We're 254 Repair, a veteran-owned repair shop in Killeen. "My screen is broken" can mean very different things. Sometimes it's just cracked glass over a display that works fine. Sometimes the glass looks perfect, but the display behind it is damaged. And sometimes the picture is fine, but the phone won't respond to touch. This guide helps you figure out which one you have, by symptom, before you spend a dollar. If you've already decided it's cracked and you're weighing your options, read our companion guide, cracked phone screen: repair or replace?.
The three layers, in plain language
On most modern phones, the "screen" is a stack of parts that work together:
- The cover glass, the part you touch, which takes the hit when you drop the phone.
- The display, which makes the picture.
- The touch layer, which senses your finger.
On many phones these layers are bonded together and replaced as one unit. But knowing which one is acting up tells you a lot about what happened and how urgent it is.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
See current prices on our price list.
Damage often isn't limited to one layer. A hard drop can crack the glass and damage the display. That's why we check the whole phone during a diagnostic.
Safe checks you can do at home
1. Rule out software and accessories first. Apple's guide for when the screen isn't working on an iPhone or iPad recommends restarting the device, making sure the screen is clean and free of debris or water, disconnecting Lightning or USB-C accessories, and removing cases and screen protectors. A bad screen protector can make touch act up.
2. Try a force restart if the screen is black. If the phone seems on but the screen is dark, it may just be frozen. Apple explains how to force restart an iPhone that won't turn on or has a black screen, and says to charge it if it still won't start. Android phones have their own restart steps, which you'll find in your phone's manual or settings.
3. Ring the phone. If it rings or vibrates while the screen stays black, the phone is likely alive, and the problem is on the display side.
4. Take a screenshot. If you see lines or spots, take a screenshot and view it on another device. If the screenshot looks normal, the problem is with the physical display, not the picture the phone is making.
5. Test touch slowly. Open a notes app and drag one finger slowly across the whole screen in rows. Gaps or jumps show the dead zones.
Samsung green lines
A thin green, pink or white line on a Samsung Galaxy screen, sometimes appearing with no drop at all, is a common display complaint. Rule out software and accessories as above, then have it checked. A line on the display isn't something a setting or a new screen protector will fix. We do Samsung screen repair in Killeen.
When to stop using it
- Sharp or lifting glass can cut fingers and lets dust and moisture in. Apple's important safety information for iPhone says not to use iPhone with cracked glass, as it may cause injury, and to stop using it if you suspect damage to the phone or its battery, since it may overheat or cause injury.
- A screen being pushed up from the frame can be a sign that the battery underneath has swollen. As a general precaution, don't press it back down, don't charge it, and have it checked by a repair professional. Our guide to signs your phone battery needs replacing covers more warning signs.
- Spreading black spots tend to get worse, so back up your phone while you can still see the screen.
What happens at a free diagnostic
Bring the phone to 254 Repair and we'll look at the glass, the display and touch, and check for anything else a drop may have affected, like the camera, buttons and battery. Then we'll tell you honestly what's broken, what the repair involves, and the price before any work starts. You can see typical pricing on our prices page and common questions on our FAQ. If we can't fix it, there's no charge.
We do iPhone screen repair in Killeen and Samsung screen repair at 3921 E Stan Schlueter Loop, Ste 103, Killeen. We're open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Call 254-213-5522. Veteran-owned, military discount, se habla español.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it's just the glass or the display?
If the glass is cracked but the picture is clear and touch works everywhere, the damage is mostly to the glass. Black spots, colored lines, bleeding colors or a black screen with sound point to display damage.
My phone screen is black but it still rings. What's wrong?
First try a force restart and charge it, in case the phone is frozen or the battery is empty. If it still rings with a black screen, the display or its connection is likely damaged.
Why does my phone tap things on its own?
Ghost touch can come from a dirty screen, a bad screen protector, a faulty accessory or software, so restart the phone and remove the case, protector and accessories first. If it continues, the touch layer may be damaged.
Is it safe to keep using a phone with cracked glass?
Not if the glass is sharp, lifting or being pushed up from the frame. Apple's iPhone safety information says not to use a phone with cracked glass, and to stop using it if you suspect battery damage. A screen pushed up from the frame can be a sign of a swollen battery, so stop charging it and have it checked.