Develop Bugs

Shattered Screen - TEP or DIY?

Well, I got stuck in a hailstorm in GA yesterday. I ended up Sprinting (ha get it?) to my car and the phone fell out of my pocket. I actually didn't realize it until moments later. I found it in a river flowing through the parking lot. Fortunately, the glass was the only thing damaged. LCD still works perfectly. No water damage either! Not sure if it was the fall or a hailstone that did the damage to the glass. I have Sprint TEP (just signed up through open enrollment this month thankfully). However, I am confident that I can do the repair myself. My question is this...
Is the image quality noticeably diminished by replacing the screen with a non-OEM screen? I know it wont be Gorilla Glass 2 and it won't have the proper LOCA adhesive between the glass and the digitizer. I am happy to pay the $150 deductible if the image quality and gorilla glass are worth it. Has anyone replaced their own screen who can attest to the display quality before and after? Thoughts on whether I should replace it myself or file a claim with Asurion?

ctasich said:
Well, I got stuck in a hailstorm in GA yesterday. I ended up Sprinting (ha get it?) to my car and the phone fell out of my pocket. I actually didn't realize it until moments later. I found it in a river flowing through the parking lot. Not sure if it was the fall or a hailstone that did the damage. I have Sprint TEP (just signed up through open enrollment this month thankfully). However, I am confident that I can do the repair myself. My question is this...
Is the image quality noticeably diminished by replacing the screen with a non-OEM screen? I know it wont be Gorilla Glass 2 and it won't have the proper LOCA adhesive between the glass and the digitizer. I am happy to pay the $150 deductible if the image quality and gorilla glass are worth it. Has anyone replaced their own screen who can attest to the display quality before and after? Thoughts on whether I should replace it myself or file a claim with Asurion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you found it in a river, I'd be a bit more concerned about water damage. It still turns on/runs fine and the screen is just cracked? Or is it not turning on?
I know that the screen used to run for about $100. For me, I'd probably prefer to have a refurbished phone than try to do the repair myself. For me, the $50 more is worth the saving of trouble/time/risk of screwing up the install.
But I know of some people on XDA who have installed it themselves and have loved it, so it might be worth it.

topherk said:
If you found it in a river, I'd be a bit more concerned about water damage. It still turns on/runs fine and the screen is just cracked? Or is it not turning on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's fully functional. No damage to anything but the glass. I immediately pulled the battery when I got it back. Fortunately, it wasn't in the "river" too long!
topherk said:
I know that the screen used to run for about $100. For me, I'd probably prefer to have a refurbished phone than try to do the repair myself. For me, the $50 more is worth the saving of trouble/time/risk of screwing up the install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like I can get all the equipment needed to do the replacement myself for around $50. I am confident I can do the replacement. I am just worried about the image quality since I wont be using an autoclave + LOCA. Also, the lack of Gorilla Glass 2 would be somewhat of a deterrent. Not sure if these are valid concerns and worth the $150 deductible though. Hoping others who have done the replacement will chime in as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T-mob...id=1363724364&sr=8-1&keywords=galaxy+s3+glass
Go to Amazon, get the glass, read some instructions, watch some videos and take your time, its easy.

evoer said:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T-mob...id=1363724364&sr=8-1&keywords=galaxy+s3+glass
Go to Amazon, get the glass, read some instructions, watch some videos and take your time, its easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done all of this so far. Definitely think I can do the replacement myself, but I'm more concerned with image quality afterwards. The new screen isn't GG2 and it wont be bonded to the underlying digitizer. From what I understand, this diminishes image quality slightly. Anyone notice if that's true? If so, to what extent?
Also, does anyone know what this will do to my TEP? Would it invalidate any future repairs?

If it got soaked in a puddle.....GET A NEW PHONE!!!

kayakaddict said:
If it got soaked in a puddle.....GET A NEW PHONE!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the concern, but I immediately pulled the battery and dried it off. There appears to be no water damage.

No case was on the phone I'm assuming?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

xbmoyx said:
No case was on the phone I'm assuming?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a case with minimal coverage (since I had a Curved Crystal SGP SP on it). I used the Rock Quicksand:
http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Quicksand-Composite-Poly-carbonate-Samsung/dp/B0089E283G

ctasich said:
I had a case with minimal coverage (since I had a Curved Crystal SGP SP on it). I used the Rock Quicksand:
http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Quicksand-Composite-Poly-carbonate-Samsung/dp/B0089E283G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice looking case. Sucks about your phone. I have an Otterbox defender with a Zagg shield I pray if this scenario happened go me it would protect it, I've got no insurance $150/deduct is robbery.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Update: I spoke with a representative at a Sprint store that I used to visit when I had an Evo 4g. They put my name on a list to replace the screen (free of charge since I have TEP) when someone comes in with a working screen. This is unlike any other Sprint store I've called. I'm not sure it's typical service, but hopefully it pans out! It's a third party official service center, so I guess they aren't bound by the same rules Sprint stores go by?

scratch/cracked screen

Anyone else noticed and scratches/cracks on the screen?
The damage seems to have appeared from nowhere and there has not been any drops, impact or contact with sharp objects which leads me to believe that my unit may have a slight defect in the screen that causes easy scratching and cracking? The crack is only about 4mm in length and if you run your finger across the scratch there’s a definite crack as your fingernail runs over it.
I’m almost certain that the screen, especially one that’s Gorilla glass should not show signs of damage as mine has with little to no stress.
I’ve emailed HTC on 26th May and yet to get a response.

None here.

Neither here (4 weeks so far)
Enviado desde mi HTC 10 mediante Tapatalk

Nothing here neither, I never had a problem like that with a HTC phone, you should ask to your family or your dog/cat if they know something about that

None here

My HTC 10 dropped from about 15cm and my display is scratched and broken on bottom side!!!
But gorilla glass 3 shouldn't be resistant???
I come from Samsung note 4 dropped few times and display never scratched neither broken!!!
Is it sure HTC 10 uses gorilla glass??

Question: is it possible HTC fraud us not using gorilla glass? How to check it?

last_nooby said:
My HTC 10 dropped from about 15cm and my display is scratched and broken on bottom side!!!
But gorilla glass 3 shouldn't be resistant???
I come from Samsung note 4 dropped few times and display never scratched neither broken!!!
Is it sure HTC 10 uses gorilla glass??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glass is glass, and will always crack. Consider yourself lucky that the note didn't crack. Perhaps the falls were different because if you drop a phone face down, the chances of cracking the screen are greater than dropping the phone on its back or side.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

Naked or with a case? Cases absorb some of the shock.

what was HTC thinking, they should of used the new Gorilla Glass 4

How much could cost substitute it? They didn't tell me by phone. Approx I mean.

afuller42 said:
what was HTC thinking, they should of used the new Gorilla Glass 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats wrong with gg3? I mean its nearly the same resistant but its a bit thicker(0,7 mm to 0,4mm). And this is a clear advantage. Take a grab on a lg g5. The glass is so thin and flexi that u can easily bend it by touching it, until its hits the lcd.

I have not used a screen protector this time. I have some very faint surface scratches in direct sunlight on the coating but nothing deep or noticeable with daily use
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers mobile app

xperia x root said:
Whats wrong with gg3? I mean its nearly the same resistant but its a bit thicker(0,7 mm to 0,4mm). And this is a clear advantage. Take a grab on a lg g5. The glass is so thin and flexi that u can easily bend it by touching it, until its hits the lcd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a sarcastic post

Contacting HTC
Deano1889 said:
Anyone else noticed and scratches/cracks on the screen?
The damage seems to have appeared from nowhere and there has not been any drops, impact or contact with sharp objects which leads me to believe that my unit may have a slight defect in the screen that causes easy scratching and cracking? The crack is only about 4mm in length and if you run your finger across the scratch there’s a definite crack as your fingernail runs over it.
I’m almost certain that the screen, especially one that’s Gorilla glass should not show signs of damage as mine has with little to no stress.
I’ve emailed HTC on 26th May and yet to get a response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you had any luck with contacting HTC? I've noticed the same on my HTC 10. My three year old HTC M7 hasn't got a visible scratch on it's screen but my new HTC 10 has a couple of bad ones and I haven't dropped it or done anything out of the ordinary.

Yes I got the below back:
Hi,
Thank you for contacting HTC. We are committed to delivering a great customer experience. We apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced and at the same time, appreciate your patience as we work quickly to address your concern.
I understand that you want to have a working phone without any scratches or crack on the screen. Let me shed some light unto your issue.
You may need to send your device for repair so that we can fix the damages on the screen. Let me set your expectation though that there is a possible quotation if out of warranty damages will be diagnosed on it by our repair facility. Please be advised as well that we are unable to book a repair ticket via email due to security reasons. We highly recommend that you will contact our support hotline at ‎0845 890 0079 (Outside the UK dial +44 203 684 5000‎) so that we can properly process a repair ticket for you.
I hope this information is helpful. If you need further assistance, please feel free to reply to this email.
Again, thank you very much for choosing HTC! We truly appreciate your continued business.
Sincerely,
Christine​
I then replied with the below and heard nothing back:
Hi Christine,
Many thanks for your email.
I have to be honest and say I’m somewhat disappointed that you cannot
guarantee me a screen repair, I believe this is a service that is offered
to your American customers in addition to a free gift of a USB type C
cable? Why isn’t this something that is mirrored on the UK?
I would imagine that the cost of a replacement screen + fitting would be
around the £80 mark and unfortunately not something I can commit to seeing
as I have just paid £512 for the brand new HTC10.
Is there anything you can do to help? Even as a good will gesture for
being such a committed customer?​
So yeah a pretty null shrug off from HTC and I’ve had to resort to using a Spigen screen protector

I just dropped mine yesterday. Unfortunately... Went to grab it off the counter and knock it onto the ceramic tile ????
I have a tempered glass screen protector on my phone and nothing happened. Just some minor scuffs on the top of the phone above that grey plastic liner, and a small gouge on the bottom left where the chamfer and flat edge meet which I buffed and filed down so you can barely notice it. Other than that, my screen didn't take a single knick and it even bounced off of the face. I thought screen was going to be cracked for sure. Phone still looks ALMOST brand new besides the minor scuffs you see on the top portion in the back if the light hits it just right.

Deano1889 said:
Yes I got the below back:
Hi,
Thank you for contacting HTC. We are committed to delivering a great customer experience. We apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced and at the same time, appreciate your patience as we work quickly to address your concern.
I understand that you want to have a working phone without any scratches or crack on the screen. Let me shed some light unto your issue.
You may need to send your device for repair so that we can fix the damages on the screen. Let me set your expectation though that there is a possible quotation if out of warranty damages will be diagnosed on it by our repair facility. Please be advised as well that we are unable to book a repair ticket via email due to security reasons. We highly recommend that you will contact our support hotline at ‎0845 890 0079 (Outside the UK dial +44 203 684 5000‎) so that we can properly process a repair ticket for you.
I hope this information is helpful. If you need further assistance, please feel free to reply to this email.
Again, thank you very much for choosing HTC! We truly appreciate your continued business.
Sincerely,
Christine​
I then replied with the below and heard nothing back:
Hi Christine,
Many thanks for your email.
I have to be honest and say I’m somewhat disappointed that you cannot
guarantee me a screen repair, I believe this is a service that is offered
to your American customers in addition to a free gift of a USB type C
cable? Why isn’t this something that is mirrored on the UK?
I would imagine that the cost of a replacement screen + fitting would be
around the £80 mark and unfortunately not something I can commit to seeing
as I have just paid £512 for the brand new HTC10.
Is there anything you can do to help? Even as a good will gesture for
being such a committed customer?​
So yeah a pretty null shrug off from HTC and I’ve had to resort to using a Spigen screen protector
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks to me that they are giving you instructions on how to get it fixed. It is routine practice to warn you that if they find something wrong with it other than you describe that it may not be covered. It should surely be covered but only with Uh Oh protection. One time use. Warranty never guarantees the screen.

LibertyMonger said:
Looks to me that they are giving you instructions on how to get it fixed. It is routine practice to warn you that if they find something wrong with it other than you describe that it may not be covered. It should surely be covered but only with Uh Oh protection. One time use. Warranty never guarantees the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK. HTC don't offer any kind of Uh Oh protection as they do for those in the US.

mine fell sideways on an iron rod. the volume-button is slightly bent, but not a scratch, thankfully
nonamecase without extra screen protection

Replacement Parts

If and when anyone replace any parts on this phone, like a screen, digitizer, frame or just anything, please share your experience here, thanks!

As I understand it, the original water resistance won't be relevant after tear-apart. Some impervious will be lost. The disassembly is more involved than most, in the past. I, myself, may be looking at getting a better phone via trade-in. Gone are the days, for the most part, of servicing the phone for a battery, to keep things going. I'll still monitor the posts about the phone, but things have gotten to where 'root' isn't much of a benefit anymore.
Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk

I'm in the process of getting a new screen, a frame and a battery. Right now the cost for the screen, digitizer and frame is around $175. Batter $7. There's pretty good instructions out there, so shouldn't be a problem.

Didn't you start this thread to share info when sourcing replacement parts?
Where are you sourcing the screen, frame and battery you mention in your post?

Here you go:
WhyKRUM said:
Didn't you start this thread to share info when sourcing replacement parts?
Where are you sourcing the screen, frame and battery you mention in your post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm looking at right now. Been looking around a lot and those two seams OK and I'm going to wait for the price (screen) to drop a bit more. It was $150 a month ago.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/40002...d=8662amp-LQ68B83tsKefTTvVj7Y4NA1575388976474
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/40005...er_id=e78e028e9a44471092750f6d189bf509&is_c=Y
https://www.mengtor.com/brand/LG/For-LG-V-Series/For-LG-V40-ThinQ/1878.html
https://www.mengtor.com/LG/For-LG-G...0-ThinQ-V405(BL-T37)/1842,1878,428/27979.html

Meanwhile...
I will try this screen protector:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32952...er_id=e78e028e9a44471092750f6d189bf509&is_c=Y
It's similar to Dome Whitestone, but a fragment of the price. About $4 compared to $40...

nyttliv7 said:
I will try this screen protector:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32952...er_id=e78e028e9a44471092750f6d189bf509&is_c=Y
It's similar to Dome Whitestone, but a fragment of the price. About $4 compared to $40...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beware 'cheap' prices! Potential bad fit/poor adhesion. If they have a good return policy, go for it, otherwise, next company.
Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk

Thanks...
Einsteindks said:
Beware 'cheap' prices! Potential bad fit/poor adhesion. If they have a good return policy, go for it, otherwise, next company.
Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware! So cheap it's worth trying and aliexpress have a 30 day return policy if I'm not mistaken...
I'll keep you posted...

broken glass v40
Hi guys, how do i know if i have to replace a glass or the full lcd + digitalizer? my daughter dropped my phone. It works perfectly but the glass is broken and i dont want to spend 150USD.

nicolasgmatonti said:
Hi guys, how do i know if i have to replace a glass or the full lcd + digitalizer? my daughter dropped my phone. It works perfectly but the glass is broken and i dont want to spend 150USD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the image under the glass is broken and the touch panel is NOT then you only need an LCD.
If the top touch panel or (glass top) is cracked or broken but the image under it is fine then you only need the Touch Panel (relatively cheap).
If the top touch panel is broken and the lcd image is either black liquid or cracked you need a complete screen.
To be honest it's probably easier to get the combined parts to avoid having to separate LCD from digitizer and risk a failure. Since the digitizer is fused to the LCD you would need some special tools to remove the digitizer to ensure success. Separating the assembly with heatguns, etc. isn't that easy.
My advice: invest in replacing the complete assembly to ensure success.

Positively surprised
The Akcoo "doomglass" fits perfectly and I struggle really hard to even see my cracked screen underneath. Remember, this was $3.50 on Aliexpress! Will still go for a new screen later though. I'll keep you posted regarding the quality of the screen protector...

nyttliv7 said:
The Akcoo "doomglass" fits perfectly and I struggle really hard to even see my cracked screen underneath. Remember, this was $3.50 on Aliexpress! Will still go for a new screen later though. I'll keep you posted regarding the quality of the screen protector...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! These protectors with the UV glue are the only ones that work good on curved screens, had one on my V30, but now need it for my V40. The source I was going to use is currently away for Chinese New Years.. May I ask how long it took to ship to you?
Thanks

Shipping
Talysdaddy said:
Nice! These protectors with the UV glue are the only ones that work good on curved screens, had one on my V30, but now need it for my V40. The source I was going to use is currently away for Chinese New Years.. May I ask how long it took to ship to you?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 weeks, hehe... Might have been a boat ride. Don't mind really for that price

Screen price is down to $121 now, but I'll wait a bit longer

Old thread but you can find demo models on eBay for around $70. Just use the original charge port flex. Then you get the cameras and a new (used) battery too
nyttliv7 said:
Screen price is down to $121 now, but I'll wait a bit longer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nyttliv7 said:
Here you go:
This is what I'm looking at right now. Been looking around a lot and those two seams OK and I'm going to wait for the price (screen) to drop a bit more. It was $150 a month ago.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/40002...d=8662amp-LQ68B83tsKefTTvVj7Y4NA1575388976474
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/40005...er_id=e78e028e9a44471092750f6d189bf509&is_c=Y
https://www.mengtor.com/brand/LG/For-LG-V-Series/For-LG-V40-ThinQ/1878.html
https://www.mengtor.com/LG/For-LG-G-Stylo-Series/For-LG-Stylo-4-|-Stylo-4-Plus/PH-BT-LG-00030-3.85V-3150mAh-Battery-for-LG-Stylo-4-Q710,Stylo-4-Plus/-V40-ThinQ-V405(BL-T37)/1842,1878,428/27979.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you replace your screen after all? I broke mine as well , you think i can use the screen from another V40 model ? Mine is v40 ebw

General Hairline crack, inner screen, feels like screen protector.

Anyone else have hairline cracks on the fold of the inner screen? Mine feel like they are on the screen protector, my screen display is fine. Anyone else experiencing this?
Talking to support now, supposed to take to an authorized repair place. They say it covered by warranty due to normal use causing the cracks. Being sent to an authorized Samsung repair place.
Just inconvenient.

Adhesive failure. Probably due to excessive stretching of the plastic protector during assembly.

blackhawk said:
Adhesive failure. Probably due to excessive stretching of the plastic protector during assembly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likely, but luckily it's covered by the warranty.

dirtybudha said:
Likely, but luckily it's covered by the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you end up getting this fixed under warranty? Mine did the same thing (and the entire screen protector along the fold ripped up all at once).
I did a chat and they told me to take it in to get it fixed, but I'm curious as to what they'll do.

Squeaky369 said:
Did you end up getting this fixed under warranty? Mine did the same thing (and the entire screen protector along the fold ripped up all at once).
I did a chat and they told me to take it in to get it fixed, but I'm curious as to what they'll do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Squeaky369 said:
Did you end up getting this fixed under warranty? Mine did the same thing (and the entire screen protector along the fold ripped up all at once).
I did a chat and they told me to take it in to get it fixed, but I'm curious as to what they'll do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did. They sent me to a certified repair shop.
They essentially replace the whole interior screen. The process worked, but the guys at the location were not that knowledgeable. We plugged it into a computer and it didn't see the USB access. Once I got it home, it worked on my computer. Who doesn't have the drivers for a device that they repair?
Anyway, it works great now.

That's good to hear it worked out for you. My inner screen also failed in the same manner with hairline fractures and black line down the middle turning it in to a Microsoft Duo. I've been on the phone with Samsung three separate times and have had nothing but resistance from them. They sent me to a local repair shop and the manager told me I must have gotten a piece of sand in the hinge or something....huh? He said go ahead and start a claim, but the final word was with him. He also said he got rid of his Fold 3 because he didn't want the same thing to happen to him. So there's definitely a problem with some of the units out there. I'll be sending mine to Samsung soon. I have no confidence that Samsung will actually cover this under warranty in my case due to the treatment I've received from their customer service. It's upsetting.

What a bummer... I got my phone Sept 24, and now on March 24, I just noticed that I have a small crack right where the phone folds. I am going in to Verizon tomorrow. The "Samsung Care+" wanted me to send it in with $249... This is definitely a warranty issue.

I went to my local corporate Verizon store this morning. They will treat it as warranty and my replacement phone arrives tomorrow. The area manager was there, took pics of the screen, and the phone to document current condition (which I appreciate) before approving the swap. Plus she says they are monitoring how many come in like this. Mine wasn't the first. They suspect, like many here, that it's the screen protector. (I guess the Flip 3 has issues too, but my daughter has one that is so far so good).
Now, as long as Verizon doesn't declare my phone as "damaged" by me it will be a free swap. If not, they'll try to bill me. But the area manager agrees that it looks like a defect (and it really is a defect).
One last gripe: I guess I was too eager to get my Fold 3 to realize that the "protection plan" carries a potential $249 fee for a broken screen. Thank goodness this is a defect.

emtownsend said:
. They suspect, like many here, that it's the screen protector. (I guess the Flip 3 has issues too, but my daughter has one that is so far so good).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you mean that they suspect the screen protector is broken or that the screen protector is causing the UTG screen to break?

The thought was that the screen protector is cracking, but not the screen. I've not lost any functionality over the area that is "cracked".

Yeah, when I ran my finger nail over the cracks it would snag. It was absolutely my screen protector...which is factory installed and therefore falls under the manufacturer.
Yes, I think this will be an issue. I don't think this will totally kill the market or much of the sales. My replacement is still going strong, and I haven't heard too many others experiencing the cracks.
I'm sure the Fold 5 will have it all together. Hahaha

100% screen protector, I just replaced mine myself and small crack in the crease is gone!

Yeah, my nail would catch on it. At least it's not the screen...oy. That would be a nightmare.

Checked online, there is a few threads on the Sammy forums, and removing the inner screen protector does NOT void warranty. If the display/screen is damaged in the process, then iti is void.
My replacement protector, OEM, got it's first hairline crack. Gonna remove the OEM one and replace it myself. That way I can just replace it when it goes bad.
NOW I'll say I wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone because of this issue. Samsung failed here, but there's a chance to learn from it and improve it.

dirtybudha said:
Checked online, there is a few threads on the Sammy forums, and removing the inner screen protector does NOT void warranty. If the display/screen is damaged in the process, then iti is void.
My replacement protector, OEM, got it's first hairline crack. Gonna remove the OEM one and replace it myself. That way I can just replace it when it goes bad.
NOW I'll say I wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone because of this issue. Samsung failed here, but there's a chance to learn from it and improve it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
getting the same OEM Samsung screen protector was a bad decision and you should've known that already since it broke once. Samsung's screen protector is an ultra thin plastic layer that's why it breaks. I removed it myself and knew its nature. That's why I installed the Whitestone Dome Film instead (myself) and this protector is elastic and bends easily with the fold. You get definately no cracks because it's a film layer.
try it and you won't regret it. By the way it's so easy to install, and costs only $10- $15

A: How should I have known?? They could have replaced it with better materials.
B: Thanks for the insight into the Whitestone Dome.

Question If you're noticing loosening of the screen protector internal screen...

Get that screen protector replaced in an authorized repair center whether or not you have an active warranty.
Don't do any of the following:
don't attempt to replace it yourself no matter how simple it might seem to you
(The repair centers have a rig to assist them in doing this. And if you screw up, you could end up with a more serious problem.)
don't ignore it because it seems trivial or small
don't wait for the problem to "ripen" before acting
if your warranty has expired: don't decide that this doesn't warrant action
Why?
Over the past week or so, the protector started slowly separating down the crease area of the screen. So I brought it in to a local Samsung-authorized UbreakitIFixit by Asurion. The technician said he's seen a flow of these cases. I went a step further and said that I'm hearing that there are a number of people reporting cracked screens. He nodded and said that-- once the protector starts separating like mine was doing-- this starts to create a degree of pressure on the folding area of the screen. Basically he was telling me that what seems like a trivial cosmetic problem could turn into something far more serious. And expensive.
In my case, I bought my Z Fold 3 shortly before it was replaced by the Z Fold 4-- and I am still covered by the warranty. If you are in the same position, Samsung has what I would call a "silent recall" where they will cover a one-time screen protector replacement. Go to the Samsung service area on their website and avail yourself of this!
And if you are past the warranty, I'd urge you to take the precaution and pay to have the protector replaced-- you sure don't want to face a complete screen replacement-- you might not even consider the cost justifiable.

Apparently this is true; if cracked it will eventually take out the display. I was reading a review and that Australian reviewer didn't have kind things to say about this. He gives the protector a 4-6 month lifespan, if you make a year you're lucky.
He further said this has been a persistent issue; don't expect the next generation to be more durable.

Hmm, I have to replace my wife's every 4 months or so using the Orzero. It is a bit of a learning exercise, but not that hard(key it to do long side first and get the fold crease right at the start). YMMV.

xnappo said:
Hmm, I have to replace my wife's every 4 months or so using the Orzero. It is a bit of a learning exercise, but not that hard(key it to do long side first and get the fold crease right at the start). YMMV.
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Thanks for letting us know that you feel confident doing this yourself. I also see a YouTube demonstration video from the company. I'm not sure that I'd do a neat job but it's good to know that it's possible.
You also opened my eyes to the frequency of replacement that made sense to both of you,

The Whitestone protector comes with a rig so that you place it perfectly right. Only thing you need to worry about is dust getting under it as you're putting it on (some people do it in the bathroom after steaming it up with a hot shower).
My OEM protector lasted over a year. It did separate along the crease at the top and it kept getting longer and longer, so I finally replaced it after months of the separated area. The replacement brought back the anti-fingerprint feature which had worn off the original one, so I was happy about that for sure. Doing it once now, I'll probably replace it next once that anti-fingerprint feature has worn off again since it wasn't as bad/hard as I thought it would be. No need to be intimidated by it after all!

ButterflyFlutterflyMyOhMy said:
The Whitestone protector comes with a rig so that you place it perfectly right. Only thing you need to worry about is dust getting under it as you're putting it on (some people do it in the bathroom after steaming it up with a hot shower).
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ButterflyFlutterflyMyOhMy said:
No need to be intimidated by it after all!
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I have learned so much on xda-developers.com over the years. The two previous posts are really helpful. I found the Whitestone installation YouTube video and now I see how the jig works. I hope I won't have to replace the screen protector but now I realize a couple things:
It's wise to replace the inner screen protector once separation starts appearing
It's entirely possible to do the job myself if / when the warranty no longer applies.