Laptop screens and monitors are delicate and can be easily damaged, and a cracked or broken screen can make it difficult or impossible to use your computer.
In some cases, a broken screen may be caused by a screen backlight failure, which can also be difficult to repair.
If you have a broken internal screen on your laptop, it can be a frustrating and costly problem to fix, but we're here to help!
This article will discuss how to fix a laptop screen that is internally cracked, provide tips on troubleshooting screen backlight failure, and show how to prevent a crack from spreading in your screen.
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How To Fix A Laptop Screen That’s Cracked On The Inside
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If you have an internally cracked screen on your laptop, you may be wondering how to fix it.
While it is generally best to seek the assistance of a trained professional for this type of repair, there are some steps you can take to try to fix the issue yourself. Here are them:
Tools Required
Important note: These tools are just a general list, and the specific tools you will need may vary depending on the make and model of your laptop.
1. Restart Your Laptop
When you encounter issues with your laptop's screen, the first thing to try is to restart the system.[1]
Many problems are caused by minor glitches that can be resolved by restarting the computer.
2. Examine Your Laptop
Laptops can accumulate small debris particles between the keyboard and the screen that prevent the computer from closing correctly and impact the screen.
Try closing your laptop, reopening it, and then carefully examining it. Carefully look at the keyboard and clean it using a soft cloth to remove any debris.
If there is a visible latch on your laptop, clean the latch mechanism and then close it, ensuring it is closed properly.
Now open the laptop; if the screen turns on sometimes and doesn’t the other times, then you have an issue with your laptop’s lid sensor and nothing else.
3. Plug In An External Monitor
If your screen goes black, plug in an external monitor. If the external monitor doesn't turn on, make sure you have plugged it in the right way.
If the issue persists, it is an indication that your laptop didn't turn on. Try plugging into a power source and turning it on again.
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4. Unstick Stuck Pixels
A computer screen is also damaged on the inside by stuck pixels that make the screen broken on the inside.
To overcome this issue, you can use some dedicated apps designed to unstick them.[2]
These applications work by generating digital snow and cycling between the colors. This provokes the stuck and dead pixels to work correctly again.
5. Examine The Backlight Connections
If you know how to disassemble a laptop, you can check for the backlighting connections by simply removing the hinges, bezels, and other components of your laptop’s case.
This will reveal the backlighting connections of your screen.
From here, look closely and examine the wired connections; if something looks wrong, fix it if you are aware of the connections or take it to a repair shop.
6. Update Your Video Drivers
Outdated video drivers can result in the entire blackout of the screen with some visual effects.
This happens because older versions of video drivers start acting glitches or result in malfunctioning.
If you see something like this happening, understand that your driver has turned old and needs to be updated.
7. Fix Burn-In
Screen burn-ins are a common cause of internally broken computer screens, making it as if the ghosts of older images are still stuck on the computer screen.[3]
This makes the visuals overlap and look annoying. You can fix the burn-in by using white screen savers until the issue is resolved.
8. Replace The Screen (Last Resort)
If all of the fixes above fail, the only solution is to replace your computer screen.
The screens that, no matter what, need to be repaired or replaced show signs of black holes, large colored or black bars, etc.
Bonus Step: Fixing General Video Failure or Screen Backlight Failure
First, power down the device and remove the screws from around the screen's bezel. Then, gently remove the bezel from the screen to reveal the inverter board.
Examine the two cables connecting to the inverter board.
If either the general video cable or inverter cable is disconnected, slide it back into the connector to restore video functionality or backlight functionality.
Put the bezel and its screws back and power on the device to see if the repair was successful.
Keep in mind that these fixes may not work for physically damaged screens, and it may be necessary to have the screen repaired or replaced by a professional.
It is also important to be careful when disassembling your device to avoid damaging internal components.
Bonus Step: Cleaning The Laptop Screen Internally To Fix The Crack
The first step is to clean the screen with warm water and mild soap, then apply pressure to the screen using a soft cloth.
Next, gently pull up the screen to remove it from the laptop, taking care not to break anything accidentally.
If the screen is successfully removed, shut down the computer and apply pressure to the screen until it snaps back into place.
Finally, restart the laptop and check if there's an improvement and if the screen is functioning properly.
If the same issue still exists, the problem may be with the laptop's lid switch, which can be reset by touching it for 15 seconds.
These steps can fix a cracked screen caused by internal cracks, physical damage, or external force, but may not work for screens with more severe damage.
How Does A Laptop Screen Crack Internally? (Common Causes)
Several common causes and factors for a laptop screen to crack internally.
One cause is the use of excessive force when opening or closing the laptop, which can cause internal cracks likely to happen.
Another example is physical damage to the laptop, such as dropping it or applying pressure to the screen.
Another factor could be the use of an affected connector or power outlet, which can cause damage to the screen.
Additionally, plastic caps or a plastic perimeter around the screen may crack due to normal use or partial disassembly of the laptop.
In some cases, an internal crack in the screen may occur without a clear cause and may require a replacement screen to fix the issue.
Signs That Your Laptop Screen Is Broken On The Inside
There are several signs that your laptop screen may be broken on the inside. One common indication is if you see black holes or large colored or black bars on the screen.
These may be caused by internal cracks that cannot be repaired without replacing the screen.
Another sign is if you notice a significant deterioration in the display quality, such as discoloration or weird colors and lines.
This could be caused by a defective laptop screen or an issue with the connectors.
If you have dropped your laptop or applied excessive force to the screen, the internal structure of the screen may have been damaged.
In some computers, such as with an Acer laptop screen, it may be possible to fix the screen's internal crack without replacing it.
However, suppose the damage is extensive or you cannot identify the cause. In that case, it may be necessary to invest in a replacement screen to restore the normal function of your computer.
Tips To Stop A Laptop Screen Crack From Spreading
Here are some tips to help prevent a laptop screen from cracking further:
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Laptop Screen Cracked Internally FAQs
How much does it cost to fix an internally cracked laptop screen?
The cost of fixing an internally cracked laptop screen can vary greatly, depending on the specific problem and the model of the laptop.
In general, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for replacement of high end MacBook screens. It is best to consult a professional repair service for an accurate cost estimate.
Is it worth fixing a cracked laptop screen?
It depends on the cost and severity of the crack.
Related: Repairing Vs Replacing A Laptop: Pros & Cons Of Each
Does internal screen damage come under warranty?
Most of the time, it is not, but it's best to check with the manufacturer if this kind of damage is covered or not.
Does a cracked laptop screen affect battery life?
A cracked laptop screen typically does not affect battery life.
However, if the crack is severe and causes the laptop's display to malfunction, it could potentially drain the battery faster as the laptop may struggle to display the screen correctly.
Conclusion
Fixing a laptop screen that is cracked internally can be a challenging task.
It is important to carefully assess the issue and try the various troubleshooting steps before resorting to replacing the screen.
If the issue persists, it is best to consult a professional or seek warranty support if applicable.
It is also essential to handle the laptop with care and prevent any physical damage to the screen to avoid the need for costly repairs.
By following the tips and guidelines provided above, you can successfully fix a laptop screen that is cracked internally and restore the device to its full functioning capacity.
References:
1. https://it.clas.ufl.edu/article/why-you-should-restart-your-computer/
2. https://www.jscreenfix.com/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_burn-in
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.
