It can be daunting staring at a cracked laptop screen, but worry not: replacing it is quite simple. Most of the time the average person can replace their broken screen in 20 minutes, the current record is just 10 minutes.
Replacing most laptop LCD screens is easy, assuming you can find the right parts. DIY screen replacement saves money, reduces e-waste, and teaches you about your device.
But you need to know what steps to take when replacing laptop screen parts so that you do not add further damage in the process. With this guide you will know all the steps needed, from safe set up to testing after the repair is complete.
Preparing Safely for Laptop Screen Replacement
Assessing Whether DIY Repair is Right for You
Replacing screens is usually quite a bit of a task. Touch screens in particular are generally very complex and you may prefer to leave these repairs to professionals, but ordinary LCD panels can be replaced by most people. Consider whether the cost of a new screen is worth less than the cost of professional repairs at your local store. The time involved in doing the repair is important too—you’re looking at several hours to do it if you’ve never worked on a device before.
Also, be aware of your warranty status. If you’re a coward, you might want to consider getting some help from a computer shop and doing this anyway. It seems that something always ends up completely destroyed (not fixed) in the conversion process. Be honest with yourself and determine how much of a risk you are willing to accept. If you still want to attempt this on your own, it is important to consider more than just cost factors, such as screen compatibility, specifications, type of finish, warranty, and return policies, which is why Zeto or Ebay might be more relevant for those who want to double-check some of the details of this component and avoid the risk of selecting a wrong screen before beginning the repair.
Identifying Your Laptop Model and Screen Type
Knowing your precise laptop model number is very important, as you require this to order the correctly sized screen. Most manufacturers place a sticker on the underside of the laptop that shows this model name, as well as the serial number and product number.
windows (or windows+R): use msinfo32 and check System Model for your specific model. If it’s a macbook, click the apple in the upper left and select About This Mac.
Some laptop manufacturers have models available with options for different resolutions, or very slightly different sizes of screen displays. Dell Latitude E5540 and most HP CTO (Custom-To-Order) laptops are examples of this. Whenever you see an option for different resolutions, be sure to look at the LCD screen model number on the back of your screen before doing anything. Using a different resolution screen could cause your laptop to malfunction or even damage your laptop.
Gathering the Right Tools and Materials
For safe screen replacement, you’ll need a precision screwdriver set that has small Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, suitable for fitting a variety of different screws. Plastic pry tools or spudger sets help separate the screen bezel from the rest of the screen without causing damage.
An anti-static wrist strap ensures you don’t give sensitive parts static electricity shocks, while a magnetic screw tray or container helps you not to lose the screws to oblivion. Clean, lint-free cloths are great for cleaning the new screen, and for wiping all of the components.
Creating a Safe Workspace
Always keep your work surface free of debris and abrasive bits of material. Wear protective eyewear and gloves while disassembling or reassembling your device. Avoid conductive accessories like bracelets, rings, and watches, which can cause electrical shorts.
Prevent damage to the device or subassemblies by organizing components while disassembling the device. Place each subassembly and screws away from the work area.
Understanding Warranty Implications
Changing the screen yourself will void any residual warranty. Laptop manufacturers state that a change not performed in an authorized service center means you’ve voided the warranty. Technically, your warranty remains valid only if the screen is changed at an authorized service center.
Manufacturers such as Dell, Acer, HP, ASUS, MSI, and Lenovo do not produce the screens themselves, but use OEM (other equipment manufacturer) parts. In future inspection, it may be hard to determine if the screen is OEM fitted as originally supplied with the machine.
Removing the Damaged Screen Without Causing Further Damage
Powering Down and Disconnecting All Power Sources
Completely power down your laptop via a shut down procedure; take out the AC adapter and remove the battery if it is removable. Press down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds in order to dissipate residual electricity in the motherboard. This will protect you from a potentially blown backlight fuse during a screen change.
Check to make sure all the indicator lights are completely out. The power, charging, and sleep lights will not be flashing or glowing. Disconnect any USB drives, mice, or external monitors.
Removing the Bezel Carefully
Find rubber screw covers located along the edges of the bezel, and use a craft knife to remove them to reveal the screws concealed underneath. Some bezels may hide screws with adhesive stickers, some behind the manufacturer’s label altogether. Remove all the bezel screws with your Phillips screwdriver.
Separate the bezel from the display lid by inserting a guitar pick or plastic pry tool into the gap between the bezel and display lid starting at either of the hinge caps, or from the bottom edge, and working your way around all four sides making sure to release the clips. The bezel is attached with clips and double-sided tape. Be patient to avoid cracking the plastic.
Unscrewing Screen Mounting Brackets
Older laptop computers have metal brackets affixed to the top and bottom edge of the screen. Newer models do away with one of those brackets, typically taking a cue from Apple’s design language, where the screen is attached only to either side of the screen. Unscrew two to four screws on either side holding it; then, ever so gently tilt the screen forward, and lay it face down across the keyboard over a soft cloth.
Disconnecting Video Cables Properly
Peel back some of the tape holding the video connector to the screen. See if there’s a locking mechanism on the connector. “Flip the lock bar up prior to pulling on the cable and pull it straight out and not twisted or you could wreck some of the copper traces.
Handling Broken Glass and Sharp Edges
Watch your hands around cracked screens, as they can hide sharp glass shards. Always be cautious with your hands when removing them. Most touch screens are bonded to the LCD by adhesive, making them very difficult, if not impossible, to separate without using heat and special tools.
Storing All Screws and Small Parts
Use a pill pot with labeled compartments for organizing screws by removal order. Alternatively, draw the outline of your laptop onto a piece of paper and punch holes in the positions of screws where you’ve removed them, dropping the screws into that place. I’ve use a magnetic mat, but keep hard drives away from those.
Installing Your New Laptop Screen Correctly
Unpacking and Inspecting the Replacement Screen
Be careful not to touch the display surface, and handle your replacement screen with care when you remove it from its packaging. Make 100% sure that it has the exactly matching specifications of your old screen.
Connecting Video Cables Without Force
LCD data connectors also supply power to the backlight. Pins 37-40 supply 32 volts at 1.5 amps. Caution: Align the connector straight with the socket! Slanting the connector causes power pins to touch data pins and will burn fuses or circuits in one-tenth of a second! Connecting it back to front is almost certain to ruin your circuitry. Make certain the connector is fully seated and secure.
Positioning the Screen in the Frame
Position the new screen in the same place as the old one, being mindful of orientation. Route the ribbon cables in the same manner, and attach the mounting brackets accordingly. Confirm that it is seated centered in the frame and that there are no gaps around the edges.
Securing Mounting Brackets and Screws
Reattach your mounting brackets, using the same screws you just removed. Tighten until the screws are snug but don’t overdo it: overtightening can strip screws and damage screens and/or brackets. If you need to replace your adhesive strips, use double-sided tape designed for electronics.
Avoiding Common Installation Mistakes
Work in a clean, static-free environment. You may want to don gloves or use a soft cloth to avoid smudges and fingerprints. Never force components. Make sure it is seated correctly before proceeding.
Testing and Final Assembly
Testing the Screen Before Full Reassembly
Reconnect the battery if you disconnected it before starting the assembly, but do not start working with the bezel. This is an important step, since it ensures that none of the connections are broken before you reassemble everything. Check the backlight, the uniformity of the coloring and no dead pixels in the screen. If there are lines or flickering, unseat and reseat the cable before closing things up.
Checking for Display Issues
If your device has a built-in self-test feature, run it. Most Dell laptops will allow you to run an LCD BIST by holding down the D key and then pressing the power button (your display will show black, white, red, green, and blue screens). Dead pixels are the little spots that stay complete black on the color test, while stuck pixels are bright and fixed in one place on the color it sticks to. On most LCD monitors, there shouldn’t be more than 4 dead pixels for every 1 million.
Reattaching the Bezel Securely
Begin at the top when reattaching the bezel. Align it and press around all edges until every clip clicks. If there are gaps, work your way around again. If the bezel refuses to sit, check that you didn’t bunch any of the cables underneath.
Final Power-On Test
Boot up once more after everything is fully assembled. Wiggle the lid and double check that the brightness control is functioning as it should, and associate a video loop with testing performance under load on the new GPU. Last but not least, run it on the battery and make sure it’s display is working.
Maintaining Your New Screen
Wipe regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not press down while shutting. Adjust brightness to comfortable levels.
Conclusion
Now you have everything you need to safely and successfully swap out your laptop screen. As I’ve said throughout this guide, it may take some time and you should be painstakingly careful, but it is entirely possible for most people.
Take it a step at a time, don’t hurry while plugging in cables, and test it out before reassembling it completely. Likewise, keeping your work space tidy in case you accidentally knock something to the floor can be a great help. Save a few bucks, reduce e-waste, and gain more confidence for tackling your next repair!
