Find a Replacement LCD Screen for a ZTE Smartphone

When an LCD screen breaks or wears out and begins to malfunction, it can be tempting to buy a new phone, but it's possible to replace a faulty screen with a new one with the right tools and instructions. Not only are there replacement screens available, but many are included in repair kits with all the tools you'll need.

What parts make up a smartphone's screen?

A cellphone's screen usually is an assembly of three different parts: a front frame, a touch-screen digitizer, and an LCD display. Replacement kits will be sold assembled into a unit, but you can often buy them separately if only one of these parts needs to be replaced.

What is a touch-screen digitizer?

The digitizer is the glass pane that sits on top of the LCD display that could crack or shatter if you accidentally drop your phone. The digitizer has an electronic sensor grid built into it that detects finger touches and reports it to the phone's motherboard through its own cable. This component is separate from the LCD display, but repair kits will often sell both as a single unit because they are often broken at the same time.

What are the signs a display needs to be replaced?

An LCD display consists of a grid of densely packed, tiny LEDs that light up each pixel on the display. It also has a cable that plugs into a phone's motherboard to receive data and power. When these parts wear out over time, you'll notice certain symptoms begin to appear.

  • Dead pixels: When a diode burns out, it will show up as a black speck or darkened patch on the display when the phone is turned on. This can only be repaired by replacing the display.
  • Darkened screen: Another common fault that can develop as a display ages is that it loses power and isn't bright enough anymore. This is often caused by a faulty electronic component and requires replacing the display to fix.
  • Display fails to turn on: If the cable or connector fails, the display may not turn on at all. It might appear that you have a dead battery, but it's actually a faulty display.
How is a cellphone's display replaced?

Each cellphone model is unique in how it is assembled, but typically, you will need to disassemble a smartphone to replace its display. It can be a delicate and an involved process, but with the right tools, detailed instructions, and some prior repair experience, you can replace a display yourself. Consult the repair kit instructions in order to repair your device.

Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by ZTE.