How to Replace a Cracked Phone Screen at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
A cracked phone screen is one of the most common — and most frustrating — smartphone problems. Whether you've dropped your phone once or it's been sitting in your pocket with a spiderweb of cracks, you might be wondering: can I replace my phone screen myself?
The short answer is yes — with the right tools and a bit of patience. At Revive Birmingham, we carry out hundreds of screen replacements every month. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how it's done.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before attempting a screen replacement, gather the following:
- A replacement screen compatible with your phone model
- A precision screwdriver set (Pentalobe and Phillips)
- Plastic pry tools / spudgers
- Suction cup tool
- Screen adhesive or T7000 adhesive glue
- A heat gun or hairdryer (to soften adhesive)
- Anti-static wrist strap (recommended)
You can find many of these in our Phone Repair Tools & Equipment collection.
Step 1: Back Up Your Phone
Before you open your device, back up all your data. A screen replacement shouldn't affect your data, but it's always better to be safe. Use iCloud, Google Drive, or a PC backup depending on your device.
Step 2: Power Off Your Device
Always power off your phone completely before starting any repair. This reduces the risk of short circuits and protects internal components.
Step 3: Remove the SIM Tray
Use a SIM ejector pin to remove the SIM tray. Set it aside somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost during the repair.
Step 4: Soften the Screen Adhesive
Apply gentle heat around the edges of the screen using a heat gun or hairdryer on a low setting. This softens the adhesive holding the screen in place. Be careful not to overheat — 60–80°C is sufficient.
Step 5: Use a Suction Cup to Lift the Screen
Place the suction cup near the bottom edge of the screen and pull gently while inserting a plastic pry tool into the gap. Work slowly around the edges — never use metal tools as they can damage the frame or internal cables.
Step 6: Disconnect the Screen Cables
Once the screen is lifted, you'll see ribbon cables connecting it to the motherboard. Use a spudger to carefully disconnect these. On most modern phones there are 2–4 connectors. Take a photo before disconnecting so you remember the layout.
Step 7: Remove the Old Screen
With all cables disconnected, the old screen can be fully removed. Clean any remaining adhesive from the frame using isopropyl alcohol and a microfibre cloth.
Step 8: Install the New Screen
Connect the new screen's ribbon cables in the same order you removed the old ones. Gently press each connector until it clicks into place. Before sealing, power on the phone briefly to test the new screen — check touch response, brightness, and colours.
Step 9: Seal and Reassemble
If everything looks good, apply fresh adhesive (we recommend T7000 glue for a strong, flexible bond) around the frame, press the screen down firmly, and allow it to cure. Reinsert the SIM tray and power on your device.
Step 10: Apply a Screen Protector
Once your new screen is fitted, protect your investment with a quality screen protector. Browse our range of tempered glass screen protectors or TPU hydrogel screen protectors — available for all major phone models.
Is DIY Screen Replacement Worth It?
DIY screen replacement can save money, but it does carry risks — particularly voiding your warranty or damaging internal components if something goes wrong. If you're not confident, or if your phone has Face ID / under-display fingerprint sensors, a professional repair is often the safer choice.
At Revive Birmingham, we offer fast, affordable screen replacements with a quality guarantee. Get in touch to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a screen replacement take?
A professional screen replacement typically takes 30–60 minutes. DIY repairs may take 1–3 hours for a first-timer.
Will replacing my screen affect Face ID or fingerprint?
On iPhones, Face ID is tied to the original screen — a non-Apple replacement may disable it. On Android phones, in-display fingerprint sensors may also be affected depending on the replacement part used.
How much does a screen replacement cost?
Costs vary by model. DIY parts range from £15–£80 depending on the phone. Professional repairs at Revive Birmingham are competitively priced — contact us for a quote.
Can I replace a cracked screen without replacing the whole display?
On most modern smartphones, the glass and LCD/OLED are fused together, so you typically need to replace the full display assembly.