Top risks of using a phone with a cracked screen

💡 Need to know

• Cracks can get worse fast. What starts as a small crack can spread across the screen after a single drop or bump.
• It's not just cosmetic. A damaged screen can affect touch responsiveness, visibility, and even expose internal components.
• Moisture becomes a bigger threat. Cracks make it easier for water, dust, and debris to get inside your phone.
• Small repairs are often cheaper than bigger ones. Fixing a cracked screen early can help prevent more expensive damage later.

Cracking your phone screen is annoying, but if your device still works, you may be tempted to ignore the issue. Many factors affect how long a phone can last with a cracked screen, but eventually, your device will suffer. We know from experience. At Asurion, we come across this problem every day.

Here's our guide to everything you need to know about the risks of using a cracked phone screen.

Cracks can spread

Does a cracked screen affect your phone? Yes, absolutely.

You may be able to get away with using your phone if there's a tiny scratch in the corner, but cracks don't magically disappear. Whether there's a single scratch in the center of your screen or one big side-to-side crack, both can spread. As they do, your phone grows increasingly vulnerable—if you were to drop it again, the screen is far more likely to shatter.

Don’t ditch it, fix it

No matter the issue, our experts can repair your devices fast. Make an appointment or visit your local uBreakiFix by Asurion today.

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Shards of glass can cut you

Is a cracked phone screen dangerous to use? Very. The shards and broken glass can cut your fingers as you tap and swipe around, and if your phone is jostling around in your pocket, a splinter of glass could come loose and get lodged in your hand.

If you have young children, you know how sneaky they can be about taking your phone and playing with it (even when the screen is locked). Those cracks put them at risk for injury too.

Your touch screen can stop responding

Cracks and scratches can cause your touchscreen to stop working properly. That means your phone might think your finger is in another place. Apps might not open when you tap them. Your phone could take longer to respond in general, or your touch screen could stop working entirely.

A distorted screen can hurt your eyes

The excellent viewing experience we all expect from smartphones vanishes the moment you have a crack across your screen. It isn't easy reading emails or watching videos through a spider web of scratches and cracks, and eye strain can cause headaches.

Water, dirt, or oil can damage the inside of your device

Scratches and scrapes strip away the protection on your phone screen, creating openings for water, grime, and dust to seep inside and damage your device. If you need help deciding what type of protection is right for you, take a look at our screen protector guide.

FAQ

Is it safe to use a phone with a cracked screen?

Usually, yes—but it depends on the damage. Small cracks may be mostly an annoyance, while larger cracks can affect usability and expose you to sharp glass edges.

Can a cracked screen get worse over time?

Absolutely. Everyday pressure from your pocket, bag, or even normal use can cause cracks to spread.

Can a cracked screen cause touch problems?

Yes. As damage spreads, you may notice dead spots, delayed responses, or parts of the screen that stop responding altogether.

Can water get into a phone through a cracked screen?

It can. Even phones with water-resistance ratings become more vulnerable once the screen is cracked.

Should I repair a cracked screen right away?

The sooner, the better. A small crack is usually easier—and often less expensive—to address before it leads to additional damage.