iPhone and Android phones

Phone screen replacement

In short

Cracked, black or unresponsive screen? Check it really is the screen, back up your phone, then tell SmarterBox Limited your exact model. The team will confirm whether a replacement is possible and what it costs before you send anything.

Ask about a repair Call 0330 027 3093

Is it really the screen?

Some screen problems are software, and a restart fixes them. Check what you're seeing before you book anything.

What you see	Usually means	Try this first
Cracked glass, picture still fine	Damaged outer glass	Cover the crack with a screen protector or clear tape so it can't spread or cut you.
Black screen, but it still rings or vibrates	Display fault, or a software crash	Force a restart. On iPhone 8 or later: press volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until the logo appears. On many Android phones: hold power and volume down for about 10 seconds.
Lines, flickering or coloured patches	Damaged display panel	Restart once. If the lines stay, the display usually needs replacing.
Touch not working, or "ghost" taps	Touch layer fault	Remove any screen protector, then clean and dry the screen and your fingers.
Screen very dim or an odd colour	Often a setting	Check brightness, night mode and colour filters in Settings first.

Why prices vary between phones

There's no single price for "a screen". Ask for a price for your exact model, and ask what it includes.

The model
Every phone model uses a different screen.
The display type
OLED screens generally cost more to replace than LCD screens.
The part
Original manufacturer parts and compatible parts can differ in quality, features and price.
Other damage
A bent frame or water damage can change what's possible.

How to find your model

iPhone
Open Settings > General > About and look for Model Name.
Android
Open Settings > About phone. The model name or number is near the top. Menu names vary by brand.
Screen won't work at all
The model is often printed in tiny text on the back, inside the SIM tray area, or on the original box.

Good to know before a screen replacement

Water resistance. After any screen replacement, a phone may not be as water-resistant as it was when new.
Part messages on iPhone. On some iPhones, a screen that isn't a genuine Apple part shows a message in Settings, and features such as True Tone may not work. Ask which part will be used.
In-screen fingerprint readers. If your phone's fingerprint reader is built into the screen, you may need to set it up again afterwards.
Swollen or hot phone. If the screen is being pushed up from inside, or the phone gets hot, stop using and charging it. That can be a battery problem.

Before you send your phone

A screen replacement doesn't normally erase your phone, but back up anyway.

Your phone is backed up to iCloud, Google or a computer, so photos and messages are safe.
You've noted your exact model (see "How to find your model" above).
You've asked how your passcode will be handled. Only share it if the team asks, and in the way they explain.
You've turned off Find My or device protection, if the team asks you to.
Your SIM and memory card are removed, unless the team tells you otherwise.
You've photographed the damage, to describe the problem and keep for your records.