How Long Can a Phone Last With a Cracked Screen?

When your phone cracks for the first time, the first thing you probably do is hope it didn’t break too badly. That little crack feels like a big problem, but somehow, the phone still works. And in that situation, for most of us, “It’s okay, I’ll fix it later.” will be the answer.

But a cracked screen is more than just a scratch. It can make your phone harder to use, slow it down, and even cause bigger problems over time. From touch problems to water getting inside, that tiny crack can slowly turn into a big headache.

So the real question is: How long can a phone last with a cracked screen before it really starts giving trouble? Let’s understand it in simple, easy-to-understand words.

Can you keep using a phone with a cracked screen?

Yes, you can. But the main concern is: How long can you safely do that? Some phones work for:

• A few days
• A few weeks
• Or even a few months

But once a screen cracks, the phone is no longer protected. The clock starts ticking. Every drop of moisture, every knock, and every day of use slowly pushes the phone closer to full failure.

What really happens inside a cracked phone?

A phone screen is not just glass. Under that glass are:

• Touch sensors
• Display layers
• Face ID and front camera systems
• Important internal seals

When the glass breaks, all of this becomes exposed to air, dust, and water. The phone may look “okay” on the outside, but inside, slow damage begins.

Does a cracked screen get worse over time?

Almost always, yes. Here’s what usually happens:

• Small cracks spread
• Touch becomes less accurate
• Parts of the screen go dark
• The display starts flickering
• The phone stops responding in some areas

What feels like “just a tiny crack” today often becomes a full-screen failure later. This is exactly why many users later search for iPhone screen repair in Perth after waiting too long.

Is it dangerous to use a cracked phone? Major Risks!

Many people don’t realise this, but yes, it can be. Using a phone with a cracked screen may seem normal at first, but it can slowly cause many problems. What looks like a small crack can turn into serious damage over time if you keep using the phone without fixing it.

You can cut your fingers, face, or ears

Cracked glass becomes sharp. While scrolling, talking on the phone, or keeping it in your pocket, you can easily get small cuts without even noticing at first.

Water and dust can enter the phone easily

Even a tiny crack lets in rain, sweat, steam, and dust. Once water goes inside, it can damage the battery, camera, speaker, or charging port and sometimes kill the phone completely.

The screen may stop responding properly

You may notice that some parts of the screen don’t work when you touch them. The phone may also start opening apps on its own, which becomes very annoying.

Your phone can start overheating

When the screen is damaged, the inside parts of the phone have to work harder. This can make the phone heat up more than normal and feel hot in your hand.

The battery may drain faster than usual

A cracked screen can use more power, causing the battery to drop quickly. You may find yourself charging the phone again and again during the day.

The crack will keep spreading

Cracks almost never stay the same. With daily use, pressure, and small drops, they slowly grow bigger and make the screen weaker.

Your phone can suddenly stop working

One day, the phone may be working fine, and the next day, the screen can go black or stop responding fully. This often happens without warning.

So even if your phone still works today, using it with a cracked screen is risky and unsafe in the long run. “Whether it’s Samsung or iPhone repairs in Darwin, fixing it early can save you money, stress, and data later.

How long will a cracked phone really last?

Here’s the honest range most phones follow:

• Minor crack: may last 3–12 months
• Deep crack: may fail within days or weeks
• With water exposure: can fail instantly

Every phone is different. But one fact stays the same: Cracked screens never heal. They only get worse.

Conclusion

Using a phone with a cracked screen may seem harmless at first, but over time, it affects your safety, battery life, performance, and the true lifespan of your device. What starts as a small accident often becomes a major repair issue if left too long.

At Westcoast Repairs, we believe getting your screen fixed early is the smartest way to protect your phone, your data, and your money. We offer trusted phone, tablet, and laptop repair services, along with quality parts and accessories to keep your device working like new. So, if your screen is cracked, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Book your repair today and give your phone the care it deserves.