Can You Fix a Cracked TV Screen?

You've heard the bang.

You look at the television.

There's a crack, black patch, coloured lines or what looks like ink spreading across the display.

The first question is usually:

Can you fix a cracked TV screen?

Unfortunately, physical damage to a modern television display can be one of the most difficult and expensive TV repairs.

Here's what you need to know and, importantly, how to reduce the risk of it happening to your next television.

What Does a Broken TV Screen Look Like?

Physical screen damage doesn't always look like shattered glass.

Common symptoms can include:

• Visible cracks

• Black areas

• Coloured vertical or horizontal lines

• Distorted sections of the picture

• Dark patches

• An ink-like appearance beneath the surface

• Part of the display no longer working

Sometimes the outer surface doesn't even look badly damaged, but the display panel underneath has been affected.

Can a Cracked TV Screen Be Repaired?

It depends on exactly what has been damaged.

However, when the actual display panel is physically broken, replacing that panel can be expensive relative to the value of the television.

Before making any decision, contact the TV manufacturer or a qualified repair specialist for an assessment and quote.

Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Broken TV?

There's no universal answer.

It depends on the television's:

• Age

• Original value

• Brand and model

• Availability of replacement parts

• Type of damage

• Repair labour costs

For an expensive or relatively new television, getting a professional repair quote makes sense.

For some TVs, replacement may prove more economical.

Does a TV Warranty Cover a Cracked Screen?

Manufacturer warranties generally have specific terms regarding accidental and physical damage.

Don't assume a cracked screen will automatically be covered.

Check the terms of your warranty and any separate insurance or protection plan you have.

What Should I Do After My TV Screen Breaks?

First, make sure the area is safe, particularly if the television itself has been physically damaged.

Then identify the make and model and contact an appropriate repair service or manufacturer.

If you have relevant insurance or accidental damage cover, check the policy before arranging repairs or disposal.

Buying a Replacement TV?

This is where prevention becomes important.

If the first television was broken by a toy, ball, remote control or thrown object, buying another TV and putting it in exactly the same place leaves you with exactly the same problem.

Consider why the first screen was damaged.

Could the TV be repositioned?

Would wall mounting help?

Could hard toys be moved away?

Would physical screen protection reduce the risk?

Protecting Your Replacement TV

A rigid acrylic TV screen protector creates a physical barrier in front of the original display.

If something travels towards the television, it reaches the protective panel first.

At The Screen Protector, our standard range includes 2mm, 3mm and Premium Clear 4mm protection.

For customers whose previous television was damaged by an impact, we'd recommend considering our thicker protection options based on the level of risk.

Wall Mounting Isn't Screen Protection

Wall mounting is useful for securing a television.

But if your previous TV was broken because something hit the screen, putting the replacement on the wall doesn't necessarily solve the problem.

A flying toy can still hit it.

Think of the two separately:

Wall mounting helps secure the television.

A screen protector helps protect the display.

Don't Wait for TV Number Two to Break

If you're reading this while staring at a broken television, screen protection probably feels slightly late.

But if you're about to buy the replacement, it's the perfect time to think about what caused the damage in the first place.

Because replacing one TV is frustrating.

Replacing the second one for exactly the same reason is considerably worse.