Replacing a broken laptop screen is a fairly straightforward DIY project that almost anyone can tackle. Laptop screens are notoriously fragile and can become damaged or broken for a variety of reasons. In this article, find out the step-by-step guide and tips on how to fix broken laptop screen by yourself.
Make sure it’s the laptop screen that’s broken
Just because the laptop screen is broken doesn’t necessarily mean the entire computer is damaged. One way to determine where the problem lies – the screen or the computer – is to connect your laptop to an external video monitor. If the images displayed on the external monitor are normal, then the laptop screen is the problem; if the monitor is black, then your computer has probably sustained some kind of damage and needs the attention of a certified repair person.
Get the tools ready
You will need a replacement laptop screen and a few simple tools.
A quick internet search will provide you with the names of several companies that provide OEM replacement laptop screens at reasonable prices.
The replacement procedure requires only a few simple tools: a Philips screwdriver and a something that can be used to lift the screw covers off the screws that secure the screen assembly. This can be a flat head screwdriver, an exacto blade, and putty knife – basically any tool that can be used as a wedge is acceptable.
You may also want to get a small container to prevent the screws from being lost and a towel or other cloth to protect the laptop during the replacement process.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix Broken Laptop Screen
1. Removing the Damaged Screen
Before you begin, make sure you follow some basic computer repair safety tips such as : shut down the computer, unplug it and/or remove the laptop battery.
- Lift the laptop’s display cover.
- Using the wedge tool, remove the screw covers on the screen bezel – that’s the plastic enclosure that holds the screen in place on the display cover. There are usually four to six screws, depending on the brand.
- Now, remove the screws from the bezel using your Philips screwdriver.
- Carefully detach the screen by unsnapping it from the front plastic bezel.
- Tilt the screen slightly forward and remove the screws from the metal bracket that secures the screen. (Some laptop computers have Wi-Fi antennas affixed to the metal brackets – it will have to be removed as well.) Remove the bottom screws first, and then take out the top ones.
- Disconnect the video cable (gently removing the tape or clip that keeps it in place) and unplug the invertor cable.
- The damaged screen can be removed at this time and should be dispose in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
2. Now You’re Ready To Install the New Laptop Screen
To install the new screen, just repeat the previous steps in reverse order:
- Place the new screen in its metal bracket, reattach the video and invertor cable.
- Secure the screen to the metal bracket, and re-snap the bezel into place.
- Replace the screws and the screw covers.
- Replace the battery, clean smudges off the new screen properly if there were any.
- Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If no mistakes were made, then the screen should be as good as new.
Contact the company that supplied you with the replacement screen if there are any issues. They can usually help troubleshoot any problems, and assist you in your DIY ‘how to fix broken laptop screen’ project!
Conclusion
Replacing a laptop screen yourself can save both time and money. The removal and installation process only takes about half an hour to complete. All that’s required is a replacement screen, a few simple tools and a little patience.
[Image via: Google Images]
Informative article 🙂
It will really save money and time if one can fix a laptop screen himself/herself. Thanx for the article..
I haven’t specifically replaced a laptop screen before, but I have taken a laptop apart a few times. It isn’t too intimidating. Lots of small little screws and parts. If you can get a decent deal on a laptop screen and you know that is what the problem is I don’t think it is too difficult.
A very good guide. I can attest that this method works; I have done this before with my old laptop and it is still working now.
Nice tips. Now I too can change my laptops broken screen. But Not needed now as my screen is not broken :P. But its good to be aware about these tips.
Hello Donal
This is something great! I never thought one can fix the screen of a broken laptop! wao, this is amazing info! After reading the article fixing it seems a lot easy task. Thanks Donal for writing this and Peter for sharing this!
Powerful! I did not know you could replace a laptop screen until I saw this post.
I hope I never damage mine. But if I do, I know that I do not have to discard my laptop. The pictures make it clear that it is not so hard to do. You just need the part!
Hi Donal,
Very informative post. Thankfully, I don’t I do not have to undergo this as my big brother does every tech repair and maintenance for me. Nevertheless, I learned a lot. Thanks.
It was really nice reading this. I couldn’t have even imagined that repairing a laptop screen is so easy. Great share Peter.
This is a pretty useful DIY post. I’ve never tried it before but is handy to know in case of an emergency. Thanks for sharing Donal.
Looks a really good, straightforward guide! My backlight has gone out but I can still see programmes/websites I was on still running if I look very closely with a torch lol. Will a new screen solve this issue? Thanks