How to Fix a Cracked iPhone or iPad Screen Safely

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

A cracked iPhone or iPad screen can sometimes be covered temporarily, but a lasting repair usually means replacing the damaged display. First protect yourself and your data, then decide whether professional service or a carefully prepared DIY repair is appropriate for your device and skill level.

What You’ll Need

A recent backup, if the device still works: use iCloud or connect it to a computer and follow the device’s backup instructions.
A case or screen protector for temporary protection, plus clear tape if loose glass needs containing.
For DIY: a replacement screen specifically compatible with your exact model, the model-specific repair guide, suitable precision tools, and replacement adhesive. Some models may require additional parts or specialized tools.
Eye protection and cut-resistant gloves, ideally, for handling broken glass.

Step-by-Step

Check for immediate hazards. If the device is unusually hot, swelling, hissing, smoking, or has a punctured battery, stop using it. Do not charge it or press on it. Keep it away from flammable materials and seek qualified repair or local battery-disposal guidance. A damaged battery is not a screen-repair project.
Contain the glass and assess the damage. Avoid rubbing or pressing the screen. If shards are loose, place clear tape over the display without pushing hard; keep tape away from openings and cameras. Wear eye protection and gloves when handling it. Check whether touch input, display, cameras, buttons, and charging still work. Flickering, black patches, colored lines, or dead touch areas suggest damage beyond a superficial crack.
Back up and protect your information. If the screen is usable, make a backup before repair. Confirm that important photos and files are included. If touch is unreliable, do not keep tapping at random; arrange service and ask about data preservation. A repair may require erasing or replacing the device, so a backup matters.
Identify the exact model. Find the model name in Settings, under General and About, if accessible. If not, check the device’s exterior or packaging and use the manufacturer’s model-identification information. Screen parts and procedures vary even among devices that look similar. Do not order a screen based only on a broad label such as “iPad” or “iPhone.”
Choose a repair route. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized service provider for a supported repair, especially if the device is under warranty, covered by a service plan, or has other damage. Ask about cost, turnaround, data handling, water resistance, and whether display features will work as intended. An independent repair shop may also be suitable; ask about part quality, warranty, and any feature limitations.
Decide whether DIY is realistic. Modern devices can use strong adhesive, delicate flex cables, and components that are easy to damage. Some repairs require heat, specialized tools, calibration, or moving small parts from the old display. If you lack electronics-repair experience, the screen is badly shattered, or the frame is bent, choose a repair professional rather than learning on a device you need.
Prepare for a DIY repair only with a model-specific guide. Power the device off, disconnect all cables, and work on a clean, well-lit, static-conscious surface. Follow a reputable step-by-step guide for the exact model from beginning to end before opening the device. Lay out labeled screws in order; screws of different lengths can damage internal components if swapped.
Open the device exactly as instructed. Use only the specified tools and opening points. Apply heat only as directed by the guide; excessive heat can damage the battery, display, or other parts. Do not insert a tool deeply or force a stuck screen. Stop if the casing bends, a cable stretches, the battery is exposed or damaged, or the instructions do not match what you see.
Disconnect power before handling display cables. Once the device is open, follow the guide’s sequence to disconnect the battery before disconnecting display connectors. Never pull on a cable or pry against the battery. Keep screws and tools away from the battery, and stop immediately if it is dented, punctured, or swollen.
Install and test before sealing. Transfer required components only if the model-specific instructions call for it. Connect the replacement display carefully, reconnect the battery in the instructed order, and briefly test the display, touch response, brightness, cameras, speakers, and buttons before applying new adhesive. If anything fails, power off and inspect the connectors according to the guide; do not press the screen into place to hide a problem.
Seal and finish the repair. Remove old adhesive as directed, fit the correct replacement adhesive, and close the device without pinching cables. Do not assume the original water resistance has been restored. If the screen does not sit flush or the frame is distorted, stop and have a technician inspect it. Dispose of broken glass and any damaged battery safely.

Common Mistakes

Continuing to use or charge a device with a swollen, punctured, or overheating battery.
Buying a replacement part for a similar-looking but different model.
Opening the device without backing it up or reading the full repair procedure first.
Using a knife, excessive heat, or force to lift the display; these can cause cuts, battery damage, or torn cables.
Mixing screws, pulling connectors by their wires, or sealing the device before testing it.
Assuming a DIY screen replacement preserves water resistance, warranty coverage, or every original display feature.

Tips

Use a fitted case and screen protector after repair to reduce the chance of another break.
Keep the damaged device away from moisture and avoid putting pressure on the cracked area.
Ask a service provider whether the repair will affect display functions, device sealing, or future service options before authorizing work.
Keep small screws and glass fragments contained, and work where children and pets cannot reach them.

Troubleshooting

The screen is black, but the device seems to be on: Do not assume a new screen will fix it; the connector, backlight, or other components may be damaged. Arrange diagnosis, especially if the device vibrates or makes sounds.

Touch does not work after replacement: Power off if possible and reopen only if you can safely follow the exact guide. A connector may not be seated, the part may be incompatible, or another component may be damaged. Do not force the connector or screen.

The display has lines, flickers, or shows the wrong colors: Stop before sealing the device. Check the guide’s connector steps, then test again. If the fault remains, the replacement part may be defective or the device may need professional diagnosis.

The screen will not sit flush: Do not clamp or press it into place. Check for leftover adhesive, a trapped cable, an incorrect part, or a bent frame. Stop if the case is distorted or the battery looks swollen.

The device becomes hot, smells unusual, or swells: Stop the repair and do not charge it. Move away from the device and seek appropriate professional help; do not puncture or compress a battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using an iPhone or iPad with a cracked screen?
Only if there are no battery warning signs and the display remains safe and usable. Cracks can worsen and expose sharp glass, so protect the screen and arrange repair.

Can toothpaste or glue repair a cracked screen?
No. Household products do not replace damaged display glass and can obstruct the screen, openings, or repair process.

Should I replace the screen myself?
Only if you have suitable tools, the exact-model instructions, and confidence handling delicate electronics. Professional service is the safer option when the device is valuable, badly damaged, or unfamiliar.

Will a screen replacement erase my data?
It may not, but service or repair can involve data loss or a device reset. Back up first whenever the device allows it.

Will the device still be water-resistant after repair?
Do not rely on it. Opening and repairing a device can compromise its seals, and a replacement may not restore the original protection.

What if the glass is cracked but touch still works?
Back up the device, cover loose glass carefully to reduce cuts, and arrange repair. Working touch does not mean the display is safe or undamaged.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.