What you can do about a cracked or shattered tablet screen
A broken tablet screen can be fixed in three main ways: you can replace the screen yourself if you have the right tools and comfort with electronics, send it to the manufacturer for repair, or take it to an independent repair shop. Which route makes sense depends on your tablet model, whether the screen is just cracked or also not responding to touch, how much you want to spend, and whether you have a warranty or insurance that covers accidental damage.
The screen itself is usually replaceable without replacing the entire tablet. Most tablets have a glass front panel glued to a digitizer layer (the part that senses your touch) glued to an LCD or OLED display panel underneath. A repair shop or manufacturer will typically replace all three as one unit, even if only the glass is broken. If the screen works but looks shattered, you can keep using it while you arrange a repair. If the touch doesn't respond or the display is dark, the digitizer or LCD is likely damaged and the tablet won't be usable until it's fixed.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturer repairs are the safest option if your tablet is under warranty or you have accidental damage coverage, though they usually take one to two weeks and cost $150 to $400 depending on the model.
- Independent repair shops are faster (often same-day or next-day) and cheaper than manufacturers, but quality varies and you lose any remaining manufacturer warranty.
- DIY screen replacement is possible for some tablet models but requires a heat gun, pry tools, adhesive, and patience—mistakes can damage the frame or internal components.
- Before choosing a repair route, check whether your tablet has AppleCare, manufacturer warranty, or insurance that covers accidental damage, as this may make the manufacturer repair free or low-cost.
- A cracked screen that still responds to touch can wait, but a screen that doesn't respond or shows no image should be repaired soon to avoid further damage.
Manufacturer repair through Apple, Samsung, or your tablet's maker
If you own an iPad, contact Apple directly through their support website or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. If you have an AppleCare+ plan, accidental damage is covered for a $99 service fee per incident. Without AppleCare+, an out-of-warranty screen repair costs between $150 and $400 depending on the iPad model and size. Apple will either mail you a prepaid shipping box or direct you to an Apple Store or authorized service provider near you.
For Samsung tablets, visit Samsung's support website, enter your model number, and select "Service & Support" to find repair options in your area. Samsung charges between $150 and $350 for out-of-warranty screen repair depending on the tablet size and model. If you purchased Samsung Care+ at the time you bought the tablet, accidental damage is covered for a $99 service fee.
Other tablet makers like Amazon (Fire tablets), Lenovo, and Microsoft have their own repair channels. Look up "[Your tablet brand] repair" plus your model number to find the official support page. Turnaround time is usually one to two weeks from the date they receive the device, and you'll be without your tablet during that time. Ask whether they offer a loaner device while yours is being repaired.
Independent repair shops and mail-in repair services
Local phone and tablet repair shops can often replace a screen the same day or within 24 hours. Prices typically range from $80 to $250 depending on the tablet model and whether the shop has the part in stock. The advantage is speed and lower cost than the manufacturer. The disadvantage is that quality varies widely—some shops use original manufacturer parts and others use aftermarket replacements, and workmanship can be inconsistent.
Before choosing a shop, ask whether they use original or aftermarket screen parts, what warranty they offer on the repair (usually 30 to 90 days), and whether the repair will void any remaining manufacturer warranty. Many shops will void your warranty, though some manufacturers don't enforce this strictly. Get a quote in writing before you leave the device.
Mail-in repair services like iFixit, uBreakiFix, and others let you ship your tablet to them. Turnaround is usually three to seven business days, and they often charge less than the manufacturer but more than a local shop. These services are useful if you don't have a repair shop nearby or if your local shops have poor reviews.
DIY screen replacement if you choose to repair it yourself
Replacing a tablet screen yourself is possible but requires specific tools and a steady hand. You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, plastic pry tools (metal tools can damage the frame), a replacement screen assembly for your exact tablet model, strong adhesive (usually B7000 or similar), and isopropyl alcohol to clean the frame. The process takes one to three hours depending on how much adhesive the manufacturer used.
The basic steps are: heat the edges of the screen to soften the adhesive, carefully pry up the broken glass without cracking the frame underneath, remove the old adhesive and digitizer, clean the frame with isopropyl alcohol, explore new adhesive to the frame, and press the new screen down firmly and evenly. If you explore too much heat, you can damage the LCD panel or battery. If you pry too hard, you can crack the aluminum frame or damage ribbon cables inside.
Before you start, watch a full video repair guide for your exact tablet model on YouTube or iFixit. If the video shows more than 15 steps or warns of fragile internal components, the repair is risky for a first-timer. If you damage something else during the repair, the cost to fix it will be higher than a professional repair would have been. Many people find that the time and stress of DIY repair outweigh the money saved.
Checking your warranty and insurance coverage
Before you pay for any repair, check whether you have coverage. If you bought your tablet within the last year, it may still have a manufacturer's limited warranty, though this typically covers defects, not accidental damage. Look for the original receipt or check your email for a warranty document.
If you purchased AppleCare+ (for iPad), Samsung Care+ (for Samsung tablets), or a similar plan at the time of purchase, accidental damage is usually covered for a flat service fee of $99 to $149. Check your account on the manufacturer's website or call their support line to confirm whether your plan is active and what the fee is.
Some homeowner's or renter's insurance policies cover accidental damage to electronics, though you may have to pay a deductible. Check your policy or call your insurance agent. Some credit cards also offer purchase protection or accidental damage coverage for items bought with that card within a certain period—check your cardholder benefits.
What to do while you wait for a repair
If the screen is cracked but still responds to touch and shows an image, you can continue using the tablet carefully. Avoid pressing hard on the cracked area and keep the tablet away from water, as cracks can let moisture in. If the screen doesn't respond to touch or shows no image, the tablet is not usable and should not be used until it's repaired, as further damage may occur.
Back up your data before you send the tablet in for repair. If you use iCloud (iPad), Google Drive (Android tablets), or OneDrive, your photos, documents, and settings may already be backed up automatically. If not, connect the tablet to a computer and use the manufacturer's backup tool or a cloud storage service to save your files. Most repair shops do not erase the device, but it's safer to assume they might.
Comparing repair costs and timelines
| Repair Route | Typical Cost | Typical Timeline | Warranty on Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer (out of warranty) | $150–$400 | 7–14 days | 90 days (varies by maker) |
| Manufacturer (with AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+) | $99–$149 service fee | 7–14 days | 90 days |
| Local independent shop | $80–$250 | Same day to 2 days | 30–90 days (varies) |
| Mail-in repair service | $100–$300 | 3–7 business days | 30–90 days (varies) |
| DIY replacement | $40–$150 (parts only) | 1–3 hours | None (your responsibility) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet with a cracked screen?
If the screen is cracked but still shows an image and responds to touch, yes—you can use it, though carefully. Avoid pressing hard on the crack and keep it away from water. If the screen is black or doesn't respond to touch, the tablet is not usable and needs repair.
Will my tablet still work if only the glass is cracked but the display underneath is fine?
Yes, but the repair will replace the entire screen assembly (glass, digitizer, and display panel together) because they are glued as one unit. A shop cannot replace just the glass without removing the other layers, and separating them usually damages them.
How do I know if a repair shop is trustworthy?
Check online reviews on Google Maps or Yelp, ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts, request a written quote before leaving your device, and confirm what warranty they offer on the repair. Avoid shops that won't give you a quote in writing or that pressure you to decide when ready.
What happens to my data if I send my tablet to a repair shop?
Most shops do not erase the device, but back up your data before you send it in just to be safe. Use iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive to save photos and documents, and note down any passwords or settings you want to remember.
Is it cheaper to buy a new tablet than to repair the screen?
Usually no. A screen repair costs $80 to $400, while a new tablet of the same size and quality costs $300 to $1,000 or more. A repair makes sense unless the tablet is very old, very cheap, or has other damage beyond the screen.