What to Do When Your TV Is Cracked + How to Prevent It in the Future

PDF download Download Article
Everything you should know about repairing or replacing your cracked TV
PDF download Download Article

Is there a crack in your TV screen that you're considering repairing? Is it worth it? The answer is complicated, so let's dive into this conundrum and explore the possibilities, including whether you can fix it yourself with some epoxy or make a warranty claim.

Can I repair a cracked TV screen?

You can replace the entire panel to repair a cracked TV screen, but that might be more costly than buying a new TV. If a repair will be more than half the cost of the TV or if your TV is nearing the end of its lifespan, you might be better off buying a new one.

Section 1 of 5:

Can you repair a cracked TV screen?

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can repair a cracked TV screen by replacing the entire panel. However, this is a job that usually needs to be done by a professional, and it might be more costly than just buying a new TV.
    • You might be able to patch up small cracks yourself with epoxy.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Is it worth it to fix a cracked TV screen?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many repair fixes or warranty claims will only fix TVs around 32". If you look around at Reddit [1] and other forum sites, you'll see that fixing larger TV screens is impractical and buying a new TV is often cheaper than repairing it. [2]
    • However, if the crack is small and the TV is packed with advanced features, it might be better to salvage it.
    • If the cost to repair it is more than half a new TV, repairing it may not be the best option.
    • You also want to take into consideration the lifespan of the TV . Spending money to fix a TV that's nearing the end of its lifespan may not be the best option.
Section 3 of 5:

Warranty Options for Cracked TV Screens

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most warranties cover manufacturing defects, not cracked screens. The warranty might cover your cracked screen if the damage wasn't caused by you (i.e., you didn't drop it or mount it improperly) and it is still new (under 1 year old).
    • Review the original manufacturer's warranty to see if accidental damage is covered.
    • You can check the receipt and see if you purchased an extended warranty that covers accidental damage.
      • If you have warranty coverage for any of those two circumstances, contact the manufacturer of your TV for repair or replacement. [3]
    • Contact the retailer where you purchased the TV, and they might be able to offer an extended warranty.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

How to Fix a TV Screen Without Replacing It

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Try epoxy for small cracks. Fill in the small crack with clear epoxy or a similar substance, allow it to spread throughout the crack, and then cure completely. You can only do this with small cracks, as epoxy will be noticeable on larger cracks. It won't get rid of the crack, but it will prevent it from spreading further.
  2. 2
    Use a DIY screen repair kit to replace the screen yourself. You can find numerous DIY TV screen repair kits online that will help you safely remove your TV screen if you want to replace the whole thing. However, you will also have to buy a new screen that is compatible with your TV, and these can be quite expensive. It might be a better bet to have a pro replace the screen or buy a new TV.
  3. 3
    Opt for professional repair services if the crack is large. Replacing an entire TV screen or fixing a larger crack is a tricky task that’s probably best left to the pros. Search the web for TV screen repair near me and you'll find localized results for professional services in your area. However, these repair services will vary in effectiveness.
    • You might be charged more for a professional service that will replace your entire screen.
    • Some places use specialized tools and techniques to minimize the appearance of cracks. [4]
    4. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Tips to Prevent Further Damage

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Don't put objects on top of your TV that can cause damage. Anything that has the potential to crack or damage your TV shouldn't be on top of it. Read this wikiHow article for tips to decorate around your TV.
  2. 2
    Handle it with care. Especially when you're transporting your TV, prevent damage by handling it properly; there should be stickers on the original packaging or in the manual on how to hold it.
  3. 3
    Mount it properly. Flat-screen TVs are meant to remain vertical and in an upright position. In addition to that, make sure you mount it with a compatible wall-mount that supports the size and weight of your TV. Refer to this wikiHow article for more tips on mounting a flat-screen TV.
  4. 4
    Keep pets away. Cats can be attracted to the heat put off by your TV, but they can also scratch the screen or cause other screen damage. A playful pet might also accidentally knock your TV over if it isn’t mounted properly. To deter pets from your TV, train them to leave it alone.
  5. 5
    Discourage kids from playing near the TV. If you have kids, ask them not to throw or swing toys around near the TV. Encourage them to use wrist straps with video game controllers, especially controllers like the Nintendo Joy-Con that are easy to accidentally drop or throw during play.
  6. 6
    Use surge protectors. Power surges can damage internal components of your TV, sometimes causing the screen to crack. Prevent this by using surge protectors to safeguard your TV from sudden voltage spikes.
  7. 7
    Keep your TV away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause your screen to fade or discolor, so it's best to keep your TV positioned away from windows.
  8. 8
    Don't clean your TV with cleaning products. Harsh chemicals, like ammonia-based cleaners that are popular for cleaning in the bathroom, aren't good for your TV and end up doing more harm than good. If your TV is dirty, use special electronic wipes to clean it .
  9. 9
    Turn your TV off when you're not using it. Rather than letting it go into Standby Mode, you want to power it off. This not only saves energy, but also prevents burn-in , especially in OLED or plasma screens.
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      10 Ways to Fix if your Hisense TV is Not Turning On
      How to
      Fix a TCL TV with a Black Display
      Reset a Vizio Soundbar: Soft or Factory Reset + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Troubleshoot & Fix Flickering in Your TV
      13 Ways to Stop TV Sound Vibration & Buzzing Speakers
      Why Is My Sony TV Blinking Red Light? 7 Quick Fixes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/ifixit/comments/1abdckl/is_it_possible_worth_it_to_try_and_fix_this/?captcha=1
      2. ↑ https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/best-buy-totaltech-yearly-subscription/6406935/question/f0b176d5-f407-3321-ac3f-4f2eb17918a7
      3. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00087662/
      4. ↑ https://www.tcl.com/global/en/blog/tips/how-to-fix-a-cracked-tv-screen

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement