Removing scratches from your phone: getting your screen polished

A scratch on your phone or Apple Watch screen is annoying: it's harder to read the display and the device looks worn. In many cases the screen doesn't need to be replaced — a specialist can polish the surface, making scratches disappear while you keep your original screen. In this overview you'll read which scratches can be removed, how the polishing process works, and when a screen replacement is the better choice.

What is screen polishing?

When a screen is polished, the glass is treated with special equipment so surface scratches disappear and the screen looks smooth and clear again. The big advantage: the device doesn't need to be taken apart and you keep your original screen. For the Apple Watch, this means the original sealing and the associated Apple warranty stay intact, since the watch isn't opened.

Polishing solves something different from a screen replacement: it restores a scratched but otherwise intact surface. If the glass is cracked or broken, polishing isn't an option and a screen replacement is needed (see below).

Which scratches can be removed?

Not every kind of damage calls for the same approach. The nature of the scratch determines whether polishing is enough:

• Small, surface-level scratches — typically from keys, sand or everyday use in a pocket or bag. These usually polish out well.
• Deeper scratches — require a more thorough treatment; during the diagnosis you'll hear whether polishing is enough for your case.
• Cracks or broken glass — polishing doesn't help here. In that case a screen replacement is the right solution, also because a crack can let moisture and dirt into the device.

Not sure how deep the scratch is? A repair technician first assesses the condition of the screen and then discusses which approach makes sense.

How the polishing process works

Polishing happens in several steps:

1. Diagnosis — the repair technician assesses the depth of the scratches and the overall condition of the screen.
2. Preparation — the device or Apple Watch is secured and placed in the polishing machine.
3. Polishing — the screen surface is treated with special equipment until the scratches are gone.
4. Finishing and inspection — the screen is buffed and checked for an even finish. Finally, the surface is finished so fingerprints and water droplets are less likely to linger.

iPhone screen polishing

An iPhone screen is prone to scratches from everyday use. Surface-level and deeper scratches on the glass can often be polished out, so the screen looks like new again without you having to replace the entire screen. If the glass is cracked, take a look at iPhone screen replacement — you'll find the models and current prices there.

Apple Watch screen polishing

An Apple Watch quickly picks up scratches on the glass from being worn on the wrist. FIXNOW polishes the screen without opening the watch, so the original sealing and the Apple warranty remain intact. Scratches and dull spots disappear and the glass looks like new again. You'll find the polishing service with the current price on your model's page, for example Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Ultra; an overview of all models is on Apple Watch repair. If the glass on your Apple Watch is cracked, a screen replacement is needed instead of polishing.

Need help?

Scratches on your phone or Apple Watch screen? FIXNOW helps you in Antwerp and Wolvertem: we first assess whether the screen can be polished or whether a replacement is the better choice, and we work to keep your original screen wherever we can.

• Apple Watch with scratches? Book the polishing service on your model's page: Apple Watch Series 10 · Apple Watch SE · Apple Watch Ultra — or see all models at Apple Watch repair.
• Is the glass cracked? Check iPhone screen replacement or Apple Watch repair.
• Popular iPhone models: iPhone 13 · iPhone 14 · iPhone 15 · iPhone 16
• Book an appointment for polishing or a screen replacement.
• Coming by doesn't suit you? You can also mail in your device; the shipping conditions are listed there.

Frequently asked questions

Can deep scratches also be polished out?

Surface-level scratches usually polish out well. For deeper scratches it depends on the condition of the glass: during the diagnosis the repair technician assesses the depth and discusses whether polishing is enough or a screen replacement is the better choice. Once the glass has a crack, polishing no longer helps.

Do I keep my Apple warranty if I have my Apple Watch polished?

During polishing, the Apple Watch isn't opened. That means the original sealing and the associated Apple warranty stay intact, while the scratches on the glass disappear.

Can I remove scratches from my screen myself?

DIY remedies and home tricks rarely give a clean result and can damage the screen further or affect the coating. Have the screen polished by a specialist with the right equipment instead, so you keep your original screen.