The leading cause of a cracked internal laptop screen is physical damage. This includes physical damage due to dropping something on the laptop or dropping the laptop itself. It also may be due to closing the laptop lid when something is trapped between the screen and the keyboard, or other causes.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the main causes, fixes and repair costs.
Why damage happens
Heat-related issues
Huge fluctuations in temperature are a known cause of cracking of the laptop screen. While it is rare that temperature change causes cracking of a laptop screen, it is always advisable to work on a laptop at room temperature.
Storage pressure
Typically, when a laptop is stored for prolonged periods in a bag, especially when there are other items in the bag, pressure can build up on the laptop, causing its screen to crack.
Inner failure
When there are electronic errors on your laptop, such as issues with the graphics card, this can result in problems on the laptop screen, causing it to crack. Generally, most hardware problems on a computer are directly linked to how the screen works.
Heavy item impact
Laptop screens are very delicate and susceptible to damage from pressure. Dropping heavy and hard objects on your laptop and stepping or sitting on it are some of the leading causes of a cracked internal laptop screen.
Rough use
How you handle your laptop is very important not only for the screen but also for your entire laptop’s prolonged life. Cracks on your laptop screen can emanate from closing and opening your laptop hurriedly or holding it by its screen. You have to be cautious with the manner you handle your laptop. Always be gentle.
Signs of internal breakage
An internally cracked screen may not be readily noticeable as there may be no external physical damage. Some of the symptoms that will help you identify it include discoloring on the screen, not showing pictures, issues with backlighting, irregular resolution, or pixelization.
Repair cost estimate
Seeking professional help is recommended, which will cost you an average of $300. However, if you have basic electronics skills and feel comfortable, you can do the repair or replacement by yourself. If you go for the replacement, reasonably priced replacement screens online go for as low as $50 up to about $100. It will take about one to two hours to complete the replacement job.
Step-by-step repair guide
A simple way to confirm an internally cracked screen is to connect the laptop to an external screen such as a Tv screen using HDMI OR VGA cable. With the improvement of technology, newer laptop and Tv screen versions offer the option of screen sharing using WI-FI or Bluetooth. You can also use these options too. If the display works properly on the external device, then this shows other components on the laptop are fine, and the problem is a cracked internal screen.
Can it be fixed without replacement?
Small internal laptop screen cracks can be fixed by special liquid adhesives utilized on optical panels to hold them together. There are also home remedies that have been proven to work temporarily. An example of such as remedy includes the application of baking soda on the cracked panel. Below is a procedure describing how to replace an internally broken laptop screen yourself. An important point we need to have in mind is that the nature of internal laptop screen cracks is not always repairable, and thus eventually, you will be required to replace them. Below is how to perform a repair.
Tools you’ll need
- Working zone such as a table: You need a comfortable working area. The working station should be level and tidy to give you the comfort needed to work with precision.
- Self-locking needle or pin: This helps evacuate spread stickers that typically conceal screws.
- Little head screwdriver: This helps in loosening the screws.
- Screw holder: This helps reserve the screw as you repair the internal screen.
How to restore display
- Switch off the laptop and disconnect it from the power outlet.
- Remove the screws around the bezel of the screen. The bezel refers to the plastic perimeter surrounding the internal screen. Ensure that you use the screwdriver to remove all the screws. Depending on your laptop’s model, there might be plastic caps concealing the screws. Use the Self-locking needle or pin to pry the caps to enable loosening and removal of the screws. Use the screwdriver to slacken and remove the screws.
- The bezel is now loose. Gently remove it by prying around its edges using the Self-locking needle or pin. This will reveal the inverter board usually centered below the bottom of the screen.
- Inspect the two cables connecting to the inverter board. The video cable and the inverter cable each connect to a distinct white connector. These connectors are usually placed on the inverter board’s opposite ends. Disconnection of the inverter cable or the general video cable from the connectors can cause either screen backlight failure or a general video failure, respectively.
- Slightly pull up the affected connector carefully, ensuring you don’t lift it more up than a few millimeters so that it doesn’t break. Before releasing the connector, ensure you slide the video or inverter cable back to the connectors. This helps place the cable into place, secure it and restore the backlight or video functionality to your broken internal screen.
- Replace the bezel and the screws.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, repairing a cracked internal laptop screen offers a variety of benefits which includes:
- Helps save money.
- It’s simple and straightforward.
- It helps save time that would otherwise be spent looking for a new one.
With this article, you have a complete guide on handling an internally cracked laptop screen.
