How to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen UK — Your Complete Options Guide

Cracked Your Phone Screen? Here's What to Do First

A cracked phone screen is one of the most common — and most fixable — phone problems in the UK. Before paying over the odds or living with a damaged display, understand all your options. This guide covers every route from DIY to insurance, with honest costs and timescales for each.

Step 1 — Assess the Damage

Not all cracked screens are equal. Your first step is working out what is actually broken:

• Surface glass crack only — The display still works perfectly, just the outer glass is cracked. Cheapest to fix.
• Cracked glass + display damage — Black patches, lines, or dead spots on the display mean the LCD or OLED panel underneath is also damaged. More expensive but still very fixable.
• Touch no longer works — The digitiser (touch layer) is damaged. Requires full screen assembly replacement.
• Screen completely black — Display and/or digitiser fully failed. Full assembly needed.

Option 1 — DIY Screen Replacement (Cheapest)

Cost: £15–£140 depending on model
Time: 30–90 minutes

If you're comfortable following a step-by-step guide and working carefully with small components, DIY screen replacement is the most cost-effective option. You need a replacement screen assembly and a basic toolkit.

Best for: Samsung Galaxy A/S Series, iPhone 11–15, Google Pixel, Motorola Moto G Series.

Browse replacement screens by brand →

Option 2 — Local Repair Shop

Cost: £40–£200 depending on model and location
Time: 30 minutes to same day

High street and independent repair shops are the most popular route for most people. Quality varies — always ask what screen brand they use. A shop using OEM-grade parts delivers a result indistinguishable from the original. Avoid shops that won't tell you what brand of screen they use.

Questions to ask your repair shop:

• Are the screens OEM-grade or aftermarket copy?
• Is there a warranty on the repair?
• How long will it take?

Option 3 — Manufacturer / Official Repair

Cost: £85–£476 depending on model
Time: 1–5 days

Apple Stores, Samsung Service Centres, and authorised repairers use original parts and maintain your warranty. Most expensive option but appropriate for newer devices still under warranty or AppleCare+.

• Apple Store out-of-warranty screen: £176–£476 depending on model
• Samsung Care+ screen repair: From £79 with Samsung Care+

Option 4 — Phone Insurance Claim

Cost: Excess fee only (typically £25–£100)
Time: 1–3 days

If you have phone insurance through your bank, phone contract, or standalone policy, a cracked screen is typically covered. Check your policy excess — on some premium policies, the excess is lower than a repair shop quote.

Watch out for: policies that replace the handset with a refurbished model rather than repairing it, which can result in lower-spec replacement devices.

Option 5 — Screen Protector as a Temporary Fix

If the screen still works and the crack is minor, a good tempered glass screen protector prevents the crack spreading and protects against further damage while you arrange a proper repair. This is not a fix — it buys time.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cracked phone screen dangerous?

A cracked screen with exposed glass edges can cause minor cuts. If the crack is severe and exposing internal components, stop using the phone and get it repaired promptly to avoid further damage from moisture or dust.

Can a cracked phone screen get worse?

Yes — cracks spread under pressure and thermal stress. Even a small crack can develop into a full display failure. Repair sooner rather than later.

Does phone insurance cover cracked screens?

Most phone insurance policies cover accidental damage including cracked screens. Check your excess fee and whether repair or replacement is offered.

How long does a phone screen repair take?

Most repair shops complete screen repairs in 30–60 minutes while you wait. DIY repairs take 30–90 minutes depending on model and experience.

Can I trade in a phone with a cracked screen?

Yes, but the trade-in value will be significantly reduced. In most cases, paying for a screen repair before trading in results in a higher net value than trading in unrepaired.