If your phone screen is cracked, you might wonder whether applying a screen protector is a good idea. While a screen protector can provide some protection, it’s important to understand the risks and limitations involved. In this article, we’ll dive into whether it’s safe to put a screen protector on a cracked phone screen, the potential benefits, and the possible downsides.
Understanding the Function of a Screen Protector
Before we explore the impact of applying a screen protector over a cracked screen, it’s essential to understand the primary function of a screen protector. Screen protectors are thin films or glass shields that are placed over the phone’s display to protect it from scratches, dirt, and minor impacts. They can also help preserve the clarity of the screen and reduce smudges.
While most screen protectors are designed to be applied to a new, intact screen, their ability to protect a cracked screen is limited. Cracks weaken the structural integrity of the phone’s glass, and a screen protector may not fully prevent the damage from worsening. However, a screen protector can still serve as a temporary solution to prevent further scratching or dirt from accumulating in the cracks.
In essence, a screen protector’s main job is to shield the surface of your phone, but it doesn’t repair the cracks or prevent the glass from breaking further.
Different Types of Screen Protectors
There are two main types of screen protectors available in the market: plastic film protectors and tempered glass protectors.
- Plastic Film Protectors: These are the thinner, flexible options made from plastic material. They are easy to apply, affordable, and provide basic scratch resistance. However, they offer minimal impact protection and do not address the cracks on the screen directly.
- Tempered Glass Protectors: These are made from hardened glass and are thicker and more durable than plastic protectors. They can provide more robust protection against drops and impacts, though they cannot repair an already cracked screen. In fact, a tempered glass protector applied to a cracked screen might not adhere properly to the surface, especially if the cracks are deep or uneven.
Both types of protectors may serve as a short-term solution, but neither will fix the underlying structural problem of a cracked screen.
The Risks of Applying a Screen Protector to a Cracked Screen
While it might seem like a quick fix, applying a screen protector to a cracked phone screen can come with its own set of risks. Here are the primary concerns you should consider before making the decision to put a protector on your broken screen:
Limited Protection Against Further Cracks
A screen protector may help keep dirt and debris out of the cracks, but it won’t necessarily stop the cracks from worsening. If the screen is already compromised, the protector may not be able to prevent additional damage caused by impact or pressure. A cracked screen is more likely to shatter further with additional drops or bumps, and the protector won’t provide full protection.
Improper Adhesion
Cracked screens often have uneven surfaces that make it difficult for a screen protector to stick properly. If your screen is cracked in a way that leaves gaps or jagged edges, a protector might not adhere fully to the screen. This could result in air bubbles, lifting edges, or the protector coming off entirely. A poorly applied protector can be frustrating and ineffective.
Additionally, if the cracks are deep or have sharp edges, they could cause the protector to break or peel off sooner than expected. This could create more frustration and require you to replace the protector more often.
Risk of Further Damage During Removal
If you apply a screen protector over a cracked screen, and later decide to remove it, there is a risk that the adhesive could pull off shards of glass or further damage the cracks. This is particularly true for adhesive-based plastic film protectors, which tend to leave behind sticky residue. In some cases, removing the protector might worsen the condition of the cracks or cause additional fragmentation of the screen.
For this reason, it is essential to handle cracked screens carefully when attempting any repairs or modifications, including applying a screen protector.
Temporary Benefits of Using a Screen Protector on a Cracked Screen
Although applying a screen protector to a cracked phone screen is not ideal in the long term, it can still offer a few temporary benefits. Here’s how a screen protector might help in the short run:
Preventing Debris from Entering the Cracks
One of the immediate benefits of applying a screen protector to a cracked screen is that it can prevent dirt, dust, and debris from getting into the cracks. If left untreated, debris can accumulate inside the fractures, which could make the cracks worse over time. A screen protector can act as a barrier to prevent particles from getting trapped in the cracks and causing additional damage.
Minimizing Further Scratches
Cracked screens are more prone to additional scratches and scuffs. With a screen protector in place, you can protect the cracks from further surface damage. A protector can act as a shield, keeping keys, coins, or other objects from adding new scratches to the already fragile screen.
Reducing the Risk of Sharp Edges
Depending on the severity of the cracks, the edges of the broken screen may become sharp. In some cases, users may inadvertently cut their fingers on the jagged glass. A screen protector can help smooth out these sharp edges, reducing the risk of injury when using your phone.
The Impact of a Screen Protector on Touch Sensitivity
One of the concerns with applying a screen protector over a cracked screen is whether it will affect the phone’s touch sensitivity. Many users report a noticeable difference in the responsiveness of their device after installing a screen protector, particularly if the screen is already cracked.
Plastic Film Protectors and Sensitivity
Plastic film protectors tend to have a minimal impact on touch sensitivity. Since they are thinner and more flexible, they don’t add much bulk to the screen, and the touch response is often comparable to using the phone without any protector. However, if the screen crack, the protector may not fully adhere to the broken areas, which could create unresponsive or inconsistent touch zones.
Tempered Glass Protectors and Sensitivity
Tempered glass protectors are thicker and may affect touch sensitivity to a greater extent, though they generally design to mimic the feel of the original screen. If your screen crack, the additional layer of glass may further reduce the responsiveness of your touchscreen, especially if the cracks interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect touch properly.
In most cases, the impact on touch sensitivity is not drastic, but it’s something to consider if you rely on precise touch functions for work or daily activities.
Long-Term Solutions for a Cracked Screen
While applying a screen protector to a cracked screen can provide temporary benefits, it is not a permanent solution. If your phone screen crack, the best course of action is to repair or replace the screen as soon as possible. Here are some long-term solutions to consider:
Professional Screen Repair
The safest and most effective option for fixing a cracked screen is to take your phone to a professional repair service. Many phone manufacturers and third-party repair shops offer screen repair services that can restore your device to its original condition. Repairing the screen will eliminate the risk of further damage and ensure that your phone’s functionality not compromise.
DIY Screen Repair Kits
For those who prefer to fix their phone themselves, DIY screen repair kits are available online. These kits typically come with all the necessary tools to remove the broken screen and replace it with a new one. However, repairing your own screen can be difficult and may void any warranty, so it’s important to carefully consider whether this option is right for you.
Screen Replacement Options
If the damage to the screen is extensive and repair is not feasible, you may need to replace the entire phone or buy a new one. This is often the best option if the phone is old, has significant damage, or is no longer functioning well after the screen cracks.
Conclusion: Is It Safe to Apply a Screen Protector Over a Cracked Phone Screen?
In summary, applying a screen protector over a cracked phone screen can offer some temporary benefits, such as preventing dirt from entering the cracks, minimizing further scratches, and reducing sharp edges. However, it is not a permanent solution and comes with several risks, including the possibility of worsening the cracks, improper adhesion, and reduced touch sensitivity.
While a screen protector may help in the short term, the best way to address a cracked screen is to seek professional repair or replacement. If you choose to apply a screen protector as a temporary measure, make sure to carefully consider the type of protector you use and understand that it will not fix the underlying issues with the screen.
