iPhone screen replacement costs range from $29 to $329 depending on your model and where you go

Apple's official repair pricing starts at $29 for an iPhone SE and climbs to $329 for the largest Pro Max models. Third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $250 for the same work. The final cost depends on three things: which iPhone you own, whether you have AppleCare+, and whether you use Apple or an independent repair business.

If you have AppleCare+, you pay a flat $29 service fee for any screen replacement, regardless of model. Without it, the price scales with the phone's size and screen technology. Older iPhones cost less to repair than current models, and standard LCD screens cost less than OLED.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $29 with AppleCare+ or $129 to $329 without it, depending on your iPhone model and screen type.
  • Third-party repair shops usually cost $100 to $250 and often complete repairs the same day, while Apple may take several days.
  • Mail-in repair services through Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers fall between Apple and local shops in both price and speed.
  • Accidental damage coverage through AppleCare+ costs $3 to $17 per month and covers two incidents per year at $29 each.
  • Independent shops may void your warranty, so check your phone's remaining coverage before choosing where to repair.

Apple's official pricing by iPhone model

Apple publishes its screen replacement prices on its support website, and they vary significantly by generation and screen type. An iPhone 15 standard model costs $129, while an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $199. Older models like the iPhone 13 or 14 cost the same as their current-generation equivalents. The iPhone SE, Apple's budget model, costs only $29 to repair—the lowest price Apple offers.

OLED screens, which appear on Pro models and the standard iPhone 15, cost more to replace than LCD screens found on older budget models. If your iPhone has a cracked back glass instead of a front screen, Apple charges $169 to $399 depending on the model. You can check your exact model and its repair cost by going to apple.com/repair, selecting your device, and choosing "Screen Damage" from the damage type menu.

What AppleCare+ actually covers and costs

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan that covers accidental damage like drops and spills. The monthly cost ranges from $3.49 for an iPhone SE to $17.99 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Once you have it, any screen replacement costs $29 instead of the full price—a significant savings on newer models.

The plan covers two accidental damage incidents per year. After you use both, you pay full price for additional repairs that year. AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement at no cost if your battery health drops below 80 percent, and it extends your hardware coverage from one year to two years. You can purchase AppleCare+ when you buy your phone or up to 60 days after purchase, though some carriers allow later enrollment.

Third-party repair shops and their typical costs

Independent phone repair businesses charge $100 to $250 for screen replacement, with most shops in the $120 to $180 range. These shops often complete repairs in one to two hours, compared to Apple's typical turnaround of three to five business days. Prices vary by location—urban areas tend to be more expensive than rural ones—and by the shop's reputation and warranty terms.

Before choosing a third-party shop, ask whether they use original Apple screens or aftermarket replacements. Original screens cost more but preserve display quality and features like True Tone color matching. Aftermarket screens are cheaper but may have slightly different brightness, color accuracy, or touch sensitivity. Also ask about their warranty on the repair itself—most shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage if the screen fails due to their work, but not if you drop the phone again.

Mail-in and retailer repair services

Best Buy, Amazon, and other major retailers offer mail-in screen repair through third-party partners. These services typically cost $150 to $220 and take five to ten business days including shipping. You mail your phone in, the repair center fixes it, and they ship it back. This option works well if you have no local repair shops or prefer not to hand your phone to a stranger in person.

Some retailers also offer in-store repair at their locations. Best Buy's Geek Squad, for example, performs screen replacements at many stores for $150 to $250 depending on the model. Turnaround is usually one to three business days. These services fall between independent shops and Apple in both price and speed, and they often provide a warranty on the repair work itself.

Comparing total cost: repair now versus replacement

A screen replacement always costs less than buying a new phone, but the math changes depending on your phone's age and condition. If your iPhone is three years old and the screen is your only problem, repair makes sense at any price point. If your phone is five or six years old and the screen is cracked, you might spend $150 to $200 on repair only to face battery or other hardware failures within months.

Use this rough guide: if your phone is less than three years old, repair the screen. If it is three to five years old and otherwise working well, repair it. If it is older than five years, research the cost of a used replacement phone in good condition—you may find one for $200 to $400, which gives you a device with a full battery and no hidden wear. Check your phone's battery health in Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery Health to help decide. If battery health is below 80 percent and your phone is old, replacement may be wiser than stacking repairs.

How to avoid screen damage and reduce future costs

A tempered glass screen protector costs $10 to $30 and prevents most cracks from normal drops. These protectors are thin enough that you won't notice them during daily use, and they're far cheaper than a screen replacement. explore one as soon as you get a new phone, especially if you don't have AppleCare+.

A protective case adds another layer of defense by absorbing impact before it reaches the screen. Cases range from $15 to $80 depending on brand and style. Together, a case and screen protector cost $25 to $110 and can prevent the need for a $129 to $329 repair. If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, this investment usually pays for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a screen replacement the same day?

Yes, at most independent repair shops and some Best Buy locations. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and can fit you in. Apple typically requires an appointment and takes three to five business days. Mail-in services take five to ten days total.

Will repairing my screen void my warranty?

Apple repairs do not void your warranty. Third-party repairs may void Apple's remaining coverage, though the repair shop's own warranty on their work still applies. Check your phone's warranty status before choosing a repair method if you're concerned about future coverage.

What's the difference between original and aftermarket screens?

Original Apple screens preserve all display features like True Tone and haptic feedback. Aftermarket screens are cheaper but may have slightly lower brightness, different color accuracy, or reduced touch responsiveness. Most people don't notice the difference in daily use, but if display quality matters to you, pay for an original screen.

Is AppleCare+ worth it for screen protection?

AppleCare+ makes sense if you tend to drop your phone or live in an area where repair shops are expensive or far away. At $29 per incident with AppleCare+ versus $129 to $329 without it, the plan pays for itself after one or two screen replacements. If you're careful with your phone, a screen protector and case are cheaper.

Can I repair my iPhone screen myself?

You can buy replacement screens and tools online for $50 to $150, but the repair requires opening your phone and disconnecting delicate components. Most people damage something in the process. Unless you have experience with phone repair, professional repair is safer and often costs only slightly more than the parts alone.