You can replace an iPhone screen yourself, at an Apple Store, or through a third-party repair shop — each route costs different amounts and takes different time.
The fastest option is an Apple Store appointment, which usually takes one to three hours and costs between $129 and $329 depending on your model. A third-party repair shop often costs $80 to $200 and may be same-day. Doing it yourself costs $30 to $100 for parts but requires tools, patience, and the risk that you damage something else in the process.
Which route makes sense depends on whether your phone is under warranty, how much you want to spend, and whether you have the steady hands and time a DIY repair demands. This guide walks through what each option involves and what to expect at each step.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Store repairs cost $129 to $329 and usually take one to three hours, with no out-of-pocket cost if your phone is under AppleCare+.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $80 to $200, often complete the work same-day, and do not require an appointment at most locations.
- DIY screen replacement costs $30 to $100 for parts and a toolkit but voids your warranty and risks damage to the display connector or battery if you slip.
- Before any repair, back up your phone to iCloud or a computer so you do not lose photos, messages, or settings.
- iPhone models from 2017 onward have screens that are glued down, making removal the hardest part of a DIY repair.
Apple Store Screen Replacement: Cost and Timeline
An Apple Store repair is the safest option because Apple uses genuine parts and your repair comes with a 90-day warranty. The cost depends on your iPhone model. An iPhone 15 screen costs $329; an iPhone 14 costs $299; an iPhone 13 costs $279; older models cost less. If you have AppleCare+, the cost drops to $29 regardless of model.
To start, go to apple.com/support, select your device, and book a Genius Bar appointment. You can also walk into a store, but appointments move faster and you will not wait. Bring your phone and your Apple ID password. The repair usually takes one to three hours, though busy stores may ask you to leave it and return later.
Apple will not repair a phone with water damage or a cracked back panel at the same visit, so if your phone has either problem, ask about that before you book. If your screen is cracked but the phone still turns on and responds to touch, Apple will almost always repair it the same day.
Third-Party Repair Shops: Speed and Cost Trade-offs
Independent repair shops and chains like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local phone repair stores typically charge $80 to $200 for an iPhone screen replacement. The exact price depends on your model and whether the shop uses original Apple parts or aftermarket screens. Aftermarket screens cost less but may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness.
Most third-party shops do not require an appointment and can complete the repair in 30 minutes to two hours. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts. Many shops offer a 30-day to one-year warranty on the repair itself, though not on the phone.
The trade-off is that third-party repairs do not come with Apple's backing. If something goes wrong after the repair — the screen flickers, the touch stops working, or water gets in — Apple may refuse to service the phone under warranty because a non-Apple technician opened it. Check your phone's warranty status before you choose this route.
DIY Screen Replacement: Tools, Steps, and Risks
If you want to avoid the cost and wait time, you can replace the screen yourself. A replacement screen kit costs $30 to $100 depending on your model and whether you buy from iFixit, Amazon, or another supplier. The kit includes the screen, adhesive strips, and basic tools like a pentalobe screwdriver and plastic pry tools.
The process takes one to three hours and follows these steps: power off your phone completely, remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone, use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the edges so the adhesive softens, carefully pry up the screen with a plastic tool, disconnect the display cable from the logic board, remove the old adhesive, install the new screen, reconnect the cable, and seal the edges with new adhesive strips.
The biggest risk is breaking the display cable connector or the screen itself while prying. If you slip and crack the new screen before you finish, you have wasted the part and your time. A second risk is reassembling the phone incorrectly, which can trap dust under the screen or leave gaps where water can enter. If you have never opened a phone before, watch a video for your exact model on iFixit or YouTube before you start.
DIY repair voids your Apple warranty. If something breaks during the repair or shortly after, Apple will not cover it. Some third-party repair shops will not service a phone that has been opened by someone else, either.
What to Do Before Any Screen Repair
Regardless of which repair route you choose, back up your phone first. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turn on iCloud Backup, or connect your phone to a Mac or Windows computer and back it up through Finder or iTunes. A backup takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.
Backing up protects your photos, messages, contacts, and app data. If something goes wrong during the repair — a technician accidentally erases the phone, or a DIY mistake forces you to factory reset — you can restore everything from the backup afterward. Also note your Apple ID password before you hand the phone to anyone. Technicians need it to reactivate the phone after the repair, and you will need it to restore from backup if the phone is wiped.
How to Check if Your Phone Is Under Warranty
Go to apple.com/support, enter your serial number or IMEI, and check your coverage. Your serial number is in Settings > General > About. If you have AppleCare+, the screen replacement costs only $29 instead of $129 to $329.
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage like drops and cracks for two years from the date you bought your phone. If your phone is older than two years and you did not buy AppleCare+, you are out of warranty and will pay full price at Apple. Third-party shops do not check warranty status, so they will repair your phone regardless.
Comparing the Three Routes in Cost and Time
The table below shows how Apple Store, third-party, and DIY repairs stack up against each other. Use it to decide which option fits your budget, timeline, and comfort level with risk.
| Route | Cost (iPhone 14) | Time to Completion | Warranty on Repair | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $299 (or $29 with AppleCare+) | 1–3 hours | 90 days | Very low |
| Third-party shop | $80–$200 | 30 minutes–2 hours | 30 days–1 year | Low to medium |
| DIY | $30–$100 | 1–3 hours | None | High |
If cost is your main concern, DIY is cheapest. If you value speed and want to avoid risk, Apple Store is best. If you want a middle ground — lower cost than Apple but faster and safer than DIY — a third-party shop is your answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while the screen is being repaired?
No. The repair requires the phone to be powered off and disassembled. At an Apple Store, the repair takes one to three hours, so plan to be without your phone for that time. Third-party shops are usually faster — 30 minutes to two hours. If you need your phone urgently, ask the shop if they can do the repair while you wait.
What if I drop my phone again after the repair?
The new screen is just as fragile as the original. If you drop it and crack the screen again, you will pay for another repair. If you are prone to dropping your phone, consider buying a protective case and screen protector after the repair, or look into AppleCare+ for future damage coverage.
Will a third-party screen look different from the original?
Aftermarket screens may have slightly different color or brightness compared to Apple's original screen. The difference is usually small and noticeable only if you compare the two side by side. Original Apple screens cost more but match your phone's original display exactly. Ask the shop which type they use before you commit.
Do I need to remove my case before the repair?
Yes. Remove your case and any screen protector before you take your phone to Apple or a repair shop. If you are doing it yourself, remove the case and any protector before you start. A case can get in the way of the pry tools and make the repair harder.
What happens if the repair shop breaks something else while replacing the screen?
A reputable shop will take responsibility and either fix it at no charge or offer a discount on the repair. Ask about the shop's damage policy before you hand over your phone. Most shops carry insurance that covers accidental damage during repair, so they can afford to stand behind their work.