A cracked phone screen may seem like just an annoying cosmetic problem, but experts warn that some cracks may hide real risks that, in rare cases, lead to battery fire.
Monica Torres explains in a report published by Huff Post that the phone screen is not a single layer, but rather consists of several layers that are mechanically and functionally interconnected, which makes any crack, even if it is simple, capable of causing internal damage that worsens over time.
Dibakar Datta, a mechanics specialist at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, points out that small cracks, especially in corners, may not be serious if they do not affect performance or cause distortion in the display.
But the real danger appears when the breakage is accompanied by an abnormal increase in the temperature of the device. Data says that the feeling of heat at the crack site is a warning sign, and may indicate a moisture leak or an internal defect in the battery, which requires stopping the phone immediately.
For his part, Arthur Shi, technical writer at the iFixIt website, warns that local heat may indicate an electrical short, and as the temperature continues to rise, the matter may lead to the battery igniting.
The risks do not stop at temperature alone. Spider cracks may allow moisture to seep into the device, leading to corrosion of the internal components and disruption of the touch or screen. Splintered glass may also cause minor finger injuries.
Datta adds that even small amounts of moisture can cause chemical reactions that permanently weaken internal circuits, making screen repair in some cases turn into a complete phone replacement.
Experts stress the need not to ignore the breakage, because delaying repair may raise the cost and risks, while going to a specialist for early repair remains the safest and most economical option.
