Cracked screens are a common problem for many smartphone users. Whether it’s a result of an accidental drop or a slight bump, a cracked phone screen can leave your device looking less than perfect. But once the screen is cracked, the bigger question becomes: “Can I still use my phone?” While it might seem fine initially, continuing to use a phone with a cracked screen can have hidden risks. In this blog, we will discuss the potential dangers of using a phone with a cracked screen and explore various solutions, including professional phone repair, to get your device back to working perfectly.
The Impact of a Cracked Phone Screen
At first, a cracked phone screen may not seem like a big deal. After all, it’s just a cosmetic issue, right? While this is partially true, even a small crack can interfere with the phone’s functionality. Let’s explore how a cracked screen can impact your device.
Touch Sensitivity and Functionality
One of the most immediate effects of a cracked screen is the loss of touch sensitivity. You might find it harder to scroll, tap, or type. Certain areas of the screen could become unresponsive, making it frustrating to use your phone for basic tasks like texting or browsing. In some cases, the damage to the screen may cause ghost touches, where the phone registers touches that you didn’t actually make.
The cracks can also distort the image quality on your screen. This visual impairment can make reading texts, viewing photos, and watching videos challenging. The screen might appear blurry or uneven, which can be annoying for users who rely on their phones for daily tasks and entertainment.
Increased Risk of Further Damage
The more you use a phone with a cracked screen, the more likely the crack is to spread. Even small cracks can expand over time due to everyday use, putting further strain on the screen. The more pressure placed on the screen, whether by pressing on it or through general wear and tear, the higher the chance of the damage worsening.
If the crack gets larger, it could impact the overall functionality of the phone, making it harder to use. In some extreme cases, large cracks can make the entire screen unusable, turning what seemed like a small issue into a major problem.
Exposure to Dust, Dirt, and Moisture
Another significant risk of using a phone with a cracked screen is exposure to environmental elements such as dust, dirt, and moisture. Smartphones are designed with protective features like water and dust resistance, but a crack compromises these defenses. Dust and debris can enter the phone through the crack, potentially damaging internal components like the display, battery, or motherboard.
Moisture can also seep into the phone through the crack, which could lead to corrosion of the phone’s internal parts. Water damage is one of the most common causes of phone malfunctions, and it’s a risk that grows with the presence of a cracked screen.
Physical Injury Risks
Though it’s a rare occurrence, using a phone with a cracked screen can lead to injury. The edges of the crack can be sharp, and over time, small glass shards may break off. If you’re using your phone frequently, these glass fragments could injure your fingers or even cause cuts to your face, especially if you’re holding the phone close to your face or body.
While the risk of injury is relatively low, it’s still a factor worth considering, particularly for individuals with young children who might handle the device or come into contact with it.
Lower Resale Value
If you’re thinking about selling or trading in your phone, a cracked screen can dramatically reduce its resale value. Buyers are hesitant to purchase phones with damaged screens, even if the phone functions perfectly otherwise. A cracked screen suggests that the phone may have been dropped or mishandled, which makes it harder to sell at a good price.
While some buyers may be willing to purchase the device at a discount, the resale value will likely be much lower than it would be for a device in pristine condition.
Solutions for a Cracked Phone Screen
So, can you still use a phone with a cracked screen? While it’s possible to continue using your phone in the short term, there are risks involved. Let’s look at some of the options for dealing with a cracked screen.
1. Temporary Fix with a Screen Protector
For minor cracks that don’t impact functionality too much, using a screen protector can be a short-term fix. Screen protectors can help hold the cracked pieces in place and prevent further breakage. They can also provide a barrier against dust and dirt, which is particularly important if the crack has exposed the internal parts of the phone.
While a screen protector won’t fix the cracked screen itself, it can help prevent the crack from spreading and make the phone more usable in the interim.
2. DIY Repair Kits
Many people opt to fix their cracked screens at home using DIY repair kits. These kits typically include the tools necessary to remove the old screen and install a replacement. However, this approach can be tricky. If you’re not experienced with phone repairs, you may end up causing more damage to the device.
Replacing a cracked screen requires precision. Incorrect installation can lead to malfunctioning touchscreens, broken internal components, or even voiding the phone’s warranty. While DIY kits can save money, they come with a risk of further damage, and professional phone repair may ultimately be a better option.
3. Professional Phone Repair Services
The best solution for a cracked screen is to seek professional phone repair. A reputable phone repair service has the right tools, skills, and experience to replace a cracked screen properly. They will ensure the new screen is installed correctly, and any other internal components are functioning as they should.
Though professional repair services come at a cost, they offer a high level of expertise and peace of mind. Many phone repair shops offer warranties on their services, so you can rest assured that the repair will be done right.
4. Consider Replacing the Phone
In some cases, especially if the phone is outdated or the repair cost is close to the price of a new device, it might be better to replace the phone entirely. If your phone is already old or has multiple issues beyond just the cracked screen, upgrading to a new model might be a more cost-effective choice.
Before making this decision, however, it’s important to weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of a new phone. If the repair is affordable and the phone still meets your needs, repairing the screen may be the better option.
Take Action and Protect Your Device: Repair Your Cracked Screen Today!
If your phone screen is cracked and you’ve been thinking about leaving it as is, now is the time to take action. Continuing to use a phone with a cracked screen can lead to bigger problems down the road, from further damage to potential environmental risks. Thankfully, the solution is simple: professional phone repair services.
If you’re looking for expert phone repair, ABQ Phone Repair & Accessories is here to help. Our skilled technicians specialize in screen repairs, ensuring that your phone is restored to its original condition quickly and affordably. Don’t wait until the damage worsens—contact us today and get your phone back in top shape!
