Q&A for How to Remove Scratches from a Phone Screen

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When you say plastic screen, do you mean a screen protector?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Plastic screen refers to the material of your phone screen without external protectors. Depending on your phone model, it may be made of glass, plastic, or a mix.

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Can I use toothpaste on my iPhone 5c screen?

Community Answer

No, as the screen is glass, the toothpaste would corrode it. A friend of mine ruined his phone this way. Don't try it.

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Question

My phone has a scratch and the toothpaste I have is Crest Whitening. Will that work? It's a Samsung.

Community Answer

Does your Samsung have a glass or plastic screen? If it's a Galaxy S7, S8 or S9, it won't work.

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Question

Will toothpaste work on the Galaxy s9?

Community Answer

No, the Galaxy S9 has a glass screen, which will be ruined by toothpaste. The polishing method must be used.

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Question

Can I use toothpaste to clear scratches from an iPad mini?

Community Answer

No, that would ruin it.

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Question

Can I use any toothpaste for my Microsoft phone?

Community Answer

You need to work out what type of screen you have. If it’s plastic, then any toothpaste should work. If toothpaste doesn’t work, your screen is probably glass.

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Question

How do I prevent my phone from falling?

Community Answer

You really just have to be careful. Don't put it on slippery surfaces or on the edge of a table. Keep it in your pocket or somewhere safe whenever you're not using it. Get a thick case to prevent damage in case it does fall.

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Question

I have a Galaxy Note 9. Will a glass stove top cleaner work?

Community Answer

Yes. I fixed my S6 with a glass stove top cleaner and ethanol, and the phone was good as new.

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Question

How do I repair deep scratches and Plexiglass?

Community Answer

Get a new screen made out of screen protectors.

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Question

How do I remove scratches, when I have a screen protector?

Community Answer

Try removing the screen protector, then doing what the rest of the steps say. In the end get a new screen protector.

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Question

Will the toothpaste method work on a Motorola phone?

Community Answer

You have to figure out if the screen is plastic or glass. If it's glass, it won't work, but if it's plastic, it will. You can google your phone's specifications.

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When I do my phone with white Colgate toothpaste, does it make my phone's original screen thinner?

Community Answer

No, do not put toothpaste on your iPhone screen because it will cause some damage.

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Question

How do I tell the difference between a plastic screen and glass screen?

Community Answer

The main difference is weight. Plastic will be much lighter than glass, and this will be the first difference you'll notice - if your phone is anything above about $125 these days, it's extremely likely it'll be glass, and is certain if the rest of your phone is made of metal/glass too. Almost as critical is the hardness/strength. You may find that plastic screens feel a bit soft/spongey (especially on cheaper devices), whereas glass is very hard and provides a smooth, firm touch. To be honest, it's 95% certain your phone will have a glass screen these days, as it's become the norm. Check your phone specifications with 'glass' or 'screen' as keywords, and I'm pretty sure you'll find out.

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Question

I’m considering the cerium oxide method to use on my iPad. Will it scratch the glass?

Community Answer

No, if done properly, the cerium oxide method won't scratch the glass on your iPad.

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Question

Can I use it on an iPad screen?

Community Answer

You should not put toothpaste on an iPad screen, as it can ruin it and cause permanent damage.

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Question

Is the screen on a Samsung A50 phone glass or plastic?

Community Answer

Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

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Question

I tried toothpaste to remove cracks from my phone but it didn't work. Is there anything else I can do?

Community Answer

If your phone screen is glass, then get an eyeglass scratch remover.

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Question

Will toothpaste work on an iPad Mini 4?

Community Answer

If it is a plastic screen, it won't work; it might ruin the screen even more.

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Question

Can I use toothpaste to remove scratches from an iPhone XR?

Community Answer

No. It'll ruin your screen. The iPhone XR is glass, not plastic, so don't even try it.

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Question

Will the toothpaste and baking powder work on my Samsung Galaxy A10?

Community Answer

This depends on whether it is a glass screen or a plastic one. If it is plastic, then go ahead but with glass, that would severely damage your phone.

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Question

Can I use toothpaste on an iPhone 5?

Community Answer

No, it has a glass screen, toothpaste can only be used on a plastic screen.

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Question

I want to get rid off scratches from back of my phone. What should I use for this?

Community Answer

Mix two parts baking soda and one part water in a bowl. Stir until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste to a clean, soft cloth and gently rub in a circular motion on the phone's scratches. After this, wipe your screen with a fresh, slightly dampened cloth to remove any excess.

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