A cracked screen is the single most common phone repair in the world — and also the most affordable to fix yourself, if you take it slow and follow the right order. This guide walks through the entire process: what you need, how long it takes, and the mistakes that turn a £20 fix into a £200 one.
Step 01What you'll need
- Replacement screen assembly (OEM or high-quality aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (usually Pentalobe + Phillips #00)
- Plastic pry tools and a suction cup
- Heat gun or hairdryer, to soften the adhesive
- Tweezers and adhesive strips for reassembly
Step 02Power down and remove the old screen
Turn the phone off completely — never work on a powered device. Remove the edge screws, then gently warm the screen's perimeter for 60–90 seconds so the factory adhesive releases without cracking the glass further. Lift from a corner with the suction cup and walk a pry tool around the edge slowly.
Step 03Disconnect the ribbon cables with care
Once the screen is loosened, you'll see two or three small ribbon cables connecting it to the logic board — for the display, digitizer, and sometimes the home button or Face ID sensor. Use a plastic tool, not metal, to lift each connector straight up. This is the step where most self-repairs go wrong, so take your time and photograph the layout first.
Step 04Fit and test the new screen before sealing
Connect the new screen's ribbon cables in the same order, then power the phone on before closing it up. Check touch response across every corner, brightness, and the front camera and speaker if they sit on the same assembly. Only proceed to seal the phone once everything tests correctly.
Step 05Seal, screw back, and clean up
Apply fresh adhesive strips around the frame, press the screen down evenly working from one edge to the other, and replace the original screws. Wipe the display with a microfiber cloth and you're done.
When to call a technician instead
If your phone has water damage, a bent frame, or the digitizer looks delaminated, skip the DIY route — a shop with proper calibration tools will get a cleaner result and won't void what's left of your warranty.
