What you can do about a cracked tablet screen
A cracked tablet screen cannot be repaired at home—the glass and the display layer underneath are fused together and must be replaced as a single unit. You have three main routes: send it to the manufacturer for an official repair, take it to a third-party repair shop, or replace the tablet entirely. The cost and time depend on which route you choose and whether your tablet is still under warranty.
Before you decide, check whether the crack is only in the outer glass layer or whether it has damaged the display underneath. If the screen still shows a clear image and responds to touch, the damage is likely surface-level and less expensive to fix. If the image is distorted, colors are wrong, or the screen does not respond to touch in the cracked area, the display itself is damaged and the repair will cost more.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturer repairs are the most expensive option but use original parts and usually come with a warranty on the repair itself.
- Third-party repair shops are faster and cheaper than manufacturers but vary widely in quality and may void any remaining warranty.
- If your tablet is old or the repair costs more than half the price of a new tablet, replacement may be the better choice.
- Some tablets are easier and cheaper to repair than others—iPad repairs tend to cost more than Android tablet repairs at third-party shops.
Sending your tablet to the manufacturer
Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers offer official repair services through their support websites or authorized service centers. You can start by visiting the manufacturer's support page, entering your tablet model, and requesting a repair. They will give you a shipping label, and you mail the tablet to their repair facility.
Manufacturer repairs typically take one to three weeks once the tablet arrives at the facility, though shipping time adds to the total. The cost varies by model—iPad screen replacements usually range from $300 to $500, while Samsung and other Android tablets often cost $150 to $350. If your tablet is still under the standard one-year warranty and the crack was not caused by accidental damage, the repair may be covered at no cost, though this is rare.
The advantage of manufacturer repair is that you get original parts, a warranty on the repair, and the certainty that your tablet will work as designed afterward. The disadvantage is cost and time—you will be without your tablet for several weeks. You also have the security of knowing the repair was done by technicians trained on your specific model.
Using a third-party repair shop
Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy's Geek Squad offer faster and cheaper screen replacements than manufacturers. A typical third-party repair takes one to three business days, and the cost is usually 30 to 50 percent less than the manufacturer's price. You can search for local repair shops by typing "tablet screen repair near me" into a search engine, or call ahead to ask about turnaround time and cost for your specific model.
Before you hand over your tablet, ask the shop whether they use original manufacturer parts or aftermarket replacements. Original parts cost more but match the original screen's color accuracy and brightness. Aftermarket parts are cheaper but may have slightly different color or brightness, and some people notice the difference.
Third-party repairs do carry a risk: using non-original parts or improper installation can void any remaining manufacturer warranty. Ask the shop what warranty they offer on their own work—most reputable shops may provide their repair for 30 to 90 days. If something goes wrong after you leave, you want to know whether they will fix it for free.
Comparing cost and time across your options
| Repair Route | Typical Cost | Turnaround Time | Warranty on Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, etc.) | $300–$500 (iPad); $150–$350 (Android) | 1–3 weeks plus shipping | Yes, usually 90 days |
| Third-party shop | $150–$300 (iPad); $80–$200 (Android) | 1–3 business days | Yes, usually 30–90 days |
| Replace the tablet | $200–$800+ depending on model | when ready if buying new | Yes, manufacturer's standard warranty |
If your tablet is more than three years old, the repair cost may be close to or higher than the price of a used replacement model. In that case, buying a used tablet of the same model or a newer budget model may make more financial sense than repairing the cracked screen.
The table above shows typical ranges, but your actual cost depends on your tablet's brand and age. Older models may be harder to find parts for, which can drive the price up at third-party shops. Call several shops in your area to compare before deciding.
What to do before you take your tablet in for repair
Back up your data before you hand your tablet to anyone. Most repair shops do not erase the tablet during a screen replacement, but accidents happen. Use your tablet's built-in backup feature—iPad users can back up to iCloud through Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and Android users can back up to Google Drive through Settings > Accounts > Google.
Write down your tablet's model number and serial number, which you can find in Settings. This helps the repair shop order the correct replacement screen and lets you verify they worked on your specific device. Take a photo of your tablet before you hand it over, showing its current condition and any other damage. This protects you if the shop claims you caused additional damage.
Ask the shop whether you need to remove any case, screen protector, or other accessories before dropping it off. Some shops will remove these for you; others ask you to do it yourself to avoid damage. Knowing this in advance saves time and prevents confusion when you arrive.
When a cracked screen means it is time to replace the tablet
If your tablet is five years old or older, or if the repair cost is more than 50 percent of the price of a new model, replacement is usually the better choice. Older tablets run slower, receive fewer software updates, and have batteries that hold less charge. A cracked screen is often the final push to upgrade.
If you decide to replace the tablet, you can sell the cracked one to a refurbisher or recycler. Sites like Gazelle, ItsWorthMore, and Back Market buy damaged tablets and pay based on the model and condition. You will not get much—usually $20 to $100 depending on the model—but it is better than throwing it away, and the refurbisher will handle the screen replacement themselves.
Preventing future cracks
A good case and screen protector reduce the risk of cracks from drops. Look for a case with raised edges around the screen and shock-absorbing material. Tempered glass screen protectors are cheap and absorb impact that would otherwise crack the actual screen—they crack instead, and you replace the protector rather than the screen.
Avoid leaving your tablet in hot cars, near radiators, or in direct sunlight for long periods. Heat can weaken the adhesive that holds the glass and display together, making them more likely to separate if the tablet is dropped. Keep your tablet away from the edges of tables and counters, where it can easily be knocked off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet with a cracked screen while I wait for a repair?
Yes, if the screen still shows an image and responds to touch. However, avoid using it in dusty or wet environments—cracks can let dust and moisture inside, which may damage the display or internal components over time. If the crack is large or the screen does not respond to touch in the cracked area, stop using it to avoid making the damage worse.
Will a screen protector fix a cracked screen?
No. A screen protector covers the crack but does not repair it. The crack will still be there underneath, and the protector may peel away from the edges of the crack. A protector can prevent future cracks if you explore it to a new screen after repair.
Is it cheaper to replace the screen myself?
Tablet screens are extremely difficult to replace without specialized tools and experience. The glass and display are glued together, and removing them without damaging the frame or internal components requires heat, suction cups, and careful technique. If you try and fail, you may damage the tablet beyond repair. Unless you have done this before, a professional repair is safer and often not much more expensive than buying the parts yourself.
What if the tablet still works but the screen is just cracked?
A cracked screen that still works will not get worse on its own, but the crack can spread if the tablet is dropped again or exposed to pressure. The longer you wait, the more likely dust and moisture will get inside and damage the display. If you plan to keep the tablet, repair it sooner rather than later.
Does AppleCare or other insurance cover a cracked screen?
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including cracks, but you pay a deductible—usually $99 for an iPad screen replacement. If you have AppleCare+, check your coverage before paying for a repair out of pocket. For Android tablets, check whether you purchased a protection plan through the retailer or manufacturer.