Whether your monitor is worth fixing depends on what broke and what it cost
A broken monitor screen usually means one of three things: the display is physically cracked, the screen has gone dark or blank, or the image is distorted or flickering. The first step is figuring out whether the monitor itself failed or whether the problem is with the cable, the graphics card, or the power supply — because those are cheaper and easier to fix than the screen panel itself.
Most monitors cost between $150 and $400 new. If your monitor is older than five years, was inexpensive to begin with, or has physical damage to the screen, repair costs often exceed replacement costs. If the monitor is newer and the problem is a loose cable or a failed power supply, repair makes sense. This section walks you through how to tell the difference.
Key Takeaways
- A dark screen usually means a loose cable, dead power supply, or failed graphics card — not a broken screen — and these are fixable without replacing the monitor.
- Physical cracks in the screen panel itself are not repairable; you will need to replace the monitor.
- Before paying for repair, test the monitor on a different computer to confirm the monitor is the problem and not the graphics card or cable.
- Most monitor repairs cost $100 to $300, so compare that against the price of a new monitor before deciding to repair.
- If the monitor is under warranty, contact the manufacturer first — many cover screen defects for one to three years.
Test whether the monitor or the computer is the problem
The fastest way to know if you need a new monitor is to plug it into a different computer. If the screen works on the second computer, the problem is with your original computer's graphics card, power supply, or cables — not the monitor. If the screen stays dark or broken on the second computer, the monitor itself has failed.
If you do not have a second computer available, borrow one from a friend, family member, or coworker for ten minutes. Bring your monitor to their desk, plug it in, and turn it on. This single test saves you money by ruling out an expensive graphics card replacement when the real problem is a $15 cable.
Check the cable and power connections first
Before assuming the monitor is broken, inspect the cable that runs from the monitor to the back of your computer. The most common cause of a dark screen is a loose or partially disconnected cable. Unplug the cable from both ends — the monitor and the computer — wait five seconds, and plug it back in firmly. You should hear or feel a click when the connector seats properly.
Also check the power cable. Make sure it is plugged into a working outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or phone charger to confirm the outlet itself works. If the outlet is controlled by a power strip or surge protector, make sure that device is switched on. A surprising number of "broken" monitors are straightforward unplugged or plugged into a switched-off power strip.
If the monitor has a brightness dial or button on the front or side, check that it has not been turned all the way down. Some monitors have a physical brightness knob that can be accidentally rotated to zero, making the screen appear completely dark even though the monitor is working.
Identify what type of damage your screen has
If the monitor is receiving power and the cable is connected, look at what is actually happening on the screen. A completely dark or black screen with no image and no backlight glow usually means the power supply inside the monitor has failed. A screen with a faint image visible but very dim usually means the backlight has failed. A screen with visible cracks, lines, or dead pixels means the display panel itself is damaged. A screen with flickering, color distortion, or partial image could mean a failing panel or a loose internal cable.
Physical cracks are not repairable — you will need to replace the monitor. A cracked screen panel costs $80 to $200 to replace, but labor and shipping often bring the total to $150 to $300. For most people, buying a new monitor is simpler and sometimes cheaper. A failed backlight or power supply can sometimes be repaired for $80 to $150 in labor plus parts, but this depends on whether replacement parts are available for your specific model.
Decide whether to repair or replace
Use this framework to decide: if the monitor cost less than $200 when new, replacement is almost always cheaper than repair. If it cost $300 or more and the problem is a power supply or backlight, repair may be worth considering. If the screen is physically cracked, replacement is your only option.
Check whether your monitor is still under warranty before paying for any repair. Most manufacturers cover defects for one year, and some cover screen damage for up to three years. Look for the warranty information in the box the monitor came in, on the manufacturer's website, or by calling the manufacturer's support line with your monitor's model number. If the monitor is under warranty, contact the manufacturer — they may replace it for free or at a reduced cost.
If you decide to repair, get a quote from a local computer repair shop before committing. Bring the monitor in and ask for a written estimate of the repair cost. Compare that estimate to the price of a new monitor with similar specifications. A new 24-inch monitor typically costs $150 to $250; a 27-inch costs $200 to $350. If repair costs more than 60 percent of a new monitor's price, replacement is the better choice.
Where to get a monitor repaired
Local computer repair shops are your best option for monitor repair. Search online for "computer repair near me" or ask for recommendations from friends or your workplace IT department. Call ahead and describe the problem — some shops will not repair monitors, or they may not have parts for your specific model. Ask for a repair estimate before dropping off the monitor.
Some manufacturers offer mail-in repair services. Visit the manufacturer's support website, find your monitor model, and look for a "repair" or "service" option. Mail-in repair usually takes one to two weeks and costs $100 to $250 including shipping. This option makes sense if no local repair shops are available, but it is slower than local repair.
Big-box electronics retailers like Best Buy sometimes offer repair services, though availability varies by location. Call your local store and ask whether they repair monitors and what the turnaround time is. Their repair costs are often higher than independent shops, but the process may be simpler if you bought the monitor there.
What to do if the monitor cannot be repaired
If repair is not possible or not worth the cost, you will need to replace the monitor. Before buying, think about what you use the monitor for. If you work from home or spend long hours at the screen, a higher-quality monitor with better color accuracy and less eye strain is worth the extra cost. If you use it for basic web browsing and email, a budget monitor will work fine.
When you buy a new monitor, do not throw away the old one. Most electronics retailers like Best Buy and Micro Center will take old monitors for recycling, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small fee. You can also search for e-waste recycling programs in your area through Earth911.com or your city's waste management website. Monitors contain materials that should not go in the trash, so recycling is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a cracked monitor screen myself?
No. The screen panel is fused to the monitor's internal components, and replacing it requires disassembling the entire monitor and soldering connections. This is not a DIY repair. You will need to replace the monitor or take it to a professional repair shop.
Why is my monitor screen flickering?
Flickering usually means a loose cable, a failing power supply, or a problem with your graphics card driver. Start by reseating the cable at both ends. If that does not work, update your graphics card driver from the manufacturer's website. If flickering continues, the monitor's internal components may be failing and you should get a repair estimate.
Is it safe to use a monitor with a cracked screen?
A small crack in the bezel or frame is usually safe. A crack in the actual display panel can expose internal components and create a sharp edge, so it is not safe to use. If the crack is in the display itself, stop using the monitor and replace it.
How much does monitor repair usually cost?
Repair costs range from $80 to $300 depending on what failed. A power supply replacement costs $80 to $150. A backlight replacement costs $100 to $200. A screen panel replacement costs $150 to $300. Get a written estimate from the repair shop before committing.
What should I do with my old broken monitor?
Take it to an electronics recycler or a retailer like Best Buy that accepts old monitors. Do not put it in the trash — monitors contain materials that are harmful to the environment. Search Earth911.com or your city's website to find a recycling program near you.