Cracked Laptop Screen? Here's Everything You Need to Know

A cracked laptop screen is one of the most common repairs Darren handles at Laptop Repairs Okehampton. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, a screen replacement is straightforward and significantly cheaper than buying a new laptop.

What causes laptop screens to break?

The most common causes are: sitting or placing something heavy on a closed lid, dropping the laptop, closing the lid with something on the keyboard (like a pen), and pressure on the screen during transport. LCD screens are fragile by design — they're made of glass and liquid crystal layers.

Types of laptop screen damage

Cracked or shattered screen

Physical cracks in the screen glass, often with bleeding black areas or coloured lines spreading from the point of impact. The display may still work partially or not at all.

Backlight failure

The screen appears black but you can faintly see the image when you shine a torch at it. This indicates the backlight (LED strip) or inverter has failed, not the screen panel itself.

Dead pixels and lines

Vertical or horizontal lines across the display, or patches of dead pixels, often indicate a failing screen panel or a loose connection between the screen and the motherboard.

Flickering display

A screen that flickers on and off, or flickers when the lid is moved, often indicates a problem with the screen cable (LVDS/eDP cable) rather than the screen itself — which is an even cheaper fix.

Can you use a laptop with a cracked screen?

If the screen is cracked but still displaying an image, you can plug an external monitor into your laptop's HDMI or VGA port and use it that way temporarily. However, a cracked screen should be repaired promptly — LCD fluid from a damaged screen can spread and cause further damage.

How much does a laptop screen replacement cost?

At Laptop Repairs Okehampton, most laptop screen replacements cost between £60 and £120 including parts and labour. The exact cost depends on the make, model, and screen specification (resolution, size, touch vs. non-touch). Darren will always give you a fixed price before starting any work.

How long does a screen replacement take?

Most standard laptop screens are replaced within 24–48 hours. If the screen needs to be ordered, it typically arrives within 1–2 working days. Darren will advise you on the expected turnaround when you bring the laptop in.