What Does a Cracked TV Screen Repair Really Look Like? | Refitec Kenya

By Refitec Kenya | Nairobi’s Trusted TV Repair Specialists

Can a cracked TV screen be fixed? Yes — in most cases. If the crack is on the outer protective glass layer only, it can be replaced without touching the display panel. If the LCD or OLED panel underneath is damaged, a full panel replacement is needed, which is more costly but still possible for most TV brands.

How long does the repair take? Most cracked screen repairs at Refitec Kenya are completed within 1–3 business days, depending on parts availability for your TV brand and model.

Is it worth repairing a cracked TV screen? It depends on your TV’s age and size. As a rule of thumb, if the repair cost is less than 60% of the price of a new equivalent TV, repair is the smarter financial choice. Our technicians at Refitec Kenya will give you an honest assessment before any work begins.

What brands do you repair? We repair cracked screens on Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, TCL, Skyworth, Vitron, Bruhm, and most other brands available in Kenya.

How do I book a repair? Contact Refitec Kenya directly via phone, WhatsApp, or walk into our Nairobi workshop. We offer both drop-off and pick-up services.


So What Does a Cracked TV Screen Repair Actually Look Like?

If you’ve never had a TV repaired before, the whole process can feel like a mystery. You hand over your screen, something happens behind the scenes, and you get it back working. But what really goes on? At Refitec Kenya, we believe in transparency — so here’s an honest, step-by-step breakdown of exactly what a cracked TV screen repair looks like from start to finish.


Step 1: Diagnosis — Understanding What’s Actually Broken

Not all cracked TV screens are the same, and this is the most important step of the entire repair.

When your TV arrives at our Nairobi workshop, our technician will first power it on and assess the damage visually and functionally. There are two very different things that can be cracked on a modern flat-screen TV:

The outer glass (front panel or protective glass): This is the hard, smooth outer layer you touch. A crack here might cause visible lines or spiderwebbing on the surface, but the picture underneath may still display perfectly. This is the best-case scenario — a significantly cheaper and faster fix.

The LCD or OLED display panel itself: This is the component that actually produces the picture. When this cracks internally — often caused by pressure, a hard knock, or a fall — you’ll see black ink-like blotches spreading across the screen, coloured vertical or horizontal lines, a completely black display, or a section of the screen going dark while the rest works normally. This type of damage requires a full panel replacement.

Our technician will document the findings and present you with a clear, written quote before any repair work begins. No surprises.


Step 2: Sourcing the Right Replacement Part

Once the diagnosis is confirmed and you’ve approved the repair, we source the correct replacement part for your specific TV model. This is where experience really matters.

At Refitec Kenya, we work with verified suppliers of genuine and high-quality compatible parts for all major TV brands. The part number for your TV’s panel or outer glass is matched precisely to your model number — not guessed. Using the wrong panel, even one that looks identical, can cause colour calibration issues, backlight problems, or fitting errors.

For common models like mid-range Samsung, LG, and Hisense TVs, we often have parts in stock. For less common models, sourcing typically takes 1–2 additional days.


Step 3: Disassembly — Taking the TV Apart Safely

This is the part most people never see, and it’s where skill makes all the difference.

Modern flat-screen TVs are not designed with repairability in mind. The panels are thin, fragile, and held together with adhesive strips, clips, and screws hidden beneath rubber feet and trim pieces. A wrong move during disassembly can crack a panel that was previously intact, or damage the T-con board, ribbons, or backlight assembly.

Our technicians use the correct tools — plastic pry tools, suction cups, and anti-static workspaces — to carefully open the TV frame without causing additional damage. The back panel comes off first, followed by careful disconnection of all ribbon cables and flex connectors that link the mainboard to the display. Every connector is labelled and managed methodically.

If the repair involves the outer glass only, the process is slightly different — the front glass is carefully separated from the panel beneath using controlled heat and suction, preserving the working display underneath.


Step 4: The Actual Replacement

With the TV safely disassembled, the damaged panel or glass is removed and the new component is carefully installed.

For a panel replacement, the new display is connected via the same ribbon cables and tested briefly before full reassembly to confirm it powers on, displays correctly across all zones, and shows no backlight bleeding or dead pixels.

For outer glass replacement, the new glass is aligned precisely and bonded carefully to ensure there are no air bubbles, dust trapped underneath, or misalignment around the bezel edges.

This stage requires patience and a clean environment. Dust trapped between the glass and panel is a common complaint from low-quality repair jobs — it shows up as permanent-looking smudges or spots on the screen. At Refitec Kenya, we work in a controlled environment to avoid this entirely.


Step 5: Reassembly and Full Testing

Once the new component is installed, the TV is fully reassembled — every clip, screw, and cable returned to its correct position. This matters more than it sounds. A loose ribbon cable or poorly seated connector can cause flickering, a partially working screen, or a TV that shuts itself off.

After reassembly, we run a full test sequence:

  • Power on and boot cycle check
  • Full-screen colour test (red, green, blue, white, black)
  • Backlight uniformity inspection
  • Input testing (HDMI, USB, antenna)
  • Smart TV functionality (where applicable)
  • Remote control and button response check

Only after passing all of these checks does the TV get cleared for return to the customer.


Step 6: Handover and Warranty

When you collect your TV from Refitec Kenya — or when we deliver it back to you — our technician walks you through what was done, what part was replaced, and any recommendations for preventing future damage (screen protectors, safe mounting, furniture placement, etc.).

All screen repairs at Refitec Kenya come with a warranty on the replaced part and workmanship. If anything related to the repair develops a fault within the warranty period, we fix it at no additional cost.


What a BAD Cracked Screen Repair Looks Like (And How to Avoid It)

It’s worth knowing what corners some repair shops cut, so you can protect yourself:

Using counterfeit or mismatched panels that look right initially but develop colour banding or backlight failure within weeks. Rushing reassembly so screws are missing, the bezel doesn’t sit flush, or the stand is slightly wobbly. Doing repairs in dusty environments that leave debris trapped under the new glass. Providing no written quote, no receipt, and no warranty — leaving you with no recourse if something goes wrong.

At Refitec Kenya, we document everything in writing, use verified parts, and back every job with a clear warranty.


How Much Does a Cracked TV Screen Repair Cost in Kenya?

Pricing varies based on screen size, TV brand, and whether it’s a glass-only or full panel replacement. As a general guide:

Outer glass replacement for a 32–43 inch TV is typically more affordable and faster to complete. Full LCD panel replacement for a 43–65 inch mid-range TV is more involved and priced accordingly, but still significantly cheaper than buying a new TV of equivalent quality. OLED panel repairs are the most premium in terms of parts cost.

Contact Refitec Kenya with your TV’s brand, model number, and a photo of the damage for an accurate, no-obligation quote.


Why Choose Refitec Kenya for Your TV Screen Repair?

Refitec Kenya is Nairobi’s trusted name in electronics repair. We combine technical expertise with honest, transparent service — no hidden charges, no vague timelines, and no pressure to replace when repair is the better option. Our technicians are trained on modern flat-screen technology including LED, LCD, and OLED panels across all major brands.

Whether your screen was cracked by a falling object, a child’s accident, a move gone wrong, or a power surge, we’ve seen it and fixed it. Bring your TV to us, or get in touch today — and let’s bring your screen back to life.


Refitec Kenya Nairobi, Kenya Electronics Repair | TV Screens | Laptops | Phones | Appliances

Contact us today for a free diagnosis and quote.


This article was written by the Refitec Kenya team to help Kenyan consumers make informed decisions about TV screen repair.