Back Cover Repair: More Than Just Cosmetic Damage
Back in the day, you could simply snap a plastic back cover off your Nokia or Samsung. Nowadays, most high-end smartphones consist of glass, ceramic, or aluminum unibodies. A crack in the back not only looks ugly, but it can also be dangerous for your fingers and the internal technology.
Which products does this apply to?
This article focuses on devices where the back cover is a fixed part of the construction, often made of glass.
Applicable: Modern smartphones (iPhone 8 and newer, Samsung S-series), Smartwatches (especially the glass sensor side on the wrist, like Apple Watch), and tablets with glass backs (like iPad Pro).
Not applicable: Older phones with removable plastic covers, laptops (this is called 'bottom case' replacement), or devices with a metal back that only has light scratches.
What is the definition of a back cover repair?
This repair involves replacing the damaged rear side. However, there are two very different methods, especially for iPhones:
Laser Method (Glass Only): Because the glass on iPhones is attached to the frame with extremely strong industrial glue, specialized repair shops use a laser machine. This laser burns the glue underneath the glass, after which the glass can be removed and a new glass plate is glued on.
Housing Swap (Full Housing): Here, not only the glass but the complete frame (the housing including metal edges) is replaced. All internal parts (motherboard, battery, camera) are transferred from the old to the new housing. This is the only option if the frame is bent.
What could be the reasons a back cover repair is needed?
Drop Damage: Glass is hard but fragile. One drop on the pavement can cause the "spiderweb" effect.
Bent Frame: From sitting with the phone in your back pocket. If the frame is bent, there is continuous tension on the glass (both front and back).
Swollen Battery: If the battery expands, it pushes the back cover outwards until it cracks or comes loose.
In which case can a back cover repair help?
Safety: Cracked glass releases microscopic splinters. This is dangerous for your fingers and pockets.
Protection: An open crack is an open door for moisture and dust. Water resistance disappears instantly with a crack.
Wireless Charging: The coil for wireless charging sits directly under the glass. With a severe crack, this can become exposed or damaged.
Trade-in Value: A device with a cracked back is often considered economically "total loss" at trade-in, while a repaired device is worth much more.
When is a back cover repair unnecessary?
Cosmetic Scratches: Do you have light scratches and use a case anyway? Then replacement is purely aesthetic and not functionally necessary.
Extremely Bent Device: If the device is bent like a banana, chances are the motherboard also has hairline fractures. A new housing will not fix the internal damage.
Do you need a back cover repair yourself?
Do you have glass splinters in your fingers after texting, or are you afraid to take your phone out of its case for fear it will fall apart?
Check and compare our independent repairers in our marketplace. They have the right lasers or original parts to make your device safe and like new again.