For many iPhone users, screen protectors have almost become an "essential item" after purchasing a new phone. A good quality tempered glass screen protector can help protect the phone screen from daily scratches, minor bumps, and the impact of accidental drops.
Even the best screen protectors aren't invincible. When your iPhone is accidentally dropped or subjected to external pressure, the screen protector may crack or even shatter into a spiderweb pattern. Some users might then wonder, "Is my iPhone screen broken?", "Can I still use my screen protector?", or "Will replacing the screen protector scratch my screen?" Don't worry, today we'll explain how to handle this situation in an article.
Determine whether the screen protector or the phone screen is broken
When you discover a crack in your iPhone screen, the first step isn't to immediately replace the screen, but rather to identify the location of the damage. Because screen protectors and iPhone screen glass look very similar, it's easy to mistakenly believe the screen itself is damaged without careful inspection.
Method 1: Check the distribution of cracks
Generally, the cracks in a screen protector are concentrated on its surface, spreading out in a spiderweb pattern. You can feel the cracks when you touch the screen. However, the overall function of the phone screen remains normal.
If the phone screen is damaged, the cracks won't feel noticeably broken to the touch, and the screen may show black patches or colored vertical and horizontal lines. The display and touch functionality will also malfunction. If this happens, it's highly likely that the phone screen is damaged.
Method 2: Determine through touch test
Besides cracks, the touch functionality of the phone screen is also a standard for testing. Sometimes, damage to the phone screen may not have obvious symptoms, but certain areas of the screen may experience touch lag or become unresponsive. If this occurs, the phone screen itself may be damaged.
Conversely, if you have enabled some of your frequently used functions and there are no abnormal touch issues with your keyboard input or the edges, then the crack is most likely due to a broken screen protector rather than a cracked screen.
Can a cracked iPhone screen protector still be used
Some users choose to ignore cracks in their iPhone screen protectors and continue using them. While this is acceptable temporarily, prolonged use may lead to unexpected problems.
The protective ability decreases after cracking : The main function of a screen protector is to absorb external impact. However, when the screen protector cracks, its overall protective ability decreases. If another drop occurs, the crack in the screen protector will widen further.
Cracked edges may cause safety issues : If the screen protector is severely cracked, continued use may result in the film falling off or even cutting your hand, which greatly affects the overall user experience of the phone. This is especially important to pay attention to when the crack is located at the edge of the screen protector.
It is not recommended to apply a new screen protector over an old one : Some users may choose to apply a new screen protector over the old one without removing it. However, we do not recommend this method. Continuously applying a new screen protector may increase the thickness of the phone and affect the sensitivity of the screen touch, reducing the adhesion. The best solution is to remove the old screen protector before applying the new one.
How to safely remove a broken iPhone screen protector
If your tempered glass screen protector is cracked, do not forcibly tear it off with your hands. The edges of the shattered glass are very sharp and can easily cut your fingers, and shards may also fall into the gaps in your phone. Here's a safer removal method.
Before removing the screen, prepare your tools: a screen cleaning cloth, transparent tape, plastic cards, alcohol wipes, and a new screen protector. Avoid using overly sharp tools for removal.
- Step 1: Turn off your iPhone and clean the surface . Before you begin removing the screen protector, turn off your phone and wipe away any dust from the screen to ensure it is clean. If the screen protector is severely damaged, you can first apply a layer of transparent tape to the surface to secure the broken parts and prevent the protective film fragments from falling out, reducing the risk of damage during removal.
- Step 2: Locate the edge of the protective film . When removing it, start from the edge of the protective film and find the place where it fits, rather than from the center of the crack in the protective film. The edge will be easier to remove.
- Step 3: Use a plastic tool to slowly lift the edge . Insert the plastic card into the edge of the screen protector, being careful not to apply pressure towards the screen or use too much force. Once the screen protector begins to detach, you can use your fingers to slowly pull it up.
- Step 4: Slowly peel off the entire protective film . During the removal process, keep the protective film pulled up at a low angle. Do not suddenly bend the protective film or pull it forcefully, as this may cause further damage and scatter fragments. If the protective film is firmly attached, you can use a hairdryer on a low temperature setting to heat the edges to reduce adhesion and make it easier to remove. However, be careful not to heat the phone with a hairdryer for too long, and do not use a high temperature setting.
What should I do if my iPhone screen protector is badly cracked
In some cases, the screen protector may be completely shattered, with a spiderweb-like surface, showing signs of chipping and broken edges. In this situation, be careful to first secure the fragments by using tape to seal the shattered areas to prevent small pieces from scattering or cutting your fingers. When removing the screen protector, if it's severely shattered, consider removing it in sections. Don't tear off the entire protector at once; remove the intact sections first, then deal with the severely shattered areas, ensuring complete removal. Even with a severely shattered screen protector, check the phone screen after removal to see if it functions properly or if there are any cracks. Avoid excessive damage that could affect the screen's usability. If everything is fine, you can then install a new screen protector.
How can I reduce the chances of my iPhone screen protector cracking again
Although screen protectors are designed to "sacrifice" themselves to protect the phone, some healthy usage habits can reduce the probability of them cracking .
Choose high-quality screen protectors and phone cases
Screen protectors and phone cases serve different purposes . Phone cases absorb impacts from drops and protect the phone's frame, while screen protectors prevent direct impacts to the screen and reduce scratches. Combining the two provides more comprehensive protection for your phone. Therefore, choosing a high-quality screen protector and a high-quality phone case can significantly reduce the possibility of the screen protector breaking.
aulumu's high-end tempered glass screen protectors are designed for high-definition displays, high durability, and everyday use. The AF01 tempered glass screen protector has a hardness of 9H, protecting the screen from drops, scratches, and impact damage. Its precise cut ensures full screen coverage and perfectly fits most phone cases. While maintaining a high-definition screen, it also resists fingerprints, keeping the screen clear at all times. The outer packaging is also environmentally friendly, and the installation process is very simple—just a pull and it's installed. Currently, purchasing an aulumu phone case includes a 10% discount when you purchase the AF01 tempered glass screen protector.
Avoid concentrated pressure on your phone
In our daily use, placing the phone and keys together , sitting on a pocket with the phone in it, or subjecting the phone to prolonged pressure can all cause the screen protector to crack. Therefore, avoid concentrated pressure on the phone during use.
Regularly check the condition of the protective film
Even without obvious cracks, it's advisable to regularly inspect the protective film during daily use, checking for peeling edges, air bubbles, or tiny cracks. Replacing it promptly upon discovering minor issues can prevent further damage.
Conclusion
A cracked iPhone screen protector is a very common occurrence, usually indicating that the protector has successfully absorbed some of the impact. Faced with a cracked tempered glass screen protector, users don't need to panic ; simply remove and replace it according to the instructions. A good screen protector isn't indestructible, but it helps reduce damage to your iPhone screen in critical moments. Once the screen protector has fulfilled its purpose, timely replacement with a new one is essential to continue protecting your iPhone's safety and durability in daily use.
