# Identify display damage: scratch, crack or film? | Zcratch > Scratch, hairline crack, break or just the screen protector? Three quick tests to identify the type of display damage — and the right fix for each. Quelle / Source: https://zcratch.com/en/blog/identify-display-damage --- ## Identify display damage correctly Before you apply anything to your screen, be sure what you are dealing with. Scratches, hairline cracks and film damage look similar at first glance — but they need completely different solutions. ## Three tests in under two minutes - Fingernail test: drag your nail across the spot. If it does not catch, the scratch is light to medium. - Light test: switch the display off and angle it against a bright lamp — every scratch shows up. - Edge test: if the line runs into the display edge or around a corner, it is usually a crack, not a scratch. - Film test: gently lift one corner of the protector. If the line disappears, only the film was damaged. ## The damage types at a glance #### 1. Fine micro-scratches Only visible in sunlight or against a lamp, never noticeable by touch. Caused by sand and dust in bags and pockets. Fix: fill them optically — the result is usually completely invisible. #### 2. Medium-deep scratches Your nail catches slightly and the line shows even on an active display. Usually caused by keys or grit. Fix: fill them optically — the scratch becomes strongly reduced or invisible. #### 3. Hairline crack A very thin line, often starting at a corner or edge and branching slightly. This is structural damage. Fix: replace the glass; filling is not intended for this. #### 4. Break or shatter pattern Clearly visible break pattern, often with sharp edges. Fix: repair shop. Stop using the device if glass splinters are loose. #### 5. Panel damage Colour bands, dark spots, dead pixels or failing touch. The glass itself can be perfectly intact. Fix: repair — no surface treatment helps here. #### 6. Damaged screen protector Scratches, chipped edges or a milky patch inside the film. Fix: replace the protector — the display underneath is usually flawless. ## Stunning results! _Before/after comparison of a scratched and a repaired display._ - [Smartphone & Tablet](https://zcratch.com/en/products/zcratch-kit-for-smartphones-tablets) - [Apple Watch](https://zcratch.com/en/products/zcratch-kit-for-apple-watches) ## Frequently asked questions about display damage ### How do I tell a scratch from a crack? A scratch ends within the display area and can be felt as a groove with your fingernail. A crack usually runs to the edge or around a corner and branches finely. ### Is the scratch only in the screen protector? Gently lift a corner of the film or look at the spot from an angle. If the line moves or disappears with the film, the display glass is untouched. ### How deep may a scratch be to fill it? If your fingernail does not noticeably catch, the odds are excellent. With slightly catching scratches the result is clearly less noticeable. ### Can I keep using a phone with a hairline crack? Technically often yes, sensibly rarely: cracks keep growing and water resistance is gone. Have it checked soon. ### Why do I only see scratches in sunlight? Scratches scatter incoming light. Diffuse indoor light barely reveals it, direct sunlight makes it obvious. ### What should I do about colour bands or dead pixels? That is panel damage, not surface damage. Only a repair or screen replacement helps. [REMOVE SCRATCHES YOURSELF](https://zcratch.com/en/remove-display-scratches) ## FAQ ### How do I tell a scratch from a crack? A scratch ends within the display area and can be felt as a groove with your fingernail. A crack usually runs to the edge or around a corner and branches finely. ### Is the scratch only in the screen protector? Gently lift a corner of the film or look at the spot from an angle. If the line moves or disappears with the film, the display glass is untouched. ### How deep may a scratch be to fill it? If your fingernail does not noticeably catch, the odds are excellent. With slightly catching scratches the result is clearly less noticeable. ### Can I keep using a phone with a hairline crack? Technically often yes, sensibly rarely: cracks keep growing and water resistance is gone. Have it checked soon. ### Why do I only see scratches in sunlight? Scratches scatter incoming light. Diffuse indoor light barely reveals it, direct sunlight makes it obvious. ### What should I do about colour bands or dead pixels? That is panel damage, not surface damage. Only a repair or screen replacement helps.