Yes, you can replace an iPhone screen, but where you go matters

You can replace a cracked or damaged iPhone screen through Apple, an authorized repair shop, or an independent repair technician. Each route differs in cost, time, and what happens to your warranty. Apple will replace the screen at an Apple Store or through mail-in repair. Authorized repair shops (often carriers like Verizon or AT&T, or retailers like Best Buy) can also do the work. Independent repair shops exist in most towns and cities, though their quality and pricing vary widely.

The screen itself is glued to the phone's frame, so replacement requires opening the device and removing the old display. This is not a task for someone without tools and training — you risk damaging the phone further or losing water resistance. The repair takes 30 minutes to a few hours depending on where you go and how busy they are.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges between $129 and $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, and the repair takes one to five business days at a store or longer by mail.
  • Authorized repair shops like Best Buy or carrier stores often charge less than Apple and may finish the same day, but availability varies by location.
  • Independent repair shops are usually the cheapest option but vary in quality and may not offer a warranty on the repair work.
  • Using an unauthorized repair shop voids your AppleCare+ coverage and any remaining manufacturer warranty on that component.
  • If your phone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, the cost may be covered or reduced depending on what caused the damage.

Apple Store and Mail-In Repair Pricing and Timeline

Apple charges a flat fee for screen replacement that depends on your iPhone model. An iPhone 15 screen costs $129; an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $329. These prices are the same whether you go to an Apple Store or send your phone in for mail repair. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for a $29 service fee per incident, so if you have that coverage, you pay $29 instead of the full price.

At an Apple Store, you can often get a same-day appointment if you arrive early or book ahead. The repair usually takes two to three hours while you wait, though during busy periods it may take longer. Mail-in repair through Apple takes five to seven business days total — that includes shipping time both ways plus the actual repair work. You will receive a prepaid shipping label and can drop your phone at any Apple Store or UPS location.

If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the screen failed on its own (not from dropping it), Apple may replace it at no cost. Accidental damage is not covered by the standard warranty, only by AppleCare+.

Authorized Repair Shops: Carriers and Big-Box Retailers

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers operate repair counters in their stores. Best Buy's Geek Squad also does iPhone screen replacement. These shops typically charge $50 to $200 less than Apple, depending on the model. A screen replacement at Best Buy might cost $99 to $249 for the same phone that costs $129 to $329 at Apple.

Turnaround time is often faster than Apple. Many carrier stores and Best Buy locations can complete a screen replacement the same day if you drop it off in the morning. Some locations offer mail-in service as well, though it takes longer than in-store repair. Call ahead to confirm they have the part in stock and to book an appointment — walk-ins may face a wait or be turned away if they are fully booked.

Using an authorized repair shop does not void your warranty the way an independent shop does. However, AppleCare+ coverage may not explore to repairs done outside Apple, so check your coverage before you go. If you have AppleCare+, you might pay less at Apple than at a carrier store, so compare the final cost.

Independent Repair Shops and What to Watch For

Independent phone repair shops are usually the cheapest option, often charging $60 to $150 for a screen replacement. They are fast — many can finish while you wait, sometimes in under an hour. You can find them by searching "iPhone screen repair near me" or asking for recommendations from friends.

The trade-off is consistency and warranty coverage. Independent shops vary widely in quality. Some use genuine Apple parts; others use aftermarket screens that may not match the original brightness or color accuracy. Some shops are careful about water resistance; others do not reseal the phone properly. Ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts and what warranty they offer on the repair itself — reputable shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage if the screen fails again.

Using an independent repair shop voids any remaining manufacturer warranty on your phone and disqualifies you from AppleCare+ coverage. If something else breaks later, Apple may refuse to service it or may charge you more. This matters most if your phone is new or if you plan to keep it for several more years.

What Happens to Your Warranty and AppleCare+

Your iPhone comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects but not accidental damage like drops or cracks. If your screen broke from a defect (a rare case), Apple will replace it free. If you dropped it, the warranty does not cover it.

AppleCare+ is Apple's optional insurance plan that costs $4 to $13 per month depending on your model. It covers accidental damage, including cracked screens, for a $29 service fee per incident. You can add AppleCare+ up to 60 days after you buy your phone. If you already have it, a screen replacement costs $29 at Apple, an authorized shop, or through mail-in service.

If you use an independent repair shop, your AppleCare+ coverage ends for that component. Apple will not cover future screen issues on that phone. Your manufacturer warranty also ends for the screen. This does not affect coverage for other parts of the phone, but Apple may refuse to service the phone at all if the repair was done poorly and caused other damage.

Tools and Parts You Need If You Repair It Yourself

Replacing an iPhone screen yourself is possible but risky. You need a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, a suction cup to lift the screen, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed bit that Apple uses), tweezers, and a replacement screen assembly. Kits with all these tools cost $30 to $60 online.

The screen assembly itself costs $40 to $100 depending on your model. You also need a new adhesive strip to reseal the phone, which is usually included in the kit. Even with everything, the total cost is often less than a repair shop — but the risk is high. If you slip with the heat gun, you can damage the battery or the logic board. If you do not reseal it properly, water will get inside and destroy the phone.

Apple does not sell screens or parts to consumers, so you must buy from a third-party seller. This means you have no may provide the part is genuine or that it will work correctly. Many people who try this end up with a phone that works but has a dimmer screen, worse color accuracy, or no Face ID function if the camera is damaged during removal.

How to Decide Which Route to Take

Start by checking whether you have AppleCare+. If you do, go to Apple or an authorized shop and pay the $29 fee. The cost difference between shops is small when you factor in AppleCare+, so choose based on convenience — Apple Store if you want a may provide appointment, or a carrier store if it is closer.

If you do not have AppleCare+, compare the cost of Apple ($129 to $329) against a carrier store or Best Buy (usually $50 to $200 less). If the difference is significant and you plan to keep the phone for at least another year, an authorized shop makes sense. If you are selling the phone soon or do not care about warranty coverage, an independent shop is the cheapest option.

Do not attempt a DIY repair unless you have done phone repairs before and have the right tools. The risk of making the damage worse is high, and you will end up paying a repair shop anyway to fix what you broke.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to replace an iPhone screen?

At an Apple Store, 2 to 3 hours while you wait. By mail, 5 to 7 business days total. At a carrier store or Best Buy, often the same day if you drop it off early. At an independent shop, 30 minutes to 2 hours, usually while you wait.

Will my phone still be waterproof after the screen is replaced?

It depends on the shop. Apple and authorized shops reseal the phone properly and restore water resistance. Independent shops vary — ask whether they use a new adhesive seal and whether they test water resistance after the repair. DIY repairs often lose water resistance because the adhesive is not applied correctly.

Can I use my phone while it is being repaired?

No. The phone must be powered off and opened up, so you cannot use it during the repair. At an Apple Store or carrier shop, the repair takes a few hours. If you need your phone urgently, ask whether they have a loaner device available while yours is being fixed.

What if the screen breaks again after I get it repaired?

If you repaired it at Apple or an authorized shop, AppleCare+ covers the second break for another $29 fee. If you repaired it at an independent shop, you have no coverage unless that shop offers a warranty on their work — check before you leave. If you did a DIY repair, you have no coverage at all.

Does a screen replacement affect my phone's resale value?

Yes, but less than you might think. A phone with a replaced screen is worth slightly less than one with the original screen, but the difference is usually $20 to $50. A phone with a cracked screen is worth much more less — often $100 to $200 less. So replacing the screen is worth doing if you plan to sell the phone.