Cracked Phone Screen? What to Do Before You Get It Repaired

October 16, 2026 · Screen Repair

Cracked Phone Screen? What to Do Before You Get It Repaired

Quick answer

Check if the touch screen still works, cover the crack with a screen protector or clear tape, and back up your phone right away. Then get the screen replaced soon, because cracks spread and let in moisture. At ART & FIX in Merced, most screen replacements take 30-60 minutes.

A dropped phone and a cracked screen is one of the most common problems we see at ART & FIX in Merced. The good news: most cracked screens can be replaced the same day. The bad news: a small crack rarely stays small. Here is what to do right after it happens.

1. Check whether the touch screen still works

Swipe across the whole screen and try typing. If parts of the screen do not respond, flicker, or show lines or black spots, the display underneath the glass is damaged too, not just the top glass. That is useful information for your repair quote.

2. Protect your fingers and the crack

Small glass splinters can cut your fingers. A clear screen protector or a piece of clear packing tape over the crack keeps glass in place and stops dust and moisture from getting in until you can get it fixed.

3. Back up your phone now

A cracked screen can stop working without warning. While it still turns on, back up your photos and contacts to iCloud or Google so nothing is lost if the display goes black.

4. Do not wait too long

Cracks spread with everyday pressure, heat, and pocket bending. Moisture can also get in through broken glass and damage the parts inside. Fixing it early usually means a simpler repair.

5. Skip the DIY kit

Modern phone screens are glued in place and connected with very thin cables. Without the right tools, it is easy to tear a cable or damage the Face ID or fingerprint parts, which turns a screen repair into a much bigger one.

How screen repair works at ART & FIX

We replace screens on iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and other Android phones, plus tablets. Bring your phone in, we check the display and the touch function, and give you a free estimate before any work starts. Screen replacements usually take 30-60 minutes. You can see typical price ranges on our repair pricing page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep using a phone with a cracked screen?

For a short time, if the touch still works. Cover the crack so glass does not cut you, and get it replaced soon, because cracks spread and moisture can get inside.

How long does a phone screen replacement take?

Most screen replacements at ART & FIX take about 30-60 minutes, and most are done the same day.

Will replacing my screen delete my data?

No. A screen replacement does not erase your photos or apps, but we still recommend a backup before any repair.

Phone repair in Merced at ART & FIX

ART & FIX repairs phones, tablets, laptops, and computers at 1034 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. We are open every day, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and every repair comes with a 30-day repair warranty.

Call or text (209) 446-7200 before you come, or send us your device model and problem for a free estimate.

Need this fixed in Merced?Free estimate · Same-day for most repairs · 30-day warranty

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