What you can do about a cracked tablet screen
A cracked screen on a tablet can often be repaired, but your options depend on how badly it is damaged and whether you want to do the work yourself or send it to a professional. A small crack in the glass layer on top may not affect how the tablet works, while a crack that goes through to the LCD display underneath will usually make the screen unusable or cause dead spots where you cannot touch. You can replace just the glass, replace the entire screen assembly, or in some cases leave it alone if the damage is minor and does not interfere with use.
The cost and time involved differ greatly between a DIY repair and professional service. A professional repair through the tablet manufacturer or a third-party repair shop typically costs between $150 and $400 depending on the tablet model, and takes one to two weeks. A DIY replacement using a kit you order online costs $30 to $150 for parts but requires patience, the right tools, and a steady hand—and if something goes wrong, you may damage the tablet further.
Key Takeaways
- Small cracks in the outer glass layer alone may not need repair if the tablet still responds to touch and displays correctly.
- Professional repair through the manufacturer or a certified repair shop is the safest option and usually costs $150 to $400.
- DIY screen replacement kits are available online for $30 to $150 but require tools like a heat gun, plastic pry tools, and tweezers, plus several hours of careful work.
- Before attempting any repair, back up your tablet data in case something goes wrong during the process.
- Mail-in repair services from the manufacturer typically take one to two weeks but come with a warranty on the repair work.
Assess the damage before deciding on a repair method
The first step is to understand what part of the screen is actually broken. Most tablet screens have three layers: a protective glass layer on top, an LCD or OLED display layer in the middle, and a backlight layer underneath. If only the top glass is cracked but the display works perfectly and responds to all your touches, you may decide to leave it as is—many people do, especially if the crack is small and out of the way.
If the crack goes deeper and affects the display itself, you will see discoloration, black spots, or areas where the screen does not respond to touch. In this case, the tablet is much harder to use and repair becomes more practical. Check whether your tablet is still under warranty or covered by accidental damage insurance—if so, contact the manufacturer or your insurance company first, because they may cover the repair at no cost or for a small deductible.
Also note the tablet model and screen size. Larger tablets and newer models tend to have more expensive replacement screens. An iPad Pro screen replacement, for example, costs more than an iPad mini screen. Write down your exact model number (usually found in Settings under About) before you contact anyone for a quote.
Professional repair through the manufacturer
The safest and most reliable option is to send your tablet to the manufacturer for repair. Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and other major makers all offer mail-in or in-store repair services. For Apple devices, you can visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or mail the tablet to Apple's repair center. For Android tablets, contact the manufacturer's support website to find authorized repair locations in your area.
Manufacturer repairs typically cost $150 to $400 depending on the tablet model and whether the damage is covered under warranty. If your tablet is out of warranty, you will pay the full cost. The repair usually takes one to two weeks if you mail it in, or a few days if you use an in-store service. The advantage is that the manufacturer uses genuine parts and stands behind the work with a warranty—usually 90 days on the repair itself.
Before sending your tablet in, back up all your data. Most repair centers will not erase your tablet, but it is safer to assume they might. You can back up to cloud storage (iCloud for Apple devices, Google Drive for Android) or to a computer using the manufacturer's software.
Third-party repair shops and mail-in services
Independent repair shops and mail-in repair services like iFixit, uBreakiFix, or Best Buy's Geek Squad often charge less than the manufacturer—sometimes $100 to $250 for the same repair. Many of these shops are certified by the tablet manufacturer and use quality replacement parts, though not always genuine ones. Before choosing a shop, check online reviews and ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts, and what warranty they offer on the repair.
Mail-in services work similarly to manufacturer repair: you ship your tablet to them, they repair it, and they ship it back. This usually takes one to two weeks total. Local repair shops can often turn around a screen replacement in one to three days if you drop it off in person. The trade-off is that independent shops may have less experience with your specific tablet model, and the warranty on their work is usually shorter—often 30 to 60 days instead of 90.
Ask for a quote before committing. Most shops will give you a price estimate over the phone or through their website if you provide the tablet model and a photo of the damage. Some charge a diagnostic fee ($20 to $50) that they credit toward the repair if you go ahead.
DIY screen replacement with a kit
If you want to attempt the repair yourself, screen replacement kits are available on Amazon, eBay, and specialty electronics sites for $30 to $150 depending on the tablet model. The kit usually includes a replacement screen, adhesive strips or glue, and sometimes basic tools like plastic pry tools and tweezers. You will also need a heat gun or hair dryer, isopropyl alcohol, and a clean workspace.
The process takes two to four hours and involves heating the edges of the tablet to soften the adhesive, carefully prying off the cracked screen, cleaning the frame, and gluing the new screen in place. The hardest part is not cracking the new screen while you pry out the old one, and not getting dust or bubbles under the new screen as you press it down. Many people watch a video tutorial specific to their tablet model on YouTube before starting—search for "[your tablet model] screen replacement" to find step-by-step guides.
The main risk is that if you slip with a pry tool or explore too much heat, you can damage the frame, the LCD layer underneath, or the digitizer (the touch-sensitive layer). If this happens, you have turned a $200 screen replacement into a $400 or $500 repair. For this reason, DIY repair is best for people who are comfortable working with electronics and do not mind the risk of making things worse.
Tools and materials you will need for DIY repair
Before you order a screen kit, gather these tools. You will need a heat gun or hair dryer set to medium heat to soften the adhesive around the screen edges. You need plastic pry tools or old credit cards to gently separate the screen from the frame—metal tools can scratch or puncture the screen. A set of tweezers helps you position the new screen and remove dust. You will also need isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) and lint-free cloths to clean the frame after removing the old screen.
The screen kit itself should include adhesive strips or liquid adhesive rated for your tablet model. Do not use super glue or regular craft glue—they can damage the screen or create permanent stains. A suction cup (sometimes included in kits) helps you lift the cracked screen without your fingers slipping. Finally, you need a clean, flat workspace with good lighting, and ideally a small container to hold screws or small parts if your tablet has any that need to be removed first.
Before you start, watch a full video tutorial for your exact tablet model. Different tablets have different designs—some have the screen glued directly to the frame, others have a bezel you can remove first, and some have internal screws you must remove before the screen will come loose. Knowing this ahead of time saves you from breaking something you did not expect to encounter.
Common mistakes to avoid during repair
The most common mistake is explore heat unevenly or for too long. If you focus the heat gun on one spot for more than a few seconds, you can melt the plastic frame or damage components inside the tablet. Instead, move the heat gun slowly around all four edges of the screen, keeping it a few inches away, until the adhesive feels soft to the touch. Test the adhesive by gently trying to lift a corner with a plastic tool—if it does not budge, explore more heat.
Another frequent error is prying too hard or too fast. The screen is fragile, and if you force it, it will crack further or shatter completely. Work slowly, prying up just a tiny bit at a time, and move around the edges rather than focusing on one corner. If the screen is not budging after gentle prying, explore more heat instead of pushing harder.
Dust and bubbles under the new screen are also common. After you remove the old screen, clean the frame thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth, and let it dry completely. When you position the new screen, do it in a clean room away from fans or open windows. Press down slowly from the center outward to avoid trapping air bubbles. If you do get bubbles, you can sometimes use a heat gun on low to soften the adhesive and lift the screen slightly to let the air escape, but this is risky and may damage the new screen.
When to stop and call a professional
If at any point during a DIY repair you feel unsure or something does not seem right, stop and contact a professional. Common signs to stop include: the screen will not come loose even after extended heating, you see internal components you do not recognize, the frame appears bent or damaged, or you accidentally crack the new screen while installing it. Pushing forward at this point usually makes the damage worse and more expensive to fix.
If you damage the tablet during DIY repair, you still have the option of taking it to a professional shop, but you should tell them what happened. Some shops will refuse to work on a tablet that has been partially disassembled by someone else, or they may charge extra to assess the additional damage. Others will work on it but cannot may provide the repair will succeed. Being honest about what you have already attempted helps the technician plan the best approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet if the screen is cracked but still works?
Yes, if the crack does not affect the display or touch response. Many people use tablets with minor cracks for months or years. However, a cracked screen is weaker and more likely to shatter completely if the tablet is dropped again. Also, if the crack is near the edge, it may gradually spread over time.
How long does a professional screen replacement usually take?
In-store repairs at a manufacturer location or authorized shop typically take one to three days. Mail-in repairs take one to two weeks total, including shipping time. Some shops offer same-day service if you drop off the tablet early in the morning, but this is not may provide.
Will a screen replacement erase my data?
Professional repair shops do not usually erase tablets during screen replacement, since the screen repair does not require accessing the storage. However, it is always wise to back up your data before sending your tablet anywhere, just in case something unexpected happens.
Is it cheaper to replace the whole tablet than to fix the screen?
For most tablets, screen repair costs $150 to $400, while a new tablet costs $300 to $1000 or more. Repair is almost always cheaper unless your tablet is very old or the damage is so severe that the frame or internal components are also broken. Compare the repair quote to the cost of a new tablet in your price range before deciding.
What is the difference between a cracked glass layer and a cracked LCD display?
A cracked glass layer is the protective outer layer and usually does not affect how the tablet works—you can still see and touch everything normally. A cracked LCD display is the layer that actually shows the image, and cracks here cause black spots, discoloration, or dead zones where touch does not work. Replacing just the glass is sometimes possible but difficult; most repairs replace the entire screen assembly.