What you can do about a cracked tablet screen
A cracked tablet screen can often be repaired, but your options depend on how badly it is damaged, whether the screen still works, and whether you want to do the work yourself or pay someone else. If only the outer glass is cracked but the display underneath still shows a clear picture, you can replace just the glass layer. If the entire display panel is damaged or the picture is distorted, you will need to replace the whole screen assembly. The cost ranges from $50 to $300 depending on your tablet model, and the repair takes anywhere from one hour (if you do it yourself) to one week (if you send it to a repair shop).
Key Takeaways
- A cracked outer glass layer can be replaced separately from the display panel below it, which costs less and takes less time than replacing the whole screen.
- If the picture is distorted, discolored, or has dark spots, the display panel itself is damaged and must be replaced along with the glass.
- DIY screen replacement requires a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool, adhesive strips, and 30 minutes to two hours of careful work, and voids most warranties.
- Professional repair shops charge $80 to $300 depending on tablet model and can complete the work in one to three days.
- Manufacturer repair through the tablet maker's official service costs more but includes a warranty and guarantees parts are genuine.
Telling the difference between glass damage and display damage
Before you decide how to fix the screen, you need to know what is actually broken. Turn on your tablet and look at the picture it displays. If the image is clear, bright, and shows the right colors everywhere, only the glass is cracked. If the picture has dark spots, dead pixels, discolored areas, or lines running across it, the display panel underneath is also damaged.
You can also test by pressing gently on different parts of the cracked area. If the screen responds to your touch in the right places, the touch sensor is still working. If tapping on the screen does nothing in some spots, the digitizer (the layer that senses touch) is damaged and will need to be replaced.
A tablet with only a cracked glass layer is cheaper and faster to repair because you are replacing one component instead of three. A tablet with a damaged display panel costs more because you are replacing the glass, the LCD or OLED panel, and often the digitizer all as one assembly.
Doing the repair yourself
DIY screen replacement is possible if you are comfortable working with small parts and have steady hands. You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool (not metal, which can damage the frame), replacement glass or a full screen assembly (ordered online for your specific tablet model), and adhesive strips or liquid adhesive. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your tablet and how much adhesive residue you have to clean off.
Start by heating the edges of the cracked glass with a heat gun set to low or a hair dryer on high to soften the adhesive underneath. Work slowly around the perimeter, then use the plastic pry tool to lift one corner of the glass. Once you have a gap, slide the tool along the edge to separate the glass from the frame. Remove any remaining adhesive with rubbing alcohol and a cloth. Clean the frame thoroughly and let it dry completely before installing the new glass or screen assembly.
explore new adhesive strips or liquid adhesive to the frame according to the instructions that come with your replacement part. Press the new glass or screen assembly into place, starting at one corner and working across to avoid trapping air bubbles. Let the adhesive cure for the time specified (usually 24 hours) before using the tablet.
The main risk of DIY repair is damaging the frame, the digitizer, or the display panel while removing the old glass. If you slip with the pry tool or explore too much heat, you can crack the frame or permanently damage the screen underneath. Most tablet manufacturers void the warranty if you open the device yourself.
Taking your tablet to a repair shop
Independent repair shops and electronics retailers like Best Buy offer screen replacement for most tablet models. The cost is usually $80 to $200 for glass-only replacement and $150 to $300 for a full screen assembly, depending on the tablet brand and model. Turnaround time is typically one to three business days, though some shops offer same-day service for an extra fee.
When you choose a repair shop, ask whether they use original parts (made by the tablet manufacturer) or third-party parts (made by another company). Original parts cost more but match the original screen's brightness, color accuracy, and durability. Third-party parts are cheaper but may have slightly different color or brightness, and sometimes fail sooner.
Before you hand over your tablet, ask the shop for a written estimate that includes the cost of parts and labor, the warranty on the repair (usually 30 to 90 days), and how long the work will take. Some shops offer mail-in repair if you do not have a location nearby, though shipping adds time and cost.
Sending your tablet to the manufacturer
The tablet maker's official repair service (Apple for iPads, Samsung for Galaxy tablets, and so on) will replace your screen for a flat fee that varies by model. iPad screen replacement typically costs $99 to $199 depending on the model. Samsung tablets usually cost $150 to $250. These prices include parts, labor, and a one-year warranty on the repair.
To start a manufacturer repair, visit the support page for your tablet brand, enter your model number, and request a repair. You will be given the option to mail in your tablet or visit an authorized service center if one is near you. Mailing in your tablet takes one to two weeks total (including shipping time), while a service center visit usually takes three to five business days.
Manufacturer repair guarantees that parts are genuine and that the work meets the maker's standards. The downside is that it costs more than independent shops and takes longer. If your tablet is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the screen replacement at no cost if the damage is due to a defect rather than accidental breakage.
Comparing cost and time across repair options
| Repair Option | Cost (Glass Only) | Cost (Full Screen) | Time to Complete | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY repair | $30–$80 | $60–$150 | 1–2 hours | None (voids manufacturer warranty) |
| Independent repair shop | $80–$150 | $150–$250 | 1–3 business days | 30–90 days |
| Manufacturer repair | $99–$199 | $99–$199 | 1–2 weeks | 1 year |
Preventing future screen damage
Once your tablet is repaired, a screen protector can reduce the risk of the same damage happening again. Tempered glass screen protectors absorb impact and crack instead of the tablet screen, and cost $10 to $30. They are easier to install than replacing a broken screen and can be replaced cheaply if they crack.
A protective case with raised edges around the screen also helps. If you drop the tablet, the case absorbs the impact and keeps the screen from hitting the ground directly. Cases range from $15 to $60 depending on the brand and how much protection they offer.
Avoid placing your tablet face-down on hard surfaces, and do not sit on it or put heavy objects on top of it. Keep it away from extreme heat, which can damage the adhesive holding the screen in place. If you use your tablet outdoors, keep it out of direct sunlight for long periods, as heat can weaken the screen assembly over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet if the screen is cracked but still works?
Yes, you can use it, but the cracked glass can cut your fingers and the damage may spread. If the crack is near the edge and does not affect the display or touch response, you can wait to repair it. If the crack is in the middle of the screen or is growing, repair it sooner to prevent the damage from reaching the display panel underneath.
How do I know if I need to replace just the glass or the whole screen?
Turn on your tablet and look at the picture. If the image is clear and bright everywhere, only the glass is cracked. If you see dark spots, dead pixels, lines, or discolored areas, the display panel is damaged and you need to replace the whole screen assembly. Press gently on the cracked area—if the screen does not respond to touch there, the digitizer is also damaged.
Is it cheaper to repair the screen or buy a new tablet?
For most tablets, screen repair costs $80 to $300, which is much less than buying a new tablet. A new tablet typically costs $300 to $1,000 or more. Repair makes sense unless your tablet is very old, the repair cost is more than half the tablet's original price, or the tablet has other serious damage.
Will repairing my screen void my warranty?
DIY repair voids the manufacturer's warranty. Professional repair through an independent shop usually does not affect the warranty, but check your tablet's warranty terms first. Manufacturer repair keeps your warranty intact and adds a one-year warranty on the repair itself.
Can I use my tablet while waiting for screen repair?
If only the glass is cracked and the display works, yes. If the display is damaged, using the tablet may make the damage worse. If you send your tablet to a repair shop or manufacturer, you will not have access to it during the repair period, so back up your data first.