Modern smartphones are expensive, and owners take measures to protect their gadgets, but still, over time, scratches, chips and other damages appear on the phone screens. But how can you differentiate between a crack and a scratch? And more importantly, what steps can you take to resolve either issue? In this article, we’ll explore these topics using some trusty fingernail tricks and other home DIY remedies to get your screen back to looking brand new.
Scratch or Crack on Phone: Identifying the Damage to Your Phone Screen
To identify whether your screen is cracked, scratched, or if it’s merely a stubborn smudge, draw your phone under a bright light and check each inch of your glass surface. Cracks will look sharp and can often feel sharp to the touch as well. You can use your finger, or even your finger nail, to feel for roughness across the screen.
From personal experience, we recommend the use of a soft handy tool. You can use a cotton bud or a pencil. You can also run the graphite part of a pencil over the damaged surface. The soft or hairy structure clings well to the edges of the crack. If graphite particles remain after contact with the damaged screen surface, then the glass surface is cracked, since scratches of any depth are usually not sharp.
Tell-tale Signs of a Damaged Screen
Detecting a damaged screen will depend on the severity of the crack or scratch. Deep scratches or significant cracks often disrupt the display. Bright colors may bleed out from the edge of the crack, or you may find it hard to tell what’s on your screen as your device’s graphics struggle to perform.
Using Your Finger to Identify Glass Damage
Your finger can be a useful tool to check for glass damage. Running your finger lightly over the surface of the glass can help you feel any bumps or dips that a scratch or crack would leave. Be careful not to cut yourself on a sharp edge. A cloth can also be used to identify any irregularities on the phone’s screen.
My Phone Screen is Cracked, What Now?
Deciphering Severity: Crack or Deep Scratch?
More than an eyesore, a crack on your phone screen can lead to other issues. Once a glass panel is cracked, it becomes more susceptible to further cracking. A magnifying glass can be used to inspect the depth of the damage in detail.
Will a Cracked Screen Get Worse?
Unfortunately, a cracked screen will most likely get worse over time. The cracks allow for more dust and moisture to penetrate, which can cause your display to malfunction or lead to water damage, a situation more severe than a mere damaged screen.
Actively pressing on the damaged area of the screen will cause the crack to widen or new cracks to appear at the damaged area. In this case, the strength of the screen will gradually decrease. With each passing day, the risk of sudden breakdown of the phone will increase. Any accidental bump or excessive finger pressure on the damaged area of the screen will lead to complete screen breakage. The same breakage can occur if the phone falls on the ground.
A crack in the screen can cause the phone to break completely. Moisture or sweat can enter through the crack and cause a short circuit. This will increase the cost of repairing the phone. Because in addition to replacing the screen module, you will need to replace burnt chips and other electronic components. Short circuit can also damage the memory chip. In this case, it will not be possible to restore user data from the phone.
The worst case scenario is that the phone may explode or burn out. The battery is close to the screen of the phone. Sometimes only a thin metal plate separates the screen and the battery. Therefore, dropping the phone and hitting a rock or other hard object with the damaged part of the screen can damage the battery. Deformation of the battery or depressurisation of the battery casing may cause a fire. In this case, the phone will become unrepairable.
However, there is no need to worry. In practice, a crack on the phone screen rarely causes a short circuit, explosion or battery fire. At the same time, ignoring cracks on the screen of the phone over time may lead to additional breakdowns of the phone and increase repair costs. Therefore, it is desirable to replace the damaged screen in time. If replacing the screen is not possible or advisable, then it is worth considering temporary solutions to fix the screen and reduce the spread of scratches.
Repair Options for a Cracked Screen
If you find that your phone screen is cracked, you have various repair options available. You can replace the screen yourself, bring it to a repair specialist, or check if your warranty or AppleCare (for iOS users) covers the fix.
If it is impossible or impractical to replace a cracked screen, then solutions can be used to temporarily slow down the spread of cracks. The solutions presented here will allow you to prolong the use of your phone until you buy a new model. Here are three of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of cracks on your phone screen:
Installing tempered glass is the easiest and most affordable way to reduce the spread of cracks on your phone screen. Tempered glass provides additional fixation of the screen. Also tempered glass evenly distributes the load over the entire surface when you press on the phone screen. Thanks to this, the pressure on the surface of the screen in the area where the crack was formed is less, as a result of which the spread of the crack is slowed down or stopped altogether.
Tempered glass case better fixes the damaged part of the screen due to its solid construction. At the same time, tempered glass cases are produced for a limited number of models. If the phone model is outdated or not popular, then it will not be possible to find a tempered glass case.
With the help of UV adhesive, you can glue the damaged area of the screen and stop further cracks from spreading. UV adhesive is thick and hardens under the light of an ultraviolet lamp. The cured UV adhesive looks like plastic or hard silicone. The UV adhesive firmly fixes the damaged areas of the screen and prevents the cracks from spreading further.
The best results are achieved with tempered glass installation. To do this, UV adhesive is applied evenly to the entire screen of the phone. Next, the tempered glass is installed and the adhesive is dried using a UV lamp. When the UV adhesive hardens get a strong composite fixation of the entire screen, preventing the spread of new cracks.
Based on personal experience, we consider it important to note that the use of these repair methods does not guarantee 100% prevention of further crack spreading. Excessive stress, vibration, and shock can cause new cracks to appear or existing cracks to spread. Therefore, it is important to use your phone carefully after repairing a damaged screen.
Can I Just Ignore a Scratch on My Phone?
Impact of Scratches on Your Device’s Performance
A scratch on your phone may be less problematic than a crack, but it can still impact your device’s performance. Scratches can interfere with touch sensitivity, making it harder to use your device. They also decrease its resale value should you choose to sell in the future.
Preventing Further Scratches
You can prevent scratches by adhering to a few practices: using a quality case, avoiding rough surfaces, and keeping your screen clean. A phone’s screen can also be scratched by another glass or rough material so always be mindful of where you place your device.
Do Screen Protectors Prevent Scratches?
High-quality tempered glass screen protectors effectively prevent scratches and minor drops. They offer a relatively cheap insurance policy that can save you from a costly screen replacement in the future.
Can a Screen Protector Hide a Crack or Scratch?
The Role of a Screen Protector in Hiding Flaws
A screen protector can hide minor scratches but deep cracks are usually too visible to be masked. Protectors also prevent the crack or scratch from worsening and keep your finger safe from sharp glass when using the phone.
Choosing the Right Screen Protector for Damaged Screens
Choosing a screen protector for a damaged screen can be tricky, as not all protectors are designed to fit over cracks or scratches. Opting for one that is specifically designed for your device model, like OnePlus or Motorola phone, increases your chances of a better fit.
Installing a Screen Protector Over a Cracked or Scratched Screen
Applying a protector over a cracked screen is similar to applying one on a non-damaged surface. Clean your screen thoroughly, line up the protector, and slowly apply it to avoid air bubbles. However, if the screen is severely damaged, a screen protector cannot hide it completely and professional help is advised.
Using Toothpaste to Fix a Scratch
Understanding the Toothpaste Fix
Toothpaste happens to be a somewhat controversial home remedy for minor scratches. It’s a cheap and quick fix that has worked for many, but toothpaste is by no means a miraculous scratch remover. The positive effect of toothpaste is achieved by the abrasive particles in the toothpaste. Therefore, toothpaste in the form of a gel is not suitable.
A more effective means of removing scratches on the screen is special polishing pastes. Polishing paste contains diamond grains of sand or metal grains of hard metals. Polishing paste allows you to remove a thin layer of glass in the area where the scratches appeared. As a result, fine scratches will disappear and deep scratches will become less visible. At the same time, polishing will damage the oleophobic coating. The screen will become more dirty at the polishing spot. The polishing area will also become slightly visible when the phone screen is inactive.
Steps to Use Toothpaste to Remove Scratches
To use the toothpaste trick, first, wipe your screen with a soft cloth. Next, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cotton bud and rub it into the scratch using circular motions. Wipe away the residue with a clean cloth. This method should only be employed on minor scratches and not on deep ones or cracks.
If you decide to use toothpaste to remove scratches, then follow this guide:
Step 1
Remove dirt, dust, grease and other debris from your phone screen.
Step 2
Apply some abrasive toothpaste to the scratched area. You can use whitening toothpaste or tartar-fighting toothpaste.
Step 3
Use a cotton round or soft cloth to polish.
Step 4
Use a circular motion to polish the screen for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6
Wipe off any remaining toothpaste and check the result.
Step 7
Repeat the polishing process if the scratch remains.
Step 8
Remove the toothpaste from the screen when you have achieved an acceptable result.
Evaluating the Efficacy and Downsides of the Toothpaste Method
The effectiveness of the toothpaste method varies, but it’s generally successful in reducing the visibility of minor scratches. However, toothpaste contains abrasive elements and can potentially cause more damage if used improperly. Always test a small area first before using this method.
Scratch vs Crack on Phone: Bottom Line
When it comes to comparing scratches and cracks on a phone, the bottom line is that both can be unsightly and can potentially affect the functionality of the device. However, there are some important differences to consider. Scratches are surface-level damage that typically only affect the appearance of the phone. They can be caused by everyday wear and tear or by coming into contact with sharp objects. On the other hand, cracks are deeper and more severe forms of damage that can occur when the phone is dropped or subjected to a significant amount of force. Cracks can not only affect the appearance of the phone, but they can also impair the touch screen functionality and even cause irreparable damage to the internal components. In terms of repairability and cost, scratches are generally less expensive to fix than cracks. There are various DIY methods and inexpensive products available on the market for removing scratches. However, fixes for cracked screens usually require professional assistance and can be quite expensive, especially if a screen replacement is needed. Ultimately, it is important to take preventive measures such as using screen protectors and phone cases to minimize the risk of both scratches and cracks.
FAQ
Can screen scratches turn into cracks?Â
Screen scratches cannot turn into cracks on their own. However, if the screen is subjected to further external force or pressure, the existing scratches can weaken the glass and potentially lead to cracks. It is important to handle electronic devices with care and avoid putting additional stress on already scratched screens to prevent further damage.Â
Can you fix a scratched phone screen without replacing it?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to fix a scratched phone screen without replacing it. Scratches on the surface of the screen cannot be simply buffed out. However, there are DIY methods and screen protectors that can help minimize the appearance of scratches and prevent further damage. Ultimately, replacing the screen is the most effective solution. Polishing with diamond paste can help remove minor scratches, but polishing will not remove deep scratches.
How do you get scratches off your phone?
To remove scratches from your phone, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to use toothpaste or baking soda on a cloth to gently rub out the scratches. Another option is to apply a scratch-removal product specifically designed for phone screens. Alternatively, you can try using a screen protector to hide the scratches. Another method is polishing with diamond paste. Tiny diamond particles help to remove a thin layer of glass. Therefore, after polishing, scratches will be less visible or completely disappear.
Is it a deep scratch or crack?
A deep scratch may penetrate the surface layers but not fully fracture the material. On the other hand, a crack is a complete break in the material. A professional inspection may be needed to accurately assess the extent of the damage.Â
What does a cracked screen look like?
A cracked screen may have visible cracks or chips on the glass surface. It may also display a spiderweb-like pattern or hairline scratches. If your screen is cracked, it will be noticeable and may impact the clarity of the display.
Can I still use my device if the screen is cracked?
In most cases, you can still use your device even if the screen is cracked. However, depending on the severity of the crack, it may impact the touch sensitivity or display clarity. If the crack is causing any usability issues, it’s recommended to get it fixed.
What should I do if my screen has a clear point of impact?
If your screen has a clear point of impact, it’s likely that the screen is cracked or damaged at that specific area. It’s recommended to take your device to a professional repair service to properly assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action.
Can a cracked screen affect the functionality of my device?
Yes, a cracked screen can potentially affect the functionality of your device. It may impact the touch sensitivity, display clarity, or even cause further damage if not addressed. It’s best to get a cracked screen fixed to ensure the optimal performance of your device.
