What you need to know before you start
You have three routes to fix a broken iPhone screen: Apple's official repair, an authorized third-party repair shop, or replacing the screen yourself if you have the tools and patience. Apple charges between $200 and $400 depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+. Authorized shops often cost less but take longer. DIY replacement costs $30 to $100 in parts but requires a heat gun, suction cup, pentalobe screwdriver, and steady hands — one slip can damage the logic board and total the phone.
The screen itself is not just glass. It is fused to the digitizer (the touch sensor) and often to the LCD or OLED display panel beneath. Replacing only the outer glass is cheaper but harder and riskier. Most repairs replace the entire display assembly, which is simpler and more reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $200 to $400 for screen replacement and can usually do it same-day at a Genius Bar, but authorized third-party shops often cost $100 to $200 less.
- DIY screen replacement costs $30 to $100 in parts but requires a heat gun, pentalobe screwdriver, suction cup, and at least an hour of careful work.
- Before any repair, back up your phone to iCloud or a computer because the repair process erases the device.
- If your phone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, Apple repair is usually your cheapest option despite the higher sticker price.
- Third-party shops can often repair your phone the same day, while Apple may need to order parts or schedule an appointment days ahead.
Going through Apple for an official repair
Start by backing up your phone. Connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Wait for the backup to finish — this can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have. Do not skip this step. Apple erases your phone during the repair process and restores from backup afterward.
Next, go to apple.com/support or open the Apple Support app on another device. Select your iPhone model, describe the screen damage, and choose "Screen Repair." You will see the price for your specific model and the option to book a Genius Bar appointment at a nearby Apple Store or mail your phone to Apple's repair center. If you choose mail-in repair, Apple sends you a prepaid shipping label, you pack the phone, and it takes five to seven business days total. In-store repair is faster — usually same-day or next-day — but requires an appointment.
Bring your phone and a valid ID to your appointment. If you have AppleCare+, the repair costs $29 instead of the full price. If you do not have AppleCare+ and your phone is less than one year old, check your original receipt — you may still be under the standard one-year warranty, which covers accidental damage only if you purchased AppleCare+ at the time of purchase.
Using an authorized third-party repair shop
Authorized shops are certified by Apple and use genuine parts, but they are independent businesses — prices and turnaround times vary. Search "Apple authorized repair near me" or visit apple.com/repair and enter your zip code to find shops in your area. Call ahead and ask for a quote on your specific iPhone model and the cost of the screen replacement.
Most authorized shops charge $100 to $250 for screen replacement, depending on the model and whether the phone is in warranty. Many offer same-day or next-day service, which is faster than Apple's mail-in option. Ask whether they will back up your phone before the repair or if you need to do it yourself beforehand. Some shops back up to iCloud for free; others charge a small fee.
Bring your phone, a valid ID, and proof of purchase if the phone is still under warranty. Ask what warranty the shop offers on the repair itself — most give 30 to 90 days. If something goes wrong with the new screen within that window, they will replace it again at no cost.
Replacing the screen yourself
DIY screen replacement is possible but carries real risk. If you slip with a tool, you can damage the logic board, the battery connector, or the camera flex cable, turning a $50 repair into a $300 or $400 loss. Only attempt this if you are comfortable working with small electronics and have done similar repairs before.
You will need: a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a heat gun or hair dryer, a suction cup, a plastic spudger or old credit card, isopropyl alcohol, a microfiber cloth, and the replacement screen assembly for your exact iPhone model. Order the screen from iFixit, Amazon, or a phone parts supplier — verify the model number matches your phone exactly. The screen itself costs $30 to $100 depending on the model.
The basic steps are: power off the phone, heat the edges of the screen with a heat gun 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 display cable from the logic board, remove the old screen, clean the frame with isopropyl alcohol, connect the new screen cable, and press the new screen down firmly. The entire process takes 45 minutes to two hours the first time. Watch a video guide for your exact model on iFixit or YouTube before you start — every iPhone generation has slightly different cable positions and screw locations.
If you damage the phone during the repair, Apple and authorized shops will still fix it, but they will charge you for the additional damage on top of the screen replacement cost. This is why professional repair is often the safer choice.
Comparing cost and time across all three routes
| Route | Cost | Time to repair | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (in-store) | $200–$400 (or $29 with AppleCare+) | Same-day or next-day | Warranty coverage, may provide parts, speed |
| Apple (mail-in) | $200–$400 (or $29 with AppleCare+) | 5–7 business days | No Apple Store nearby |
| Authorized third-party shop | $100–$250 | Same-day or next-day | Lower cost, fast service, local business |
| DIY replacement | $30–$100 | 45 minutes to 2 hours | Budget-conscious, experienced with repairs |
What to do if your phone is still under warranty
If your iPhone is less than one year old and you did not purchase AppleCare+, the standard warranty does not cover accidental screen damage. It covers only manufacturing defects. If your screen cracked from a drop or impact, you are not covered. The only exception is if the screen failed on its own without any physical damage — this is rare but does happen.
If you have AppleCare+, screen damage is covered for $29 per incident, no matter how old the phone is. This makes AppleCare+ worth the cost if you have already broken a screen once. If you do not have AppleCare+ and your phone is out of warranty, your cheapest option is usually an authorized third-party shop.
Backing up your phone before repair
Every repair route erases your phone and restores it from a backup. If you do not have a backup, you will lose all your photos, messages, contacts, and app data. Back up to iCloud before you hand your phone over to anyone.
Open Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, tap iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in — the backup can take 10 to 30 minutes. You can check the backup status by going back to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and looking at the timestamp next to "Last Backup." If it shows today's date and time, your backup is complete.
If you prefer not to use iCloud, you can back up to a computer instead. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder, select your iPhone, and click Back Up Now. On Windows or older Mac, use iTunes. This backup method is slower but gives you a local copy on your computer as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while waiting for the screen repair?
No. If the screen is cracked, the touch sensor is likely damaged too, so the phone will not respond to taps or swipes. If only the outer glass is cracked but the display still works, you can use it, but the sharp edges can cut your fingers and the cracks can spread. It is safer to stop using it and get it repaired.
Will a screen protector have prevented this damage?
A screen protector can reduce the risk of cracks but will not prevent them entirely. It protects against minor scratches and small impacts. A hard drop from waist height will crack the screen through a protector. A case that covers the edges of the phone is more effective at preventing screen damage than a protector.
How long does the repaired screen last?
A replacement screen from Apple or an authorized shop should last as long as the original — typically three to five years or longer if you do not drop the phone again. A DIY replacement depends on the quality of the parts you buy. Cheap screens from unknown suppliers may fail within a year. Mid-range screens from reputable suppliers usually last two to three years.
What if the screen breaks again after repair?
If the screen breaks within the warranty period (usually 30 to 90 days for third-party shops, or covered under AppleCare+ for $29), the repair shop or Apple will replace it again at no cost. If it breaks after the warranty expires, you pay for another repair. This is why AppleCare+ is worth considering if you have a history of dropping your phone.
Can I trade in my phone with a broken screen?
Most trade-in programs, including Apple's, offer lower value for phones with screen damage. A phone with a broken screen might be worth $50 to $100 less than one in good condition. If the repair costs less than the difference in trade-in value, repair it first. If the repair costs more, it may be cheaper to trade it in as-is and put the difference toward a new phone.