Cracked iPhone Screen

In February, just returning from an amazing trip to Hawaii that I shouldn't have taken while living as a full-time student (that is the last vacation I will book nearly a year in advance - life happens y'all), I dropped my iPhone 5 in my brother's driveway and 4 long cracks ran the length of the screen.  Fortunately the incident did not affect the functionality of the phone.  I looked into the costs of having it fixed or the phone replaced or adding another line to my plan to get another phone, but found the best option was just to wait until the new ones come out when my contract is up in September.

Well, three days ago when getting off the couch to go to bed after watching another stellar Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show, the phone dropped --- all of about 18 inches to the ground, creating more cracks, some shards, and actual lift of the screen from the top (and as you will see, the top of the screen is not supposed to lift like that).

While I could see most of the screen, every effort to type was followed by never ending D's and x's, apps I didn't want to open opened, and people I didn't want called were called.

I decided to research how to replace the glass myself.  After several YouTube videos, I had a better understanding of how my phone worked and figured out that the lift on my screen was due to shards that were trapped behind the glass.  I carefully fished those out with a toothpick and was able to get the glass back into the parameters of the casing.

Remember the tape from the last post?  It's currently holding the glass in place and is surprisingly effective as a screen cover.

Amazon sells several options for replacement screens.  Don't buy the glass only versions unless you have magic powers!  Buy the glass & digitizer component. These run in the $30-$40 range.  The kits with tools and such run around $80.  If you decide to buy components separately, you can buy the tools  for about $1 including shipping.  As a side: The only tool that would not readily be replaced by regular household items is the proprietary screwdriver for the star shaped screws on the bottom of the iphone (kinda important).

While the tape is securing the screen, I do need to replace it as functionality is finicky and I've accidentally dialed too many people. The tape, however, has made it possible to exist for a week or so while the parts are shipped.   Having never done this before, and since I believe that when a company really helps you out (like when the local camera shop answers all of your questions and spends their time with you) you should buy from them. I am purchasing the discounted kit from iCracked.  iCracked offers a 99 year warranty on the screen's functionality.

The greatest benefit to repairing my phone?  In my research I found that I'm not excited about the new plans my longtime provider has laid out.  I love my current plan.  If the screen replacement is successful, I will be holding onto this phone for as long as possible - savings:  $299 - $79= $220.

Here are links to the videos I found most helpful:

iCracked

http://youtu.be/aurnPPsDVUE

JerryRigEverything

http://youtu.be/qvsLjaW2Qbo

I will make a video of my own attempt to repair the glass on my phone, mostly so you can laugh at me as I struggle! (Especially because I'll be using a broken screen!)  Stay tuned!!!

TIP:  When something breaks, take the time to research your options, even if they are only temporary or less than ideal.  Let a few days go by so that the reality of going without the item can be assessed fully.   Generally we are okay without things as long as we get food and water regularly.