How to remove scratches from your phone

Whether it’s from the car keys in your pocket or an accidental drop, our phones are bound to fall victim to scratches and scuffs.

The best (and safest!) way to repair your scratched and scuffed-up iPhone, Android phone, or other mobile device is to replace the screen!

For example, Apple only charges $29 to replace your screen(opens in new tab) if you have AppleCare+. Once your warranty has expired, it costs about $129-$379 for Apple to replace the screen, depending on your iPhone model. You may be able to find reputable third-party local businesses that will replace your screen for a smaller one.

If you’re looking for DIY methods, it’s never been easier to load a how-to video online. Companies like iFixIt(opens in new tab) You will be provided with all the tools you need, although the prices will vary according to the phone model you are trying to repair.

If even repair options are out of reach, there are some easy DIY repairs that can help you remove some shallow scratches from your beloved gadget.

Here are nine remedies with varying degrees of success when it comes to saving phones from minor scratches.

Before trying any of these methods, make sure you turn off your phone, remove the battery (if you can) and seal the ports of your phone with tape to prevent liquid damage.. Again, these methods are for minor, annoying marks on your phone. If you have major scratches and cracks on your screen, you need to go to the pros or completely replace the screen yourself.

And maybe also consider a screen protector(opens in new tab) next time.

1. Toothpaste

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Look no further than your bathroom for a makeover small marks on your phone screen. The key here is usage real toothpastenot a gel-based toothpaste.

Here’s how this method works:

1. Dab a little toothpaste on the tip of a cotton swab or clean, soft cloth.

2. Gently rub the cotton swab or cloth in circular motions on the screen until you see the scratch disappear.

3. After this, wipe your screen with a slightly damp cloth to remove any excess toothpaste.

2. Sandpapers or drill grinders

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Grinding stubborn phone scratches with sandpaper or a small drill grinder is a drastic solution, but has the ability to remove unwanted scuffs from your phone. we do not recommend using it on your phone screen. It is best to use this method to smooth the scratches on the back of your phone.

When using fine sandpaper, it is important that use the least abrasive type and to press gently on your phone. As you grind the phone’s scratches, always check to make sure there is no damage to the screen.

NOTES: If you are not careful, this method can cause a lot of scratches and damage.

3. Magic Erasers

Magic Erasers, like those sold by Mr. Clean, is the perfect size to maneuver around your phone to remove small scratches. But the looks of Magic Erasers can be a little deceiving. They are abrasive and work like wet sandpaper, so we encourage the same precautions as the method above.

4. Baking soda

Mix two parts baking soda and one part water in a bowl to make a thick paste that will help remove scratches from your phone.
Credits: FLICKR, KAFKA4PREZ

Baking soda can serve as a handy phone scratch remover. Be careful with this method, you don’t want the water to damage your phone either. Here’s how this drug works:

1. Mix two parts baking soda and one part water in a bowl.

2. Blend until a thick paste forms.

3. Put the paste on a clean, soft cloth and gently rub in a circular motion on the phone’s scratches.

4. After this, wipe your screen with a new, slightly damp cloth to remove any excess.

5. Baby powder

Baby powder mixed with water creates a thick paste that can be used to remove scratches from your phone.
Credit: FLICKR, AUKIRK

Adding water to baby powder creates a paste that removes scratches from your phone. In the steps above, just replace the baby powder with the baking soda. And again, be careful not to water damage your phone.

6. Vegetable oil

For small, hidden scratches, vegetable oil is said to work well as a temporary solution. A small drop of vegetable oil on the surface of the scratches can be a quick cosmetic fix.

7. Egg and potassium aluminum sulfate

A mixture of egg white and potassium aluminum sulfate will remove some minor scratches.

For this, you need a microfiber cloth, an egg, aluminum foil, and alum (potassium aluminum sulfate, which can be purchased at your local pharmacy).

1. Mix an egg white and a teaspoon of alum in a saucepan. Heat to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Soak the microfiber cloth in the egg and alum mixture.

3. Place the fabric on aluminum foil, and then place it in a 300-degree oven until the fabric is completely dry.

4. Remove the cloth from the oven and rinse it in cold water for 20 to 30 seconds.

5. Repeat the above step three times, and then let the fabric dry for 48 hours.

6. Now, use the cloth to remove the scratches.

8. Car scratch removal creams

Car scratch removal creams such as Turtle Wax, 3M Scratch, and Swirl Remover can reduce and eliminate minor scratches. Simply apply the cream to a clean, soft cloth and wipe your screen in a gentle, circular motion.

9. Brasso, Silvo, or other polishes

Silvo and Brasso are said to clean and repair scratches on phones.
Credit: FLICKR, MARKCPH

A word of warning before you follow this method: Using polishes like Brasso and Silvo can sometimes remove the screen coating and result in larger scratches. Try it at your own risk.

1. Pour the polish into a bowl. It’s a good idea to put a towel under the bowl so it doesn’t get wasted.

2. Dip a soft cloth into the polish.

3. Cut the fabric up and down the scratch and in circular motions.

4. After this, wipe your screen with a new cloth to remove any excess.

UPDATE: May. 24, 2023, 1:30 pm AEST This article was originally published in 2014, updated in 2018, then updated again in May 2023.