What to do when your screen stops working or cracks

A broken computer screen usually means one of three things: the display itself is damaged, the cable connecting it to the computer is loose, or the graphics card has failed. The fix depends on which one it is. Start by checking whether your screen is actually broken or just disconnected — a loose cable is the fastest and cheapest problem to solve, and it accounts for most "broken screen" calls.

If your screen is physically cracked or shattered, you cannot repair it yourself safely. The glass contains sharp edges, and the liquid crystal layer underneath can leak. Your options are to replace the screen or replace the entire computer, depending on the model and age of your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Before assuming your screen is broken, check that the power cable is plugged in, the monitor is switched on, and the video cable is fully seated in both the monitor and the computer.
  • If your screen is physically cracked or shattered, do not attempt to repair it yourself — replacement is the only safe option.
  • For laptops, screen replacement costs between $150 and $400 depending on the model; for desktop monitors, a new screen often costs less than a repair.
  • If your screen is black but not cracked, the problem may be a loose cable, a failed graphics card, or a display setting that needs adjustment.
  • Most screen problems on laptops require disassembly, which voids the warranty on some models — check your manual before opening the case.

Check the power and cable connections first

The most common reason a screen appears broken is that it is not receiving power or signal. Start with the simplest checks: make sure the monitor power cable is plugged into a working outlet, and make sure the monitor itself is switched on. Look for a power button on the front or back of the monitor — it should have a light next to it when power is on.

Next, check the video cable. On a desktop, this is usually a cable labeled HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA that runs from the back of your computer tower to the back of the monitor. Unplug it from both ends and plug it back in firmly — you should hear or feel a click. If the cable is damaged (bent pins, frayed wires, or visible cracks), replace it with a new one of the same type.

For laptops, there is no external cable to check, but you can try restarting the computer and pressing the display brightness keys (usually Fn plus an arrow or sun symbol) to make sure the screen is not set to zero brightness.

Restart your computer and check display settings

If the cable is connected and the monitor has power, restart your computer completely. Power it down, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. During startup, you should see the manufacturer logo or BIOS screen appear on the monitor — if you do, the screen itself is working and the problem is a software setting.

Once your computer is fully booted, check your display settings. On Windows, right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." Look for the resolution and refresh rate — if the resolution is set much lower than your monitor supports, or if the refresh rate is very low, change it back to the recommended setting. On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Displays, and select the resolution marked "Default for display."

If you are using an external monitor on a laptop, you may need to tell the computer to use the external display. On Windows, press Windows key + P and select "Extend" or "Second screen only." On Mac, hold Option and click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar, then select your monitor.

Physically cracked or shattered screens

If your screen has visible cracks, chips, or shattered glass, it cannot be repaired — it must be replaced. Do not try to use the computer with a badly cracked screen, because the glass can cut your hands and the liquid crystal inside can leak onto other components.

For a laptop, screen replacement costs between $150 and $400 depending on the model and whether you do it yourself or pay a technician. If you are comfortable opening your laptop, you can buy a replacement screen online and install it yourself — most laptop screens are held in by four screws and a ribbon cable. Check your laptop model number and search for a replacement screen on Amazon or eBay, then watch a video guide for your specific model before you start. If you are not comfortable opening the laptop, a repair shop or the manufacturer can do it for you, though this usually takes one to two weeks.

For a desktop monitor, a replacement screen usually costs less than $150 for a basic model. Because desktop monitors are not worth repairing, most people straightforward buy a new one rather than paying for a repair. If your monitor is less than two years old and cost more than $300, it may be worth checking whether the manufacturer offers a warranty replacement.

Black screen with no image or signal

If your screen is on (you can see the power light) but completely black with no image, the problem is usually a loose cable, a failed graphics card, or a display mode that is sending video to the wrong output.

First, try the cable check again — unplug the video cable from both the monitor and the computer, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. If that does not work, try a different video cable if you have one available, or borrow one from a friend to rule out a bad cable.

If you have a desktop computer, try switching to a different video port on the back of the tower. Most computers have at least two video outputs — HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI are common. Unplug your monitor from the current port and plug it into a different one, then restart the computer.

If you have a laptop, try connecting an external monitor to see if the laptop itself is working. If an external monitor displays an image, your laptop screen may have failed and needs replacement. If the external monitor is also black, the problem is likely the graphics card or the motherboard, which requires professional repair.

Flickering, lines, or distorted images on screen

If your screen is displaying an image but it flickers, shows colored lines, or looks distorted, the problem is usually a loose cable or electromagnetic interference.

Start by checking the video cable again — wiggle it gently while the computer is on to see if the image changes. If it does, the cable is loose or damaged and needs to be reseated or replaced. If the cable is fine, try moving any wireless devices (phones, routers, speakers) away from the monitor and computer, as they can cause interference.

If the problem persists, try lowering the refresh rate in your display settings. Right-click the desktop on Windows, select "Display settings," scroll down to "Advanced display settings," and change the refresh rate to 60 Hz. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Displays, and select a lower resolution. If lowering the refresh rate fixes the problem, your monitor may be failing and should be replaced.

When to replace instead of repair

For most people, replacing a screen is more practical than repairing one. A laptop screen replacement costs $150 to $400 and takes one to two weeks if you use a repair shop. A desktop monitor replacement costs $100 to $300 and can be done the same day. If your computer is more than five years old, the cost of screen replacement may be close to the cost of a new computer, in which case replacement makes more sense.

If your screen is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before paying for a replacement. Most manufacturers cover screen defects for one to three years. You will need your proof of purchase and the serial number of your computer, which is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my computer with a cracked screen?

You can use it temporarily if the crack is small and does not affect the image, but a badly cracked screen is unsafe — the glass can cut your hands, and the liquid crystal can leak onto the motherboard. If the crack is spreading or the image is distorted, stop using it and replace the screen.

How much does it cost to replace a laptop screen?

Replacement screens for laptops cost between $50 and $200 depending on the model. Labor costs another $100 to $200 if you pay a technician. If you install it yourself, you only pay for the screen. Check your laptop model number and search for a replacement on Amazon or eBay to see the current price.

What if my screen is black but the computer is on?

Check that the monitor power cable is plugged in and the monitor is switched on. Then check the video cable — unplug it from both ends and plug it back in firmly. If that does not work, try a different video port on the back of your computer. If an external monitor works, your screen has likely failed and needs replacement.

Is it worth repairing a monitor instead of buying a new one?

Usually not. A new basic monitor costs $100 to $200, while repair labor alone can cost $100 to $150. Most repair shops will not even attempt to fix a monitor because the parts cost more than a replacement. Buy a new monitor unless yours is less than two years old and cost more than $300.

Do I need to open my laptop to replace the screen?

Yes. Most laptop screens are held in by screws under the bezel (the plastic frame around the screen) and connected by a ribbon cable. You will need to remove the bezel, unscrew the screen, and disconnect the cable. Watch a video guide for your specific laptop model before you start, and check your warranty — opening the case may void it on some models.