Screen damage help

Screen Damage: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do Next

For cracked screens, dark spots, lines, water exposure, heat damage, and touch problems. Compare what happened, save files, take warranty photos, or decide whether repair makes sense.

  • Causes and symptoms
  • Backup and warranty photos
  • Repair or replace

Maintained byJacob Dymond

Content updated July 26, 2026

Start with what you know

Use the cause, the visible problem, or the thing you need to save first. This page points you to the next step that fits the situation.

You know what caused itThe screen changed after pressure, liquid, heat, a drop, or a closed-lid accident.Compare damage causesYou need to save something firstFiles, photos, account access, warranty evidence, or a working laptop setup matter first.Save files or document damageYou are deciding whether to repair itGlass damage, panel damage, repair cost, or device age may change the decision.Compare repair choices

If the screen may get worse, do this first

Save files, set up a usable display, or take warranty photos before the screen becomes harder to control.

Save filesBack up a phone with a broken displayThe phone still powers on and may still connect, but the display or touch control is getting unreliable.Phone backup guideKeep workingUse a laptop with a broken screen on an external monitorThe computer still runs, but the built-in panel is too cracked, dark, lined, or unstable to work from.External monitor setupTake photosDocument screen damage for warranty or insurancePhotos, notes, or purchase records may matter for a return, warranty review, insurance claim, trade-in, school, or repair intake.Damage evidence guide

If you know what caused the damage

Start here when the screen changed after pressure, liquid, heat, a drop, or a closed-lid accident.

Pressure damageGood fit when the screen looks bruised, lines appeared after pressure, or touch stopped working in one area.Common causes: Point pressure, flexing, bag pressure, or a closed lid on an object.View Pressure damageWater damageGood fit when moisture exposure is possible and you need to know what to do about power, backup, or service.Common causes: Spills, rain, condensation, splashes, or liquid near the screen or ports.View Water damageHeat damageGood fit when discoloration, dim patches, touch problems, or screen changes appeared after heat exposure.Common causes: Hot cars, direct sun, battery heat, charger hotspots, or prolonged high temperatures.View Heat damage

If you only know what the screen looks like

Start with the visible pattern: dark spots, lines, ghost touch, dead zones, flicker, or discoloration. The cause can come later.

Dark spots or black patchesA localized dark patch, black area, or spreading spot appears under the display.Dark spots guideLines after pressureVertical or horizontal lines appeared after a squeeze, twist, closed lid, or pressure in a bag.Screen lines guideGhost touch after damageThe display still lights up, but touch starts firing on its own or becomes hard to control.Ghost touch guideTouch dead zonesOne strip or block of the display no longer responds while the rest still works.Dead zones guide

When you are deciding whether to repair it

Use these when you need to know if it is just cracked glass, whether repair is realistic, or whether replacement makes more sense.

Glass or displayIs it just cracked glass?The outer glass is cracked, but black spots, lines, flicker, dim areas, or touch problems also appear.Compare glass vs display damageRepair optionsCan a broken display be repaired?Repair may be realistic, but you need to know what might be replaced before paying for a quote, parts, mail-in service, or a shop visit.Check repair optionsRepair or replaceRepair or replace?The screen is clearly damaged, and the real choice is whether to fix the device or move on.Compare repair vs replacement

Before you try screen repair tools

If the screen is cracked, wet, getting worse, or hard to control, save files and document the damage before trying software fixes.

The screen is cracked, wet, or getting worseTake photos and record what happened before testing or handling changes what warranty, insurance, or repair support can see.Document the damageYou still need files or account accessBack up while the device still powers on, responds to touch, or stays connected long enough to save what matters.Save files firstIt still looks like a software-fixable issueUse repair tools for stuck pixels, image retention, or similar non-physical problems. Do not use them for spreading damage.Check repair tools

FAQ

Damage FAQs

Answers about backup, warranty photos, repair decisions, and when screen tests are still useful.