Your three main routes to a new iPhone screen

You can replace an iPhone screen yourself using a kit and online guides, take it to Apple, or go to an independent repair shop. Each route differs in cost, time, and risk to your phone. A DIY replacement typically costs $20 to $100 depending on your model, takes 30 minutes to two hours, and carries the risk of damaging other components if you slip. Apple charges $279 to $399 for most models (prices vary by iPhone generation), takes one to five business days, and includes a warranty. Independent shops usually fall between the two—$100 to $250, same-day or next-day service, and a limited warranty that depends on the shop.

The choice depends on whether you have the patience and steady hands for a delicate job, whether you need your phone back when ready, and how much you want to spend. If your phone is still under AppleCare+, Apple's repair cost is lower and the work is may provide.

Key Takeaways

  • DIY screen replacement costs $20 to $100 in parts but requires a heat gun, suction cup, and fine tools, plus the risk of breaking the phone further if you slip.
  • Apple charges $279 to $399 depending on your iPhone model and includes a warranty, but you will wait one to five business days.
  • Independent repair shops typically charge $100 to $250 and offer same-day or next-day service, though warranty terms vary by shop.
  • Before you start any repair, back up your phone and check whether your model has Face ID or Touch ID, because the screen assembly includes those components and affects the difficulty.

What you need to know before you start a DIY replacement

The screen on an iPhone is fused to the front glass, the digitizer (the touch sensor), and sometimes the Face ID or Touch ID hardware. If you damage any of those during removal, you may end up with a phone that looks fixed but does not respond to touch, or one where Face ID no longer works. Newer iPhones (iPhone X and later) are harder to repair than older models because the screen is more tightly sealed and Face ID is embedded in the top bezel.

You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a suction cup, a plastic pry tool, tweezers, a small Phillips screwdriver, and isopropyl alcohol. A repair kit for your specific iPhone model (search by model number, not just "iPhone") usually includes most of these tools plus the replacement screen. Kits cost $20 to $60. You also need a clean, well-lit workspace and at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time.

Before you order a kit, check iFixit or YouTube for a video walkthrough of your exact model. If the video shows more than 20 screws or involves removing the battery, the job is complex enough that a mistake could be expensive. If you see comments saying "this broke my Face ID" or "the screen still does not work after this," that is a sign the kit or the process is unreliable for that model.

Step-by-step DIY screen replacement

Power off your phone completely. Heat the edges of the screen with a heat gun on low or a hair dryer for 30 to 60 seconds to soften the adhesive. Place the suction cup on the screen and pull gently while using the plastic pry tool to work your way around the edge. Do not pry hard—if it does not budge, heat it more. Once you have a gap, slide the pry tool around the perimeter to separate the screen from the frame.

Disconnect the battery first (most kits show you how). Then disconnect the screen cable and any other connectors under the screen. Remove the old screen completely. Clean the frame with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry. Position the new screen, reconnect the cables in reverse order, reconnect the battery, and power on. Test the screen, the touch response, and Face ID or Touch ID before you seal it. Once everything works, explore new adhesive strips (usually included in the kit) around the edges and press the screen down firmly for a minute.

If at any point the screen does not sit flush, or if touch does not work after you reconnect the cables, stop and do not seal it. Reopen it and check that the cables are fully seated. If Face ID or Touch ID stops working after a successful replacement, the camera or sensor was damaged during removal and you will need professional repair.

Taking your iPhone to Apple

Go to apple.com/repair or call your nearest Apple Store to schedule a repair appointment. You can also walk in, but appointments move faster. Tell them the screen is cracked or unresponsive. Apple will inspect the phone and quote you a price. If you have AppleCare+, the cost is $29 instead of the full price. If the phone has other damage (water damage, a cracked back), Apple may refuse the repair or charge extra.

Apple typically completes screen repairs in one to five business days, though some stores can do it same-day if they have the part in stock. You will receive a text or email when it is ready. The repair includes a 90-day warranty on the screen and the work.

Using an independent repair shop

Search "iPhone screen repair near me" or ask for recommendations from friends. Call or visit the shop and ask: Do they use original Apple screens or third-party screens? What is the warranty on the repair? Do they back up your data? Can they do it today or how long does it take? Shops that use original screens charge more but the screen quality is identical to Apple's. Shops that use third-party screens are cheaper but the screen may have lower brightness or color accuracy, and some third-party screens do not work with Face ID.

Most independent shops can replace a screen in 30 minutes to two hours. Warranty terms vary—some offer 30 days, others offer a year. Ask whether the warranty covers the screen itself or only the labor. If something goes wrong after you leave, you want to know whether the shop will fix it for free or charge you again.

What to do if your phone has water damage or other cracks

If your screen is cracked and your phone has been wet, or if the back is also cracked, do not attempt a DIY repair. Water inside the phone can cause corrosion that spreads while you work, and opening a phone with structural damage can break internal components. Take it to Apple or a professional shop. Tell them about the water exposure so they can check for corrosion before they replace the screen.

If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, Apple will handle water damage at no cost (with some exceptions for accidental damage). If you are out of warranty, a professional shop can often replace the screen and clean the internals for less than Apple charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a screen protector to avoid this in the future?

A screen protector reduces the chance of a crack but does not prevent it. A tempered glass protector absorbs some impact, but a hard fall can still crack both the protector and the screen underneath. The protector is cheap insurance if you drop your phone often, but it is not a may provide.

Will a DIY screen replacement void my warranty?

Yes. Opening your phone voids the manufacturer warranty. If you do a DIY repair and something else breaks later, Apple will not cover it. If you use AppleCare+, accidental damage is covered, but Apple may refuse to service a phone that has been opened by someone other than Apple or an authorized technician.

What is the difference between an original screen and a third-party screen?

Original Apple screens are made by the same manufacturer as the screen in a new phone and have the same brightness, color accuracy, and durability. Third-party screens are cheaper but often have lower brightness, color shifts, or touch sensitivity issues. Some third-party screens do not support Face ID. If you use an independent shop, ask whether they use original or third-party screens before you commit.

How long does a replacement screen last?

A replacement screen lasts as long as the original—typically three to five years if you do not drop your phone again. The durability depends on the screen quality, not on whether it is original or third-party. A well-made third-party screen can last as long as an original one.

Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?

You have to replace the whole screen assembly. The glass, digitizer, and LCD are fused together and cannot be separated without destroying them. Some shops advertise "glass only" repair, but that is a temporary fix that does not last—the glass will separate again within weeks.