If you wear your Apple Watch 24/7, you probably have a scratched Apple Watch and are feeling pretty upset right now. After all, who wants to wear a watch that looks like it got dragged across the floor by a cat? That’s why we collated an entire guide on Apple watch screen scratch repair.
In this article, we covered how to remove scratches from your Apple Watch, what you will need to do so, and how to avoid scratches in the first place. We also estimated what it would cost you to fix your watch scratches with a professional service.
Let’s get to it.
Is It Possible to Repair Apple Watch Scratches?
Yes, it’s possible to repair an Apple Watch with scratches although it’s unlikely. Just keep in mind that the success of the repair will depend on how severe the scratches are. More so, your peculiar situation will determine whether you should attempt to remedy the scratches or not.
Sometimes, removing scratches from your Apple Watch might be unnecessary as these scratches don’t affect the internal parts of the device and its functionality.
However, those lines and dents deface and take away the beauty of your device. And like most people, if you detest that, you will certainly want to get rid of them.
Let’s see some Apple Watch scratch repair methods.
How to Remove Scratches From Apple Watch?
Scratches on the Apple Watch are inevitable. Whether they’re from falling or rubbing against a surface, they will happen.
Fortunately, you can get rid of the scratches on your Apple Watch either with a professional’s help or by yourself. This guide will cover two DIY methods of removing scratches from Apple watches.
Solution 1: Use Home Products
The first DIY Method involves the use of materials you already have at home. You will be using the following materials:
- Toothpaste
- Lysol disinfecting wipes (Check in Amazon)
- Purified water (Bottled water)
- Two kinds of cloth: fabric and silky
- Q-tips or microfiber cloth
This method is great for minor scratches and not deep scratches. Thus, you might have to go for a more intensive removal method, the 2n method.
Here are the steps to remove scratches from your Apple Watch with home products:
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Step 1. Wipe the screen with the fabric cloth and Lysol wipes.
This removes dirt or other particles that might have settled on the device’s surface.
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Step 2. Apply toothpaste with Q-tips or microfiber cloth.
Put a bit of toothpaste on the Q-tip/Microfiber cloth and apply it on the watch surface in a circular motion on the scratch marks for about 60 seconds. The toothpaste should be dry when you stop rubbing.
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Step 3. Clean the screen with a wet silky cloth.
Wet the silky cloth with water and then use it to wipe the screen again till all the toothpaste is out.
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Step 4. Dry the screen surface with a fabric cloth.
Wiping the screen dry the fabric cloth and observe if the scratch is still visible. If it is still visible repeat the procedure from Step 2 again till you are satisfied.
And that’s it. This is the most simple Apple Watch scratch repair method that you can use. Now we will see a more professional one.
Solution 2: Use Specific Products
So many products are available in the market that promises to remove the scratches on your Apple Watch. As we mentioned earlier, all these methods have varying results of success.
The process and price are also differentiating factors.
The Zcratch UV Scratch Remover is affordable and gets the job done perfectly.
Here is how to remove scratches from your device with this Apple Watch scratch remover.
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Step 1. Read the instructions on the pack.
There is a QR code that leads to a YouTube Video on how to use the product.
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Step 2. Clean the display screen surface.
You should use the polish fluid that comes with the package to clean the watch’s surface. This removes dust and particles that may be on the watch.
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Step 3. Apply Zcratch UV liquid in the middle of the display.
Make sure no bubbles are formed. Bubbles in the Liquid will make the final result poor.
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Step 4. Apply the PMMA protector.
Place the protector on one side and slowly lower it till it covers the watch surface.
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Step 5. Flip the Apple Watch on its head for 60 seconds.
This allows the Zcratch UV fluid to run and reach all parts of the watch display.
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Step 6. Readjust the protector, if necessary.
Sometimes, the protective film may have shifted a bit from the center. Readjust to obtain a perfect result.
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Step 7. Cure with a UV lamp or sunlight.
Connect the UV Lamp to a power source and put the watch in to cure.
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Step 8. Remove adhesive residue & clean with isopropanol.
The edges of the watch may have remnants of the Zcratch fluid. Use isopropanol or alcohol to remove them.
Related article: I washed AirPods – How to fix them
Why Does Apple Watch Scratch Easily?
Apple Watch Scratch Easily because there is a thin fingerprint and oil-resistant layer on the display surface. Although the Apple Watch Screen is made from sapphire crystal and so it is supposed to be resistant to scratches, the thin layer of the display screen is susceptible to scratches.
Apple says that this protective layer could wear off with time and it doesn’t affect the watch’s functionality. So, your watch can pick up scratches easily and still work perfectly.
Of course, there’s also the human factor.
Some people are more careful with their gadgets than others or they just don’t scratch their Apple Watch in the same ways.
How to Protect Your Apple Watch From Scratches?
To protect your Apple Watch from scratches you should consider the following:
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Using A Screen Protector. A watch is on a very mobile part of the body so it is prone to lots of dents and scratches. An Apple Watch is no exception to this. Thus, using a screen protector on your device is the best way you can prevent your Apple Watch from scratches.
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Using A Case. Apple Watch Cases protect the sides of the watch in addition to the screen. It may add a little weight to the device but that’s a small price to pay to keep the watch pristine.
Good use of digital devices is the best way to ensure their longevity and preserve their aesthetic beauty.
However, accidental drops and bumps are inevitable. Thus, screen protectors and device cases are the way to go.
Does AppleCare Warranty Cover Apple Watch’s Scratches?
No. AppleCare Warranty doesn’t cover scratches. Apple explicitly stated in its Warranty Notice that the warranty does not cover “cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents, and broken plastic”. They believe scratches affect device parts that would eventually diminish in quality over time.
AppleCare+, a paid and more comprehensive package, covers accidental damages. Scratches fall within this category of damages.
However, you will have to pay a token to get the watch fixed and free from the scratch menace.
Cost, Service, and Repair for Apple Watch Scratches
The cost of service and repair for Apple Watch scratch range between $69 and $800. The repair cost is heavily influenced by the model of the watch. The AppleCare+ package charges s service of $69 or $79 for fixing scratches on the Apple Watch Series
You may think that the cost is expensive. That’s because Apple doesn’t repair broken screens. They will just replace your Apple Watch with a new one.
They don’t just charge you for the screen, but for the whole replacement.
Which Apple Watch Is the Most Scratch Resistant?
Apple Watch Ultra takes the crown as the most scratch-resistant watch from Apple. The screen of the Apple Watch Ultra (and the Series 8) is made with Sapphire Crystals, the third hardest material known to man. They can withstand the harshest conditions with minimal impacts.
The display screens of Apple Watches are made with various materials that hold well against scratches and cracks. With good use, you can avoid scratches on your Apple Watch, no matter which type you rock.
3 Benefits of Using an Apple Watch Screen Protector
- It Is An Additional Safety Layer. It prevents your watch from picking up scratches and dents when it comes in contact with textured and rough surfaces. Also, in case of an accidental fall, your watch has a higher probability of escaping major damages.
- It Preserves Your Watch’s Aesthetics. Instead of your watch bearing the brunt of daily use and wear and tear, the protective case takes it all. Thus, your watch
- It Increases The Watch’s Lifespan. A screen protector ensures that you keep using the device as long as you want. It helps you save and do more things with your funds. You will not have to replace your watch abruptly because of damage.
A Protective Case or a Screen Protector saves you from the hassles of removing apple watch scratches.
However, to get the best of a protective case, you have to apply it on your watch immediately when you start using it.
4 Best Anti-Scratch Apple Watch Screen Protectors
1. Baozai Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Price: $8.99
Compatible With: Apple Watch Series 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 & Ultra
Baozai Tempered Glass Screen Protector covers all parts of your Apple Watch. It is made from plastic so it is light and adds minimal weight while protecting your watch from the elements.
The screen protector is easy to install and works for most Apple Watch designs.
2. LK Touch Sensitive Liquid Screen Protector for Apple Watch
Price: $9.99
Compatible With: Apple Watch 40 milímetros Series 4/5/6/SE
LK Liquid Screen Protector comes as a pack of 6 screen protector films and installation materials.
The protector is made from a flexible material and fits perfectly on an Apple Watch Series 7 or 8. It only protects your watch’s screen and not the sides.
3. Recoppa Apple Watch Case With Screen Protector (3 Pack)
Price: $9.99
Compatible With: Apple Watch 40 mm Series 4/5/6 and SE
The Recoppa Apple Watch Case protects both the sides and screen of your watch. In addition to a tempered screen protector, you will also get three cases. You can change the cases whenever you feel the previous one has lost its worth.
4. SLYEN Apple Watch Case With Screen Protector (6 Pack)
Price: $12.99
Compatible With: Apple Watch Series 3/4/5/6 and SE
SLYEN Apple Watch Case offers stylish designs and safety. The package contains 6 cases in different colors and styles.
The screen protector is made with TPU, a specially-made plastic that is scratch-resistant, elastic, and tougher than normal plastics.
Avoid Scratches on Your Apple Watch – Use Protectors
The Apple Watch is designed as an accessory with a long lifespan. This means that if you take care of it, have it serviced regularly, and keep it away from liquids when not wearing it, it should last you for years.
In addition to taking care of your Apple Watch, using screen protectors or watch cases minimizes the possibility of your watch getting scratches, dents, and even cracks.
Though the watch can get some wear and tear over the years, it will still serve you well.