HOW TO FIX OR REPLACE THE CRACKED LAPTOP SCREEN – STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Previous step to replace the laptop screen

As a first step, take a complete look at your laptop and check to make sure that the screen effectively requires a replacement.

In case the graphics card of the motherboard does not work, for example, you may be wasting time and effort in replacing a screen that does work. Also, if the laptop has recently been dropped or has suffered physical damage, it is also recommended that you check for other visible damage.

To ensure the operation of the graphics card, you can connect a PC monitor or TV to the laptop, since almost all have a standard blue VGA output (D-SUB) and/or an HDMI output.

If the image is displayed correctly, it is likely that your graphics card is in good condition and it is the screen that is causing the problem.

Otherwise, if you do not see any images, keep in mind that some laptops require that you press certain function keys on the laptop to activate the external screen output. If after that the video is still not displayed, it is likely that your graphics card and/or motherboard is broken, instead of the screen.

If the notebook’s outputs to another screen are successful, use the laptop for several minutes to make sure that the keyboard and other components are functioning normally.

However, the general steps do not work for all these laptops. Some will require more work or a different process to replace the screen, such as accessing the motherboard by opening the laptop’s main case.

How to choose a laptop replacement screen

Before buying a new LCD screen, it may be a good idea to try to remove the broken screen first, to make sure you can make the replacement.

If after following the first steps, the process looks different for your laptop, it is recommended to search on YouTube and Google, or use a repair professional to get more help on your brand and exact laptop model.

Finding a replacement screen is typically easy, and you will not have to pay the crazy prices that the manufacturer usually wants. Simply look in an online store, such as Amazon or eBay, with the model number of your laptop.

You will find that the most common screens do not cost that much money. If you can not find anything, try other identification numbers on the label or laptop documentation. Some providers have one or two different sets of identification numbers, which would be the name of the model.

When you are buying a screen, most sellers will alert you to compare the specifications and how the cables from the current screen to the laptop are connected.

This is another reason for you to open the damaged screen before requesting a replacement, as this will ensure you exactly what screen you need.

However, if the seller claims that the screen is compatible with your laptop model, it will generally work.

How to repair the damaged laptop screen

Make sure, before starting the replacement, to have the right tools. This is what works for most laptops and thus correctly changing the damaged screen:

• Table or another flat work area: you will need a place to sit (or stand if you prefer) with a flat area to work on your laptop.
• Phillips screwdriver: a medium screwdriver would suffice. If you do not have a magnetic screwdriver, try to get a magnet of sufficient size to magnetize the driver’s head. This helps the screws cling to the head, making it much easier to remove and replace the screws, as they tend to fall everywhere.
• Needle: this is to remove the stickers on the cover that hide the screws in the enclosing cover of the laptop, called a bezel.
• A plastic knife or other fine elements: it is optional, to favor the separation of the frame from the casing. Sometimes nails can help. If you use another object, make sure it is narrow enough but not so sharp as to leave scratches or other evidence on the surface of the laptop.
• Small container: this is to store the small screws and keep them safe from curious children and pets.

These general steps work for most laptops:

Check that the laptop is not connected to the AC adapter. Also, remove the battery.

Find the round stickers that hide the screws in the frame of the screen. These stickers are usually located on the bottom of the bezel, near the hinges of the screen, when you have the screen open. You should find one on each side of the screen.

Use a sharp, pointed object, such as a pin, a card or a needle, to help remove the stickers from the cover without damaging them. Put it between the edge of the cover and the angle, and then remove the sticker. Once removed, place the stickers in a safe place, with the sticky side facing up to make sure there is enough adhesiveness when you replace them.

Use the screwdriver to remove the visible screws. You will see that some screws are easily removed, while others require more work and patience. However, moving the screen to the correct position usually exposes the screws enough to remove them.

Start carefully removing the bezel from the back of the screen case. Place a fingernail or other thin element in the crack around the outside of the screen. The bezel is usually fixed to the back box with plastic clasps, so do a bit of force to separate it, but not too much. You will hear how the closures unhook when doing a bit of force.

After you have unhooked the bezel from the screen, it may or may not be easy to dismantle. If it is not, it is likely to be stuck around the hinges on the screen. Moving the screen position up or down, exerting a bit of gentle force if necessary, you should release it completely.

When the bezel is completely removed, you will find the LCD attached to a metal frame on the right and left sides. Remove both screws located on the top, one on each side, that hold the parts of the molding frame to the rear screen housing. Now, you should be able to lift the LCD (with the frame parts attached) slightly away from the rear screen case.

On each side of the frames, remove the screws that hold it to the LCD screen. Almost all laptops have three screws on each side; however, on other equipment, the screen can be secured to the frame parts using adhesive tape on each side.

Now you should be able to put the LCD face down on the keyboard. Be careful not to put excessive force on the video cable connected to the back of the LCD screen.

Disconnect the video cable from the back of the LCD screen. Most laptops have this connector located in the center. In this case, keep in mind that the part of the cable running across the screen is usually glued on the back with a little adhesive. Gently remove the cables from the screen. In general, you should also remove the adhesive tape that secures the video connector to the back of the screen. When you get to the point of removing the video cable from the connector on the screen, it should be unplugged with little force.

When you have completely removed the broken LCD, simply place the new one upside down as you have done with the previous one. Reconnect the video cable to the connector and place the cables and any tape as if it were the old one.

Place the new screen up on the side frame, and secure it again as before: usually three screws on each side of the frame parts, and then a screw on the top of each frame to secure it to the rear screen case.

When you get to the point of replacing the bezel, you just have to align it and push/squeeze the bezel back into the snaps of the back screen case. Before replacing the bezel screws, make sure that the bezel is fully inserted in its place and that there are no cracks around the edges of the screen housing. To finish, use that pin or needle securely to replace the adhesive covers of the screws.

The screen of a laptop is one of the most likely components to fail. If the screen stops working, do not assume you’ll have to search your pockets to buy a new laptop. Replacement screens can be purchased for most models, and the failed screen exchange is usually a much cheaper option than buying a new computer. As we have seen, you can replace the screen of a laptop at home with some basic tools.

If everything went well, now you should have a new and shiny laptop screen. Replace the battery and try it!