A Samsung Galaxy S20 with cracked glass, lines, black patches or failed touch needs a new OLED screen and touch digitiser assembly, because the glass, touch layer and display are bonded into one part. A replacement OLED assembly for the S20 / S20 5G costs £135.00 at E-Tech61 (checked 15 October 2026). If the screen looks undamaged but the display flickers, goes black or shows a green tint when the phone flexes, the fault can be the main board to LCD flex cable instead, which costs £4.99. Replacing an S20 screen means opening the glued back glass, disconnecting the battery and carefully removing the old curved display, so it suits experienced DIY repairers and repair shops. This guide covers diagnosis, parts, the repair process and costs.
Which Galaxy S20 do you have?
The Galaxy S20 family includes several phones that look similar but use different screens:
- Galaxy S20 (SM-G980F) and Galaxy S20 5G (SM-G981B): 6.2-inch screen. These share the screen covered in this guide.
- Galaxy S20+: 6.7-inch screen, different part.
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: 6.9-inch screen, different part.
- Galaxy S20 FE (SM-G780F and variants): a flat 6.5-inch screen, different part.
To check your model, go to Settings > About phone and look at the model number. The Galaxy S20 series overview summarises the differences between models. Our parts collections are split by model: Galaxy S20 G980F parts and Galaxy S20 FE G780F parts.
Symptoms: screen or something else?
Signs the screen assembly needs replacing
- Cracked or shattered front glass.
- Touch does not respond in some areas, or registers phantom touches.
- Lines, flickering, dark patches, discolouration or ink-like spots on the display.
- The phone rings or vibrates but the screen stays black after a drop.
- A green or pink line that appears after an impact and does not go away.
Signs the fault may be the display flex
- The image cuts out or flickers when you press the back or twist the phone slightly.
- The display works intermittently with no visible damage to the glass or panel.
- Problems started after the phone was opened for another repair.
The S20 uses a flex cable to connect the main board to the display connection. A damaged or poorly seated flex can cause display faults that look like a failed screen. Checking and reseating connections, or replacing the inexpensive flex, should come before buying a new screen if the panel itself shows no damage.
Rule out software first
If the screen is frozen but undamaged, try a forced restart: hold the side key and volume down together for about 10 seconds until the phone restarts. If touch problems started after an update, check for further updates in Settings > Software update. Remove any thick or poorly fitted screen protector, which can affect touch near the curved edges and the fingerprint sensor.
Parts for a Galaxy S20 screen repair
OLED screen and touch digitiser assembly
Our S20 / S20 5G OLED screen replacement in black is a combined OLED display and touch digitiser assembly, supplied to OEM standard. It is the fix when the glass is cracked, the image is damaged or touch has stopped responding. Professional fitting is recommended. Price: £135.00 (checked 15 October 2026).
Main board to LCD flex cable
For display faults caused by the connection rather than the panel, our flex cable for the Galaxy S20 (SM-G981) costs £4.99. Check the model number on the listing against your phone before ordering.
Also needed
- Back glass adhesive (the back must be removed and resealed).
- Screen adhesive if you are fitting a screen without a frame.
- A new back glass if the old one cracks during removal; this is common on glass-backed Samsung phones.
Screen with frame or screen only?
Samsung replacement screens are sold in two main forms:
- Screen with frame: the display comes pre-fitted in a new midframe. You move the battery, boards, cameras and other parts from the old frame into the new one. This avoids removing a curved, glued screen from the old frame, which is the riskiest step, but involves more parts transfer.
- Screen only: the display assembly without a frame, as with our listing. You must heat and separate the old screen from the frame, clean the frame thoroughly and glue the new screen in. This needs care and patience, because curved Samsung screens are thin and the old panel often breaks during removal.
Repair shops usually prefer screen-only parts when they have the experience and equipment, because the old frame stays with the phone. Less experienced repairers may find a framed screen easier, if one is available for the model.
How a Galaxy S20 screen replacement works
This is an overview of a screen-only replacement. Steps vary between guides and repairers; always follow a guide for the exact model. Samsung's UK self-repair page explains Samsung's own self-repair programme and the models it covers.
Tools
- Heat pad or heat gun on a low setting, suction cups and plastic opening picks.
- Phillips #000 screwdriver.
- Spudger and tweezers.
- Screen separator or a thin plastic card and isopropyl alcohol for adhesive.
- Back glass adhesive and screen adhesive.
Main steps
- Power off and discharge the battery below 25%.
- Remove the SIM tray.
- Heat and remove the back glass. Work slowly around the edges with picks. The glass is thin and cracks easily if the adhesive is cold.
- Remove the midframe cover screws, then the wireless charging coil and cover.
- Disconnect the battery before any other connector.
- Disconnect the display connector and any flex connected to it.
- Heat the front screen and separate it from the frame, working from the bottom upwards and around the curved edges. Feed the display flex through the frame opening.
- Clean the frame of all old adhesive and glass fragments.
- Fit the new screen with fresh adhesive, route the flex through the frame and connect it.
- Test before sealing: display, touch across the edges, fingerprint unlocking, front camera, earpiece and proximity sensor.
- Reassemble the coil, covers and back glass with new adhesive, and clamp or press while the adhesive sets.
After fitting, register your fingerprints again in Settings > Biometrics and security, because the in-display sensor may need fresh calibration with a new panel.
Samsung S20 screen replacement cost in the UK
The main cost is the OLED assembly: £135.00 from us for the S20 / S20 5G. Other costs depend on your route:
- DIY: the screen, adhesives and tools, plus a replacement back glass if yours breaks.
- Independent repair shop: the screen plus labour. Labour reflects the time to open the back, remove the curved screen and reseal.
- Samsung service: Samsung's own pricing for the model; check Samsung's UK mobile support for repair options.
We do not quote shop or Samsung prices because they change and vary by location. When comparing quotes, ask whether the price includes a new back adhesive seal, what grade of screen is used and how long the warranty lasts.
Is it worth repairing a Galaxy S20?
The S20 was released in 2020, so compare the repair cost with the phone's value and your alternatives. If the rest of the phone is in good condition and you like it, a screen repair keeps a capable phone in use. If the battery is also worn or the back glass is cracked, factor those costs in too.
DIY or repair shop?
An S20 screen replacement is one of the harder Samsung repairs because of the glued back, the curved display and the risk of cracking the new panel during fitting. We recommend professional fitting for most people. If you are an experienced repairer, the parts and steps above will get you there. If not, our guide to Samsung S8 screen replacement gives a feel for how Samsung curved-screen repairs work, and for larger models see our article on Samsung S22 Ultra screen replacement kits.
Screen quality: what to look for
Replacement screens for Samsung OLED phones vary widely. When buying for the S20, check:
- Display technology. The S20 uses an OLED panel. OLED replacements keep the deep blacks, colour and power efficiency of the phone's display and support the in-display fingerprint sensor. Some cheaper replacements for other models use LCD or in-cell technology that is thicker, uses more power and may not work with in-display fingerprint sensors; check the listing says OLED.
- Brightness and colour. A good OLED replacement should look close to the phone's factory screen side by side.
- Touch response across the whole screen, including the curved edges.
- Fit in the frame, with no gaps or raised edges.
- Returns policy. Our screens have 30-day returns on unused items, so you can check the part before fitting.
Before fitting, connect the new screen to the phone and power it on to check display and touch. Many repairers do this test with the screen loosely in place, so a faulty part can be returned unused.
Protecting the new screen
Once the repair is done, protect your investment. Use a case with a raised lip around the screen, and a screen protector designed for the S20's curved edges and compatible with the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Thick glass protectors that do not support the sensor can make fingerprint unlocking unreliable, so choose one marked as compatible.
Common problems after an S20 screen replacement
- Touch not working near the edges: the screen is not seated evenly or adhesive is uneven; reseat before final sealing.
- Fingerprint sensor unreliable: re-register fingerprints and avoid thick screen protectors.
- Display flickers when pressed: check the display connector and flex; a pinched or loose flex is the usual cause.
- Back glass not sealing: remove all old adhesive and use fresh adhesive, clamping while it sets.
- Proximity sensor problems in calls: check nothing blocks the sensor area at the top of the new screen.
Other S20 repairs at the same time
Because the phone is open, consider replacing a worn battery in the same repair. Our article on Samsung S21 Ultra battery replacement explains how Samsung battery swaps work on a similar design. If you repair several models, our guide to the Samsung S8 Plus OLED replacement covers another common curved-screen job.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Samsung S20 screen replacement cost?
The OLED screen assembly is £135.00 from E-Tech61 (checked 15 October 2026). Shop prices add labour, so compare quotes.
How do I replace a Samsung S20 screen?
Remove the back glass, disconnect the battery and display, heat and separate the old screen from the frame, fit the new screen with fresh adhesive, test, then reseal the back.
How do I fix a Samsung S20 screen that is not working?
Force restart (side key and volume down), remove the screen protector and check for updates. If the screen is physically damaged or the fault remains, the screen assembly or display flex needs replacing.
Is the S20 screen the same as the S20+ or S20 FE?
No. The S20 and S20 5G share a 6.2-inch screen; the S20+, S20 Ultra and S20 FE use different screens.
How do I lock the Samsung S20 screen?
Press the side key to lock it. To set a PIN, pattern, password or fingerprint, go to Settings > Lock screen > Screen lock type.
Will my fingerprint sensor work after a screen replacement?
With an OLED replacement it should, but re-register your fingerprints after fitting and use a sensor-compatible screen protector. If unlocking is unreliable, check the screen is seated evenly.
Do I need to replace the back glass?
Only if it cracks during removal. Glass backs often do, so have a spare and fresh adhesive ready.
Summary
Check your model, rule out software and flex faults, then choose the right part: an OLED assembly for physical damage, or a display flex for connection faults. Fit it yourself only if you are experienced with Samsung curved screens; otherwise, use a repair shop with our parts.
Share:
Poco F1 Broken Display: Screen Replacement Guide
Samsung Galaxy S8 Battery Replacement Cost and Guide