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.