While there are many types on the market, it’s almost always possible to fix a broken monitor screen if you’re willing to put in either the time or the money needed for the repair.
I’m a long time tech user with plenty of experience using, working with, and fixing all types of computers. Those years of experience, alongside extra research about monitor screens themselves, is what allowed me to cover the below topics.
The sections in this article answer, not just if it’s possible to fix a broken monitor screen, but the different ways you can go about that process.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are three possible ways to fix a broken monitor screen: hire a professional, get a new monitor, or repair it yourself.
- Always check to see if your screen can be repaired, and diagnose why it’s not working, before shelling out the cash on a big fix.
- Anyone can do an at-home repair on a monitor screen if they know the steps and follow the correct process.
Choosing to Repair a Damaged Screen
Modern computers are often great. However, they do run into issues from time to time. One of the most frequent is a broken monitor screen. Not only is that a big pain, but fixing it is a little trickier than it first might seem. That’s because, unlike other parts, it’s not always worth it.
Repair costs can be quite high with modern technology. So high, that sometimes it’s better to just get a new device than to pay for labor. That tradeoff is something all users need to be aware of when their monitor becomes damaged.
You can always fix a broken monitor screen. The question is if you want to or not. There’s no reason to pay a large fee to have it fixed if buying new is cheaper, nor is it smart to get something new when you could have saved money on a repair.
There are many factors that affect that decision, and they’re all important to keep in mind.
Analyzing the Damage
Most of the time, it will be obvious if you need a new screen. Cracks, splits, and noticeable breaks all mean that your monitor needs to be replaced. The same goes with any clear water damage, or if your screen has been dropped or smashed.
However, if you’re experiencing issues that aren’t as obvious, it can take a bit more work.
For that reason, it’s important to know if your monitor is completely defective or just cracked. Broken screens show signs of physical damage, while defective ones flicker, don’t work properly, or are completely unresponsive.
That’s the first step because, while it may be worth it to fix a broken monitor, there’s no reason to invest time and money into a defective one. If your monitor has a core issue or something fundamentally wrong with it, it’s best to move on.
If your screen is simply broken, however, you next need to figure out what you want to do with it. You can get a new one, have it repaired by a third party, or fix it yourself. All are viable options, depending on the extent of the damage and how much you’re willing to pay.
3 Methods to Repair a Broken Monitor
The cheapest (and often quickest) way to repair a broken monitor is to do it yourself. That may seem overwhelming, but it’s a cost effective option for anyone who’s willing to put in some extra work on their device.
First, you need to diagnose the issue. If your monitor won’t display an image, turn it on and check for any lights at the edge of the screen. If they don’t show up, you have a power supply issue that needs to be resolved by a professional.
If the lights do come on, shine a flashlight at the dark screen. If that displays an image, it means you’re dealing with a blacklight issue.
If most of the screen works except for a few “stuck” pixels, wrap a pencil in a damp, non-abrasive cloth and carefully rub it over the affected area to see if you can move them back into place. If the damage is more severe, you can always get an LCD scratch repair kit too.
The above methods are effective, but they don’t always work. In such cases, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to hire a professional. That process tends to be quite pricey, but it doesn’t have to be either. Call around and find a store that will give you the best deal.
Past that, the only other option is to buy a new monitor. That may not be as cheap or as easy as repairing it, but sometimes it’s the only answer. Know when you’re monitor is done for good, and listen to the experts.
FAQs
These are some of the biggest questions regarding broken monitor screens.
Is It Worth It to Fix a Monitor Screen?
Most of the time, repairing a broken computer screen exceeds the cost of the screen itself. In that case, it’s better to buy a new one. However, if you plan on repairing it yourself it can save you some money in the long run.
Can a Broken LCD Monitor Be Fixed?
There are several monitor types, and only some of them can be fixed. Luckily, an LCD model can be fixed without having to replace the entire device.
Does a Broken LCD Cause Physical Damage?
While every situation is different, most LCD damage can lead to internal harm. That includes lines, blotches, bleeding, cracks, moisture, or color distortion.
Final Words
A broken monitor is a tricky situation. Not only are there a few potential ways to fix it, but it’s hard to know if you want to fix it at all. Always diagnose what’s wrong before making that decision. Once you better understand what you’re dealing with, you’ll know how to handle it.
Have you ever had a broken monitor screen? Did you fix it or get a new device? Let us know in the comments below!
