Is a Cracked Laptop Screen Worth Fixing? An Honest Answer for Crawley Owners
Honest, jargon-free advice from Criddle Computer Care on how to check it's really the screen, what a replacement involves, and when a new laptop makes more sense.
A cracked screen is one of the most common laptop problems we see, and the first question is always the same: is it worth fixing, or should I just buy a new one?
The short answer: if your laptop is under about six years old and everything else works well, a screen replacement is usually far cheaper than a new laptop. If it's older and other problems are piling up, it may be time to move on.
This is an honest guide — written by Bradley — to help you work out which camp you're in. No sales pitch.
First, check it really is the screen
Not every screen fault needs a new screen. Try these before paying for anything.
Plug it into a TV or monitor
Use an HDMI cable. If the picture looks perfect on the external screen, the laptop itself is fine and the fault is the screen or its cable.
Watch what happens when you move the lid
If the picture flickers, goes black or shows lines only at certain angles, the cable or hinge is often to blame rather than the panel. That's usually a cheaper fix.
Look for physical damage
Spider-web cracks, black ink-like patches or coloured lines that spread over time mean the panel itself is damaged and needs replacing.
If the external monitor shows nothing either, the problem is deeper than the screen, and a laptop repair diagnosis is the next step.
What a screen replacement costs
There are two parts to the price:
Labour charged at our Advanced Support rate of £50 per hour
The replacement screen varies by model. Standard screens on most HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer and Asus laptops are the most affordable. Touchscreens, high-resolution displays and very thin models, where the screen is built into the lid, cost more.
We check your exact model and give you a full quote before any work starts, so there are no surprises. You can see all our rates on the pricing page.
Repair or replace? An honest comparison
✓A repair is right for you if
- The laptop is under about six years old
- The battery still holds a charge and it doesn't overheat
- It runs your software without struggling
- The repair costs well under half the price of a sensible replacement
This is where most cracked screens we see actually sit.
!A new laptop makes sense if
- The laptop is eight or more years old
- Other problems are building up: loose hinges, a flat battery, worn keys
- The repair is getting close to half the price of a new laptop
If so, we'll say so — and help you move your files and settings to the new machine.
A slow but otherwise healthy laptop can also benefit from an SSD upgrade at the same visit. The two together often make an older machine feel new.
Can you keep using it with a cracked screen?
For a short while, yes, but be careful:
Cracks spread. Opening and closing the lid, or small knocks, make them worse.
Touchscreens can shed glass. Stop using touch if the glass is broken.
Back up your files now. A damaged laptop is more likely to fail completely, and it's far easier to copy files while it still works.
Use an external monitor in the meantime if you need to keep working.
How long does it take?
Most screen replacements take 24 to 48 hours, depending on how quickly the part for your model arrives. Every repair is covered by our 28-day warranty.
It speeds things up if you have your laptop's model number (usually on a sticker underneath) and your files backed up if the laptop still works.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked laptop screen be repaired, or does it need replacing?
Cracked glass can't be repaired; the screen panel is replaced. If the fault is a loose cable or worn hinge instead, that can often be fixed without a new screen.
Will I lose my files?
A screen replacement doesn't touch your files. We still recommend a backup before any repair.
Do you repair MacBook screens?
MacBook screens are a different job and cost more. Call first and we'll tell you whether we can help with your model.
What areas do you cover?
Crawley and the surrounding area, including Horley, Horsham, and Redhill & Reigate.
Ready to get it fixed?
If your laptop screen is cracked, flickering or blank, get in touch or call Bradley on 07356 295518. Tell us the model and what happened, and we'll give you an honest answer on whether it's worth repairing — with a full quote before any work starts.
You can also read more on our laptop screen repair page.
For more straightforward, no-jargon guidance like this, browse our honest IT advice for homes and businesses across Crawley and West Sussex.