Apple Watches are known for their durability, but accidental bumps and drops can sometimes lead to small cracks on the screen. While it’s always recommended to seek professional repair for major damage, minor cracks can sometimes be temporarily addressed with DIY methods. Regular use can cause scratches on the watch, especially if you don’t use a screen protector.
Cracks and scratches can affect the watch’s appearance and functionality and may let in dust and water, causing more damage. It’s important to fix the screen quickly to keep your watch working well. There are methods to fill the cracks on your Apple Watch screen that can prevent further damage and improve the watch’s appearance.
The easiest way is to apply a tempered glass screen protector. Although they can be tricky to put on, it’s a good idea to get a pack with several protectors. The glass hides the damage and can make your watch look like new. Some protectors even come with a special glue that can be set with a UV light if you’re willing to put in the extra effort.
Filling Minor Cracks on Your Apple Watch
DIY Repair: Proceed with Caution
Before you attempt any DIY repair, it’s crucial to understand that this is a temporary fix and might not be suitable for all types of cracks. It’s essential to proceed with caution and understand the risks involved.
Method: UV Resin
- Materials: UV-curable resin, UV lamp, cleaning cloth, toothpick or precision applicator.
- Process:
- Clean the cracked area thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
- Carefully apply a small amount of UV resin to the crack using a toothpick or precision applicator.
- Use the UV lamp to cure the resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wipe away any excess resin with a clean cloth.
Important Considerations
- This method is best suited for hairline cracks or minor scratches.
- The repair might not be aesthetically perfect and could affect touch sensitivity.
- UV resin might not be compatible with all Apple Watch models.
- If the crack is significant or affects the functionality of the watch, seek professional repair.
Remember, while DIY repairs can be a temporary solution for minor cracks, it’s always recommended to consult an authorized Apple repair center for a proper and lasting fix. Always handle your Apple Watch with care to avoid accidental damage and ensure its longevity.
DIY Methods To Fill Small Cracks on Apple Watch
| Method | Materials | Steps | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Resin | – UV resin kit (with UV light or cure time under direct sunlight) – Microfiber cloth – Tape (optional) | 1. Power off & clean watch face. 2. (Optional) Tape around crack. 3. Apply tiny amount of resin to crack. 4. Fill crack, avoiding air bubbles. 5. Cure resin (UV light or sunlight). 6. Wipe away excess resin. | – Fills cracks | – Requires multiple steps and precision. – Risk of worsening crack or uneven finish. |
| Clear Phone Case Glue | – Clear phone case repair glue – Toothpick – Microfiber cloth | 1. Power off & clean watch face. 2. Dip toothpick in glue. 3. Apply glue to crack, filling completely. 4. Let glue dry completely. 5. Buff away excess glue. | – Simpler process than UV resin | – May not fully fill crack or leave residue. – Less durable than UV resin. |
| Screen Protector | – Tempered glass or liquid screen protector for Apple Watch | Apply according to manufacturer’s instructions | – Protects from further damage – May mask the appearance of small cracks | – Doesn’t fill existing cracks |
Key Takeaways
- Addressing Apple Watch screen damage quickly is critical for the device’s protection and functionality.
- Less severe cracks can often be remedied with common household items, offering a temporary fix.
- Professional repair or replacement might be necessary for substantial screen damage.
Identifying and Assessing Apple Watch Screen Damage
Before attempting any repair, it’s critical to accurately identify the type of screen damage your Apple Watch has endured. The screen’s material—whether sapphire crystal or Ion-X glass—affects its strength and resilience to impacts.
Understanding Crack Severities
Minor scratches may not affect the functionality of your Apple Watch but can impact its appearance. These are often surface-level and can be buffed out or covered with a screen protector to reduce visibility.
Deeper cracks signify more serious damage. Such cracks might be the result of a significant impact and can affect both the glass surface and the touchscreen functionality. Here, the risk of injury from broken glass increases, and professional assessment is usually necessary.
Shattered screens indicate severe damage. If the screen shows signs of shattering, this can lead to further complications, including potential harm from glass shards. These cases require immediate attention and possibly a full screen replacement.
Comprehensive Repair Solutions for Apple Watch
When your Apple Watch faces damage, you can pursue professional services or tackle repairs yourself according to the severity of the issue. This section guides you through both professional repair options and DIY techniques to restore your watch’s functionality and appearance.
Professional Repair Services
Authorized Service Providers: For significant repairs, it’s best to visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They have trained experts who can assess and resolve complex issues. The repair may be covered under warranty or AppleCare+ if eligible, possibly involving a service fee.
- Apple Support: Begin by contacting Apple Support for an assessment and to arrange for repairs.
- Costs: Service fees vary based on model and repair type, with additional tax.
- Process: Professional repair often includes diagnostic tests, precise disassembly with specialized tools, and expert reassembly with quality parts.
DIY Repair Techniques
Scratch Removal: Minor scratches may sometimes be improved at home with common items like toothpaste, which is a gentle abrasive. This can smooth out shallow marks on the watch surface.
- Screen Protectors: Applying a screen protector can prevent future scratches and sometimes make current scratches less visible.
- Liquid Screen Protector: Liquid screen protector can fill in small scratches, creating a smoother surface.
- iFixit and Similar: Online resources like iFixit provide detailed guides and tools for various DIY repairs.
Always remember, DIY approaches carry the risk of further damage, and incorrect handling can void your warranty. Evaluate the risk and your skill level before attempting any DIY repairs.
