So, you have just scratched or cracked your new iPhone or Android phone. You’ve been trying to fix it by yourself and you used different ways such as polishing it with toothpaste or using auto wax but it just got worse.
Here are some real tips and advice on what works and what doesn’t, to help you fix your iPhone or Android phone’s touch screen.
Don’t sand down your scratched display
Sandpaper is an abrasive material commonly used in wood to remove splinters or to create a smoother surface. If you’re trying to remove scratches from your phone, stay away from sandpaper.
When you sand the surface of your phone screen or display, you just create more scratches. You’ll wear away any remaining coating on your phone, and the screen will most certainly look worse.
Skip auto wax and other cutting agents
Auto cutting agents such as Turtle Wax are good at removing scratches from metal paint by removing a fine layer of the scratched material. But perhaps, not for your iPhone or Android phone’s display.
iPhone or Android phone’s display is made of glass with an oleophobic coating, not of metal or covered in paint. Using auto wax will only create more smudges and grease on your display.
Toothpaste or baking soda doesn’t work either
Toothpaste and baking soda are abrasive compounds. They cut away a fine layer of the scratched or damaged surface, so the scratches appear less deep or disappear completely.
There are various brands and ingredients of toothpaste, ranging from gentle to abrasive. But even if you apply toothpaste to your screen and polish it vigorously, you’re still stripping its layer and coating. Plus, you wouldn’t want to end up getting a blotchy screen that’s almost impractical to use.
Filling a scratch with oil?
This seems to be the most bizarre method of fixing your damaged phone screen. But there are others who claim it worked.
Imagine applying a vegetable or mineral oil to your screen and what will happen to your phone? You’ll just make a mess. Oil is dispersable and if you put it back in your pocket, not only you’ll have oil all over your hands and in your pocket, the scratch will still be there.
Now that you know what to avoid on how to remove scratches from your phone. Here’s what to do instead.
Apply a screen protector
Screen protectors can reduce the appearance of the scratch. If you apply a soft plastic screen protector, it can fill in scratches and provide an extra layer of glass protection.
The old scratches might still be visible underneath, but you won’t feel them. The glass will provide superior protection against new scratches.
Make sure before applying a screen protector, clean the screen thoroughly with a soft, damp, cotton cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or cutting agents.
Get the screen replaced
Screens can always be replaced although it’s quite expensive depending on your phone’s brand and model. This seems to be the most practical and cheapest option to fix your damaged screen.
If you’re not sure how to replace the screen assembly, you can get help from someone to put it back together. Another option is to bring your phone to a phone repair center to troubleshoot the issue.
If you are using an iPhone, Apple will replace the screen for you at a premium by their trained technicians.
Apple support also has a few different options for you. You can either schedule a repair for onsite service or just send it in for repair.
If you would like to schedule a repair, you need to look for an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Genius Bar. You’ll be asked to sign in to your Apple ID and select a device that’s linked to your account. Their services might be only available in selected locations.
You can also arrange a shipment to an Apple Repair Center at your convenience. Repairs may take up to 5 business days.
If you have an Apple Care Plus on your phone, they will cover two incidents of accidental damage. This allows you to take advantage of their lower repair fees. You may contact your phone manufacturer to find out the full range of available options for you.
Unlike iPhone and Apple products, most Android phones don’t have central locations where you can go for repairs. However, you can go to a third-party repair center nearby and ask for a specific repair. Make sure to find a reputable company or repair center.
Or simply ignore it
The cheapest option would be to just ignore the scratch. After all, the phone isn’t broken, and you can still practically use it. Neither it will affect your phone’s functionality.
You can replace or upgrade your phone in a year or so. This time, make sure you apply a high-quality, glass screen protector. It’s a lot easier to replace a protector than removing the scratch or replacing a damaged screen.
For Android phones, you don’t have to rely on touch inputs to control your phone. You can also use voice and facial-based interactions. These solutions only work if your phone’s screen works enough to install an app from the Play Store. Otherwise, you can try installing the app to your phone through the Play App Store web interface then you can disable touchscreen input on your phone until you get it fixed.
Wrap Up
Phone accidents happen but a cracked or scratched iPhone or Android phone should not be something that you need to panic about. Follow any of the options above and avoid those bad repair tips if you don’t want to make the problem worse.
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Anything you wanted to add on the list on how to repair your scratched iPhone or Android phone screen? Let us know in the comments below!
