You can replace an iPhone screen yourself, but it depends on your model and comfort level with small repairs

Replacing an iPhone screen means removing the old one and installing a new display panel. Apple offers official repairs at their stores and authorized service providers. You can also buy a replacement screen and do it yourself using basic tools, though this voids your warranty and carries the risk of damaging other parts if something goes wrong. The cost, time, and difficulty vary significantly depending on whether you have an iPhone 12 or earlier (easier to open) or an iPhone 13 and newer (harder to open because of stronger adhesive).

The choice between DIY and professional repair comes down to three things: how much you want to spend, whether you have the right tools, and how comfortable you are working with tiny components. A professional repair takes a few hours to a week. A DIY repair takes 30 minutes to two hours if you have done it before, or two to four hours if you have not.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Store and authorized repair shops charge between $200 and $400 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, but your warranty stays intact.
  • DIY screen replacement costs $30 to $100 for the part itself, plus $15 to $50 for tools, but requires patience and carries a real risk of breaking other components.
  • iPhones made before 2017 (iPhone 7 and earlier) are significantly easier to open and repair than newer models.
  • You will need a pentalobe screwdriver, a suction cup, a plastic pry tool, and tweezers at minimum; a heat gun or hair dryer makes the job much easier.
  • If you damage the home button, Face ID, or the display connector during removal, the repair cost jumps to $400 or more because those parts must be replaced too.

Apple Store and authorized repair pricing

Apple charges a flat rate for screen replacement that depends on your model. An iPhone 15 screen costs around $329 to $349. An iPhone 14 costs around $299 to $329. An iPhone 13 costs around $279 to $299. An iPhone 12 and earlier models cost between $199 and $279. These prices vary slightly by location and whether you have AppleCare+, which covers accidental damage for a $99 deductible instead of the full price.

Authorized repair shops (Best Buy, Walmart, and carrier stores like Verizon) often charge less than Apple — typically $50 to $100 less — but the quality and warranty vary. Some use genuine Apple parts; others use third-party screens that may not match the original brightness or color accuracy. Ask whether they use original parts and what warranty they offer on the repair before you hand over your phone.

Apple's repair usually takes three to five business days if parts are in stock. Authorized shops often do it same-day or next-day. If your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, Apple will not charge you unless the damage is from physical impact (which AppleCare+ covers for the deductible).

DIY screen replacement: tools and parts you need

A replacement screen for your model costs $30 to $100 depending on whether you buy an original Apple part (rare and expensive) or a third-party compatible screen. Third-party screens work fine for most people but may have slightly different color or brightness compared to the original. Check the reviews on the seller's page — look for mentions of whether the screen fits snugly and whether the touch sensitivity works right away.

You will need a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape used on iPhones) to remove the two screws at the bottom of the phone. A regular screwdriver will strip these screws. A suction cup helps you lift the screen without cracking it further. A plastic pry tool (not metal, which can scratch the frame) slides between the screen and the body to break the adhesive seal. Tweezers help you disconnect the tiny ribbon cables. A heat gun or hair dryer softens the adhesive so the screen comes off easier — this is not required but makes the job much faster and safer.

A complete toolkit with all these tools costs $15 to $50 on Amazon or at electronics retailers. Many kits come with the replacement screen included, which can be cheaper than buying everything separately.

Step-by-step DIY replacement for iPhone 12 and earlier

Power off your phone completely. Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. Heat the edges of the screen with a hair dryer or heat gun for 30 to 60 seconds — this softens the adhesive underneath. Place a suction cup on the screen and pull gently while sliding the plastic pry tool into the gap. Work your way around the edges slowly; do not force it or you will crack the frame.

Once the screen is loose enough to lift, disconnect the two ribbon cables on the underside — one for the display and one for the touch sensor. These snap out of their connectors; do not pull on the cables themselves. Remove any remaining adhesive with a plastic tool or your fingernail. Clean the frame with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.

Position the new screen and reconnect the two ribbon cables first — they only fit one way. Press down firmly until you hear or feel a click. explore new adhesive strips (usually included with the replacement screen) around the edges, then press the screen down evenly. Screw the two pentalobe screws back in at the bottom. Power on the phone and test the screen, touch sensitivity, and home button.

Why iPhone 13 and newer are harder to replace yourself

Starting with the iPhone 13, Apple added stronger adhesive around the screen and moved some components to make opening the phone more difficult. The screen is glued down much more aggressively, so you need more heat and more patience to avoid cracking the frame. The battery is also positioned differently, which means you have less room to work.

The real problem is the display connector — on newer models, it is positioned in a way that makes it straightforward to damage if you slip with a tool. If you break this connector, the screen will not work at all and you will need to replace the entire display assembly, which costs $300 or more. The home button and Face ID sensor are also more tightly integrated, so accidental damage to these during removal means a much bigger repair bill.

If you own an iPhone 13, 14, or 15 and want to try DIY repair, watch a full video walkthrough for your exact model first. Many people find it is worth paying the extra $100 to $150 to have a professional do it rather than risk a $400 mistake.

What can go wrong and how to avoid it

The most common mistake is pulling too hard on the screen before the adhesive is soft enough, which cracks the frame or the screen itself. The second most common is disconnecting the ribbon cables too roughly, which breaks the connector and makes the screen unusable. The third is getting water or dust inside the phone during the repair, which can cause problems weeks later.

To avoid these: use heat generously (30 to 60 seconds minimum), work slowly around the edges, disconnect cables by pressing the connector clip, not by pulling the cable, and work in a clean, dry space away from dust. If you are not comfortable with small, precise work, do not attempt this repair. A shaky hand or a moment of impatience can cost you $300 or more.

If something goes wrong during your repair — the screen cracks further, a cable breaks, or the phone will not turn on — take it to Apple or an authorized shop when ready. Tell them what you tried to do. They may charge you more because the phone is partially disassembled, but they can usually fix it.

When to call a professional instead

Call a professional if your phone is still under warranty, if you have AppleCare+, if you are uncomfortable working with small components, or if your model is an iPhone 13 or newer. You should also go professional if the screen is cracked so badly that you cannot see what you are doing, or if you have already tried a DIY repair and something went wrong.

If cost is your main concern, get a quote from an authorized repair shop (not Apple) first. Many charge $100 to $150 less than Apple and use quality parts. If you decide to do it yourself, buy a complete kit with tools and screen included, watch a full video for your exact model, and set aside two to three hours with no interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will replacing the screen myself void my warranty?

Yes. Opening your iPhone voids the manufacturer warranty when ready. If something else breaks later, Apple will not cover it. AppleCare+ also becomes void if you open the phone yourself. A professional repair keeps your warranty intact.

Can I use a screen protector to avoid this problem?

A screen protector reduces the chance of cracks but does not prevent them. A hard drop or impact can still break the screen underneath. A protector is cheap insurance but not a may provide.

What is the difference between an original and third-party screen?

Original Apple screens have the exact brightness, color accuracy, and touch response as your phone came with. Third-party screens work fine for calls, texts, and apps, but some people notice the colors look slightly different or the brightness is not quite the same. They are much cheaper and last just as long.

How long does a replacement screen last?

A replacement screen lasts as long as the original — typically three to five years or longer if you do not drop the phone again. The lifespan depends on how you treat it, not on whether it is original or third-party.

Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?

You have to replace the whole screen assembly. The glass is fused to the LCD or OLED panel underneath, and separating them damages both. There is no way to replace just the glass layer.