You dropped your phone. You picked it up hoping for the best. And there it is — a crack running across your screen. Maybe it’s a single hairline fracture. Maybe it’s a full spider web. Either way, you’re wondering: can I fix this myself, or do I need to pay for a repair?
After repairing thousands of cracked screens since 2014, here’s my honest assessment.
Temporary fixes that buy you time
These won’t repair your screen, but they can make a cracked phone usable until you get a proper repair:
Apply a tempered glass screen protector over the crack. This holds broken glass fragments in place, prevents cuts to your fingers, and stops the cracks from spreading further. A cheap screen protector can keep a cracked phone functional for weeks or months.
Clear packing tape works in a pinch if you can’t get a screen protector immediately. Apply a strip over the cracked area to hold glass in place. It’s not pretty, but it prevents glass splinters.
If your screen protector cracked but the actual phone screen underneath is fine, just replace the protector. This happens more often than people realize — the protector did its job.
Can you DIY a screen replacement?
You can buy replacement screens and tool kits online for most phone models. But I’m going to be straight with you: unless you have experience with electronics repair, I don’t recommend it.
Here’s why. Modern phone screens are not just glass — they’re complex assemblies with adhesive layers, digitizers, flex cables, and in newer phones, components like Face ID sensors and earpiece speakers that are integrated into the screen assembly. Damaging any of these during replacement can create problems worse than the original crack.
Common DIY failures we see: damaged Face ID (requiring an additional expensive repair on top of the screen), torn flex cables that kill touch function entirely, adhesive that doesn’t seal properly (allowing dust and moisture in), and screens that look fine but have dead zones or discoloration.
If you’re technically inclined and comfortable with small electronics, DIY can save money. But for most people, the risk of making things worse outweighs the savings.
When you absolutely need a professional
Get professional help if any of these are true: the touch screen is not responding in parts of the screen (digitizer is damaged, not just the glass), there are lines or discoloration under the cracks (LCD or OLED damage), the phone got wet and the screen is acting erratic, your phone is an iPhone with Face ID (the Face ID module is delicate), or you need the phone working reliably for work or daily life and can’t risk a failed DIY attempt.
What professional screen repair costs
Screen repair pricing depends on your phone model. Older models with LCD screens are more affordable to repair, while newer models with OLED displays cost more. Pro Max and Ultra variants are at the higher end due to larger, more expensive screens. Call (619) 577-3065 for an exact quote on your specific model.
At Indiana Phones in Pacific Beach, San Diego, most screen repairs take 20-30 minutes. We’re a veteran-owned shop with a 4.9-star rating from 669+ customers. Every repair comes with a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.
Walk in to 1630 Grand Ave in Pacific Beach or call (619) 577-3065. We’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong and what it’ll cost — no surprises.
FAQ
Can I fix a cracked phone screen myself?
Technically yes — DIY kits are available online. However, modern phone screens are complex assemblies with digitizers, flex cables, and sensors. Without experience, you risk damaging components like Face ID or the touch digitizer, which can cost more to fix than the original crack. Most people are better off with a professional repair.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked phone screen?
Prices vary by phone model and extent of damage. Call Indiana Phones at (619) 577-3065 for a free quote.
Can a cracked screen damage my phone further?
Yes. Cracks allow dust, moisture, and debris to enter the phone, potentially damaging internal components. A cracked screen also weakens the structural integrity of the phone, making it more vulnerable to further damage from subsequent drops.
By Nicholas, Air Force Veteran and Founder of Indiana Phones. (619) 577-3065
