Why Is My Laptop Screen Cracked or Not Working?
Common Laptop Display Problems — and What to Do
Is your laptop screen cracked, showing lines, flickering, staying black, or no longer displaying properly?
A damaged or faulty laptop display does not always mean the whole laptop needs to be replaced. The problem may be the LCD/OLED panel, display cable, backlight, graphics system, hinge area, or the connection between the laptop and the screen.
The first step is to work out whether the laptop itself is working normally and the problem is limited to the display.
What Does a Laptop Screen Problem Actually Mean?
The screen is physically cracked
Visible cracks, black spots, spider-web patterns or damaged glass after a drop, impact or pressure.
The LCD/OLED panel is physically damaged and normally needs replacement.
The laptop turns on but the screen stays black
Power lights and fans work, but there is no usable image on the internal screen.
Possible display panel, backlight, cable, graphics or motherboard problem.
The screen has lines, blocks or distorted colours
Vertical or horizontal lines, coloured blocks, patches or unusual patterns appear on the display.
May indicate a damaged panel, display cable or graphics hardware.
The screen flickers or cuts in and out
The display flashes, becomes unstable, or changes when the laptop lid is moved.
A display cable or hinge-area connection can be involved, although the panel or graphics system may also be responsible.
Only part of the screen works
Part of the image is missing, very dark, discoloured or covered by a black area.
Often associated with physical panel damage or a failed display panel.
The screen is very dim but an image can be seen
The laptop appears to be running, but the display is extremely dark and difficult to see.
Could indicate a backlight or display-power problem.
An external monitor works but the laptop screen does not
The laptop works normally on an external display, but its built-in screen has no usable image.
This can help narrow the problem to the laptop display, cable, backlight or related hardware.
Common Causes of Laptop Screen Problems
- Cracked or damaged display panel — Drops, impacts, pressure or closing the lid with an object inside can damage the screen.
- Damaged display cable — The cable runs through the hinge area and can become damaged or loose.
- Hinge damage — A stiff, broken or misaligned hinge can put stress on the display and cable.
- Backlight failure — The image may still be present but extremely dark.
- Graphics or motherboard problem — A display fault is not always caused by the screen itself.
- Liquid or physical damage — Liquid or impact can affect the display assembly and internal electronics.
- Driver or software problem — Less commonly, Windows or graphics-driver problems can cause flickering, incorrect resolution or display issues.
- Loose internal connection — A connector may have become loose after impact or previous repair work.
What to Do When Your Laptop Screen Is Cracked or Not Working?
On Windows
For Windows laptops, including Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Try these checks before arranging a screen replacement:
1. Check whether the laptop is actually running- Listen for the Windows startup sound, fan activity or other signs that Windows has loaded.
- Try the keyboard and touchpad, or connect an external mouse.
- Connect an external display using HDMI, USB-C or another supported connection.
- If the external display works normally, the fault may be limited to the laptop's built-in display system.
- Try Windows + P to check whether Windows is sending the image to another display.
- If appropriate, restart the graphics driver with Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B.
- Pressure can make a damaged LCD/OLED panel worse and may cause additional black areas or cracks.
On a Mac
For MacBook models using recent versions of macOS.
Try these checks before arranging a screen replacement:
1. Check whether the Mac itself is running- Check for startup sounds, keyboard response, trackpad response or other signs that macOS has loaded.
- Connect an external keyboard or mouse if necessary.
- Connect a compatible external monitor or TV.
- If the external display works normally, this can help isolate the problem to the built-in display assembly or its connection.
- If the display cuts in and out when opening or closing the lid, the display cable or hinge area may need inspection.
- Avoid pressing on cracked glass or damaged areas and avoid carrying the Mac in a way that puts extra pressure on the display.
When Should You Stop Troubleshooting?
- The screen is cracked or physically damaged
- There are large black areas, spreading cracks or liquid damage
- The display changes when the lid or hinge area is moved
- The laptop works on an external monitor but the built-in screen remains faulty
- You suspect a damaged display cable, hinge or internal connector
- The laptop has been dropped or subjected to significant pressure
- You are not sure whether the fault is the screen or the motherboard/graphics system
Common questions
Can a cracked laptop screen be repaired?
How do I know if the screen or laptop itself is faulty?
Why does my laptop screen work on an external monitor but not internally?
Can a damaged display cable cause flickering?
Is it worth replacing a laptop screen?
Can a black laptop screen be caused by software?
Don't Press or Peel a Cracked Laptop Screen
A cracked laptop screen can become worse if you press on the damaged area, bend the lid, or try to peel away broken layers.
If the screen has been physically damaged, the safest approach is usually to stop using the damaged display as much as practical and have the laptop assessed. The correct repair may be a screen replacement, cable repair, hinge repair, or another component depending on the cause.