What you need to know before you start
You have three real paths: repair it yourself using a kit, take it to Apple, or use an independent repair shop. The choice depends on your phone model, whether your screen is just cracked or also not responding to touch, and how much you want to spend. Apple charges between $129 and $329 depending on your model; a kit and tools run $20 to $80; independent shops typically charge $100 to $250.
Before you do anything, back up your phone using iCloud or a computer. If your screen is cracked but the phone still works and holds a charge, you have time to plan. If the screen is black, won't respond, or shows lines of color, the phone may have internal damage beyond the screen itself—that's when a professional diagnosis matters most.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's official repair takes 3 to 5 business days at most locations and includes a warranty, but costs $129 to $329 depending on your model.
- Independent repair shops usually finish the same day or next day and cost less, but warranty coverage depends on the shop's policy.
- DIY screen replacement kits exist for most models and cost $20 to $80 plus tools, but require patience and carry a real risk of damaging the phone further.
- Back up your phone before any repair, because a technician may need to erase it if the screen damage affected the logic board.
- Check whether your phone is still under AppleCare+ coverage—if it is, screen repair costs $29 instead of the full price.
Taking your phone to Apple
Start by booking an appointment at apple.com/support or in the Apple Support app rather than walking in. Select your device, describe the screen damage, and choose a time. Apple will either repair it at the Genius Bar in an Apple Store or mail it to a repair center depending on your location and how busy the store is.
Bring your phone, your ID, and the card you want to use for payment. If you have AppleCare+, bring proof—your receipt, your Apple ID confirmation email, or the coverage details in the Apple Support app. The repair usually takes 3 to 5 business days if done at a service center, or same-day if the store has the part in stock. Apple replaces the entire screen assembly and tests it before you leave.
The cost is $129 for iPhone 11 and older models, $169 for iPhone 12 and 13, $199 for iPhone 14 and 15, and $229 for iPhone 16 and newer—but only $29 if you have AppleCare+. If your phone has other damage (water damage, a cracked back, a broken home button), Apple may quote you a higher price or suggest device replacement instead.
Using an independent repair shop
Independent shops are faster and cheaper than Apple, but quality varies widely. Look for shops that display their certifications—many use parts from iFixit, Genuine Parts Inc., or Apple's Independent Repair Provider program. The Independent Repair Provider program means Apple trained the technician and supplies them with genuine parts, though these shops still charge less than Apple does.
Call ahead or check Google Maps reviews before you go. Ask whether they use original Apple screens or third-party replacements—original screens cost more but match your phone's brightness and color accuracy exactly. Third-party screens are cheaper but may have a yellow tint, lower brightness, or a slightly different feel when you touch them. Most shops finish the repair same-day or next-day.
Costs typically run $100 to $150 for iPhone 11 and older, $130 to $180 for iPhone 12 and 13, $150 to $220 for iPhone 14 and 15, and $170 to $250 for iPhone 16 and newer. Ask about the warranty on the repair—most shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage on the screen itself, but not on other parts of the phone.
Replacing the screen yourself
DIY screen kits are available for most iPhone models on Amazon, eBay, and specialty sites like iFixit. A kit includes the screen, adhesive strips, and sometimes a small suction cup and plastic pry tools. Costs range from $25 to $80 depending on your model and whether the kit includes tools. You will also need a heat gun or hair dryer, a small Phillips screwdriver, and patience—the job takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your skill level.
The real risk is that you crack the screen further, damage the digitizer (the layer that senses your touch), or break the ribbon cables that connect the screen to the phone's logic board. If any of those happen, the repair cost jumps to $200 or more, or the phone becomes unusable. iFixit has step-by-step guides with photos for most models, and YouTube videos exist for nearly every phone—watch one all the way through before you start so you know what to expect.
This route only makes sense if you are comfortable with small, fiddly work and you have already decided the phone is not worth paying a professional to fix. If your screen is not just cracked but also unresponsive or showing dead pixels, a professional should diagnose it first—the problem may not be the screen alone.
What to do if your screen is cracked but still works
A cracked screen that still responds to touch and shows no dead pixels can wait a few days while you decide. Use a screen protector or a clear case to keep glass shards from spreading and to protect your fingers. If the crack is small and in a corner, you may be able to live with it for weeks or months, though the structural integrity of the phone is slightly weakened.
If the crack is spreading or the screen is starting to flicker, act sooner rather than later. A small crack can become a large one from normal use, and a flickering screen often means the digitizer is failing—once it starts, it usually gets worse fast. Book an appointment with Apple or a local shop within a few days.
What to do if your screen is black or unresponsive
A black screen or a screen that does not respond to touch may mean the screen itself is broken, but it could also mean the phone's logic board was damaged in the same impact. Before you pay for a screen replacement, take the phone to Apple or a shop for diagnosis. They can plug it into a computer and run a test to see whether the phone is still communicating normally.
If the phone is communicating but the screen is black, a screen replacement will fix it. If the phone is not communicating or shows error codes, the damage is deeper and a screen replacement alone will not help. In that case, you may be looking at a logic board repair (expensive) or device replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while I wait for a screen repair?
If the screen is cracked but still responsive, yes—just be careful not to cut your fingers on the glass. If the screen is black or unresponsive, the phone is essentially unusable until the repair is done. Most repair shops and Apple can lend you a loaner phone while yours is being fixed, though you may need to ask.
Will a screen repair erase my data?
No. A screen replacement does not touch your data. The technician removes the old screen and installs a new one without accessing your files, photos, or apps. The only exception is if the phone has water damage or logic board damage that requires erasing—the technician will tell you before they start.
What is the difference between original and third-party screens?
Original Apple screens match your phone's brightness, color accuracy, and touch sensitivity exactly. Third-party screens are cheaper but may have a yellow tint, lower brightness, or a slightly different feel. Most people do not notice the difference in daily use, but if you work with photos or video, an original screen is worth the extra cost.
How long does a screen repair usually take?
Independent shops typically finish same-day or next-day. Apple usually takes 3 to 5 business days if the part is not in stock, or same-day if it is. If you need your phone urgently, call ahead and ask whether the shop or store has the part in stock before you go.
Is it cheaper to replace the whole phone than to fix the screen?
Usually not. A screen repair costs $29 to $329 depending on your phone and where you go. A new phone costs $800 to $1,600. Even if your phone is a few years old, a screen repair is almost always the cheaper choice unless the phone has other serious damage.