What to do if you've got a cracked phone screen 

Okay, so we like to look at our phones. More than a mirror, and sometimes even as a mirror. Selfie mode, anyone?

Now we’ve all heard a smashed mirror will allegedly bring you 7 years of bad stuff. But what about the cracked screen of your precious phone? Hurts to think.

Like distorted smartphone pics. If the cracks are in the touchscreen keyboard area, the resulting WhatsApps are sure to be interesting. And since so many of our phones are now about the massive screens. We’re talking about you, S8. Then a cracked phone screen might mean we lose the ability to well, do anything.

Now, don’t panic. Your cracked phone screen isn’t going to remove your lifeblood. We’ve got plenty of means to provide a temporary fix or long-term repair for your much-loved device. This advice is great for those who have an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. This is because they’re glass fronted and backed. Even though they have strongest ever glass used on an iPhone, their durable aerospace materials can’t protect against some accidents.

Is it a tiny splinter? Or has your phone exploded into billions of tiny shards of glass?

Before you investigate your phone repair options, it’s worth assessing how bad it is. Small cracks in the screen may be okay to ignore for a bit. Heftier damage has to be dealt with pronto, and the reason for your smashed screen may affect what repair options are available.

The small print can be annoying and a bit of a pain to go through. If your phone is under warranty, then you could be covered for a repair. So, it’s always worth checking.

If you bought a phone with us between 7 August 2017 and 6 March 2020 and took out our insurance, you’ll have Three Rescue. This means that your phone is covered for the following:  accidental damage – cracked screens and liquid damage, pet damage, malicious damage, and out-of-warranty break down. It also protects you if you’re abroad in one of our Go Roam destinations. Or even if a family member borrows your phone and damage it.

If you make a claim, we’ll send a replacement phone or tablet to you the next day. That means in a mere 24 hours, you can go from sobbing on the sofa to selfies in Insta. And with a shiny new phone. #blessed.

If your cracked screen was caused by a manufacturing defect, and you’re still under warranty, then check your terms as defects are covered in these policies, and under consumer law.

Our newest insurance product is called Three Insurance and there are 2 options to choose from: Full Cover or Damage Cover. Find out what you are covered for, here.

Whether you dropped it, or a dog chewed it, check out our DIY fixing options. If your phone still works well enough, but you can’t get a repair straight away, here are a few helpful tips.

If the damage is in small areas, you could try Sugru Mouldable Glue. It takes some patience to smooth pieces of Sugru into the cracks, but this is an affordable way to mend your phone.

Remember to check the fine-print of your warranty before doing any DIY hacks. The last thing you want to do is invalidate your warranty.

We’d recommend using a screen protector to help stop any scratches or cracks. But, if your screen’s already been damaged, it’s not too late! A screen protector can stop damage from getting any worse.

Time to take your phone into the shops, or send it off for a screen repair. Remember: Shop around before you book.

Head into your local Three shop and ask about repair options – someone will be able to advise you on manufacturer-based options.

Prices will vary depending on the phone. So, you can expect a variation in cost for a Samsung Galaxy S20 screen repair, compared with a trusted-but-tired older version.

A bit of advice. If your phone is under warranty, but you choose to get a repair done outside of your provider, check the small-print. Getting it repaired by a 3rd party and/or without official components may void your warranty.

However, we’ve got good news if you need a repair on a Samsung phone. We’ve linked up with tech experts – WeFix. They’ll drive to your home address and fix your phone in their van, while you wait. And they’re also approved by Samsung. Most repairs are sorted in under an hour and they’re guaranteed for 12 months. Book your WeFix home repair today.

If you’re worried about losing your stuff when you send your phone for repair – don’t sweat it. Just back up your phone before you send or take your phone in for repair.

Upgrade time is always a highlight of the year, whether you’re on Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go. If your phone has more extensive damage, maybe it’s worth digging out your spare phone and holding out for an upgrade. Or even a new Pay As You Go device.

Ever heard the saying ‘don’t spend it all at once’?

In terms of upgrades, if your phone screen happens to crack this month on holiday, then September could bring you good fortune: perhaps a new iPhone release that you can upgrade to? Watch this space.

Latest status update? Phone woes be gone.