Cracked phone screen: what to do?
React fast after a drop to save your data — and the right habits to never break your screen again.
That sharp crack on the sidewalk, then the spiderweb of fractures across the glass: almost everyone has been there. A phone is dropped about seven times a year, and more than one user in two damages their device within the first year. So it isn't really a question of whether it will happen — but when.
The good news: what you do in the minutes after a drop changes everything — for your data and your wallet. And a few simple habits are enough to prevent the next break. Here's the step-by-step.
A crack is never just cosmetic
Broken glass lets in dust and moisture, can cut your finger, throw off the touchscreen and worsen with every tap. The longer you wait, the higher the risk — and the bill.
Do this right nowThe 5 reflexes after a drop
Assess the damage
Does the screen light up? Does touch respond everywhere? Do you see lines, black patches or lifted shards of glass? A simple cosmetic crack isn't as urgent as a black screen or dead touch — but either way, move to the next step without delay.
Back up your data immediately
While the device still works, run an iCloud or Google backup. A cracked screen can stop responding overnight: photos, contacts and messages need to be safe before things get worse.
Secure the broken glass
Place a piece of clear tape or a screen protector over the crack: it holds the shards, prevents cuts and stops the cracks from spreading. Avoid pressing hard and handle the device with care.
Keep it away from water and dust
A cracked screen loses its water resistance. Avoid the bathroom, rain, sand and crumb-filled pockets: moisture seeping in can damage the electronics far more seriously than the crack itself.
Choose your repair option
Warranty or AppleCare+, official repair, independent shop or DIY kit: compare cost, turnaround and warranty (see the table below) before handing over — or not — your device.
The best repair is the one you avoid
Most cracked screens come from an ordinary drop: the phone slips from your hand, your pocket or the handlebars. A safety bracelet like LOCKÜP™ links the device to your wrist with a patented magnetic lock rated at +100 lb: if it slips, it hangs a few centimetres away — instead of smashing on the ground.
- ✓ Anti-drop
- ✓ Dyneema® cord
- ✓ All phones
- ✓ Made in Québec
What it costsRepair or replace your screen?
Screen repair pricing depends mostly on the model and the repairer. On recent high-end phones, an official repair can top $450 — sometimes close to the price of a refurbished device. That's why it pays to compare before deciding.
| Option | Indicative cost | Turnaround | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty / AppleCare+ | ~ $0–40 | 1–3 days | Yes |
| Official repair | $200–450+ | 1–3 days | Yes |
| Independent shop | $100–350 | Often same day | Varies |
| DIY kit | $30–80 | Up to you | None |
Tip: if your device is more than 3 years old, compare the repair quote to the price of a refurbished model. Above 50–60% of the phone's value, replacing is often the smarter move.
LOCKÜP™ Bracelet
The patented magnetic lock that ties your phone to your wrist. No more drops, no more forgetting it, no more shattered screens.
- Patented lock
- +100 lb of force
- Dyneema® cord
- iPhone & Android
PreventionHow to never break your screen again
Rugged case + tempered glass
A case with shock-absorbing corners and a tempered-glass protector are your first line of defence. The tempered glass sacrifices itself instead of your screen: you replace one for $15 rather than a screen for $300.
Physically attach your phone
It's the only measure that truly stops a drop from reaching the floor. On your wrist with the LOCKÜP™ bracelet, or retractable with the Phone Defender, your phone stays tethered to you — taking a selfie, on a bike, on the stairs or leaning over a railing.
- ✓ Patented
- ✓ +100 lb of force
- ✓ Selfies & biking
- ✓ On in seconds
Outsmart everyday traps
Never in a back pocket (you sit on it, or it slips in the bathroom), and not on the edge of a table, bed or couch. Watch out for stairs, sidewalks and wet surfaces — the No. 1 spots for drops.
Mind your grip
Hold the phone with two hands for delicate moves and add a grip (ring, bracelet or cord). Filming or shooting photos? An accessory that holds the device beats a screen repair any day.
Frequently asked questionsCracked screen: your questions
Can I keep using a phone with a cracked screen?
Short term, yes, if touch responds and the glass won't cut you. But a crack lets in moisture and dust and can worsen. Back up your data and get it repaired soon.
How much does a screen repair cost?
Between $100 and $350 at an independent repairer, and from $200 to over $450 officially depending on the model. With coverage like AppleCare+, the deductible often drops to around $40.
Should I repair or replace the phone?
Compare the quote to the device's value. Below 50% of its value and under 3 years old, repair is worth it. Beyond that, a refurbished model is often more cost-effective.
Does a screen protector really prevent breakage?
It absorbs a good share of shocks and scratches and breaks instead of your screen on minor drops. It won't protect against a violent fall: pair it with a case and, ideally, an anti-drop tether.
How do I avoid dropping my phone?
Case and tempered glass, caution on stairs and near tables, a two-handed grip — and above all a physical tether like the LOCKÜP™ bracelet, which holds the device to your wrist if it slips.
The best screen is the one that never hits the ground.
Put on a tempered glass, then attach your phone. The LOCKÜP™ bracelet goes on in seconds and holds it through every slip.
Explore the LOCKÜP collection →