What you'll pay to replace an iPad screen
Apple's official screen replacement costs range from $99 to $349 depending on your model, whether you have AppleCare+, and which Apple Store or authorized repair center you use. Without AppleCare+, an iPad Air costs $199 to $249 for a screen replacement; a standard iPad runs $99 to $149; an iPad Pro can reach $299 to $349. If you have AppleCare+, you pay a $49 service fee instead of the full cost. Third-party repair shops typically charge $80 to $200, but quality and warranty coverage vary widely.
The final price depends on three things: your specific iPad model, whether the damage is accidental or a manufacturing defect, and where you go for the repair. AppleCare+ is only worth buying if you already own it — you cannot add it after damage occurs. If you do not have it and your screen is cracked, your only real choice is between Apple's official price and a third-party shop's lower cost.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $99 to $349 for screen replacement depending on your iPad model, with AppleCare+ reducing the cost to $49.
- Third-party repair shops cost less upfront but may not carry the same warranty or use original parts.
- Manufacturing defects covered under the standard one-year warranty are repaired free; accidental damage is not.
- Mail-in repair through Apple typically takes five to seven business days; in-store service is faster if an appointment is available.
Apple's official pricing by iPad model
Apple groups iPad models into three tiers for repair pricing. A standard iPad (the base model) costs $99 to $149 for screen replacement. An iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro 11-inch runs $199 to $249. An iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the most expensive at $299 to $349. These prices are consistent across Apple Stores and Apple's mail-in repair service.
The exact price within each range depends on your specific generation. Newer models sometimes cost slightly more. Before you call or visit, confirm your iPad's model number in Settings > General > About — Apple's support site will then show you the exact price for your device. Do not assume two iPad Airs cost the same; a 2024 model may differ from a 2020 model by $20 to $30.
How AppleCare+ changes the cost
AppleCare+ is a protection plan you buy at the time of purchase or within 30 days of buying your iPad. It costs $79 to $129 depending on the model and extends your coverage to two years. If you have it and your screen breaks, you pay a $49 service fee instead of the full replacement price — a savings of $50 to $300 depending on your model.
AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage beyond just the screen: water damage, battery issues, and hardware failures all fall under the plan. You get two incidents covered per year. The catch is that you must own AppleCare+ before the damage happens. If your screen is already broken, Apple will not sell you the plan retroactively.
Third-party repair shops and their trade-offs
Independent repair shops and chains like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local phone repair stores typically charge $80 to $200 for an iPad screen replacement. The lower price is the main draw, but you are trading several things for it. Third-party shops may use aftermarket screens instead of original Apple parts, which can affect color accuracy, brightness, or touch sensitivity. Warranties on third-party repairs are usually 30 to 90 days, not the one-year standard Apple offers.
Quality varies significantly between shops. A well-established repair chain with good reviews is more likely to use quality parts and stand behind the work than a kiosk in a mall. Before you choose a third-party shop, check Google reviews and ask whether they use original or aftermarket screens. Some shops will show you the part before they install it. If a shop refuses to answer these questions, that is a sign to look elsewhere.
Repair time: in-store versus mail-in
If you take your iPad to an Apple Store, the repair usually takes three to five business days. You drop it off, Apple runs diagnostics, and you pick it up when it is ready. Some stores can do straightforward screen replacements faster if they have the part in stock and your appointment slot allows it, but do not count on same-day service.
Apple's mail-in repair service takes five to seven business days plus shipping time. You start the process on Apple's support website, print a shipping label, and send your iPad to Apple's repair center. Apple covers return shipping. Mail-in is slower but works if no Apple Store is near you. Third-party shops vary widely — some promise same-day service, others take a week. Call ahead to ask their current turnaround time; busy shops may have a backlog.
When the repair is free under warranty
If your iPad is less than one year old and the screen failed on its own — not from a drop, spill, or impact — Apple will replace it free under the standard limited warranty. This covers manufacturing defects like a screen that stops responding to touch, develops dead pixels, or fails to display color correctly. Accidental damage, even a small crack from a minor drop, is not covered by the standard warranty.
To determine whether your damage qualifies, Apple's support team will ask how the damage happened. Be honest; they can often tell from the pattern of cracks or the location of the break whether it was accidental. If you are unsure whether your damage is covered, call Apple Support or visit an Apple Store before paying. A technician can look at it and tell you whether it is a warranty claim or an out-of-pocket repair.
Comparing your options side by side
| Repair Route | Cost (No AppleCare+) | Cost (With AppleCare+) | Typical Turnaround | Warranty on Repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or Mail-In | $99–$349 (model-dependent) | $49 | 3–7 business days | 1 year |
| Third-Party Shop | $80–$200 | N/A | Same-day to 1 week | 30–90 days |
| Standard Warranty (if may be able to access) | Free | Free | 3–7 business days | Remainder of 1-year warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the screen myself?
You can buy replacement screens and tools online for $40 to $100, but iPad screens are glued to the frame and require heat, prying tools, and precision to remove without damaging the device further. Most people who attempt this end up breaking the frame, digitizer, or both. Unless you have done this repair before, the risk of turning a $150 screen replacement into a $400 device replacement is high.
Does AppleCare+ cover a cracked screen?
Yes. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including cracks, drops, and water damage. You pay a $49 service fee per incident, and you get two incidents per year. If you have AppleCare+ and your screen is cracked, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to start the repair process.
What if my iPad screen is just scratched, not cracked?
Scratches on the glass do not affect how your iPad works and are not covered under any warranty or protection plan. If the scratches bother you, a screen protector can hide them going forward. Replacing the screen just for scratches costs the same as replacing it for a crack, so most people leave it alone.
How do I know if my iPad screen damage is covered by warranty?
Call Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with your iPad. Tell them when you bought it and describe how the damage happened. If it is less than one year old and the damage is a manufacturing defect (not accidental), it is free. If it is accidental damage or outside the one-year window, you pay the service fee.
Is it cheaper to buy a refurbished iPad instead of fixing the screen?
Sometimes. A refurbished iPad of the same model typically costs $150 to $250, depending on age and condition. If your screen replacement would cost $250 or more and you are open to a slightly older model, a refurbished device might be worth comparing. However, a refurbished iPad comes with a 90-day warranty, not the one-year coverage a repaired device gets.