How to Tell If Your Phone Screen Needs Replacing

Not every cracked screen needs immediate attention. But some damage — left unchecked — can worsen quickly, cost more to fix, and in some cases cause injury. Here's how to read the warning signs.

Cosmetic Cracks: Annoying but Not Urgent

If your screen has a small crack or chip in the corner, the touch still works perfectly, and there's no discolouration or bleed, it's technically cosmetic. You can continue using the phone — though we'd recommend a tempered glass protector to stop it spreading.

Signs You Should Book a Repair Soon

• Touch is unresponsive in areas of the screen, even where it isn't cracked
• Dark patches, blotches, or 'ink bleeding' spreading from the crack
• Coloured lines or dead pixels running vertically or horizontally
• Screen flickers, especially under pressure or after drops
• The crack is growing or the glass is lifting away from the frame

Signs You Need a Repair Now

You also need a repair urgently if the LCD underneath is damaged. Signs of LCD damage include: a black screen that still vibrates and receives calls, bright white areas that won't clear, or the screen being completely unresponsive despite the phone being on.

Will a Screen Protector Fix It?

No. A tempered glass screen protector goes over the screen — it can't repair a crack that's already there. It can, however, stop a small crack from spreading and protect you from glass fragments. Worth applying if you're waiting to book a repair.

How Much Does a Screen Replacement Cost?

Prices vary by model. iPhone 15 screens start from £75, while older models like the iPhone 12 or 13 start from £55. Samsung Galaxy screens typically start from £49 for A-series models. We always confirm your exact price before starting any work.