Can You Fix a Cracked TV Screen?

My TV repair man once told me, “It would be wiser to purchase a new TV.” I initially disagreed with his statement.

I couldn’t imagine losing my TV over a crack on the screen.

From that experience, I drew my inspiration to learn more about electronics, how they work and when to give up on them once damaged.

Can you fix a cracked screen? It depends on the type of crack, size, and extent of damage to the TV. Some cracks have minimal impact on the functioning of the TV and can easily be fixed, while others will cost you more to fix than it would to replace with a new one.

A TV screen is one of the most elaborate and expensive parts of your flat-screen TV, and a crack may seem negligible at first until it forces you to get a new one.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cracks on a TV screen and evaluate your options once the dreaded cracks land on your TV screen.

Common Types of Cracks on a TV Screen

Is it worth fixing a TV with a cracked screen?

A crack’s impact on your TV functionality depends on its type. The cracks will have a similar effect on your TV, whether it’s LCD, plasma, or LED.

The most common cracks on a flat-screen TV are:

  • Spiderweb cracks
  • Shallow hairline cracks
  • Scratches
  • Horizontal or vertical lines
  • Dead pixels

These cracks vary in terms of the damage they cause to your TV screen.

SpiderWeb Cracks

These are small cracks on the screen with a center focal point that spread from the point of impact to the rest of the screen, resembling a spiderweb pattern.

A spider web crack mostly results from accidentally hitting your screen, and since the glass on the screen is quite fragile, it breaks the glass.  

Repairing a spiderweb crack will depend on whether the crack has penetrated the interior part of the screen affecting the internal components.

If it’s on the surface of the screen, then it can be fixed. 

Suppose the spiderweb crack is on the interior part of the screen; too bad because you’ll have to fix the entire screen, which is expensive.

Given the high costs of the display screen on LED, LCD, and plasma TVs, you are better off replacing the TV as the repair cost can almost equal the cost of a new set.

Shallow Hairline Cracks

Shallow hairline cracks are thin lines that run through your screen and may affect your viewing experience.

If the shallow hairline crack is on the surface, you can easily clear it; the problem is when the crack has penetrated the internal part of the screen.

Like the spiderweb crack, you will be forced to replace it.

Sometimes, you may notice the shallow crack appeared not as a result of anyone interfering but on its own.

In that case, check if your warranty is still running and if it’s valid, return the TV for replacement.

Scratches

Mostly, the scratches will be on the surface, and luckily you can erase them without affecting the functioning of your TV.

If the scratches are minor, you can use a clean piece of cloth that is non-abrasive and gently attempt to wipe it off.

As you wipe the scratch, be keen to fill if there are rough edges or broken glass on the scratch.

After scratching for a while and the scratch fails to fade, try using a clean pencil eraser to clear the scratches. Scrub gently and ensure to clear the residue as you wok it in bits.

Continue rubbing until you clear the entire scratch.

Alternatively, if the two methods fail, try using an LCD scratch repair kit; it’s affordable and has all you need to clear minor scratches, including the instructions.

Horizontal or Vertical Lines

Every TV owner who has suffered these cracks dreads them because the lines will appear on your screen and ruin your viewing experience.

This is because the lines separate the screen into two, with one being dark as the other functions normally.

The lines on the screen can result from different causes, including the screen being ruined, power faults, or leaving your TV on over a long duration.

Run your hand across the TV screen to ensure there isn’t a scratch on the screen.

The absence of a rough edge on the screen should relieve you because the problem is internal and can be fixed.

You first need to turn off the TV from the power source; give it time before you turn it on again. Next, conduct a thorough analysis, check the cables, and switch the power source.

If the lines fail to disappear, do a factory reset on the TV, which should clear the lines. If all these fail, have the TV checked by a repair person.

Dead Pixels

These are mostly mistaken for cracks, but they aren’t. It happens when the screen is fixed on one color or predominantly bright colors on the screen.

To clear the dead pixel, get a damp cloth and, cover a pencil around it, gently rub the affected area to awaken the pixel.

How to Fix a Cracked TV Screen

Can You Fix a Broken TV Screen?

Cracks and scratches on a TV screen can be fixed; however, if the cracks have penetrated the interior part of the screen, then it’s easier to replace the TV than have it fixed.

LCD, LED, and Plasma TV screens are expensive, fragile, and sensitive. So manufacturers, too, don’t like encouraging fixing, even for the top-rated brands.

You can fix cracks that have not penetrated the inner components by making them less visible in these ways:

Use Petroleum Jelly

First, clean the scratched part with a microfibre cloth, then apply petroleum jelly to every visible crack.

Allow the jelly to sit on the screen for a while, then clear the extra jelly with a clean cloth. That should clear the scratches.

Use Pencil Eraser

First, clean the area with a damp cloth, then use a pencil eraser to clear the cracks. Ensure you are gentle, so you don’t cause more harm to the screen.

Erase until you observe that all the scratches are gone or aren’t as visible.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Dilute the alcohol with water at the rate of 1 part of alcohol to 20 parts of water. Use a cotton cloth dipped in the solution to clean the scratch gently.

Allow the solution to sit on the crack for around half an hour, then use a different fiber cloth dipped in clean water to clear the alcohol.

This should leave you with a clear screen with the crack gone or almost invisible.

Kit

Most TV brands have screen repair kits in the market that you can buy and use to clear the minor cracks and scratches on your TV screen.

The kits contain a solution or a paste with a cloth; they also have instructions to follow as you work on the screen.

How to Prevent the TV Screen from Cracking

Smart tv cracked screen repair

Prevention is better than cure, right? Here are a few preventive measures you can implement to prevent that dreaded crack on your TV:

  • Don’t rub the screen even when cleaning; ensure you are gentle enough
  • Use fiber cloth when cleaning the screen and check for rough particles that could accidentally be wrapped up with the cloth.
  • Have your Screen mounted on the wall to lower the chances of tipping over and cracking, especially if you have kids around
  • Get a screen protector. It will save your TV from surface screen scratches, and water damage as most of them are waterproof. It’s also easier to replace the screen protector than the TV screen. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing a cracked TV screen?

How worthy it is to repair your TV screen depends on the extent of the damage that the crack has caused to your TV. 

A crack that has penetrated the interior part of your TV will mean that you need to replace the entire screen panel.

Replacing an entire panel is expensive for all TVs. For some brands, replacing the screen will equal the cost of a new TV set, meaning you are better off buying a new one.

Once your TV is cracked, get a repair person to look at it and advise you accordingly.

Do Warranties cover a cracked TV screen?

Most brands don’t allow warranties on a cracked TV screen.

The ones that allow a warranty require you to pay an extra amount for the cover, which ranges from 10% to 20% on top.

If your TV screen cracks while still within the warranty period, avoid having the TV tampered with even by a repair person, as this will nullify the warranty.

How do I know whether to repair or replace the TV due to a cracked screen?

To know whether to repair or replace, have your TV diagnosed by a professional repair person in your area.

After analysis, they should be in a position to advise you on the way forward.

Final Thoughts

A cracked TV screen could be devastating as it will ruin your plans if you intend to binge-watch for a while. 

TVs are a perfect addition to your home as it keeps you informed and entertained.

Once the screen cracks, consult an expert to advise you on the best way forward in terms of whether to repair or replace the TV.

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