Scratches on smartphone screens are a problem nearly all users encounter. Scratches not only affect the visual experience but can also reduce touch sensitivity. If your phone screen has small scratches, you can clean them up with non-gel toothpaste, baking soda paste, or a special kind of car polish. If the scratches are deep, cover them with a screen shield. This piece tells you everything you need to know to safely and effectively fix scratches on smartphone screens.

Methods for Removing Screen Scratches

Before you start fixing anything, you need to get a good idea of how bad the scratches are. For small scratches on the surface, the following methods will work. Please pick the right one for you based on your case.

Toothpaste Method

Toothpaste is the most common household product used for scratch repair. Be sure to use white, non-gel, non-granular toothpaste.

Steps:

Squeeze a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste onto a microfiber cloth. Use sparingly; too much toothpaste will actually reduce effectiveness.
Gently rub the scratched area in a circular motion for about 1–2 minutes. Use light pressure; let the mild abrasives in the toothpaste do the work.
Wipe away any remaining toothpaste with a clean, damp cloth and check the results.
If you can still see the scratch, you can do it again, but not more than three times to keep the screen from getting too worn down.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a mild alkaline abrasive. When properly mixed, it can be used to polish the screen.

Steps:

Mix baking soda and water in a 2:1 ratio. Stir until it forms a thick paste, similar in consistency to toothpaste.
Apply a small amount of the paste to a microfiber cloth. Gently rub the scratched area in a circular motion for about 1 minute.
Wipe away the baking soda residue with a slightly damp, clean cloth, then dry the screen with a dry cloth.
Check the results; repeat once if necessary.

Car Scratch Remover

Car cleaning products are made to get rid of small scratches on car paint, and they work just as well on smartphone glass screens.

Steps:

Apply the car polish to a clean microfiber cloth.
Gently rub the scratched area in a circular motion, maintaining even pressure.
Continue rubbing for 30 seconds to 1 minute, observing any changes in the scratch.
Wipe off any excess polish with a clean cloth.
If the results are not satisfactory, repeat the process.

Magic Sponge

The Magic Sponge is a microporous cleaning sponge that rubs against surfaces to get rid of spots and small scratches.

Steps:

Lightly dampen the Magic Sponge. Gently rub the scratched area using very light pressure.
Continue wiping for 15–30 seconds, then check the results.
Dry the screen with a dry cloth.

Regular Eraser

This is a strange but useful trick, especially for fixing small scratches on plastic screen covers.

Steps:

First, clean the screen surface with a cloth.
Gently rub the scratched area with the eraser in a horizontal direction for about 1 minute. Then rub vertically for 1 minute.
Wipe away the eraser crumbs with a cloth and check the results.
Repeat the process 2–3 times until the scratch improves.

How to Prevent Scratches on Your Phone Screen?

Prevention is always better than repair. The following measures can minimise screen scratches.

Use a Tempered Glass Screen Protector

This is the most effective way to protect your screen. Recommendations:

Apply a screen protector immediately after getting a new phone
Replace it every 6–12 months
Pick a brand you can trust; cheap screen covers might be more likely to scratch your screen.

Choose a Phone Case with Edge Protection

The design of the phone case’s edges is crucial. If you choose a case with raised edges around the screen, the phone won't touch the surface even if you put it screen-down. Silicone or TPU frames can also cushion impacts. If the case is too tight, the screen sides may get worn down over time.

Learn More: Best Protective Phone Cases for Ultimate Device Protection

Choose a Phone Case with Edge Protection

Develop Good Usage Habits

Keep your phone separate in your pocket or bag to avoid contact with hard objects like keys or coins. Additionally, do not place the screen face down on rough surfaces. Using a phone stand or a ring holder can also reduce the risk of accidental drops. It is recommended to clean the screen regularly to prevent friction caused by accumulated dirt.

Use SUPCASE Phone Cases for All-Around Protection

A high-quality phone case provides comprehensive protection for your phone, including the screen. SUPCASE is a professional name for protecting phones, and they have many drop-proof cases to choose from.

UB GRIP Series iPhone 17 Pro Max MagSafe Case

This iPhone 17 Pro Max case is designed for users seeking ultimate protection.

Key Features:

Military-grade Drop Protection: Features a dual-layer TPU+PC structure for all-around protection. Passed a 15-foot drop test, providing reliable drop protection for your phone.
Stand and MagSafe Functionality: The built-in aluminium metal stand lets you see the screen from different angles. It has N52-grade strong magnets that make it work perfectly with MagSafe devices and stay in place while wireless charging.
Non-Slip Grip: Textured sides provide a secure and comfortable grip. Reduces slippage even during one-handed use or while on the go, effectively preventing accidental drops.
Raised Edges: The camera has 1.5 mm raised edges, and the screen has 2.0 mm raised edges above it. These edges keep the lens and screen from getting scratched or broken.

iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9-inch Unicorn Beetle MAG MagSafe Case

This iPhone 16 Pro Max case also offers professional-grade protection.

Key Features:

Integrated Camera Control Button: Made with 46 pure copper wires to make sliding easy and give a clear reaction when touched.
Durable Materials: Features a scratch-resistant polycarbonate back panel paired with TPU cushioning. This ensures impact resistance while withstanding the wear and tear of daily use.
Comprehensive Protection Design: Raised edges protect the screen and camera from damage. Precise cutouts allow users to easily access all ports and functions.
MagSafe Compatibility: Fully compatible with the MagSafe ecosystem; wireless charging and magnetic accessories work reliably.

UB Pro Mag Series S26 Ultra MagSafe Phone Case

For Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra users, SUPCASE offers flagship-level all-around protection. This S26 Ultra phone case is a high-quality option worth considering.

Key Features:

Built-in Screen Protector: A 0.2mm high-definition PET screen protection is built into the front frame. It effectively prevents screen scratches while maintaining high-definition clarity and touch sensitivity.
Military-Grade Drop Protection: Tested to withstand drops from up to 20 feet, meeting the MIL-STD-810H-516.8 military standard. Its protective performance surpasses that of comparable products.
Stand Function: The built-in stand lets you watch without using your hands in both regular and landscape modes. Enjoy stable support while keeping your hands free.
Rotatable Belt Clip Case: Equipped with a removable, rotatable belt clip case. This design is particularly suitable for daily commuting and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Repairing scratches on a phone screen requires careful handling. You can use toothpaste, baking soda paste, car polish, or magic brushes to fix small scratches. Putting tempered glass screen protection over deeper scratches is the best thing you can do.

Most importantly, we should focus on prevention. A screen cover and a well-made phone case work better and cost less than any repair method.

FAQ

Will Existing Scratches Disappear After Applying a Screen Protector?

They won’t disappear completely, but in most cases, they will become very faint. Most of the time, you won't notice the scratches on the screen unless you look at it from a certain angle. Putting a screen cover on a screen that is already scratched is, therefore, the most cost-effective thing to do.

What is The Difference Between Treating Screen Cracks and Scratches?

Scratches can be repaired or covered up, but cracks require professional repair. If your screen is already broken, don't wait—get in touch with the company's after-sales service or a reliable third-party repair shop right away.

Are All Car Polishing Agents Suitable for Smartphone Screens?

No. The particle size and hardness of abrasives vary significantly between products. Before use, it is recommended to test the product on an old smartphone screen or a discarded glass cup. Generally, toothpaste or baking soda is sufficient for minor scratches. If you'd rather not polish the screen, you can use a screen shield to hide the scratches instead.