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Published on: 04.02.2024 | updated on: 24.02.2024
While built to be portable for entertainment and work on the go, the glass panel covering the iPad’s crisp retina display is quite fragile and vulnerable to drops. iPad users are all too familiar with that sinking feeling of the iPad dropping on a hard surface and the screen cracking. As painful as it feels, understand that even the most damaged iPad screen damage can be salvaged.
In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about the reasons behind a broken iPad screen, how to fix it, how long it takes to fix the screen, and whether it is worth fixing the screen or not. So, read on until the end because we will answer all your questions regarding the broken iPad screen.
Dealing with a broken iPad screen can be a challenging experience, especially if you don’t know what to do. In this guide, we’ll talk about various reasons that can lead to a broken iPad screen. We’ll also explore methods to address this issue and what steps you should take next, such as replacing the screen at home or getting it fixed by a professional like Simply Fixable. Additionally, we’ll conduct a cost comparison to fix or replace your iPad screen from various repair stores across the United States.
Listed below are some of the main reasons behind a broken iPad screen:
1. Drops or impacts
A drop or physical impact can crack or shatter the glass screen. This is likely the most common cause of iPad screen damage.
2. Scratches
The screen surface can get scratched over time with normal wear and tear, distorting the display.
3. Water damage
Exposure to moisture can cause water damage underneath the screen and lead to screen issues.
4. Heat damage
Excessive heat from sunlight or device overheating can create discoloration or dark patches on the screen.
5. Pressure damage
Physical pressure put directly on the screen could crack the glass or damage underlying components.
Several common types of screen damage can occur on an iPad. The most common types of iPad screen damage are listed below:
Cracked or shattered screens happen when the glass panel breaks, leaving cracks across part of the screen or the entire screen. This may happen due to a drop or pressure and can make it difficult to view content and properly interact with the touchscreen.
Marks on the screen due to scratches that may cause distorted viewing.
Lines appearing on the screen due to water damage as moisture seeps under the cracked screen may also indicate severe damage.
Unresponsive touch/discoloration or black spots on the screen due to excessive heat or internal damage.
All these damage types can degrade visual quality, responsiveness, and even the overall functionality of apps, features, and iPad components if left unchecked. Getting prompt repairs is key to restoring full iPad use.
While cracked or damaged screens are the most obvious signs of iPad damage, problems could extend beyond the visible exterior issues. When you bring an iPad in for screen repairs, be sure to ask the technician to examine the internal hardware and features thoroughly. Water-damaged iPads, in particular, should be checked for potential short-circuiting.
Even drops that crack screens could cause sensitive connectors or components inside to break. A comprehensive inspection and repair effort is the only way to uncover all damage and restore an iPad to fully working condition after severe damage.
Make sure that the technician checks beyond just cosmetic screen issues that meet the eye that could cause problems in the future, even after the repair.
It is better to be safe than sorry, which is why it is wise to take protective steps against iPad screen damage. Applying a screen protector film to shield the glass display panel is highly recommended to protect your device against scratches and cracks.
However, if the glass is already cracked, take the following steps:
Consider using clear packing or adhesive tape to hold the remains in place. Since damaged screens are very fragile, you ought to be extremely careful when using an iPad with a cracked display so you don’t injure your fingers.
Avoid any pressure on the screen area and keep the device stored in a casing for cushioning. Moreover, handle the device with extreme care while traveling and only get it fixed by a skilled technician.
If you want to use your iPad while the screen is damaged, certain accessibility settings can help you use the device regardless of impaired visibility.
Go to Settings > Accessibility to activate options like Larger Text to increase font sizes.
You can also reduce transparency, create bolder contrast, and customize colors to make elements behind cracked glass easier to identify.
Voiceover option, if activated, can read onscreen text aloud, allowing you to identify what application you are touching.
If your iPad has significant screen cracks or damage, you can make use of external accessories to use the device while awaiting repair. All modern iPad models can be connected to an external display like a TV or computer through a cable. This mirrors the content shown on the iPad to provide a larger, easier-to-see viewing surface. While it may not be very convenient and may limit the scope of usability, you can still use the device for multimedia or other stuff.
Since a broken screen may impair proper visibility, the Voiceover feature can be used to access hard-to-see applications. Found under accessibility in settings, the voiceover feature reads the screen as you swipe or select items.
Similarly, you can also turn on Assistive Touch, which adds an onscreen menu with home, lock, and volume controls for touch-free navigation. You can customize this menu further to add more options such as device, screenshot, etc.
The feasibility of safely repairing a cracked or malfunctioning iPad screen yourself greatly depends on the type and extent of damage. Replacing a fully shattered screen or glass with multiple fragments broken off requires fully disassembling the device, replacing the panel, and reconnecting connectors. Performing this process without any errors requires a high level of expertise and a proper guideline.
However, quick fixes like placing protective tape and protectors over minor cracks or scratches are easily doable at home and can temporarily stabilize some damage. But be mindful that too much pressure or carelessness can cause irreversible damage. Seek professional help for anything beyond minor screen issues.
If you have made up your mind to perform a DIY repair, it is recommended to buy a repair tool kit. These are specifically designed to include tools that can easily help you disassemble and safely reassemble the device. Repair tool kits come with pry tools, suction cups, and screwdrivers suited for delicate operations. While purchasing the tool kit, only buy reputable brand kits made specifically for handling tablet displays and their thin internal cables because poor quality can do more harm than good.
However, even with proper tools, challenges may arise. Seek experienced technical help if you lack confidence or are unsure of the process. It is better to be slow than to rush through the process and cause irreparable mistakes.
How long it takes to replace an iPad's cracked screen yourself depends on the following factors:
Severity of damage
Repair experience
Working conditions
Tools
Repairing the screen is an intricate process that requires unplugging each connection and reassembling in proper order, all while ensuring no further damage. While minor crack repairs may only take 30 minutes, fully shattered displays that require disassembly to access internal components and replace the screen might take up to 2 to 3 hours.
While DIY repair is tempting as it costs less, iPad screen replacement involves very complicated work, which is often best left to experienced professionals. Trained repair technicians have specialized tools and workstations essential for safely handling components without damage.
They also have access to official Apple parts or high-quality OEM parts to fix the screen back to its original display specifications. Certified Technicians will fully disassemble your iPad, correctly align all internal connections, and then properly seal the device against future water or dust.
Doing this without experience or skill is risky and may affect the functioning of the screen in the long run. Unless you are an expert, it is suggested to leave iPad repairs to the experts who can truly return devices to factory condition without trial and error attempts on your own. It may cost more, but you are guaranteed a safe repair.
Before settling for a repair service, it is advised to do the following:
Check consumer review sites and ask locals for referred repair shops known for good customer service not only during the repair but after the repair as well.
Look for services offering warranties on their repair work, as mistakes can always happen, even with experienced technicians.
Ask if they use genuine Apple parts or high-quality industry-compliant parts.
Also, keep in mind that a reliable provider will also fully diagnose your device first and not just hastily swap the cracked glass.
For professional and Apple-certified iPad repair, you can expect a screen replacement in 1-2 business days on average. This time may be increased up to 5 days, depending upon the availability of parts. The appointment itself typically lasts under an hour, but additional time is required to fully disassemble the iPad, disconnect components properly, test the replacement screen, and then reassemble it.
However, if you cannot wait for days to get your iPad back, it’s recommended to consult a local repair store that provides as good service as Apple but offers quick turnaround times.
Here is the average breakdown of costs to fix a broken iPad screen:
Service Provider |
Description |
Average Screen Repair Cost |
Apple |
Official iPad repair service |
$329.71 |
Simply Fixable |
Local repair service |
$180.19 |
Asurion (formerly Ubreakifix) |
Third-party repair service |
$293.74 |
Table 1. Average iPhone Screen Repair cost per Provider
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Apple website
iPad screen replacement costs vary considerably between DIY and professional options. Doing it yourself requires a specialty tool kit, the cost of which again depends upon the quality of the kit. A good tool kit will cost you around $60-$400 (including tools and screen). Although DIY repairs cost less, they come with a high risk of functionality and safety.
On the other hand, professional repair shops charge higher labor rates, around $200-$500, depending on your iPad model and screen size, but their work is backed by warranty. The newer the iPad and the larger the display, the higher the repair cost. This is because newer models have complex designs, and it requires effort to fix them.
Moreover, the extent of damage also influences the price. Shattered screens cost more to remove glass fragments safely and replace them than a minor crack.
Before investing in an iPad screen replacement, consider the percentage of your total device value that the repair might end up costing. Is the price of fixing the cracked display nearly as much as a trade-in or resale value in its current condition? If yes, then you are better off getting a new device.
If the damage is done on recent models like 12.9” iPad Pros, it makes sense economically to professionally repair even advanced screen damage due to high resale pricing. But for an older generation iPad, extensive screen repairs could approach nearly half its approximate market value. For this reason, it is suggested to compare both the repair cost and the iPad value before ultimately deciding on the repair.
Professional repairs can often achieve a lifespan equivalent to an undamaged iPad. However, the overall lifespan still depends largely on how you use the device after the repair. Mishandling the device risks new cracks. Exposure to heat and moisture may also damage the adhesive seals over time.
While properly replaced displays would technically function fine for years to come, it is still important to practice caution. As soon as you receive the repaired iPad, your first course of action should be to buy a screen protector and a durable case.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a cracked iPad screen depends on several factors:
Firstly, consider the extent of the damage. A repair might be sufficient if the crack is minor and does not affect the device's functionality, a rever, if the screen is severely cracked or causing operational issues, consider a replacement.
Secondly, compare both the repair cost and the replacement cost. Repairs are generally more cost-effective, but if your iPad is older, a replacement might be a better long-term investment.
Additionally, check if the damage is covered under warranty or AppleCare+; this could significantly reduce the repair cost.
It's also important to consider the time and convenience; sometimes, a quick repair can be more convenient than waiting for a replacement.
Whether it is worth repairing the iPad screen or not depends upon the following factors.
Evaluate the repair cost relative to the current resale value of your particular iPad model. If the price is more than half of the market value, repairing is not worth it.
Consider the extent of damage. While surface-level cracks cost less, extensive LCD damage can be very costly. If your budget allows, go for the repair.
If you rely on your iPad for daily productivity and personal use, repairing the damaged screen might be worth it.
Repair is cost-effective for newer models with minor damage. However, older or extensively damaged iPads may benefit more from replacement.
Whether it's worth fixing a cracked iPad screen largely depends on the device's model and age, as well as the extent of the damage. If the iPad is newer and the crack is minor, repairing is cost-effective. But, if the cost of repair approaches the price of a replacement, investing in a new device might be a wiser decision.
Using an iPad with a cracked screen is generally okay if the damage is minor and doesn't affect functionality. But in case of deeper cracks, repair is advisable as it can harm your fingers.
It is safe to look at a cracked screen, but it can be straining for the eyes due to a distorted display. It can also affect the overall user experience. For these reasons, repairing a significantly cracked screen is beneficial for both visual comfort and user experience.
If you ignore the issue, the initial damage may spread, causing more extensive issues such as display problems and touchscreen malfunctions. Additionally, there's a risk of moisture and dust entering the screen and damaging internal components.
Having a cracked screen protector isn't as serious as a cracked screen, but it does reduce the protector's effectiveness. A cracked protector can't offer optimal protection against future impacts, and it may also reduce screen clarity.
Yes, you can. Applying a screen protector on a cracked screen is a temporary measure that can prevent further cracking and protect against dust or moisture from entering the device.
Using a phone with a cracked back screen is generally safe but risks problems in the future. Over time, the crack may worsen and cause damage to the internal components.
A cracked screen can significantly affect the touch functionality of an iPad. Depending on the extent of the damage, it can lead to unresponsiveness in certain screen areas or even a complete touch failure.
Yes, a cracked screen may affect the iPad battery life by causing additional strain on the components.
The difficulty of fixing an iPad screen varies based on the specific model and the individual's technical skills. While some may find it manageable with the right tools and instructions, it's often a delicate process requiring professional skills.
To protect an iPad screen from cracking, use a high-quality screen protector and a durable case that offers good shock absorption. Avoid placing the iPad in situations where it might fall or be subjected to pressure. Handling the device carefully and keeping it in a safe environment when not in use can reduce the risk of screen damage.
Dealing with a cracked or malfunctioning iPad screen requires careful consideration of different factors, as highlighted above. Although minor cracks can often be temporarily fixed, extensive damage, on the other hand, may require professional repair. Similarly, iPad screens can be repaired either through DIY repair, which is cheaper but comes with some risks, or professional repair through Apple or Simply Fixable, which guarantees a safe fix.
Ultimately, the "right" approach to repair your iPad screen depends on your budget and how reliant you are on the iPad. By following proper guidelines and considering all the factors mentioned in this article, getting an iPad with a broken screen back to normal can be a straightforward process, provided you choose reliable repair services.
Author: Madiha Khadim
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Tech Writer | Photographer
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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