Apple Watch screen replacement costs between $229 and $399 depending on your model, whether you choose Apple's official service or a third-party repair shop, and whether your device is covered by AppleCare+.
Apple's official pricing runs $229 for Series 9 and newer models, $199 for older Series models, and $279 for Ultra models. These prices are what you pay out of pocket if you have no coverage. If you bought AppleCare+ when you purchased your watch, you pay a $79 deductible instead of the full screen cost. Third-party repair shops typically charge $150 to $250, but they may not use genuine Apple parts and repairs may void your warranty.
The actual amount you owe depends on three things: which Apple Watch model you own, whether you have AppleCare+ coverage, and where you choose to have the repair done. This guide walks you through each option so you know what to expect before you contact a repair location.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's official screen replacement costs $199 to $399 depending on your watch model, or $79 if you have AppleCare+ coverage.
- AppleCare+ costs $99 upfront for most models and covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $79 per incident.
- Third-party repair shops charge less but may use non-genuine parts and repairs may not be covered by Apple's warranty.
- Apple typically completes screen replacements in 3 to 5 business days at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
- Mail-in repair through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days plus shipping time, and you can start the process on Apple's website.
Official Apple pricing by watch model
Apple charges different amounts based on which generation and size of watch you own. The Series 9 and Series 10 models cost $229 for screen replacement. The Ultra and Ultra 2 cost $279. Older Series models (Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, and earlier) cost $199. These are the prices you pay without AppleCare+ coverage.
The price covers the screen itself, labor, and a one-year limited warranty on the repair. Apple does not charge extra for shipping if you mail the watch to them, but you do pay for return shipping unless you use a mail-in label they provide. If you drop off at an Apple Store or authorized service provider, there is no shipping cost either direction.
How AppleCare+ changes what you pay
AppleCare+ is an optional protection plan you buy when you purchase your watch or within 60 days after. It costs $99 for most Apple Watch models and $129 for the Ultra. The plan covers two accidental damage incidents per year, each with a $79 deductible. This means if you crack your screen and have AppleCare+, you pay $79 instead of $199 to $399.
AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement (normally $79) and hardware failures that are not your fault. The plan lasts two years from the date you buy it. After two years, you can renew for another year at the same price. If you did not buy AppleCare+ when you got your watch, you cannot add it after damage occurs — you can only purchase it within 60 days of the original purchase date.
Third-party repair shop costs
Independent repair shops and electronics retailers like Best Buy offer Apple Watch screen replacement for $150 to $250, depending on the model and the shop's pricing. These shops are often faster than Apple — many can complete the repair same-day or next-day. However, third-party repairs come with trade-offs you should understand before choosing this route.
Third-party shops may use aftermarket screens instead of genuine Apple parts. An aftermarket screen may not match the original in brightness, color accuracy, or durability. More importantly, using a non-Apple part can void your device's remaining warranty. If something else breaks on your watch later, Apple may refuse to cover it because you had an unauthorized repair. Check whether the shop offers its own warranty on the repair work — some shops may provide their work for 30 to 90 days, which provides some protection if the screen fails again quickly.
How to start a repair through Apple
You have three ways to send your watch for repair: visit an Apple Store in person, use an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or mail it to Apple. To find locations near you, go to apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Repair and Physical Damage." Enter your zip code to see Apple Stores and authorized providers in your area. Call ahead to confirm they have parts in stock and to ask about wait times — busy locations may have a several-day queue even for mail-in service.
If you choose mail-in repair, start at apple.com/support, select your watch model, and click "Mail in for Repair." You will answer questions about the damage, confirm your repair cost, and receive a prepaid shipping label. Pack your watch carefully and drop it at any shipping location. Apple typically receives it within 2 to 3 business days, completes the repair in 1 to 2 business days, and ships it back. Total time is usually 5 to 7 business days plus the time it takes for return shipping to reach you.
What to do before you contact Apple
Gather your watch's serial number and your proof of purchase before you reach out. You can find the serial number by opening the Watch app on your paired iPhone, going to General, then About. Write it down. If you have AppleCare+, have that information ready too — Apple will ask for it to confirm your coverage and calculate your deductible.
Back up your watch data before sending it in. Unpair it from your iPhone by opening the Watch app, going to the watch face, tapping the info icon, and selecting "Unpair Apple Watch." This backs up your data to your iPhone. When you get the repaired watch back, you can pair it again and restore your data. If you do not unpair first, Apple may erase your watch during repair, and you will lose any data that was not backed up.
Comparing repair costs at a glance
| Repair Option | Series 9/10 Cost | Ultra Cost | Older Series Cost | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (no AppleCare+) | $229 | $279 | $199 | 3–5 business days |
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $79 | $79 | $79 | 3–5 business days |
| Mail-in repair (no AppleCare+) | $229 | $279 | $199 | 5–7 business days |
| Mail-in repair (with AppleCare+) | $79 | $79 | $79 | 5–7 business days |
| Third-party repair shop | $150–$250 | $180–$280 | $150–$220 | Same-day to 2 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?
Apple replaces the entire screen assembly, not just the glass. The display, digitizer, and glass are fused together, so if one part is damaged, the whole unit must be replaced. This is why the cost is the same whether you have a small crack or a completely shattered screen.
What if my watch is still under the standard one-year warranty?
The standard warranty covers manufacturing defects, not accidental damage like drops or cracks. If you cracked the screen by accident, the warranty does not cover it and you pay the full replacement cost. If the screen failed on its own without any impact, contact Apple — they may cover it as a defect, but you will need to explain what happened.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, which includes water damage from normal use. However, it does not cover damage from submersion beyond the watch's rated water resistance. For example, if your Series 9 (water-resistant to 50 meters) gets wet from rain or a shower, AppleCare+ covers it. If you submerge it deeper than 50 meters, that is considered misuse and is not covered.
Can I use my watch while it is being repaired?
No, you cannot use your watch during repair. If you need a replacement device while yours is being fixed, Apple does not loan out watches. You can ask whether an Apple Store near you has a loaner program, but this is not standard. Plan to be without your watch for the duration of the repair.
Will the repaired screen look and feel exactly like the original?
If Apple does the repair, yes — they use genuine Apple parts and the screen will be indistinguishable from the original. If a third-party shop does the repair with an aftermarket screen, the replacement may have slightly different brightness or color accuracy, and it may not feel quite the same when you touch it. Ask the shop what brand of screen they use before you authorize the repair.