible. If you don’t want to fix your iPhone’s broken screen and change your phone instead, here is how you can transfer your old data into a new device:
When your iPhone screen is damaged or broken, it can be difficult to access or view your data. But don’t worry. There are ways to view your broken iPhone screen on a computer, enabling you to interact with your device despite the damage.
Using an iPhone with a broken screen can be risky and harmful. The broken glass can potentially cause physical injury, while continued usage might lead to further damage to the device, including potential data loss. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to repair your iPhone as soon as possible if its screen is broken.
If your iPhone screen is broken but still has some functionality, you can answer calls using Siri or your headphones. Siri can take voice commands to answer or decline calls, while headphones can be used to answer calls with the press of a button. Lastly, if part of your screen still responds to touch, the AssistiveTouch feature allows you to answer calls with simple touch gestures. However, it's recommended to repair your screen as soon as possible for the best user experience.
Erasing an iPhone with a broken screen can be done remotely using iCloud's Find My iPhone feature. From any browser, go to iCloud.com, log in with your Apple ID, select "Find iPhone," choose your device, and then select "Erase iPhone." Please note this requires that your iPhone is turned on, connected to the internet, and logged into your iCloud account.
If your iPhone’s voice control is still functional, you can use Siri to turn it off. Simply say, "Hey Siri, turn off my iPhone," and it will begin the shutdown process. Alternatively, if your iPhone is synced with your Mac, you may be able to use the 'Finder' or 'iTunes tool to remotely restart or turn off the iPhone.
To factory reset an iPhone with a broken screen, you can use iCloud's Find My iPhone feature. Sign in to your iCloud account from a different device or computer, go to Find My iPhone, select your device, and choose "Erase iPhone." This will restore your iPhone to its factory settings.
You can get eye strain when you constanyl look at a ascreen that i smashed or cracked, this is because the eye has to work harder and strain to see and focus around the crack. Eye strain can lead to headaches and itchy, red eyes.
You are at risk of cutting your finger with the small glass particles as when the phone is cracked or smashed it is then a weak point and it will continue to get worse. It is ok to use it temporary but for your safety it is best to repair the screen.
A cracked screen protector is nw weak and will do anything to help protect your phone. Your phoe would have taken less force with the screen protector on but now that is cracked the phone will take more of the force and can make damages more costly.
Yes it can degrade the battery as the phones battery will have to work hardr to make up for the damaged screen which uses more power consumption therefore draining the battery quicker resulting in your charging more which will degrade the battery.
If you have dropped your phone and broken the screen, seeking professional advice as soon as possible can avoid further damage and more costly repairs. Avoid using things like nail polish and erasers to fix the screen, as these are dangerous and will not repair the screen. A screen protector or clear tape can be applied to the screen for further protection until you get to the repair store. To help prevent a broken screen in the future, it is wise to use a screen protector and full case on the phone in case you drop it. While DIY repairs are available for beginners it is important to know what you are doing to avoid further damage being done to the phone. The professional repair store is always available to help if you need it.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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