Cracked iPad or Tablet Screen? What to Do Next

Tablets get carried around the house, tossed into backpacks and handed to kids, so it's no surprise that a cracked screen is one of the most common tablet repairs we see. One slip off the couch or the kitchen counter is all it takes.

A crack doesn't always mean the tablet is ruined. Here's how we at We Fix Phones N More suggest sizing up the damage and what to do next.

First, Keep Everyone Safe

Cracked glass can have sharp edges and tiny loose shards, especially around the corners. Before anything else:

• Take it away from kids until it's covered or repaired.
• Cover the cracked area with clear packing tape or a screen protector to hold loose pieces in place.
• Avoid swiping hard across the crack, which can cut a fingertip or spread the damage.
• Keep it dry. Cracks let moisture and dust reach the inside of the tablet.

Glass Damage or Display Damage?

Most tablet screens are built in layers. On top is the glass, which includes the touch layer. Underneath is the display that actually shows the picture. Which layer is damaged makes a big difference.

Signs only the glass is cracked

• The picture looks normal under the crack, with no black spots or color bleeding.
• Touch still works across the whole screen.

Signs the display is damaged too

• Black or purple blotches that spread over time.
• Lines running across the screen.
• Flickering, a dim area or a completely black screen even though the tablet makes sounds.
• Parts of the screen don't respond to touch, or the tablet taps on things by itself.

On some tablets the glass and display are fused together and are replaced as one part. On others, especially some iPad models, the glass and display can be replaced separately. Either way, a proper evaluation will tell you exactly what needs to be done.

Why You Shouldn't Wait Too Long

It's tempting to keep using a tablet with a small crack, and sometimes that works for a while. But cracks tend to spread with everyday bumps and temperature changes. A crack can also let moisture in, and a damaged touch layer can start registering phantom taps. The longer you wait, the more likely a glass-only problem turns into a bigger one.

Before You Bring It In

• Back it up if you can still use it. On an iPad, use iCloud or a computer. On Android tablets, use your Google account backup. Our family backup guide walks through the options.
• Know your passcode so the repair can be tested once it's done.
• Bring the charger if the tablet has trouble powering on.
• Don't try a DIY kit unless you're experienced. Tablet glass is often glued down tightly, and it's easy to damage the display, the cables or the battery underneath while prying.

How to Prevent the Next Crack

Once it's fixed, a little protection goes a long way:

• Use a case with raised edges so the screen doesn't hit the floor first. For kids, a thick foam or rubber case with a handle is worth it.
• Add a tempered glass screen protector. Our post on choosing a screen protector explains what to look for. Screen protectors from our shop carry a lifetime guarantee.
• Set a "tablet spot" at home, like a table or a charging shelf, instead of the arm of the couch or the edge of the bed.

Giving a tablet as a gift this year? Our tips for setting up a kid's tablet cover protection and safety settings too.

We Can Take a Look

We repair iPads and tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo and other brands. Bring yours to We Fix Phones N More at 801 County Line Rd in Horsham, or learn more about our iPad repair and tablet repair services. Our repairs come with a 90-day warranty. We serve families across Bucks and Montgomery counties, and you can call us at 215-323-4750.