What to Do When Your TV Is Cracked + How to Prevent It in the Future

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Everything you should know about repairing or replacing your cracked TV

Co-authored by Jocotra Cathey and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: June 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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Can you repair a cracked TV screen?

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Is it worth it to fix a cracked TV screen?

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Warranty Options for Cracked TV Screens

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How to Fix a TV Screen Without Replacing It

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Tips to Prevent Further Damage

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Tips

Is there a crack in your TV screen that you're considering repairing? Is it worth it? The answer is complicated, so let's dive into this conundrum and explore the possibilities, including whether you can fix it yourself with some epoxy or make a warranty claim.

Can I repair a cracked TV screen?

You can replace the entire panel to repair a cracked TV screen, but that might be more costly than buying a new TV. If a repair will be more than half the cost of the TV or if your TV is nearing the end of its lifespan, you might be better off buying a new one.

Section 1 of 5:

Can you repair a cracked TV screen?

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You can repair a cracked TV screen by replacing the entire panel. However, this is a job that usually needs to be done by a professional, and it might be more costly than just buying a new TV.
- You might be able to patch up small cracks yourself with epoxy.

Section 2 of 5:

Is it worth it to fix a cracked TV screen?

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Many repair fixes or warranty claims will only fix TVs around 32". If you look around at Reddit ^{[1]
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- However, if the crack is small and the TV is packed with advanced features, it might be better to salvage it.
- If the cost to repair it is more than half a new TV, repairing it may not be the best option.
- You also want to take into consideration the lifespan of the TV. Spending money to fix a TV that's nearing the end of its lifespan may not be the best option.

Section 3 of 5:

Warranty Options for Cracked TV Screens

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Most warranties cover manufacturing defects, not cracked screens. The warranty might cover your cracked screen if the damage wasn't caused by you (i.e., you didn't drop it or mount it improperly) and it is still new (under 1 year old).
- Review the original manufacturer's warranty to see if accidental damage is covered.
- You can check the receipt and see if you purchased an extended warranty that covers accidental damage.
  - If you have warranty coverage for any of those two circumstances, contact the manufacturer of your TV for repair or replacement.^{[3]
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- Contact the retailer where you purchased the TV, and they might be able to offer an extended warranty.

Section 4 of 5:

How to Fix a TV Screen Without Replacing It

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Fill in the small crack with clear epoxy or a similar substance, allow it to spread throughout the crack, and then cure completely. You can only do this with small cracks, as epoxy will be noticeable on larger cracks. It won't get rid of the crack, but it will prevent it from spreading further.
You can find numerous DIY TV screen repair kits online that will help you safely remove your TV screen if you want to replace the whole thing. However, you will also have to buy a new screen that is compatible with your TV, and these can be quite expensive. It might be a better bet to have a pro replace the screen or buy a new TV.
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Opt for professional repair services if the crack is large. Replacing an entire TV screen or fixing a larger crack is a tricky task that’s probably best left to the pros. Search the web for TV screen repair near me and you'll find localized results for professional services in your area. However, these repair services will vary in effectiveness.
- You might be charged more for a professional service that will replace your entire screen.
- Some places use specialized tools and techniques to minimize the appearance of cracks.^{[4]
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Section 5 of 5:

Tips to Prevent Further Damage

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Anything that has the potential to crack or damage your TV shouldn't be on top of it. Read this wikiHow article for tips to decorate around your TV.
Especially when you're transporting your TV, prevent damage by handling it properly; there should be stickers on the original packaging or in the manual on how to hold it.
Flat-screen TVs are meant to remain vertical and in an upright position. In addition to that, make sure you mount it with a compatible wall-mount that supports the size and weight of your TV. Refer to this wikiHow article for more tips on mounting a flat-screen TV.
Cats can be attracted to the heat put off by your TV, but they can also scratch the screen or cause other screen damage. A playful pet might also accidentally knock your TV over if it isn’t mounted properly. To deter pets from your TV, train them to leave it alone.
If you have kids, ask them not to throw or swing toys around near the TV. Encourage them to use wrist straps with video game controllers, especially controllers like the Nintendo Joy-Con that are easy to accidentally drop or throw during play.
Power surges can damage internal components of your TV, sometimes causing the screen to crack. Prevent this by using surge protectors to safeguard your TV from sudden voltage spikes.
Direct sunlight can cause your screen to fade or discolor, so it's best to keep your TV positioned away from windows.
Harsh chemicals, like ammonia-based cleaners that are popular for cleaning in the bathroom, aren't good for your TV and end up doing more harm than good. If your TV is dirty, use special electronic wipes to clean it.
Rather than letting it go into Standby Mode, you want to power it off. This not only saves energy, but also prevents burn-in, especially in OLED or plasma screens.

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Tips

Dispose of your damaged TV by bringing it to an electronics recycling center. Throwing it in the trash may be illegal in many places.

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Refer to this wikiHow article to repair smaller LCD screens.

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Some electronics stores, like Best Buy, will fix broken TV screens, but the cost of repair may be more than buying a new TV.

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