How to Repair Cracked Tile

Using a grout removal tool or an oscillating multi-tool with a grout blade, carefully cut out all the grout around the damaged tile. Work slowly along each edge. Removing the grout first isolates the cracked tile from its neighbors so they won't crack when you chisel out the damaged one. Remove grout to the full depth of the joint.

Place a cold chisel in the center of the cracked tile and tap with a hammer to break it into smaller pieces. Work from the center outward toward the edges. Pry out the pieces with the chisel, angling away from adjacent tiles. Be especially careful at the edges — if the chisel slips toward a neighboring tile, you'll crack that one too. Wear safety glasses — ceramic shards are sharp.

Scrape off all the old thinset mortar from the substrate using a cold chisel and hammer or a floor scraper. The surface needs to be as flat and clean as possible for the new tile to sit level with its neighbors. Vacuum all debris from the area. Check that the substrate is solid — if it's damaged or soft, repair it with a patch of cement board before proceeding.

Place the new tile in the opening without mortar. Check that it sits level with the surrounding tiles and that the grout joints are even on all sides. Use tile spacers to verify consistent joint width. If the tile sits too high, scrape more thinset from the substrate. If it sits too low, you'll use slightly more thinset. The dry-fit should look perfect before you commit to mortar.

Apply thinset mortar to the back of the replacement tile (called "back-buttering") using a notched trowel. Spread a flat layer first, then comb it with the notched edge to create ridges. Press the tile firmly into position, twisting slightly to collapse the ridges and ensure full contact. Use spacers to maintain even joints. Check level again and adjust within the first few minutes before the thinset begins to set.

Do not walk on the tile or grout the joints until the thinset has cured. Most thinset takes 24 hours to achieve sufficient strength. Keep the area dry during this time. Place a piece of cardboard or plywood over the tile to prevent accidental stepping if it's in a high-traffic area.

After 24 hours, remove the spacers. Mix grout to match the existing color (or use pre-mixed grout). Press grout into the joints with a rubber grout float at a 45-degree diagonal angle. Scrape off excess at a steep angle. Wait 15-20 minutes, then wipe the haze with a damp sponge using diagonal strokes. Buff any remaining haze with a dry cloth after the grout firms up. The repair should be virtually invisible.