These are the first moves to make after screen damage:
If the screen only has a small crack and touch still works, repair is usually straightforward. If the display is black, flickering, or unresponsive, the damage is more serious.
For newer phones and laptops, replacing the screen is often worth it. For older devices, replacement may be cheaper overall.
A cracked screen can weaken the seal and reduce water and dust protection. That makes repair more urgent.
Use a case, avoid pressure on the screen, and keep the device away from moisture. If the glass is sharp, do not keep swiping directly over it with bare fingers.
A tempered glass screen protector absorbs impact that would otherwise crack the display. Pair it with a shockproof case that has raised edges and corner bumpers to protect the screen during drops. This combination dramatically reduces the chance of screen damage from everyday accidents.
Keep your phone in a dedicated pocket without keys, coins, or other hard objects that can press against the screen. If you carry the device in a bag, use a padded sleeve or a compartment that prevents it from sliding against other items. Most hairline cracks start as pressure damage from items sharing the same pocket.
Many cracked screens happen during one-handed use when the phone slips. Make a habit of holding the device with two hands when walking, moving around, or using it in crowded spaces. A pop socket or grip strap on the back gives you extra security and reduces the risk of drops significantly.
Back up the device if possible, avoid pressing on the cracked area, and keep using it carefully until you can repair or replace the screen.
Yes. Cracks can spread over time, especially if the phone is dropped again or pressure is applied to the display.
You can use it briefly if it is still safe and responsive, but broken glass and touch issues can get worse.
Yes. A cracked screen can weaken the device seal and reduce protection against water and dust.
Repair is usually best for newer devices or when only the screen is damaged. Replace the device if the repair cost is too high compared with the phone value.
Try the same service on a different device or network. If it works elsewhere, the issue is local to your device or network. If it fails everywhere, the service itself may be down - check Downdetector or the service's official status page to confirm.
Yes. A full restart (not just closing the app) clears stale connections, frees memory, and resolves the majority of intermittent glitches. Try this before deeper troubleshooting steps.
Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for the app - if an Update button appears, tap it. On desktop apps, look for an About or Check for Updates option in the menu. Outdated apps often break after server-side updates.
If clearing the cache, updating, and restarting have all failed, reinstall the app as a last resort. A clean reinstall removes corrupted data, settings, and permissions that the standard fix steps cannot reach. Your account and saved data are stored in the cloud, so you won't lose anything by reinstalling.
Screen repair costs vary widely by device. For recent iPhone models, expect $200 to $350 for an official Apple repair and $100 to $200 from third-party shops. Android phone screens range from $80 to $250 depending on the model and whether the repair shop uses OEM or third-party parts. Laptop screen replacements are usually $150 to $400. Always ask whether the repair includes a warranty on parts and labor before agreeing to the work.
Yes, but take precautions to keep the damage from getting worse. Apply a temporary screen protector or clear packing tape over the cracked area to keep glass shards in place and protect your fingers. Avoid pressing on the cracked zone, keep the phone away from moisture, and do not put it in your pocket with the cracked side facing your leg. If the crack affects touch accuracy or the display shows black areas, limit usage to essential tasks only until the repair is done.