Your two main routes: do it yourself or take it to a technician
You can replace an iPhone screen yourself if you have the right tools and parts, or you can pay someone else to do it. The DIY route costs less upfront — usually $30 to $100 for the screen part alone — but requires patience, a steady hand, and the willingness to risk damaging your phone if something goes wrong. Taking your phone to Apple, an authorized repair shop, or an independent technician costs more ($150 to $400 depending on your model) but comes with a warranty and no risk to you if the repair fails.
Which route makes sense depends on whether you have done phone repairs before, how comfortable you are with small electronics, and whether your phone is still under warranty. If you break something during a DIY repair, you will have to pay to fix that too.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $169 to $399 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, and the repair usually takes one to two hours at an Apple Store.
- Independent repair shops and authorized retailers often charge $100 to $250 and may offer same-day service, but quality varies by location.
- DIY screen replacement costs $30 to $100 for the part but requires a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver, a suction cup, and plastic pry tools — tools you may not own.
- Newer iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) have screens bonded more tightly to the frame, making DIY replacement harder than older models.
- If your phone is under AppleCare+, screen replacement costs only $29, making Apple the cheapest option by far.
Apple Store pricing and what to expect
Apple charges a flat rate based on your model. For an iPhone 15, the cost is $299. For an iPhone 14, it is $279. For an iPhone 13, it is $229. For an iPhone SE (third generation), it is $169. These prices are the same whether your screen is cracked, shattered, or straightforward not working. If you have AppleCare+, you pay only $29 for a screen replacement, which makes Apple the cheapest option available.
You can book an appointment online through Apple's website or the Apple Support app. Walk-ins are accepted but may have a wait. Most repairs take one to two hours, though Apple will sometimes keep your phone overnight if they are busy. You will get a one-year warranty on the replacement screen.
If your phone is damaged in other ways — water damage, a cracked back, a broken home button — Apple will tell you during the appointment and may charge extra or recommend a full device replacement.
Independent repair shops and authorized retailers
Best Buy, Walmart, and local phone repair shops offer screen replacement for less than Apple. Prices typically range from $100 to $250 depending on the model and the shop. Many offer same-day service if you drop off your phone in the morning. The trade-off is that quality varies widely — some shops use original Apple screens, others use aftermarket screens that may not match the original brightness or color accuracy.
Before choosing a shop, ask whether they use original or aftermarket screens, what warranty they offer, and how long the repair takes. Read reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see what other customers experienced. Some shops will not repair your phone if it has water damage or other problems, so be prepared to hear that your repair is more complicated than a straightforward screen swap.
Authorized Apple retailers (like Best Buy's Genius Bar) use genuine Apple parts and offer the same warranty as Apple itself, but they may charge slightly more than independent shops and may have longer wait times.
What you need to do a DIY screen replacement
To replace your screen yourself, you will need the screen part itself, a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a suction cup, plastic pry tools or a spudger, and tweezers. You will also need a clean, well-lit workspace and at least 30 minutes to an hour. Many people buy a kit that includes all the tools and the screen together for $40 to $80.
The basic steps are: heat the edges of the screen to soften the adhesive, use the suction cup to lift the screen slightly, slide a plastic tool around the edge to separate the screen from the frame, disconnect the cables underneath, remove the old screen, clean the frame, explore new adhesive (usually included with the replacement screen), and press the new screen into place. The exact order and technique depends on your iPhone model.
Newer iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) have screens glued down much more aggressively than older models, which makes the heating and prying step much harder and riskier. If you slip and crack the frame or damage the cables, you will have to pay a technician to fix it.
Finding the right screen part for your model
You must buy a screen made for your exact iPhone model. An iPhone 14 screen will not fit an iPhone 14 Pro. An iPhone 13 mini screen will not fit an iPhone 13. Check your phone's model number in Settings > General > About — it will say something like "iPhone 14" or "iPhone 15 Pro Max." Then search for a replacement screen for that exact model.
Original Apple screens are rare and expensive in the aftermarket. Most replacement screens sold online are made by third-party manufacturers like Tianma, BOE, or JK. These screens work and display an image, but they may have lower brightness, less accurate colors, or a slightly different feel when you touch them compared to the original. Some have a visible line or discoloration at the edges.
Buy from a seller with good reviews and a return policy in case the screen arrives damaged or does not work. Amazon, iFixit, and eBay all have options, but prices and quality vary. Expect to pay $30 to $60 for a basic aftermarket screen and $80 to $120 for a higher-quality one.
When DIY is not a good idea
Do not attempt a DIY screen replacement if your phone has water damage, a cracked back, or any other visible damage besides the screen. Water inside the phone can short circuits when you open it, and a cracked back means the frame may be bent, which will make it hard to seal the new screen properly. If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, opening it yourself will void the warranty.
If you have never taken apart electronics before, watch a full video of the repair for your exact model before you start. YouTube channels like iFixit and JerryRigEverything show the process step by step. If the video looks too complicated or too risky for you, take your phone to a technician instead. A $200 repair is cheaper than replacing a $1000 phone.
Comparing cost and time across all options
| Option | Cost (iPhone 14 example) | Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (no AppleCare+) | $279 | 1–2 hours | 1 year on screen |
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $29 | 1–2 hours | 1 year on screen |
| Independent repair shop | $120–$200 | Same day or next day | 30 days to 1 year (varies) |
| DIY with aftermarket screen | $40–$80 | 1–2 hours (plus learning time) | None; you assume all risk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing my screen myself void my warranty?
Yes. Opening your iPhone yourself voids any remaining manufacturer warranty and AppleCare+ coverage. If something else breaks after you replace the screen, Apple will not repair it for free. If you still have warranty coverage and the screen is the only problem, take it to Apple or an authorized retailer instead.
Can I use a screen protector to avoid needing a replacement?
A screen protector can prevent minor scratches but will not stop a cracked or shattered screen. If you drop your phone hard enough to crack the screen, the protector will not absorb that impact. A good case that protects the edges is more useful than a screen protector for preventing screen damage.
How long does a replacement screen last?
A replacement screen lasts as long as the original — usually three to five years or longer if you do not drop your phone again. Aftermarket screens may develop discoloration or lose brightness faster than original screens, but most work fine for years. The screen itself does not wear out from normal use.
What should I do if my phone is still cracked after the repair?
If you had the repair done at Apple or an authorized retailer, contact them within the warranty period (usually 30 days to 1 year) and they will replace it again at no cost. If you did the repair yourself, you will have to buy another screen and try again or take it to a technician and pay for the repair.
Is it cheaper to replace the whole phone than to fix the screen?
Usually no. A screen replacement costs $29 to $300 depending on your phone and where you go. A new iPhone costs $800 to $1600. Even if you have to replace the screen twice, it is still much cheaper than buying a new phone. The only exception is if your phone is very old and has other problems — in that case, a new phone might make more sense.