Yes, Apple and most carriers will replace an iPhone with a chipped screen or cracked body, but the cost and process depend on your warranty coverage and the damage location

A chip or crack in your iPhone's screen or casing does not automatically disqualify it from replacement. Apple's standard one-year warranty does not cover accidental damage, but AppleCare+ (the extended protection plan) covers screen damage and physical damage for a fee per incident. If you do not have AppleCare+, you can still get a replacement — you will straightforward pay the full out-of-warranty repair or replacement cost, which runs between $200 and $550 depending on the model and which part is damaged.

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile also offer device protection plans that cover accidental damage. If you enrolled in one of these at purchase or within a set window, you can file a claim and receive a replacement device, usually for a deductible of $50 to $200. The process is faster through your carrier than through Apple in many cases, because carriers often have replacement stock on hand.

Key Takeaways

  • AppleCare+ covers screen damage and cracks for a fee per incident, typically $29 to $99 depending on the model.
  • Without AppleCare+ or a carrier protection plan, out-of-warranty replacement costs $200 to $550 and is treated as a paid repair.
  • Carrier protection plans (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) cover accidental damage for a deductible and often process replacements faster than Apple.
  • Apple will not replace an iPhone under standard warranty for cosmetic chips or cracks unless the damage affects the display's function or the device's structural integrity.
  • A chipped back glass or frame does not prevent you from getting a replacement, but you will pay out of pocket unless you have coverage.

What Apple's Standard Warranty Covers and Does Not Cover

Apple's one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failure — a screen that stops responding, a battery that drains in minutes, a speaker that cuts out. It does not cover damage from drops, impacts, water exposure, or normal wear. A chipped screen from a fall or a cracked back panel from being sat on falls squarely into the accidental damage category, which the standard warranty excludes.

The exception is if the chip or crack is so severe that it has caused the display to malfunction — lines across the screen, dead pixels, or touch unresponsiveness. In that case, Apple may cover the repair under warranty as a display failure, even if the cause was impact. You will need to bring the phone to an Apple Store or authorized repair center and let them assess it. They will decide whether the damage is a manufacturing defect or accidental damage based on what they see.

AppleCare+ Coverage and Costs

AppleCare+ is Apple's optional protection plan, purchased at the time you buy an iPhone or within 60 days of purchase. It extends your coverage to two years and adds accidental damage protection. With AppleCare+, you can get a screen replacement for $29 to $99 (depending on the iPhone model) or a full device replacement for $99 to $199 if the damage is extensive. You pay the fee per incident, and you can file up to two claims per year.

If you did not purchase AppleCare+ when you bought the phone, you cannot add it after accidental damage has occurred. You can still add it to an undamaged phone up to 60 days after purchase, but once damage is visible, Apple will not sell you the plan. If you already have AppleCare+ and the phone is chipped, you can walk into an Apple Store, show them the damage, and pay the incident fee to get a repair or replacement the same day or within a few days, depending on stock.

Carrier Protection Plans and How They Work

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers offer device protection plans that cover accidental damage, theft, and loss. These plans cost $10 to $20 per month and come with a deductible of $50 to $250 per claim. If your iPhone has a chip or crack and you are enrolled in your carrier's protection plan, you can file a claim through the carrier's website or app, or by calling customer service.

The carrier will either send you a replacement device by mail (usually within 2 to 5 business days) or direct you to a local repair center. Some carriers partner with third-party repair shops, so you may not go to an Apple Store. The replacement device is typically a refurbished unit in good condition, not a brand-new one. The main advantage of carrier coverage is speed — many carriers keep replacement stock and can ship or hand you a phone faster than Apple's repair queue.

Out-of-Warranty Replacement Costs

If you do not have AppleCare+ or a carrier protection plan, Apple will repair or replace your chipped iPhone at the full out-of-warranty price. A screen replacement costs $129 to $329 depending on the model. A full device replacement (if the damage is too severe to repair) costs $199 to $549. These prices are set by Apple and do not vary by location.

You can also take your phone to an independent repair shop, which may charge less for a screen replacement — often $100 to $200. However, independent repairs do not come with Apple's warranty, and using non-Apple parts may affect the phone's water resistance or future repairs. If you plan to keep the phone for another year or two, paying Apple's price for a screen replacement may be worth the peace of mind.

How to Request a Replacement or Repair

If you have AppleCare+, go to apple.com/support, select your device, describe the damage, and choose "Repair or Replace." You can book a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or request mail-in service. At the store, they will assess the damage, confirm your AppleCare+ coverage, collect your incident fee, and either repair the phone on the spot or order a replacement.

If you have a carrier protection plan, log into your carrier's app or website and look for "Device Protection" or "File a Claim." Follow the prompts to describe the damage and choose your replacement method (mail or in-store). The carrier will confirm your deductible and process the claim within 24 hours. If you do not have coverage, you can still contact Apple or visit an Apple Store to pay for an out-of-warranty repair, but there is no faster or cheaper path — you will pay the standard rate.

When a Chipped iPhone Cannot Be Replaced

Apple will not replace an iPhone if the damage is purely cosmetic and does not affect function. A small chip in the corner of the back glass or a hairline crack in the frame that does not impact the screen or structural integrity will not may have access to for a replacement under any plan. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, but "damage" in Apple's terms usually means something that impairs the device's use or safety.

If the chip has exposed internal components, created sharp edges that could cut you, or compromised the water resistance seal, Apple may treat it as a safety issue and approve a replacement even without AppleCare+. Bring the phone to an Apple Store and let them evaluate it. They have discretion in edge cases, and if they determine the damage poses a safety risk, they may cover the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Apple replace my iPhone if I drop it and the screen chips but still works?

Not under the standard warranty. If you have AppleCare+, you can get a screen replacement for $29 to $99. Without coverage, you will pay $129 to $329 for a screen repair. If the screen still works but is chipped, it is a repair, not a full replacement.

Can I add AppleCare+ after my phone is already damaged?

No. AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of buying the phone, and Apple will not sell it if the phone already has visible damage. If you do not have it, your only options are to pay out of pocket or use a carrier protection plan if you enrolled in one.

Is a carrier protection plan worth it if I already have AppleCare+?

No. AppleCare+ and carrier plans cover the same types of damage, and paying for both is redundant. Choose one or the other. AppleCare+ is usually better if you plan to use Apple Stores; a carrier plan may be faster if your carrier has local replacement stock.

How long does it take to get a replacement iPhone?

At an Apple Store with AppleCare+, a screen repair takes a few hours to a day. A full device replacement may take 3 to 5 days if they need to order stock. Carrier replacements by mail typically arrive in 2 to 5 business days. In-store carrier replacements are faster, sometimes same-day.

What if the chip is on the back glass, not the screen?

A chipped back glass is treated the same way as a chipped screen. AppleCare+ covers it for the incident fee. Without coverage, you pay the out-of-warranty repair cost, which is usually $150 to $300 depending on the model. Independent repair shops may charge less.