A Complete Guide to Replacing Your Laptop Screen

Sometimes laptop companies have to issue a full recall on a series due to faulty parts. This can includes issues with the laptop screen, motherboard, or input hardware. Whatever the case, if you’re considering replacing your laptop screen, you might want to check if the brand has issued a recall on your unit.

If not, then you’re a bit stuck. You can either reach out to a professional, or find a way to do it yourself. Luckily, replacing a laptop screen isn’t all that complicated.

It’s usually better to get an expert involved when it comes to electronic repair, but if you really want to replace your laptop screen on your own, consider reading ahead!

Before Getting Started

The first, and most important, step is to take a good look at the damage sustained by your laptop screen. In some cases, laptop repair is possible, and you won’t even need to buy any laptop replacement parts. If your screen is heavily damaged, you may not be so lucky.

Signs you need a full laptop screen replacement:

• Deep cracks with localized discoloration
• Water has seeped into or behind the screen
• Display doesn’t respond to boot or hinge movement

There’s another important factor to consider. You might just have a faulty or damaged graphics card. If your laptop has an HDMI, or similar output, connection then you’re in luck. Find a compatible monitor or television, and try using a cable to connect it to your laptop. If there’s a display showing up, then it’s definitely your laptop screen.

If you feel a bit lost, consider using a device repair guide throughout the process. It might make the endeavor a bit easier!

Tools You’ll Need

So, you’ve confirmed that the problem is your laptop screen. Now it’s time to gather all the equipment you’ll need to replace the screen on your own. There isn’t too much to collect, but there’s one piece that’s absolutely necessary: the new laptop screen.

Finding a Screen Replacement

Finding a laptop screen replacement is usually a simple task. You’ll want to browse for one using your laptop’s brand and model number. This is usually enough to find the exact screen type. If you have an older laptop, you might have to dig a bit deeper.

There are generic laptop screens available for purchase. Before buying one, make sure you compare the specifications and compatibility with your laptop. To ensure you have all the necessary info, you’ll have to remove your screen first. Read ahead to get started.

Laptop Screen Replacement Equipment

If you’ve found a replacement already, then you’re already off to a great start. Now you’ll need just a few more tools to get the job done. First, find a comfortable working space. Most people prefer repairing laptops on a table or similar flat area. You can stand or sit, depending on your personal preference.

Next, and somewhat optionally, consider getting your hands on an anti-static wristband. These make sure that the static produces by your body doesn’t accidentally burn any chipsets.

Go ahead and add magnetic philips screwdrivers to your list. Try getting a few that vary in size. Of course, you’ll be looking for those on the smaller end. Magnetized screwdrivers help avoid minor mishaps when removing screws from your laptop. If your computer has cover stickers, you’ll also need a small needle or safety pin to remove them.

Finally, you’ll want to have a small, dull knife and a few containers for staying organized.

Starting the Replacement Process

Here’s where you prep your laptop for the work to come. These are the necessary steps before removing the laptop screen. This includes removing all power sources and detaching screws and the bezel.

Remove All Power Sources

To be absolutely sure that you’ve removed all power sources, simply unplug the AC cable and adapter, and remove the laptop’s battery. After doing so, you can double check by attempting to turn the laptop on. If it doesn’t power up, you’re ready to continue. Of course, if your laptop doesn’t power up with a power source, that’s an entirely different problem!

Detach Screws and Bezel

If your laptop has cover stickers, carefully pry them off with your needle or safety pin. Then, use your magnetized philips screwdriver to unscrew the screws that were hiding under the cover stickers. Remember to put these in any of the small containers you gathered in previous steps.

Once you’ve removed all the screws from your laptop screen, find a more mobile part of the screen’s bezel. This is where you’ll be using your small, dull knife, or similar object, to pry the bezel off. It’s important to do this carefully, as many laptops need the bezel for installing the new screen.

When removing the bezel, it’s better to make small progress across the entire bezel. Try to avoid pulling one side too hard before making progress on the rest of the bezel. If done properly, you should be able to lift the entire bezel off, exposing the screen underneath. 

Removing the LCD

At this point, you should see the screen secured in place by a metal frame. If it’s secured with screws, use your screwdriver to remove them on either side. Now, as carefully as possible, lift the screen away from the frame. This should expose the video cable. Grab it by the plastic case on the end, and tug it to disconnect it. Great job! You’re ready to install the new screen.

Installing the New Screen

Interestingly enough, this is the easiest step! It’s basically a reverse of the removal process. The first thing you’ll want to do is align the new screen to the metal frame, add the screws, and connect the video cable. Lift the fitted screen and place it against the bezel. Carefully snap each section into place; this can take some time.

Once the bezel is fitted properly, take the screws from one of the containers and place them accordingly. Finally, place the cover stickers over the screws.

Finishing the Laptop Screen Replacement

After following these steps, you’re all done! You’ve officially replaced your laptop screen. It takes a bit of time, and a varying amount of effort, but it’s absolutely possible. Of course, you might run into trouble on one or two of the steps. Try not to fret, though. You can always contact a pro for assistance or, if necessary, an extra hand in the process.

Reach out if you need some help replacing your laptop’s screen. We can guide you through the process and, if that’s not enough, we fix it all! We’ll find a solution for you, one way or another.