Replacing a cracked LCD screen in an otherwise fully functional laptop is great for the environment (and for your wallet).

As we mentioned before,  LaptopScreen.com has prevented over 170 thousand tonnes (374,785,846 pounds) of CO2 emissions by providing affordable LCD replacement to its customers who otherwise may have replaced their laptops instead; and this number continues to grow every day.

We are happy to enable our customers to act in an environmentally friendly way and at the same time we also try to reduce our own carbon foot print by using recycled packaging materials, providing paperless billing and shipping documentation and recycling our old electronics in a responsible manner.

But can one go even further and fix a cracked LCD panel?

In a word – no.

We had our graphics department draw up a diagram of the anatomy of a Liquid Crystal Display (this does not apply to AMOLED displays that are used in smaller devices):

LCD_explained_1800_2

Click on the image to expand it

LCD screen consists of a back-light assembly, LCD matrix and may include additional layers in front to add a glossy effect or to diffuse reflections and can also include a touchscreen layer overtop.

Only several years ago replacing a CCFL bulb was in some cases an acceptable way to save money to fix a 5 year old dim LCD, but with the mass adoption of LED back-lit displays and a gradual phase-out of the traditional CCFL bulbs, a modern LED back-light almost never fails.

This brings us to the most commonly broken part of a laptop screen – the LCD Matrix. At the core of the LCD Matrix there are two glass substrates that form a sealed vessel for the solution of liquid crystals which form the image. Each pixel is chemically printed on each of the two glass planes, and each LCD pixel has three transistors in it called sub-pixels which turn transparent (reorient themselves sort of like window blinds) when an electrical current is applied. The light passes from the back-light though the sub-pixel onto a color filter showing one of the three basic colors: Red, Green or Blue. By mixing the intensity and combination of these basic colors each pixel is able to display up to 16.5 million colors individually.

But what happens when the screen is cracked?

The liquid crystal containment vessel is broken, and those black splotches of ink that characterize a physically damaged LCD begin spreading through the cracks and leaking outside of the glass substates.

Unfortunately, even if the glass was to be superglued back together and the liquid crystal solution refilled, the thousands of transistors along the crack have been irreparably severed (1080p display has 2,073,600 pixels and 6,220,800 sub-pixel transistors) – stitching those together is akin to neural surgery. Because there are just so many little connections required to enable an LCD panel to work at all, it is also why there are virtually no fake or counterfeit laptop screens. A leading edge technological facility with cleanrooms and industrial filtration systems is required to create a modern working LCD.

Currently some touchscreens can be replaced separately from the LCD module – but even those are slowly becoming thinner and more sophisticated – some LCD modules already include the touch-screen in its construction – and in those cases the touchscreens can only be replaced together with the LCD.

Replacing an LCD is still a much better alternative to replacing your laptop. Not only is it better for the environment, but you also retain all your files and settings; you get to keep the device that you are used to; and with so many videos posted by our happy customers replacing their screens on their own for the first time in their lives – it is also fair to note that fixing your own stuff can be just as rewarding and exciting as shopping for a new device!

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44 Comments

  1. Richard Neidhardt

    Need screen for H P G71-340US notebook. I have removed the screen and see numbers LP173WD1 and(TL) (C2) on the back.
    The plug is on the right when looking at the back.

  2. Annonimous

    CO2 emissions are not the problem to crow about. Ignorant religious zeal concerning CO2 footprints should be edited from all corporate propaganda.

    How about solving wireless, borderless screen problems first before bragging about fake fixing the environment.

  3. S. Grandbouche

    I would have sided with you until last night and still going this morning! I was working on my PC late last night, when I was finished I noticed some minute movement around the corners on the bottom. After watching for sine time realized that it was growing new circuits and replacing the imag

    1. Deborah

      I had a dell monitor i must have damaged moving my pc. It had a white line down the left side of the monitor after the move. Everything else was fine. It was a gift from my mother who had deceased and i couldnt afford another. So I waited. I started thinking the streak was getting smaller then it was almost gone and finally gone. I never noticed any movement but it healed itself.

  4. Osinachi

    Need Tecno L7 screen

  5. Owolarafe Maryam

    How much does a HP X16-96072 SCREEN COST?

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      Congratulations on owning an HP HDX system, its truly a unicorn!
      The screen you need is very old, we don’t have them since we mostly sell brand-new LCDs only.
      You could find the following LCDs on the usual market-place sites:
      LTN160AT01 – 1366 x 768
      LTN160HT01 – 1920 x 1080

    2. andrew wood

      how much would it cost fusion 5 laptop screen to be mended

      1. LaptopScreen.com

        Please provide the full model of your FUSION5 laptop and we will check the availability as well as the price.

  6. Ami

    My itel 1556 screen broke it had screen guard on but when it fell it exceeded the screen guard and touch pad and screen broke it has a black ink oozing out of the crack how do I fix it the ink is still small and spreading

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      Hello Ami,

      When it comes to a damaged LCD, no matter the severity of the damage, the only way to fix the screen is to replace it. Do you have the full laptop model number? We can check our database to see if a replacement screen is available for you.

  7. Wilson

    Looking for hp pavilion 23 all in one pc internal screen

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      Hello Wilson,

      We only carry replacement screens for laptops here. We recommend you try other online sources that carry replacement screens for desktops or contact HP directly.

  8. Bob Crowter

    I have an Dell Alienware 17″ screen laptop that is exactly like this: Alienware M17X 17.3″ Black Laptop https://www.amazon.com/Alienware-M17X-17-3-Black-Laptop/dp/B0054Y5X36 Its not one you want to carry around, it weighs a ton. The screen has a built in camera also. My question is, the screen works perfect, its the glass that covers the screen & camera that has spots on it & I can’t get them off. Can it be replaced ? Is it glass (looks like it is) or something else ? If so, how much ?

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      Unfortunately we do not have the replacement glass available for your laptop. It may be possible to replace the glass, however these do tend to be glued which makes the replacement difficult. It is recommended you search online for replacement for the glass protector or also consider replacing the entire top case assembly. This will be the entire top half of the laptop.

  9. Kelly

    Hello , is it possible to reposition the flex that connect the laptop LCD to the PCB in the back ? if yes , what is the best way to do it ?

    It was removed accidentally .

    Thanks

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      Hello Kelly,

      IF you are speaking of the connection that is made to the back of the LCD, yes this can be reseated. This will depend on your screen connector type. Some models will clip in while others require you to press the cable together and hold on with tape. You can watch videos on our website with your laptop model, or check youtube as well.

  10. Chris

    My laptop screen got a spray of water across it and has stopped working. It took me a few minutes to grab a rag and wipe off the screen, and I assume some water got behind the plastic frame/casing and into the LCD (esp. along the bottom of the screen as water ran down it). What is the most likely cause for failure of the screen? I’ve taken everything apart (yes, into the matrix layers), dried all pieces, and all looks fine. Can you direct me to the part that needs attention? TIA

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      It seems you basically in need of a replacement LCD, or are you stating that your laptop is not working? Does the laptop work when connected to an external monitor?

      1. Chris

        Yes it works with an external monitor, and a portion of the screen is still visible.

        1. LaptopScreen.com

          Since the laptop works when connected to an external monitor, this means the source of the problem is the LCD itself or the flat ribbon cable connecting to the screen, if not both. You can bring the laptop to a repair center to diagnose the problem directly or you can purchase a new screen from us and hope this resolves the problem. Do you have the full laptop model number?

  11. Areebah

    I have a Lenovo tablet I think it’s LCD panel is broken my tab is not ever turning on its like on the verge of opening but it switches off again

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      If the screen is not physically damaged, you may have a loose connection with the ribbon cable, or the tablet may be shutting off the screen. Are you able to connect the tablet to an external monitor to ensure it is working properly?
      However if the screen is in fact physically broken it will need to be replaced, there is no repairing a damaged LCD.

    2. joel

      I had a Lenovo tablet did same thing from time to time and I would have to do a reset on it by holding power and volume up for about 20 to 40 seconds or until it vibrates and turns on then release both buttons. Don’t know if that helps but it worked for mine

  12. paul

    I have a Lenovo Yoga500 with fully reversible touchscreen.
    It has an obviously very common failure, where the the color green gets in messed up. The screen gets more pink, the longer its on and shadows from old pictures remain, but apart from that, it doesn’t seem to die.

    External Monitors work flawlessly, so the graphic card should ne fine. I’ve already checked with a new display cable without success.

    The Display can display any color, so the lcd should be fine. Is there any chance to replace the driving electronics by soldering new driver-chips ?

  13. Nancy William

    Do you repair mobile phone screens? If yes, then what will be the cost for iPhone x screen replacement.

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      We do not provide repair services, we only supply the screens. The particular model of iPhone however we do not have in stock yet. The listing is here https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/model/Apple/iPhone~X/ you are welcome to use the “notify me” button to receive an email once stock becomes available.

  14. Anthony Jones

    My Amazon Fire Alexa Android Tablet was dropped and now the entire screen is black with an one inch diagonal milky way stretching from top to bottom. The glass isn’t physically damaged though. That’s a new one for me, so what could that be?

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      This appears to be a damaged LCD, but the front touch glass is not broken. You will need to have the LCD replaced or the screen assembly which would include a new LCD with touch glass attached.

  15. Ravi

    Hey i have lg tv uhd 43 inch …nd it is damaged … Replacement from lg cost a lot any options ?

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      Sorry we only carry screens for laptops.

  16. Darius Fire

    i need a new screen for a HP Pavilion Laptop 17-ar0xx and i also need a guide for it since i dont have any clue to how to fix it

  17. Jack

    My dell laptop model inspiron 3541’s screen is cracked, any idea about the cost of a new screen?
    (and plz don’t send me any offers or other emails) thank you

  18. NH- Fixit

    Had a 4-year old 17″ lcd laptop screen that would loose horizontal sync occasionally especially when screen was moved for tilting.
    Removed cover on screen and noticed 2 screws at the bottom to hold lcd in place were missing.
    Tried cleaning contacts: no fix.
    With screen unscrewed- the sync problem was independent of cable position.
    The problem would disappear if I pushed on the bottom of the screen where the small video circuit was. the circuit was underneath a narrow band of black tape that was the length of the bottom of the screen.
    Instead of throwing away the screen, I tried squeezing the tape tightly down on the circuit. PROBLEM disappeared. Reassembled the laptop and it is still working hours later- even with screen tilt adjustments.
    If it stops working, I will repost.

    1. LaptopScreen.com

      It could be the LCD itself going bad or it may be fixed by reseating the video connector. If the video is affected when you move the lid then it could also be a video cable issue.

  19. Peter

    Hello laptopscreen.com. Its a shame and quite frustrating I can barely find a replacement screen for Lenovo Ideapad S300. Why don’t old laptop models have replacement screens? Do manufactures stop making them? Why do they render a fully working laptop to be unusable, just because one can’t find a replacement screen?

  20. Lesly

    My lcd is broken on my phone and my screen is now filled with black spots on the phone, how much would it cost to fix the lcd and can you fix the lcd with replacing the iPhone screen

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