What you need before you start
Replacing an iPhone screen means either taking the phone to a repair shop or doing it yourself with a replacement screen kit. Apple's official route is the Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The third-party route includes independent repair shops, big-box retailers with repair services, and mail-in repair companies. If you choose to do it yourself, you will need a replacement screen assembly (the price varies by iPhone model, from around $30 to $150), a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver, a suction cup, and plastic pry tools — most kits include these tools together.
Before you do anything, back up your phone using iCloud or a computer. If the screen is cracked but the phone still powers on, you can still back up. If the phone is off or unresponsive, you can still replace the screen; the data stays on the device.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $129 and $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, and the repair usually takes one to three hours at an Apple Store.
- Independent repair shops often charge $50 to $200 less than Apple but may not use genuine parts or offer the same warranty.
- DIY screen replacement requires a replacement screen kit, basic tools, and about 30 to 60 minutes of careful work, but mistakes can damage the phone permanently.
- Mail-in repair services take five to ten business days but let you avoid leaving home and often cost less than in-person shops.
- If your phone is under AppleCare+, screen replacement costs $29 instead of the full price.
Apple Store and authorized repair centers
The Apple Store will replace your screen with a genuine part and a one-year warranty on the repair. You can book an appointment online through the Apple Support website or the Apple Store app, or walk in to a location near you. Most stores can do the repair the same day if you arrive early, though busy locations may schedule you for the next day.
The cost depends on your iPhone model. As of now, screen replacement at Apple ranges from $129 for an iPhone SE to $329 for a Pro Max model. If you have AppleCare+, the cost drops to $29. If your phone has physical damage beyond the screen — a bent frame, for example — Apple may recommend a full device replacement, which costs more.
Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent shops that Apple certifies to use genuine parts and follow Apple's repair standards. You can find them on Apple's website by entering your zip code. They charge the same as Apple and offer the same warranty, but hours and availability vary by location.
Independent repair shops
Local phone repair shops, often found in malls or strip centers, usually charge $80 to $250 for screen replacement depending on the iPhone model and whether they use genuine or aftermarket parts. Most can complete the repair in one to two hours while you wait. Call ahead to confirm they have the right screen in stock for your model.
The trade-off is that independent shops may use non-genuine screens, which can affect display quality, brightness, or touch sensitivity. Some shops offer a warranty on the repair (usually 30 to 90 days), but it is shorter than Apple's one-year warranty. Ask the shop whether they use original Apple screens or third-party replacements, and what warranty they offer, before you hand over your phone.
Big-box retailers like Best Buy offer screen replacement through their Geek Squad service. Pricing is similar to independent shops, and they typically complete the work within a few hours. Best Buy's advantage is a consistent standard across locations and a clear return policy if something goes wrong.
Mail-in repair services
Companies like iFixit, Puls, and others offer mail-in screen replacement. You request a kit, ship your phone to them, and they send it back repaired. The process usually takes five to ten business days total, including shipping time. Costs range from $100 to $250 depending on the service and your iPhone model.
Mail-in services are useful if you live far from a repair shop or do not want to leave home. Most offer insurance during shipping and a warranty on the repair. The downside is that you are without your phone for over a week, and if something goes wrong during shipping, the insurance claim can take additional time.
DIY screen replacement at home
If you choose to replace the screen yourself, you will need a replacement screen assembly (not just the glass), a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a suction cup, plastic pry tools, and isopropyl alcohol. Kits that bundle these tools together cost $40 to $80 on Amazon or eBay, plus the screen itself.
The basic steps are: power off the phone, 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 battery and screen cables inside, remove the old screen, install the new one, reconnect the cables, and seal the edges with new adhesive. The whole process takes 30 to 60 minutes if you work slowly and carefully.
The risk is high. If you crack the new screen during installation, damage the cables, or reassemble the phone incorrectly, you may render the phone unusable. If the phone is still under warranty, opening it yourself voids the warranty. If something goes wrong, you will have to pay for a full repair or replacement. For most people, the cost savings (usually $50 to $100 compared to a shop) do not justify the risk.
Comparing cost and time across options
| Option | Cost range | Time to repair | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (no AppleCare+) | $129–$329 | Same day to next day | 1 year |
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $29 | Same day to next day | 1 year |
| Independent shop | $80–$250 | 1–2 hours | 30–90 days |
| Best Buy Geek Squad | $100–$250 | A few hours | Varies |
| Mail-in service | $100–$250 | 5–10 business days | 30–90 days |
| DIY with kit | $40–$150 | 30–60 minutes | None (voids warranty) |
What to do if your phone is still under warranty
If your iPhone is within one year of purchase and you did not cause the damage (for example, the screen cracked on its own), Apple may replace the screen at no cost under the standard limited warranty. Accidental damage — dropping the phone, for instance — is not covered by the standard warranty but is covered by AppleCare+.
To find out whether your phone is under warranty, go to Apple's Check Coverage page, enter your serial number, and it will tell you the expiration date. If you are unsure whether the damage is covered, take the phone to an Apple Store and ask. They will assess it for free and tell you the cost before you commit to the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while waiting for a screen replacement?
If the screen is cracked but still responsive, yes. If the screen is shattered or unresponsive, the phone may be unusable. If you choose a mail-in service, you will be without the phone for five to ten days. If you need your phone during that time, use a backup device or choose an in-person repair instead.
Will a third-party screen affect my phone's performance?
A non-genuine screen may work fine, but it can have lower brightness, weaker color accuracy, or reduced touch sensitivity compared to an Apple original. Some third-party screens also lack the anti-reflective coating or True Tone feature of genuine screens. If display quality matters to you, pay extra for a genuine Apple screen.
What happens if the repair goes wrong?
If you use Apple or an authorized service provider, they will fix the problem at no extra cost under their warranty. If you use an independent shop, the warranty is usually 30 to 90 days. If you do it yourself and something breaks, you are responsible for the cost of a full repair or replacement.
Is AppleCare+ worth it for screen replacement?
AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model, then $29 per screen replacement instead of $129 to $329. If you think you might crack your screen within two years, AppleCare+ pays for itself after two or three repairs. If you rarely damage your phone, it may not be worth the cost.
Can I replace just the glass, or do I need the whole screen assembly?
You need the whole screen assembly. The glass is fused to the LCD or OLED panel underneath, and separating them requires specialized equipment that most repair shops and all DIY kits do not have. Replacing the assembly is the only practical option.