Laptop screens can easily get damaged from drops, impacts, or excessive pressure on the display. A cracked or broken laptop screen can make it difficult to use your computer. Thankfully, with the right tools and replacement parts, repairing a damaged laptop screen is a DIY project that most people can tackle. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to successfully replace a broken laptop screen yourself.
Assessing the Damage
Before replacing your laptop screen, you need to thoroughly assess the damage to determine exactly what needs to be repaired or replaced.
Types of Laptop Screen Damage
There are several common types of laptop screen damage:
- Cracks or breaks in the actual display panel
- Broken or cracked bezel (the plastic frame around the display)
- Faulty video cable connections
- Issues with the LCD backlight
Carefully inspect your laptop screen and identify what type of damage has occurred. Cracks, breaks, or dark spots in the actual display will require replacing the entire display panel. Damage to the bezel or video cables may just need minor repairs. Backlight issues could need a new inverter board or display panel.
Determining the Replacement Part Needed
Once you’ve identified the type of damage, you can determine the necessary replacement part(s). You’ll need to find a replacement screen that is compatible with your exact laptop make and model. Replacement screens come in various forms:
- Complete display assembly (easy drop-in replacement)
- Just the LCD panel
- Separate bezel assembly
For cracks or breaks in the actual display, a full replacement display assembly is usually best and easiest to install. The assembly will come with the LCD panel, bezels, cables, and backlight/inverter already put together and tested.
If you just have minor bezel damage or video cable issues, you may be able to replace those individual parts instead of the entire display.
Read More: When Is It Time to Buy a New Appliance vs. Fix It?
Gather Tools and Supplies
Repairing a laptop screen requires some special tools. Having the right equipment makes the repair process much smoother. Before disassembling your laptop, make sure you have the following:
Essential Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic prying tools
- Microfiber cloth
- Tweezers
Other Useful Supplies
- Clean workspace (protective mat, organizer trays)
- Repair manual for exact laptop model
- Magnifying glass
- Headlamp / extra lighting
Safety gear like anti-static bracelets help prevent ESD damage when handling electronic components, but are optional.
Having organized trays to place each screw or component in the exact order they were removed also minimizes confusion. Authentic manufacturer service manuals provide detailed step-by-step instructions and diagrams specific to your exact laptop model for replacing the display panel, helpful for first-timers.
Ordering the Replacement Part
Once you’ve assessed the damage and gathered the proper tools, it’s time to purchase your replacement laptop screen. Getting an exact match replacement display assembly is crucial for proper functionality and performance.
Follow these steps when selecting the correct replacement part:
- Identify your laptop’s brand, series, and model number (should be printed on bottom of laptop or in battery compartment)
- Note the size of your display – the inch measurement diagonally (e.g 15.6-inch)
- Find out if you have a touchscreen display or not
- Note the resolution or pixel dimensions (e.g. 1920 x 1080)
- Purchase a replacement screen with identical specs from a reputable parts supplier
Having all of those details will help ensure complete compatibility with your laptop and a smooth installation. Carefully vet and research replacement part sellers to avoid low-quality components.
Step-by-Step Display Replacement
Once you have the proper replacement screen and necessary tools on hand, you’re ready to get into the nitty gritty laptop repair work of removing the damaged display and installing the new replacement screen.
Prepare the Workspace
Start by clearing off a large workspace and putting down an anti-static mat if possible. Have all your tools and replacement screen nearby. Disassemble only the half of the laptop with the broken screen to start.
Follow along carefully with the manufacturer repair manual for your specific model throughout the process. The basic procedure will follow steps like these:
- Turn off the laptop, disconnect from power sources, and remove any attached devices (drives, SD cards etc.)
- Carefully remove any screws from the back panel and set them aside in an organized way.
- Starting prying up the plastic edges around the perimeter of the display side. Apply steady pressure with your plastic tools to release the snapped on clips from the frame.
- Once you gain access to the inside, locate the display cables. Trace them to the motherboard connection and carefully unplug them.
- Release any adhesive strips or mounting screws still holding the display in place. Gently lift it directly out once fully detached.
Your damaged screen should now be successfully removed from the frame!
Install the New Display
With the old laptop screen removed, you can move on to installing the replacement display.
- Carefully unpack your new screen assembly and handle only by the edges/frame to avoid fingerprints on the display.
- Line up any brackets or mounting points and lower it directly into the open frame where the original screen was located.
- Thread any display cables through the openings and firmly plug them into their respective ports on the motherboard. You may need to refer back to disassembly photos to reconnect everything properly.
- Reattach any small mounting screws or adhesive strips to hold the screen firmly in position inside the frame.
- Finally, snap the plastic rear cover back into place starting from the hinges and applying steady pressure to reseat the perimeter clips. Replace all screws.
You have now successfully replaced your laptop’s display screen!
Power On and Test Operation
The moment of truth has arrived! Hit that power button and hopefully be greeted by a fully functioning screen! Carefully test all aspects:
- Display visuals and clarity
- Touchscreen responsiveness
- Hinges/casing alignment
- Backlight strength
Gently press on the screen and tilt the display forwards and back to verify proper installation without any gaps, odd noises or issues powering on.
If you run into anything less than perfect operation, methodically go back and check cable connections or screen mounting points to diagnose where any problems may be arising from. With some patience, you will work out the kinks!
Concluding Steps and Tips
After successfully replacing your laptop screen and testing full functionality, just a few final steps to wrap up:
- Give any dusty interior components a quick cleaning with compressed air.
- Replace laptop screws, rubber feet/pads, accents strips etc. that were removed.
- Update graphics card drivers if prompted and install available display firmware updates.
- Enjoy your revived laptop!
Additionally, keep these extra troubleshooting tips in mind:
No display after replacement
- Check display cable seating at both ends
- Try manually adjusting screen backlight levels
- Test compatibility with external displays
Touchscreen unresponsive
- Check for a touchscreen driver toggle/setting
- Verify touchscreen cable connections
- Toggle touchscreen power saver settings
Image quality or color issues
- Adjust display resolution
- Update graphics drivers
- Try display color profile calibration
Backlight intermittently cutting out
- Check cable ends for damage
- Replace inverter board
- Consider adding in new backlight panel
With some time and concentration devoted to each step, you can successfully bring your cherished laptop back to life again through Display replacement rather than needing full device replacement! This DIY laptop screen repair guide covers everything you’ll need to tackle that intimidating project yourself.