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.
