If your Chromebook screen is cracked but not completely shattered, don’t immediately assume you need a replacement. You might be able to fix it. First, try troubleshooting software glitches and assessing the damage to see if a simple fix is possible. This guide will walk you through the steps.

Important: This guide is for screens that are NOT severely damaged. If your screen has missing pieces or is completely blank, a replacement is likely required.

Assessing the Damage and Identifying the Problem

Understanding the damage to your Chromebook screen is the first step in determining if a software fix is possible.

  • Physical Damage:

    • Cracks: How extensive are they? Surface-level or deeper? Hairline cracks are less serious than spiderweb patterns.
    • Dead Pixels: Small colored or black dots? A few are tolerable, but clusters are distracting.
    • Bleeding: Dark, spreading discoloration indicates damage to the liquid crystal layer.
    • Screen Separation: Is the screen separating from the bezel?

  • Display Issues:

    • Flickering: Is the screen flickering intermittently?
    • Distorted Colors: Are the colors inaccurate?
    • Lines or Bars: Are there vertical or horizontal lines?
    • Dim Display: Is the screen unusually dark?

Troubleshooting Software Issues

Sometimes, a software glitch can appear as a hardware problem. Try these steps first.

1. Restart Your Chromebook (Hard Reset)

A hard reset can clear temporary software glitches.

  • Steps:
    • Hold down the Power button until the Chromebook shuts down.
    • Wait a few seconds, then press the Power button again.
    • If that doesn’t work, try holding the Refresh key and the Power button simultaneously.

2. Adjust Display Settings

Incorrect display settings can cause screen issues.

  • Steps:
    • Click on the time in the bottom-right corner.
    • Click the Settings icon (the gear).
    • Navigate to Device and then Displays.
    • Brightness: Ensure it’s at an appropriate level.
    • Resolution: Experiment with different resolutions.
    • Orientation: Ensure it’s set correctly (usually “Landscape”).

3. Update Chrome OS

An outdated OS can cause display issues.

  • Steps:
    • Click on the time in the bottom-right corner.
    • Click the Settings icon (the gear).
    • Navigate to About Chrome OS.
    • Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.

4. Reset Chrome OS to Factory Settings (Powerwash)

Warning: This will erase all data. Back up your files first. This resolves persistent software problems.

  • Steps:
    • Sign out of your Chromebook.
    • Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R on the sign-in screen.
    • Click Restart.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to Powerwash.

5. Boot into Guest Mode

If the screen issue disappears in Guest mode, the problem is likely with your user profile or an extension.

  • Steps:
    • At the login screen, click Browse as Guest.
    • Observe if the screen issues persist in Guest Mode.

When a Repair or Replacement is Necessary

If software troubleshooting fails, it’s likely a hardware issue. Replacements are often needed for:

  • Significant cracks that obscure the screen.
  • Bleeding or discoloration.
  • Unresponsive touchscreen.
  • Severe flickering or distortion.

Exploring Repair Options

  • Manufacturer Warranty: Check if your Chromebook is still under warranty.
  • Repair Shops: Get quotes from local computer repair shops.
  • DIY Replacement (Proceed with Caution): Only attempt if you’re comfortable with electronics and have a reliable guide and replacement screen.

Cost Considerations

Replacements can range from $50 to $200+. Consider the repair cost versus the price of a new Chromebook. It might be more economical to replace the device entirely.