Why did my screen protector crack for no reason?

Why did my screen protector crack for no reason

Updated: September 1, 2023

You may be wondering why the screen protector has cracked for no reason, especially if you’re sure you haven’t dropped your phone and it hasn’t been damaged. Although it seems baffling, there are several likely reasons for this unexpected damage to the screen protector.

Why do screen protectors crack?

Firstly, the main function of a screen protector is to create an extra layer of protection on top of the original screen of the device. Thus, when accidentally dropped or bumped, the screen protector takes the impact and cracks instead of the expensive phone screen. This is essentially its sacrificial role in protecting the device screen.

However, aside from the actual physical impact, there are other factors that can cause the screen protector to crack. Expansion and contraction, a common occurrence for most physical materials, can cause cracks to form. To explain, materials, such as a screen protector, can expand when heated and contract when cooled as the temperature changes. This continuous change can cause stress in the protector, which can ultimately lead to the formation of a crack.

Phone with shattered tempered glass.
Phone with shattered tempered glass.

Another likely cause of phone screen damage to consider is pressure on the phone from heavy objects or pressing the phone in your bag. We often put our phones in bags or pockets where the screen protector can be constantly under pressure for long periods of time, coming into contact with keys, coins or other hard or sharp objects. Such contact can cause small scratches and nicks that develop into larger and more visible cracks over time. In addition, heavy pressure caused by someone accidentally sitting down or stepping on the phone can also cause cracks to form in the screen protector.

The quality of the phone screen protector itself is another important factor. Low-quality tempered glass is more likely to crack than branded tempered glass. For example, cheap glass may crack when the phone is dropped from a negligible height, while quality tempered glass can withstand much more impact force. Also, the installation process plays an important role. If the tempered glass is not installed correctly, then the protective coating will not be able to properly protect the screen, leading to unwanted cracks.

Finally, manufacturing defects should not be discounted either. Sometimes even the best products can have flaws right at the manufacturing stage. This, as well as a combination of minor, often unnoticed daily external stresses or pressure on the phone screen, can lead to an unexpected crack on a seemingly intact screen protector. Regardless of the cause, it is important to replace a cracked screen protector in time to prevent possible damage to your phone’s screen.

Cheap tempered glass of poor quality.
Cheap tempered glass of poor quality.

Why do screen protectors crack by itself?

Why do screen protectors crack by themselves? If a screen protector cracks without any external cause, there are several possible explanations for this phenomenon:

  1. Manufacturing defect. Sometimes screen protectors may have hidden defects in materials or construction that are not immediately apparent. These defects can lead to spontaneous cracking even under normal operating conditions.
  2. Stress buildup. Over time, stress can build up in the screen protector due to temperature fluctuations, pressure from the device enclosure, and other factors. This stress may not be noticeable immediately, but it can eventually lead to cracking.
  3. Rapid or extreme temperature changes. Changes in temperature cause materials to expand or contract, which causes stress in the screen protector. If the screen protector has been exposed to these temperature changes, it can cause cracks to form.
  4. Pressure points. Sometimes uneven pressure on the screen protector can weaken the screen protector over time. If the protector has been installed with uneven pressure or if the frame of the device exerts pressure in certain places, it may cause cracks to form.
  5. Material Quality. Low-quality or counterfeit screen protectors are more prone to spontaneous cracking due to poor quality materials and manufacturing processes.
  6. Hidden damage. Your screen protector may have already been damaged due to a small scratch or defect that you didn’t notice. Over time, these small defects can weaken the integrity of the protector and eventually lead to a crack.
  7. Weaknesses in the device. If the frame or design of the device has sharp edges or stress points, they can put additional stress on the protector and cause it to crack.
  8. Installation problems. If the screen protector was not installed correctly or if air bubbles and debris are left underneath, it can cause weak spots that can eventually lead to cracks.
  9. Vibration or movement. Frequent vibration or movement of the device, especially if the phone is in a pocket, bag, attached to the handlebars of a bicycle or the dashboard of a car can contribute to cracks in the screen protector or at least put stress on the glass.

If you have repeatedly experienced the problem of your screen protector cracking for no apparent reason, you should pay attention to factors such as the quality of the screen protector, the operating conditions of the device and the way you handle it. Choosing a high quality screen protector from a reputable manufacturer, proper installation and careful handling of the device will help reduce the likelihood of spontaneous cracking. If the problem persists, consult the manufacturer or a specialist.

Why did my screen protector crack in my pocket?

A screen protector can crack in your pocket for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is physical pressure or impact. When you sit down, especially on a hard surface or when your pocket is tight, a lot of pressure can be exerted on the device, causing the protective screen to crack. In addition, sharp objects such as keys, coins, or other objects in your pocket could directly scratch or break the protective screen. A sudden change in temperature could also be the cause if you moved quickly from one environment to another; thermal expansion and contraction can cause the material to weaken.

The quality and thickness of the screen protector also plays an important role in resisting accidental damage. Cheaper and thinner materials crack more easily compared to more expensive and higher quality materials. In addition, improper installation accompanied by air bubbles can lead to stress points that contribute to cracking. In general, although screen protectors are designed to protect the screen, they are not completely immune to damage and may crack under certain conditions.

Cracked tempered glass.
Cracked tempered glass.

Does a screen protector crack easily?

Screen protectors are designed to protect your device’s screen from scratches and cracks, but they are not indestructible. The longevity of a screen protector depends largely on its quality and material. Quality tempered glass is less prone to cracking compared to cheap tempered glass. As in expensive tempered glass is used more advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. There is also a control to detect defective products. In addition, well-known brands provide a warranty on manufactured products.

At the same time it is worth remembering that even the most durable and high-quality tempered glass can easily crack under a strong impact. After all, tempered glass is designed to take any external impact and prevent damage to the phone screen. So in some cases, a crack may occur because the screen is protected by excessive stress, vibration or shock.

Is a cracked screen protector worth repairing?

The tempered glass screen protector is a consumable item. It is a disposable accessory, not intended for repair and restoration. The exception is the restoration of the adhesive layer of the glass, provided the integrity of the glass is maintained.

Tempered glass is not repairable because once cracked, the structural integrity of the protective coating is lost. Tempered glass loses strength in the damaged area. Damaged glass may provide some protection when rubbed by sharp or blunt objects. At the same time, a damaged screen protector may not be able to cope with strong vibration, pressure or impact when the phone is dropped. Therefore, damaged tempered glass should be completely replaced at the first available opportunity.

Also, repairing the tempered glass screen protector is not practical. A glass repair product can cost more than a new, serviceable glass or a set of several tempered glasses. And unprofessional repair can only damage your phone screen.

Shattered tempered glass with no possibility of recovery.
Shattered tempered glass with no possibility of recovery.

Conclusion

So, in this article we have covered the main reasons that could cause your phone screen protector to crack although you may not have noticed them. The crack can be formed due to hidden defects, incorrect installation of tempered glass or strong physical impact on the device. Cheap glass is also more likely to crack than glass from a well-known brand. Since large companies are interested in tracking manufacturing defects due to reputational costs and providing warranty on manufactured products. Therefore, one or more factors in combination can lead to the appearance of a crack. It is also worth remembering that any tempered glass is a consumable material created to protect the phone screen. Therefore, wear and cracking of tempered glass is a natural process. Tempered glass cannot be repaired or restored, because after a crack appears, the protective properties of the glass are completely reduced.

If you still have questions about the article topic, check out the FAQ below or post your question in a comment on the article. We will be glad to help you.

FAQ

Why does tempered glass crack?

Your phone’s screen protector can crack for a variety of reasons. One of them can be physical stress or impact, such as dropping the device or accidentally pressing it down. Temperature fluctuations, such as extreme heat or cold, can also cause the protective glass to crack. In addition, poor quality materials or improper installation can also lead to cracking.

Do screen protectors prevent cracking?

Yes, they do, but only to a certain extent. They primarily act as a barrier to protect your phone screen from damage. However, they are not invulnerable and can crack under force or pressure themselves. It is important to replace a cracked protector to keep your device effectively protected.

Do screen protectors break more easily than phone screens?

Screen protectors are not inherently more fragile than phone screens. However, their purpose is to absorb shock in falls and other accidents, so they can break more easily than the phone screen they are protecting.

Why does a phone screen with a screen protector crack?

If the screen cracked when a screen protector was installed on it, it could be due to heavy pressure or impact on the device that exceeds the absorption capacity of the screen protector. In addition, the quality of the screen protector plays an important role in this issue. Low-quality or thin screen protectors may not be effective in protecting your phone screen from cracking. For example, only tempered glass can effectively protect your phone screen. PET film is not designed to absorb impact or pressure on the phone screen.

What are the disadvantages of screen protectors?

The disadvantages of screen protectors include possible peeling at the edges, difficulty of application without forming air bubbles, the need for regular replacement due to scratches and damage over time. Some phones with a fingerprint scanner built into the screen do not work correctly with tempered glass installed. Despite these disadvantages, replacing them is often cheaper than replacing the phone screens they protect.

What are the disadvantages of screen protectors?

The disadvantages of screen protectors include possible peeling at the edges, difficulty of application without forming air bubbles, the need for regular replacement due to scratches and damage over time. Some phones with a fingerprint scanner built into the screen do not work correctly with tempered glass installed. Despite these disadvantages, replacing them is often cheaper than replacing the phone screens they protect.

Why does a screen protector crack?

A screen protector can crack for a variety of reasons, such as poor quality material, improper installation, or external influences such as drops and bumps.

Does a screen protector prevent cracking?

It is primarily used to protect the phone screen from scratches and minor scuffs. However, it is important to note that while a screen protector creates an extra layer of protection, it does not make the screen completely crack-proof. It can minimise damage and resist minor impacts, but it cannot prevent cracks from occurring in the event of significant bumps or drops. In addition, only tempered glass can provide effective protection for your phone’s screen.

Why does my screen protector accidentally crack?

A screen protector can accidentally crack for a variety of reasons, such as extreme temperatures, pressure from hard objects, or even manufacturing defects. Cracks can also occur due to the compression and expansion of the screen during temperature fluctuations. Despite these factors, the main purpose of a screen protector is to absorb such shocks and protect your phone screen.

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About the author

Alex Gustman

Hi,
My name is Alexander.
I am the author of articles, reviews and videos on the YouTube channel of Androidncomp.com. I have been testing various electronic devices, mobile games and Android applications since 2012.

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