How to fix a cracked tablet screen

💡 Need to know

• Back it up now. A cracked screen can get worse fast, especially if the tablet takes another hit.
• Don’t press on the damaged area. Extra pressure can spread cracks or damage the display underneath.
• Glass lifting up? Stop using it. Exposed glass can cut your fingers and may signal deeper damage.
• Black spots or flickering? That usually means the LCD is damaged, not just the outer glass.

A cracked tablet screen can go from “barely noticeable” to completely unusable surprisingly fast.

Whether you dropped your iPad®, Samsung Galaxy Tab®, or Amazon Fire™ tablet, the right next steps depend on what kind of damage you’re dealing with—and whether the crack affected just the glass or the display underneath.

At Asurion, our experts help customers with cracked tablet screens every day, from small hairline cracks to tablets with shattered glass, dead touchscreens, or blacked-out displays. Here’s how to figure out what happened, what you can safely do at home, and when it’s time for repair.

What kind of screen damage do you have?

Not all cracked tablet screens are the same. Some damage only affects the outer glass, while other cracks can damage the touchscreen or LCD underneath.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

👉 Why it matters: One of the most common mistakes our experts see is assuming every crack is “just cosmetic.” In reality, black spots, flickering, or touch issues usually point to deeper display damage underneath the glass.

What to do right after your tablet screen cracks

The first few hours after the damage happens matter more than most people realize. At Asurion, we've seen how a small crack can turn into a bigger repair, so here's what we'd do right away to keep the damage from getting worse:

1. Back up your tablet immediately if the screen still works.
2. Remove any case putting pressure on the cracked area.
3. Avoid pressing directly on the damaged glass.
4. Keep the tablet away from water or moisture.
5. Check for loose or lifting glass pieces.
6. If the crack is severe, power the tablet off until it can be repaired.

👉 Why it matters: A lot of the tablets we see in our stores started as small cracks that spread after being tossed into backpacks, left in hot cars, or pressed on repeatedly.

If your tablet is already having issues saving files or accessing photos, you may want professional tablet data backup and recovery help before the damage gets worse.

Can you still use a cracked tablet?

Sometimes yes—but it depends on the damage.

You may still be able to safely use the tablet if:

• the crack is small
• touch controls still work
• there are no black spots or flickering
• glass isn’t lifting

You should stop using the tablet if:

• the screen cuts your fingers
• touch response is failing
• the display flickers or goes black
• the tablet gets unusually hot
• the frame is bent or separating

Can you fix a cracked tablet screen yourself?

Technically, yes. Realistically, it depends on the tablet and the severity of the damage.

Some older tablets with removable screens are not impossible to repair at home—but not for the faint of heart either. Newer tablets—including many iPads and premium Android tablets—often use strong adhesives, laminated displays, and delicate internal components that make DIY repair near impossible. What we see go wrong most often when people try to go it alone is that they damage the LCD underneath when prying off the shattered glass.

Before attempting DIY cracked tablet screen repair, know this:

• Understand the difference between DIY iPad screen repair vs. professional repair
• Opening the tablet may void your warranty
• Cheap replacement screens can affect display quality
• Improper repairs can damage the LCD or battery
• Water resistance may be reduced afterward
• Some repairs require heat guns and specialty tools

When a screen protector can help temporarily

A screen protector won’t “fix” a cracked tablet screen, but it may help prevent small cracks from spreading temporarily.

A tempered glass protector may help if:

• the crack is minor
• the touchscreen still works
• glass isn’t lifting
• you’re waiting for repair

It will not help if:

• the display is flickering
• touch controls fail
• black spots appear
• glass pieces are coming loose

👉 Why it matters: We sometimes see customers wait too long because the tablet still technically “works.” But once flickering, black spots, or touch problems appear, the damage usually keeps spreading and then you’re dealing with a device replacement instead of a repair.

Is it worth repairing your tablet?

Usually, yes—but it depends on the tablet’s age, condition, and repair cost.

Repair often makes sense if:

• the tablet is newer
• performance is still good
• the damage is limited to the screen
• replacement tablets are expensive

Replacement may make more sense if:

• the battery is already failing
• internal components are damaged
• the repair cost approaches replacement value
• the tablet is very old

In many cases, the people who end up replacing their tablets entirely are the ones who waited until a small crack turned into display or battery damage. Read more on the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your tablet.

Signs your cracked tablet screen needs professional repair

Some cracks are purely cosmetic. Others point to deeper internal damage.

Professional repair is usually the safer choice if:

• touch controls stop responding
• lines or black spots appear
• the screen flickers
• the tablet overheats
• the frame bends
• glass is separating from the display
• the battery appears swollen

This is especially true for newer tablets with laminated displays, where the glass, digitizer, and LCD are fused together.

Depending on your device, learn more about:

• iPad screen repair
• Samsung Galaxy tablet screen repair
• Amazon Fire tablet screen repair

FAQ

Can a cracked tablet screen be repaired?

Usually, yes. Many cracked tablet screens can be repaired, especially if the damage is limited to the outer glass.

Can I still use a cracked tablet?

Sometimes. If the crack is small and the touchscreen still works normally, the tablet may still be usable temporarily.

What if the tablet screen still works but feels sharp?

Loose glass is one of the biggest safety concerns our experts see with shared family tablets, especially when younger kids continue using the device after the screen cracks.

Will a cracked tablet screen get worse?

Often, yes. Pressure, heat, and additional drops can cause cracks to spread over time.

How much does tablet screen repair cost?

Repair costs vary depending on the tablet model, screen type, and severity of the damage. Reach out to your local uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for a price quote.

Can you replace just the glass on a tablet?

Sometimes, but many newer tablets use laminated displays where the glass and LCD are fused together.

Is a cracked tablet dangerous?

It can be. Sharp glass edges, exposed internal components, and damaged batteries can create safety risks.

Why is my tablet screen black after cracking?

That usually means the LCD or internal display components were damaged during impact.

Does insurance cover cracked tablet screens?

Some protection plans and warranties may help cover accidental screen damage depending on the provider and device. 

Should I repair or replace my tablet?

If the tablet is relatively new and otherwise works well, repair is often the more affordable option. Read more on the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your tablet.