You can replace an iPhone screen yourself, through Apple, or at a third-party repair shop—each route differs in cost, time, and warranty coverage
An iPhone screen replacement is possible through three main paths. Apple will replace it at an Apple Store or through their mail-in service, which costs between $129 and $329 depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+. Third-party repair shops—including chains like Best Buy's Geek Squad and independent local shops—typically charge $100 to $250 and can often complete the work same-day. If you have the right tools and comfort with electronics, you can buy a replacement screen online for $30 to $150 and install it yourself, though this voids your warranty and carries a real risk of damaging other components.
The choice depends on three things: how much you want to spend, how quickly you need it done, and whether you want to keep your warranty intact. Apple's route is slowest but safest. Third-party shops are fastest and cheapest but vary wildly in quality. DIY is cheapest but requires steady hands and patience.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $129 to $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, with AppleCare+ reducing the cost to $29.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $250 and can often complete the work the same day, but quality varies by location.
- DIY screen replacement costs $30 to $150 in parts but requires specific tools, voids your warranty, and risks damage to the phone if done incorrectly.
- Apple's mail-in service takes 5 to 7 business days; in-store service usually takes 2 to 3 hours; third-party shops often finish within hours.
- Only the screen itself can be replaced easily—if the underlying glass beneath the screen is cracked, the repair becomes more complex and expensive.
Apple's Official Screen Replacement Service
Apple replaces screens at any Apple Store or through their mail-in repair program. The cost depends on your iPhone model and whether you have AppleCare+. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full out-of-warranty price: $129 for iPhone 13 and earlier models, $169 for iPhone 14 and 15, and $199 for iPhone 16. If you have AppleCare+, the cost drops to $29 for any model. You can check your AppleCare+ status by opening Settings, tapping General, then About, and looking for the AppleCare+ line.
At an Apple Store, the process is straightforward: make a Genius Bar appointment through the Apple Support app or by calling your local store, bring your phone and ID, and they will typically complete the replacement in 2 to 3 hours. If your store is out of stock, they may order the part and have you return the next day. The mail-in route takes longer—you schedule through apple.com, ship your phone to Apple, and receive it back in 5 to 7 business days—but works if no Apple Store is nearby.
Apple's advantage is that the replacement uses genuine parts, your warranty remains intact, and if something goes wrong during the repair, Apple covers it. The disadvantage is cost without AppleCare+ and the time commitment, especially for mail-in service.
Third-Party Repair Shops
Independent repair shops and chains like Best Buy's Geek Squad, Walmart, and uBreakiFix offer screen replacement for $100 to $250 depending on the iPhone model and your location. These shops often complete the work same-day or within a few hours, making them the fastest option if you need your phone quickly. To find a shop near you, search "iPhone screen repair near me" or check Google Maps reviews to see which shops have good ratings in your area.
The main risk with third-party shops is inconsistency. A well-reviewed local shop may use quality aftermarket screens and proper tools, while a mall kiosk may use cheap parts that fail within months. Before handing over your phone, ask the shop whether they use original Apple parts or aftermarket screens, what warranty they offer on the repair (usually 30 to 90 days), and whether they will back up your data before starting. Reputable shops will answer these questions directly.
Third-party repair will void any remaining manufacturer warranty from Apple, though the shop itself usually covers the repair for a limited time. If the underlying glass beneath the screen is also damaged, some shops will refuse the job or charge significantly more because it requires disassembling more of the phone.
DIY Screen Replacement at Home
If you are comfortable working with small electronics, you can buy a replacement screen online and install it yourself. Screens cost $30 to $150 depending on the model and whether you buy from a reputable seller. You will also need a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic spudger (a flat tool for prying), a small suction cup, and a pentalobe screwdriver—most sellers include these in a kit for $40 to $80 total.
The process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your iPhone model and experience level. You heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, use the suction cup to lift the screen, carefully disconnect the cables underneath, remove the old screen, and install the new one. YouTube has detailed video guides for nearly every iPhone model—search "iPhone [your model] screen replacement" to find step-by-step walkthroughs before you start.
The main risks are breaking the cables that connect the screen to the phone's logic board, damaging the frame if you pry too hard, or reassembling it incorrectly so the screen does not sit flush. Any of these mistakes can render the phone unusable. Additionally, DIY repair voids your warranty entirely, and if you later need service from Apple for an unrelated issue, they may refuse to help if they see signs of unauthorized repair.
Comparing Cost, Time, and Warranty
| Route | Cost Range | Time to Complete | Warranty Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (no AppleCare+) | $129–$199 | 2–3 hours in-store; 5–7 days by mail | Warranty stays intact |
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $29 | 2–3 hours in-store; 5–7 days by mail | Warranty stays intact |
| Third-party shop | $100–$250 | Same day to a few hours | Voids Apple warranty; shop covers repair 30–90 days |
| DIY at home | $40–$150 | 30 minutes to 2 hours | Voids Apple warranty entirely |
What to Do If the Damage Is More Than Just the Screen
If the glass beneath the screen (called the digitizer or the LCD) is also cracked or the phone will not respond to touch, the repair becomes more expensive. Some shops will replace both the screen and the underlying glass as a single unit, which costs $150 to $300. Apple will do the same, and the cost is the same as a screen-only replacement—they do not charge extra if the underlying components are damaged.
Before committing to a repair, take your phone to an Apple Store or a reputable third-party shop and ask them to diagnose the damage. They can tell you whether only the screen is broken or if the digitizer or LCD is also damaged, and give you an accurate quote. This takes 10 to 15 minutes and is usually free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you choose a third-party shop, do not hand over your phone without asking about their parts sourcing and warranty. Shops that refuse to answer these questions or pressure you to decide quickly are red flags. Also, back up your data before any repair—while screen replacement should not affect your files, accidents happen, and you do not want to lose photos or messages.
If you are doing DIY repair, the most common mistake is rushing. Heat the edges thoroughly so the adhesive softens, and take your time disconnecting the cables. One slip can break a cable and cost you $200 to $400 in additional repairs. Also, buy your screen from a seller with good reviews—cheap screens from unknown sellers often fail within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AppleCare+ cover accidental screen damage?
Yes. With AppleCare+, accidental damage including screen cracks is covered for a $29 service fee per incident. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full out-of-warranty price of $129 to $199 depending on your model. You can purchase AppleCare+ after buying your phone, though Apple may require a diagnostic to confirm the phone is in working condition.
Will a third-party screen replacement affect my phone's performance?
A quality aftermarket screen should not affect performance. However, cheap screens may have poor color accuracy, lower brightness, or fail within months. This is why reviews matter—a shop with consistently good ratings is more likely to use reliable parts than an unknown kiosk.
Can I use my phone while waiting for Apple's mail-in repair?
No, you have to send your phone to Apple. If you need a phone during the 5 to 7 business days, you will have to use another device or borrow one. This is why many people choose a third-party shop or DIY route if they cannot be without their phone.
What if I drop my phone again right after the repair?
If you repaired it at Apple, the new screen is covered by Apple's standard warranty for one year, so accidental damage after the repair is not covered unless you have AppleCare+. Third-party shops typically cover their repair work for 30 to 90 days, but damage from a new drop after that period is your responsibility. DIY repairs have no warranty at all.
Is it worth buying AppleCare+ just for screen replacement?
AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model, plus $29 per incident for accidental damage. If you are accident-prone and expect to drop your phone multiple times, it pays for itself after two or three screen replacements. If you rarely damage your phone, the upfront cost may not be worth it.