How to Fix a Broken LCD Screen on Your Smartphone Using Household Items

Fixing a broken LCD screen on your smartphone can seem daunting, but with a few common household items, I was able to get my phone working again. Here is how I fixed my broken LCD screen using things I had around the house.

Assess the Damage

The first thing I did was assess the damage to my phone's screen. I looked closely at the screen and determined a few key things:

• The LCD screen itself was cracked but still somewhat functioning. I could see parts of the display.

• The digitizer (the touch input layer) was completely unresponsive. I could not interact with the screen at all.

• The phone itself still turned on and functioned otherwise.

This told me I needed to replace the LCD and digitizer to get my phone working normally again. The phone hardware itself was okay.

Gather the Required Materials

To replace an LCD screen, you will need a few key materials:

• A replacement LCD screen - This is the actual display component. You can purchase replacement LCD screens online for most phones. Make sure it comes with the digitizer.

• Small pry tools - I used a small flathead screwdriver and a plastic opening tool to help pry apart the phone. You need to be gentle so you don't damage components.

• Tweezers - Helpful for manipulating and connecting small parts and cables.

• Precision knife - Useful for separating adhesives and slicing copper tape. Be very careful when using sharp objects inside a phone.

• Copper tape - After reconnecting display cables, copper tape helps secure and electrically ground components.

• Isopropyl alcohol - For cleaning up old adhesive and prepping surfaces before re-installing components.

I was able to source all of these materials from my own tool supplies and the local hardware store for under $30 total.

Disassemble the Phone

With my replacement LCD and supplies gathered, it was time to disassemble the phone and remove the broken screen. This is the most delicate part of the process. I followed online repair guides closely and took it very slowly. The key steps I took were:

• Use the pry tools to gently separate the screen glass or digitizer from the phone body. This may have adhesive so be patient.

• Once lifted, disconnect any display cables or connectors attaching the screen to the main phone board. Use tweezers for small connections.

• Continue disassembling the phone, removing any brackets or screws securing the LCD screen to the frame. Lift out the old LCD.

• Thoroughly clean the phone body and frame with isopropyl alcohol to remove old adhesive. Dry fully before continuing.

I took pictures of cable connections and component locations to help reassemble later. Overall, have patience and do not force anything during disassembly.

Install the New Screen

With the original screen fully removed, I could install the new replacement LCD. Key steps here included:

• Carefully lower the new LCD into place, connecting any detached cables and connectors. Use tweezers and follow disassembly photos.

• If needed, cut copper foil tape into small strips and use it to help adhere and ground cables and connectors. This helps maintain signal.

• Consider adding brackets or adhesive to securely fasten the LCD into the frame, depending on your phone's design.

• For the digitizer layer, carefully lower the glass or plastic digitizer over the LCD. Press firmly but gently to adhere into place.

• Finally, piece the phone back together by re-installing any disassembled brackets, screws, and outer case pieces.

Test and Use the Repaired Phone

With the new screen installed, the final step was testing out the repaired phone:

• Turn on the phone and verify the new LCD works properly. Check for full visual functionality.

• Use the touch digitizer layer to test that full touch control is restored. Open apps, enter passwords, and check multi-touch gestures.

• Make a test call and check that the ear speaker and front camera function properly, since you disassembled the whole phone.

• If any issues arise, carefully re-open the phone and check for unattached cables, misalignments, or damage.

Once fully tested, my phone was successfully repaired and I could use it again! While challenging, fixing a broken screen is very doable with common tools and patience. With the right replacement part, I was able to give my phone new life and save money over buying a new device.