Have you ever gone through the dreaded experience of thinking your laptop broke?
The good news is, in some cases, it may just be a screen issue. But how much does a laptop screen replacement cost? Sometimes a laptop repair can be expensive.
Screen breaks happen to the best of us, and while seeking the help of a professional may be your best bet, there are some steps you can take on your own.
Here are five steps to take when it comes to laptop screen replacement.
1. Assess the Damage
If you’re wondering should I get a laptop screen replacement, first things first, you must figure out exactly what is wrong. Also, find out what model laptop you have. The model of your laptop can affect both the cost of the repair and your ability to find the correct parts.
To determine whether or not it’s your screen that broke you’ll want to try turning on the laptop. If you can hear your laptop turning on that’s a good indicator that it’s a hardware issue and not an internal one. However, a computer that refuses to turn on at all means that replacing the screen won’t be enough.
Additionally, if the graphics card in the laptop is ruined, the screen may not be the issue.
Try hooking your laptop up to a separate monitor. If your laptop screen displays on a separate monitor and functions correctly, then it’s likely that your graphics card is fine and your only worry is that your laptop screen broke.
Some laptops may require you to hit specific function keys on the laptop in order to allow it to display externally, so keep this in mind.
Determine whether your screen has actual physical damage or if it just won’t turn on. A laptop with physical damage can cause more issues when replacing your screen rather than just a black screen being the issue.
Once you’ve determined the extent of the damage as well as what model your laptop is you can begin looking for a screen replacement.
Keep in mind that fixing a laptop screen can be much harder without the help of a professional, so it’s always better to reach out to an expert if you’re not sure how to fix the issue.
2. Find a Replacement Screen
If you can’t figure out the model of your laptop, the serial number can help ensure you purchase the right screen.
The good news is finding a replacement screen is easy, and you can find the correct screen by doing a simple Internet search using both the model type or serial number and following it with the words LCD screen.
You can find most screens for as low as $50, but it depends on the type of computer you have.
Some sellers won’t use the serial number and instead use different identification numbers relating to the laptop so double-check that you’re choosing the right screen.
You also want to keep an eye out for the video cable on the back of your screen and ensure it matches up with the one on the screen the seller is showing.
3. Gather Supplies and Open the Screen
Before getting started on screen replacement, you’ll want to gather the correct tools.
Here’s what’s required for most laptop screen repairs:
- Small magnetic Phillip’s screwdriver
- Safety pin
- Putty knife or similar object
- Small bowl
You can also purchase a screen repair kit depending on what model laptop you have. This kit will ensure you have all the required tools to repair the screen.
For most laptops, you can follow the following steps to open the screen:
Remove the Power Sources
Turn off your laptop and make sure it’s not plugged into a power source. This can reduce the risk of possible electric shock.
After you’ve done that removing the battery can avoid causing other issues.
Remove the Stickers and Screws
Once you remove both the power source and battery, use your safety pin to remove the stickers that cover the screws on the screen bezel. There are two of these located near the bottom of your laptop screen. Store these in the bowl because you will need to reuse them.
After you remove the stickers, take your screwdriver to remove the screws. Place these in the bowl as well.
Remove the Bezel
Remove the screen bezel from the back of the screen case using your putty knife. Make sure you’re careful as you’ll reinstall this part.
The bezel is held onto the back of the case with plastic tabs, so don’t be alarmed if you hear snapping plastic during the removal process.
4. Remove the LCD Screen
Once you remove the bezel you’ll have access to the LCD screen.
The LCD screen is secured to a metal frame at both the right and left sides. Two screws at the top corners will have to be removed and then you will be able to lift the LCD screen away from the back of the screen case. In some cases, you may find heavy-duty tape instead of screws.
Set your LCD screen face-down onto the keyboard. Look for the connectors in the center of the screen. These are typically connected with adhesive and will need to be pried from the screen.
5. Install the New Screen
Place your new screen face down like the old one.
At this point, you’ll be able to reattach the video connector and place the cables exactly where they were on the old screen. Then reinsert the screws or tape that were at the top.
Once that’s done, you can put the bezel back on. Line the bezel up to the screen and snap the plastic snaps back into place. Ensure the bezel is lined up and then insert the screws back in. Reattach the stickers with your safety pin.
Once you’ve completed this you can put the battery back into your laptop and power your laptop on.
Laptop Screen Replacement
Going through a laptop screen replacement can be easier than you think, and while it should usually be done by a professional, it doesn’t always have to be.
These five steps explain exactly how you can replace your laptop screen yourself, but if you run into any issues, calling a professional may be your best bet.
To find out about our different locations or get a free estimate for the cost of your laptop repair, contact us today.
