*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

Dropped your smartphone accidentally and cracked the screen? This is something that has happened to almost all of us at some point or the other. Whether it was accidental or intentional, cracked screens look ugly and can even pose a danger to your fingers, lap, and face. This is because when a screen cracks, the crack spreads further, and tiny shards of glass keep falling.

Before you consider buying a new phone, there are certain things you can do to fix the problem. However as the very first step, ensure that your phone is backed up and all the data is stored in a secure location.

·      Call the Manufacturer

Of course this will be the first thing on your mind; it’s always a good idea to contact the company that made your smartphone. Almost all smartphones come with a warranty period, so if you crack your screen within the period, you can get your screen replaced for free. However, some companies do not cover accidental damage.

For example, Apple offers AppleCare which is valid if you buy the service within 60 days of purchasing a new iPhone. But they charge you for accidental damage. Nevertheless, they will either replace the screen or the entire phone, depending upon the extent of the damage.

·      Contact a Local Repair Shop

If you are uncomfortable sending your smartphone to the manufacturer, then you can search for local mobile phone repair shops in your area. They are much cheaper, but before you hire one, make sure that they provide some form of guarantee that their repair work will not break down too soon. Furthermore, there is a risk of such outlets utilising low quality components which can void the manufacturer’s warranty and insurance on your phone.

·      Check with a Phone Insurance Company

There are services which offer insurance for covering accidental damage to your phone such as Row.co.uk. From as low as £1.49 and up to a 20% discount, Row.co.uk covers accidental damage to your mobile phone which also includes a cracked screen.

·      Do-it-Yourself

If you have hands-on experience in repairing electronic devices, then this route will save you quite a bit of money. However, even the slightest hesitation or doubt can cause further damage to your smartphone. You will need to find a repair kit for replacing the screen on your smartphone. For example, a new Galaxy S6 screen costs around £7.59 on Amazon. You can find many tutorials on websites such as iFixIt on how to replace a cracked screen.

In some instances, your smartphone’s screen must not have developed large cracks. If the crack is smaller and the screen displays and works properly, then you can use a temporary solution. Take packaging tape and wrap it over the screen of your phone; this will prevent the crack from spreading and you can continue using it till you come across a better solution.

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.