TECHNICAL WARNING BEFORE DISPLAY INSTALLATION!

Why is testing displays before installation crucial?

When replacing smartphone displays – especially LCD displays without a frame – precision and attention to detail play a crucial role. These components are extremely delicate, and even a small mistake during handling can lead to immediate damage. The good news is that such situations can often be avoided with one simple step: testing the display before installation.

A pre-installation test is not just a formality – it's a critical step that protects both the quality of the repair and your warranty rights. If a display shows signs of installation but doesn’t function properly, it becomes very difficult (and often impossible) to determine whether it was defective upon delivery or damaged during installation. In such cases, warranty claims (RMAs) are usually rejected.

That’s why we strongly recommend taking a few extra minutes to verify the part’s functionality before final installation. This approach helps you avoid disputes, confirms the component is working correctly, and provides proof that any defect was present upon delivery. It’s a simple precaution that can save you significant costs and the frustration of denied warranty claims.

In this blog, we’ll explore why pre-installation testing is so important, what steps a proper test should include, and what to watch out for during the verification process!

1. Why test the display before installation?

• Image: brightness, colors, uniformity, pixels
• Touch: responsiveness across the entire surface
• Artifacts: dead pixels, flickering, vertical lines

2. Detailed Testing Procedure:

1. Preparation: Do not remove the protective film or labels; use ESD protection (anti-static wrist strap/mat).

2. Connection: Gently insert the flex cable – do not bend it more than 90°.

3. Power On and Inspection:
      - Image: brightness, colors, uniformity, pixels
      - Touch: responsiveness across the entire surface
      - Artifacts: dead pixels, flickering, vertical lines

4. Evaluate the Result:
      - If the panel works flawlessly: proceed with installation.
      - If defects appear: stop the installation and request a replacement.

3. Common Installation Mistakes and Their Consequences:

• Excessive bending of the flex cable: Can result in color distortions or side banding on the display.
• Uneven pressure on the panel: May cause bright spots or lines to appear.
• Incorrect positioning when attaching the frame: Can scratch the sensor or camera lens.

Examples 3 and 4: Vertical stripes and scratched camera

Fig. 3: Excessive bending of the flex cable caused colored vertical stripes.

Fig. 4: Scratching of the front camera lens due to improper frame alignment.

Summary and recommendations:

Testing displays before installation is a simple step that can protect your warranty and prevent unnecessary costs.

Our tips:

• Always test the panel before installation.
• Use ESD protection.
• Handle flex cables carefully (bend ≤ 90°).
• If a defect is found, contact us for a warranty claim and do not install the faulty part!

By following these simple steps, you'll ensure greater satisfaction, minimize warranty claims, protect your repairs, and save time and money!