Can you keep using a cracked phone screen?
A cracked screen phone can be used for a couple of days, as long as the glass isn’t loose, isn’t cutting your fingers, and the touch still works. However, a cracked screen is not very stable and will often mean that the screen will start to get worse. Dust and water can also get to the screen. If it is just a small chip, then you have a small window, but if it is a web of cracks or the screen is coming away, then stop using it and get it checked.
Here is how to tell which side of that line you are on.
What are the real risks of a cracked screen?
Not every crack carries the same risk. This table shows what each one means in practice.
| Risk | What happens | How urgent |
| Cuts from glass | Sharp edges or loose splinters can cut fingers, cheeks, and ears | High if glass is loose or flaking |
| Crack spreading | Pocket pressure, drops, and temperature changes lengthen cracks | Medium, it only gets worse |
| Moisture and dust | Gaps let rain, sweat and grit reach the display and internals | Medium to high |
| Touch problems | Dead zones, ghost touches, or lagging response | Medium |
| Display damage | Coloured lines, black patches, or flickering appear under the glass | High, the display itself is now failing |
Glass cuts are the one people underestimate. Tiny splinters are hard to see, so if your fingertip catches when you swipe, that is your cue to stop.
Is a cracked screen still water-resistant?
Don’t be tempted. The water resistance rating will only be tested on a phone that has no damage to its seals. Cracks in your phone or a poorly replaced screen can allow water to get through. If your phone was splashed with water last month, don’t take your cracked screen to the beach, pool, or bathroom.
Can a cracked screen damage the phone itself?
Yes, there are two reasons. Firstly, the screen will need to be replaced as the crack can run right across the screen. Secondly, water/dust may have entered the phone and corroded the connection points. As repairing just the glass is completely different to repairing the screen, a quick inspection can save you money.
Will a screen protector or tape fix it?
No – they just hold the glass together.
- Clear tape will reduce the little flakes of glass catching to some extent but doesn’t help at all with water and crack spreading. It also leaves a sticky residue.
- A tempered glass protector will trap any splinters and improve usability. However, it won’t fix the issue and can help to mask how much the damage is getting worse.
Clear cases help prevent further damage on the next drop. Use them as a temporary solution until you can get it repaired.
When should you stop using a cracked screen straight away?
Stop using your phone and have it checked if any of the following happen:
- The glass is coming loose, peeling, or flaking.
- Some parts of the touchscreen are unresponsive, or you’re getting random touches.
- There are colour lines, black spots, flashing, or bright spots.
- It has gotten wet or was in water since the screen cracked.
- The back of the phone is bowed, or the phone casing is coming loose. This can indicate that the battery inside has swollen, so please do not charge it and bring it in.
- You’ve got a full-screen crack.
If you can smell any chemicals or the phone is heating up, turn it off and do not charge until it has been checked.
What should you do right now?
- Back up your phone. You won’t be able to get to your data if your screen breaks. For iPhone, use iCloud or a computer. For Samsung, use Samsung Smart Switch or Google backup.
- Don’t press on the crack. Be careful with your phone and avoid putting it in tight pockets.
- Keep it dry. Don’t take it anywhere near water, such as rain, bathrooms, or the beach, until it is fixed.
- Know what model phone you have. Take note of the brand, model, and which side of the screen is broken. This will speed up the quoting process.
- Get a quote. Cracked screens are usually an easy fix. The true price will depend on the model of your phone and whether it is just the glass or the whole screen.
Is it worth repairing a cracked screen?
Generally yes. Replacing your screen will be cheaper than replacing your whole phone. It also means that the issue will not get worse. However, it may not be worth it for very old phones with low battery life, or if the price of repairing is almost equal to the value of the phone. But a good repairer will tell you this honestly!
To find out more about the factors involved in repairing your iPhone screen, please see our guide to iPhone screen repairs. For Galaxy phones, please visit our Samsung phone repair page in Sydney.
Frequently asked questions
There is no safe time limit. A small hairline crack can last weeks, while a bigger one can spread in a day. If the crack is growing, the touch is acting up, or the glass is flaking, get it checked now.
Yes. Loose glass can cut fingers and faces. If you can feel sharp edges, stop using the phone and cover the screen until it is repaired.
In most cases, yes. Cracks lengthen with pressure, drops, and temperature changes. A fix that is cheap today can become a full display replacement if the crack reaches the display underneath.
Charging is generally fine if the phone is dry and not swollen. But if the back is bulging, the phone is hot, or there is any smell, stop charging and have it checked.
Tape and a protector only hold the glass together. A proper fix means replacing the glass or display. Replacing it yourself risks damaging the display cable and seals.
Yes. A cracked screen usually lowers the price significantly. Repairing it first is worth comparing against the sale price.
Cracked screen getting worse?
Bring your phone to Smartfone for a free look and a fixed quote before any work starts. Three-month warranty on repairs.
📞 0470 505 835 📍 102 Belmore Road, Randwick NSW 2031. Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week
