It’s a common scenario: you slip your phone into your pocket with your keys, or keep it in your bag without a case, and later notice those fine scratches on the screen. They don’t affect functionality, but they ruin the look of your device. The good news is that there’s a simple, inexpensive home method to make them far less visible—no screen replacement needed.
Why Toothpaste Works
Toothpaste has a mild polishing effect. Just as it smooths the surface of teeth, it can gently buff out superficial marks on glass or plastic screens. This is not a professional repair, but for light scratches, the improvement can be surprisingly good.
Important: This technique only works on shallow surface scratches. For cracked screens, deep gouges, or unresponsive touchscreens, professional repair is necessary.
What You’ll Need
- White toothpaste (not gel and without microbeads)
- 1–2 cotton swabs
- A soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth
- Your phone, with case and screen protector removed
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Clean the screen:
Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust or dirt that could cause further scratches during polishing.
2. Apply toothpaste:
Put a small amount of white toothpaste onto the tip of a cotton swab.
3. Light polishing:
Gently rub the toothpaste over the scratched area in small circular motions for a few seconds. Avoid applying heavy pressure.
4. Wait and clean:
Let the toothpaste sit for about one minute. Then, use the damp cloth to remove all residue, and dry the screen.
5. Check the result:
Superficial scratches may be noticeably reduced or even invisible after the first application.
Tips and Precautions
- If scratches remain, you can repeat the process once more. Avoid over-polishing, as this can dull the screen.
- Ensure the phone is completely dry before reapplying any case or screen protector.
- Do not attempt this on severely damaged screens, unresponsive touchscreens, or if your device is still under warranty (as it may void the coverage).
- This is a cosmetic fix—it will not restore structural integrity or replace professional repair when needed.
Conclusion:
This quick at-home method can improve the appearance of light scratches and help maintain your screen’s clean, polished look without any cost. For deeper damage, however, professional repair remains the safest option.