You can replace an iPhone screen yourself or have Apple or a third-party repair shop do it
A cracked iPhone screen can be fixed three ways: through Apple's official repair service, through an authorized Apple repair partner, or by doing the repair yourself with a replacement screen kit. The cost, time, and difficulty depend on which route you choose and which iPhone model you have. Apple's official service is the most expensive but comes with a warranty; third-party shops are usually cheaper and faster; self-repair is the cheapest option but requires patience and the right tools.
Before you decide, back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer. You will need access to your Apple ID password to reactivate the phone after repair, regardless of which method you choose. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, check what your plan covers before paying out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's official repair costs between $29 and $329 depending on your iPhone model and whether you have AppleCare+, and takes three to five business days at most locations.
- Authorized third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $250 and can often complete the repair the same day or next day.
- Self-repair kits cost $20 to $80 but require a heat gun or hair dryer, a suction cup, plastic pry tools, and about one to two hours of careful work.
- Removing the screen disables Face ID on some iPhone models even after you install a new screen, unless you use an original Apple part or a shop with special equipment.
- Back up your phone and know your Apple ID password before any repair, because you will need to reactivate the device afterward.
Getting your screen replaced at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider
Apple's official repair service is available at Apple Stores and through Apple Authorized Service Providers. You can schedule an appointment through the Apple Support app, the Apple website, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Bring your phone and a valid ID. The repair usually takes three to five business days, though some locations offer same-day service if you arrive early and the parts are in stock.
The cost depends on your iPhone model and whether you have AppleCare+. With AppleCare+, screen replacement typically costs $29. Without it, the cost ranges from $129 for older models like the iPhone 11 to $329 for newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple's repair includes a warranty on the replaced screen for 90 days.
One advantage of Apple's official service: if your screen is original Apple glass, Face ID will continue to work after the repair. If you use a third-party screen, Face ID may be disabled even after installation, depending on your iPhone model.
Using a third-party repair shop
Independent phone repair shops and chains like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local repair stores typically charge $100 to $250 for an iPhone screen replacement, depending on the model. Many can complete the repair on the same day or within 24 hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though calling ahead is a good idea during busy times.
Third-party shops usually source screens from aftermarket manufacturers rather than Apple. These screens work well for display and touch, but Face ID may not function after the repair on newer iPhone models (iPhone X and later). Ask the shop before you leave your phone whether the replacement screen will affect Face ID on your specific model.
Check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp before choosing a shop. Look for shops that have been in business for at least a few years and have consistent ratings above 4 stars. Ask whether they offer a warranty on the repair—most reputable shops offer 30 to 90 days.
Replacing the screen yourself with a kit
Self-repair kits for iPhones are sold on Amazon, iFixit, and other retailers for $20 to $80, depending on your model. The kit includes a replacement screen, adhesive strips, and basic tools like a plastic pry tool and suction cup. You will also need a heat gun or hair dryer, a small Phillips screwdriver, and isopropyl alcohol to clean the frame.
The process takes one to two hours for most people. You will heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, use the suction cup to lift the cracked screen away from the frame, remove the old adhesive, clean the frame, explore new adhesive strips, and press the new screen into place. iFixit and YouTube have detailed video guides for nearly every iPhone model—watch the full video for your specific model before you start.
The main risk is damaging the frame or internal components while prying the screen off, or creating air bubbles under the new screen. If you are not comfortable working with small electronics, the cost savings may not be worth the risk. Self-repair also disables Face ID on most iPhone models, just as third-party shops do.
What happens to Face ID when you replace the screen
Face ID uses a specialized infrared camera and sensors built into the top bezel of your iPhone. When you replace the screen, you are not replacing those sensors—they stay in place. However, Apple's software locks Face ID if it detects that the screen has been replaced with a non-original part.
This lock is a security feature. On iPhone X through iPhone 13, Face ID will straightforward stop working after a non-original screen replacement. On iPhone 14 and later, Apple introduced a repair mode that allows authorized repair shops with special equipment to re-pair a new screen to the Face ID sensors, restoring full functionality. Most independent shops do not have this equipment yet.
If Face ID is important to you, use Apple's official repair service or ask a third-party shop whether they have the equipment to restore Face ID on your model. Otherwise, you will need to use Face ID on a different device or rely on passcode entry after the repair.
Preparing your iPhone before repair
Back up your iPhone before you take it in for repair. Use iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now. Alternatively, connect your phone to a computer and use Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows) to create a local backup. This ensures you do not lose photos, messages, or other data if something goes wrong during the repair.
Write down your Apple ID and password, or make sure you have access to them. After the repair, you will need to reactivate your phone using your Apple ID. If you do not have the password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you take the phone in.
If your phone is locked with a passcode, you do not need to unlock it before repair. The repair technician can work on the screen without accessing your data. However, if you have Find My iPhone turned on, the technician may ask you to temporarily disable it to test the phone after repair.
Comparing cost and time across all three options
| Repair Method | Cost Range | Time to Complete | Face ID After Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider | $29–$329 (depending on AppleCare+ and model) | 3–5 business days (same-day available at some locations) | Works if original Apple screen is used |
| Third-party repair shop | $100–$250 | Same day to 24 hours | Usually disabled unless shop has special equipment |
| Self-repair with kit | $20–$80 | 1–2 hours | Usually disabled |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone while waiting for the screen to be repaired?
If you are using Apple's official service or a third-party shop, you will not have your phone during the repair. If the wait is long, ask whether the shop offers a loaner device. For self-repair, you can use your phone right up until you start the work, but plan to be without it for the one to two hours the repair takes.
Will repairing the screen erase my data?
No. Replacing the screen does not touch the storage where your data lives. Your photos, messages, and apps will remain on the phone. However, you should still back up your phone before repair in case something unexpected happens.
What if the screen replacement breaks Face ID and I want it fixed?
Contact Apple Support to discuss your options. On iPhone 14 and later, Apple may be able to restore Face ID if you return to an Apple Store. On older models, Face ID cannot be restored after a non-original screen replacement. Some third-party shops are beginning to offer Face ID restoration, but this service is not yet widely available.
Is it safe to do the screen replacement myself if I have never done it before?
It is possible but requires patience and care. Watch the full video guide for your model multiple times before starting. The biggest risks are cracking the frame while prying the old screen off or creating air bubbles under the new screen. If you are uncomfortable with the process, a third-party shop is a safer choice and only costs $100 to $250 more than a kit.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before screen repair?
No. The SIM card slot is separate from the screen and does not need to be touched during screen replacement. You can leave your SIM card in place.