How To Fix a Cracked iPhone Screen Caused By A Drop or Bug
Apple makes some of the most delicate and sturdy products, but they aren't immune to everyday wear and tear. Suppose you're one of the millions of people who have dropped their iPhones; you may have noticed a spider web-looking crack surrounding it.
So, we've collected some information to help you solve one of the most common problems Apple smartphone users experience.
Step 1: Check Your Warranty
The best way to save time and money when fixing your cracked iPhone screen is by checking your warranty first. Apple offers a free year of technical support. And The Limited Warranty covers your iPhone and Apple-branded accessories against manufacturing defects.
And before taking any action, find out if an AppleCare+ plan covers you. You can use your device's serial number on Apple's website to determine if you have a warranty covering a cracked screen or other damage. The same goes for accidental damage coverage in case something more serious happens.
Step 2: Back up your iPhone.
If you have a cracked iPhone screen and a backup, you can restore data from a backup and continue using your device. It would be best if you always backed up your iPhone before you begin any repair, and that's particularly true for screen repairs since they will be disconnecting the battery.
There are two ways you can back up your iPhone — iCloud or iTunes on a computer — and both methods have pros and cons. iCloud backups don't require a computer, but they can't save everything on your phone (like music or videos). On the other hand, iTunes backups do everything an iCloud backup does, but they require access to a computer (and if you want to save Health data or passwords, you need iOS 10 or later).
But the easiest way is by using iCloud. It's an easy process that only takes a few minutes. And you will need an active Internet connection and plenty of storage space in iCloud (which you can upgrade if you run out). Here's how to do it:
Go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup
Under Back Up Now, tap Back Up Now. Remember that this process will vary depending on how much data you have but expect it to take a few minutes.
But if you don't have a backup, though, or if the damage is extensive, your options are more limited. You may have to take more steps to ensure the safety of your data before bringing your iPhone in for repair — especially if it won't turn on at all after suffering damage.
Step 3: Get a repair quote.
With any luck, you'll be able to get a repair quote reasonably quickly. If it's a relatively simple fix, the tech may even be able to do it right then and there. However, this is unlikely. Instead, the tech will likely tell you how long the repair will take and how much it will cost.
But if you have AppleCare, the extended warranty provided by Apple, you may not need to pay anything. AppleCare covers two incidents of accidental damage (though subject to a service fee), so if this is your first time getting your iPhone fixed since buying AppleCare, you should be good to go.
Suppose your iPhone is out of warranty and doesn't have AppleCare; your best bet is to use an online service like iCracked or Puls to get your iPhone back in working order.
Once you've chosen a repair service provider, they'll send a technician over to fix your phone.
You can also forward your phone for repair at an official Apple Store or send it directly to your service provider, who will do the same job for less money than Apple charges.
Step 4: Choose a repair option (DIY or service center)
If you don't have a warranty and don't want to send your iPhone away for repair, you might want to replace it yourself with a DIY kit.
However, Apple's official position on screen repair is that it doesn't support DIY. If you go this route, you will void the warranty on your phone. You will also run the risk of damaging your phone by repairing improperly.
The other risk is that you may not be able to get all of the pieces together for a successful repair, especially if you're dealing with an older model iPhone. Many videos and websites are dedicated to helping people do their screen repairs, but many of them are focused on newer models or don't walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
But if you're determined to replace the display yourself, you can buy an iPhone replacement screen from an online supplier. It's highly recommended to purchase from a supplier like iFixit or PowerbookMedic; both have an excellent reputation among the repair community.
And also, be warned that replacing an iPhone screen is a complicated procedure that requires removing the front panel assembly. And the digitizer glass and LCD are not recommended for people to do DIY if they have no experience repairing phones.
And keep in mind when you order a replacement screen, make sure it comes with everything you need to complete the repair — at a minimum, that means the digitizer glass and LCD. Some also come with the home button, front-facing camera bracket, earpiece speaker, and EMI shield. If these parts are damaged in the original repair, they'll need replacing.
If your iPhone has an A9 or later processor (such as an iPhone 6s or later), you'll need to disable "Find My iPhone" before starting because replacing the screen will cause an activation lock. You'll also need to disable your passcode if one is set.
So there you have it. If you follow these simple steps, you'll soon be able to fix those pesky cracked or broken screens without any problems. And if for some reason, these tips fail to fix your screen, you can always visit an Apple store and have one of their experts take a look at it.
Hopefully, you won't have to use any of these tips until a minor drop ruins your phone, but either way, we hope this article was informative for anyone looking to repair their cracked iPhone screen.
