iPad Cracked But Still Works – Should You Repair It or Leave It?
You dropped your iPad. Your heart sank. You picked it up, turned it on — and it still works. The touch responds, the screen displays fine, and everything seems normal except for that spiderweb of cracks staring back at you.
So now the question hits: do you bother fixing it, or just live with it?
It's a surprisingly common dilemma, and the answer isn't as simple as most people think.
The "It Still Works" Trap
Here's the thing about a cracked iPad screen — the fact that it works right now doesn't mean it'll keep working. A cracked screen is structurally compromised. Every time you flex the device, toss it in a bag, or press down on it, those cracks are spreading invisibly through the glass layers underneath.
What starts as a hairline crack in one corner can, within weeks, turn into a shattered display that stops responding entirely. And at that point, what was a straightforward screen replacement becomes a far more expensive repair — or no repair at all.
1. The damage spreads faster than you think Glass cracks don't stay still. Pressure, heat, and everyday handling cause them to grow. A small crack today can split across the entire screen by next month.
2. Cracked glass is a safety risk Sharp glass edges can cut your fingers — especially during extended use or when the device is handled by kids. What looks like a cosmetic issue can become a genuine hazard.
3. Touch sensitivity degrades over time Even if the touch works perfectly now, the digitiser underneath is under stress. You may start noticing dead zones, unresponsive areas, or erratic touch behaviour — often without warning.
4. Water and dust get in through the cracks Your iPad's screen seal is broken the moment it cracks. Moisture, dust, and debris can now enter through those gaps and reach the internal components — leading to far more serious damage down the line.
5. Resale value drops significantly If there's any chance you'll sell or trade in your iPad in the future, a cracked screen can slash its value considerably. A repair now often costs less than what you'd lose in resale value later.
Reasons People Choose to Leave It
To be fair, not every cracked iPad needs immediate repair. Here's when waiting might make sense:
The crack is very minor — a single hairline chip in one corner with no spread
You're planning to upgrade your iPad within the next few months anyway
The iPad is used only at home on a flat surface with minimal handling
You've already got a screen protector over it that's holding the glass together
In these cases, monitoring the damage closely and protecting the device with a rugged case is a reasonable short-term approach.
The Real Cost Calculation
A lot of people avoid repairs because they assume it'll be expensive. But here's the honest comparison:
iPad screen repair at a reputable local shop — a fraction of what a new iPad costs
New iPad — $700 to $1,500+ depending on model
Ignoring it until it fully fails — potentially paying for both a more complex repair and losing your data in the process
In most cases, getting it repaired early is the most cost-effective decision by a significant margin.
What to Do If You Decide to Repair
Don't just walk into any shop. iPad screen repairs require the right tools and genuine quality parts — a botched repair can leave you with worse touch sensitivity, uneven brightness, or a screen that lifts at the edges within weeks.
Look for a specialist who:
Has specific experience with iPad repairs across all models
Uses quality replacement parts
Offers a warranty on the repair
Gives you a clear, upfront quote before touching the device
In Auckland, 73inc ticks all of those boxes. Based in Grey Lynn, they've been repairing Apple devices — including iPads across all models — since 2016. With 460+ five-star Google reviews, same-day turnaround on most repairs, and a 90-day warranty on all work, they're one of the most trusted repair specialists in the city. They also offer Afterpay, so the cost doesn't have to hit your wallet all at once.
📍 55b Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 📞 0800 726 622 🌐 73inc.nz
If your iPad is cracked but still works, consider yourself lucky — you caught it at the right time. A small repair now is almost always cheaper, safer, and smarter than waiting for the damage to get worse.
The screen is protecting everything inside your device. Once it's compromised, everything else is at risk too.
Don't wait for it to stop working before you take action.
Is your iPad cracked? Drop a comment below — how bad is the damage and are you thinking of repairing it?
