iPhone 11 screen replacement costs between $199 and $329 at Apple, depending on your warranty status and whether you have AppleCare+
If you go through Apple directly, an out-of-warranty screen replacement runs $199. If you have AppleCare+ coverage, the cost drops to $29 plus the cost of the service appointment. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full $199. Apple's pricing is the same whether you visit an Apple Store or use their mail-in repair service.
Third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $180 for the same repair, though the quality and warranty on that work varies widely. Some shops offer a one-year warranty on parts and labor; others offer nothing. The trade-off is lower upfront cost against less certainty about the repair's durability.
If your phone is still under the standard one-year limited warranty and the screen damage is a manufacturing defect rather than accidental damage, Apple may replace it at no cost. Accidental damage — drops, impacts, pressure — is not covered by the standard warranty, which is why most people end up paying.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $199 for an out-of-warranty iPhone 11 screen replacement, or $29 if you have AppleCare+ coverage.
- Third-party repair shops charge $100 to $180 but offer varying warranties and may use non-original parts.
- AppleCare+ costs $99 upfront and covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $29 each, making it worthwhile if you drop your phone regularly.
- Mail-in repair through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days; in-store repair usually takes 2 to 3 hours if parts are in stock.
- The iPhone 11 screen is glued to the frame, so DIY replacement is possible but requires specialized tools and risks damaging the phone further.
What AppleCare+ actually covers and costs
AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan. For the iPhone 11, it costs $99 upfront and lasts two years from the date you buy it. It covers two incidents of accidental damage per year — screen cracks, water damage, battery degradation — each at a $29 service fee. After two years, the plan expires and you're back to paying full price.
The math works like this: if you crack your screen once in two years, AppleCare+ saves you $170 ($199 minus $29). If you crack it twice, you save $340. If you never damage it, you spent $99 for nothing. Most people who drop their phones regularly find it worth the cost; people who don't damage their phones find it wasteful.
You can buy AppleCare+ when you purchase the phone, or within 60 days of purchase if you didn't buy it upfront. After 60 days, Apple will not sell it to you. If your screen is already cracked, you cannot add AppleCare+ — the plan does not cover pre-existing damage.
Repair time at Apple versus third-party shops
An Apple Store repair usually takes 2 to 3 hours if the screen is in stock. If it's not, you'll wait for a shipment, which can add 3 to 5 days. You can check stock and book an appointment on Apple's website before you go in.
Mail-in repair through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days total — that includes shipping both ways and the actual repair time. You start the process on Apple's website, print a shipping label, and send the phone in. Apple sends it back once the repair is done.
Third-party shops vary widely. Some have screens in stock and can finish the job in an hour. Others order parts and take several days. Call ahead and ask about turnaround time and whether they have the part on hand. Also ask whether they use original Apple screens or third-party replacements — original screens cost more but match the phone's original performance and durability.
Why third-party repairs cost less
Third-party shops charge less because they have lower overhead than Apple — no retail leases, fewer employees, less advertising. They also often use refurbished or aftermarket screens instead of new original Apple screens. A refurbished original screen is usually fine, but an aftermarket screen may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness.
The bigger risk is warranty coverage. Apple guarantees its repairs for 90 days. Many third-party shops offer a one-year warranty on parts and labor, but some offer no warranty at all. If the screen fails again in six months, you're paying again at a shop with no warranty, or you're paying full price at Apple. Read the shop's warranty terms before you hand over your phone.
Check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp before choosing a third-party shop. Look for shops that have been in business for at least a few years and have consistent positive reviews about screen quality and durability. Avoid shops with many complaints about screens failing shortly after repair.
DIY screen replacement: tools, cost, and risk
You can replace an iPhone 11 screen yourself if you have the right tools and patience. A replacement screen costs $40 to $80 online, and a basic toolkit (suction cup, plastic pry tools, screwdrivers) costs $15 to $30. Total out-of-pocket: $55 to $110.
The process involves heating the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, using a suction cup to lift the screen, removing the old screen, and gluing the new one in place. It takes 30 minutes to an hour if you've done it before, and 1 to 2 hours if you haven't. Videos on YouTube walk through the steps in detail.
The main risk is damaging the frame, the display connector, or the battery while prying the screen off. If you slip and crack the frame, you've now got a $199 repair plus the cost of your screen and tools. If you damage the battery, the phone may not power on at all. For most people, the risk outweighs the $100 to $150 savings. If you're comfortable with small electronics and have done similar repairs before, it's a reasonable option.
How to check if your screen damage is covered by warranty
If your iPhone 11 is less than one year old and you haven't dropped it, the damage might be covered at no cost. Take the phone to an Apple Store and explain what happened. A technician will inspect it and tell you whether it's a manufacturing defect or accidental damage.
Manufacturing defects are rare but do happen — a screen that cracks on its own without impact, or one that stops responding to touch without being dropped. These are covered under the standard one-year limited warranty. Accidental damage — drops, impacts, pressure, water exposure — is not covered unless you have AppleCare+.
Be honest about what happened. If you dropped the phone, say so. Apple's technicians can usually tell the difference between a manufacturing defect and impact damage by looking at the crack pattern and the frame. Lying about it won't change the outcome and wastes everyone's time.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Cost | Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (out-of-warranty) | $199 | 2–3 hours (if in stock) | 90 days |
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $29 | 2–3 hours (if in stock) | 90 days |
| Apple Mail-In Repair | $199 (or $29 with AppleCare+) | 5–7 business days | 90 days |
| Third-Party Shop (original screen) | $150–$180 | 1–2 hours | Varies (usually 1 year) |
| Third-Party Shop (aftermarket screen) | $100–$130 | 1–2 hours | Varies (usually 1 year) |
| DIY Replacement | $55–$110 | 1–2 hours | None (your responsibility) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while waiting for a mail-in repair?
No. You send the phone to Apple, and you don't get it back until the repair is done. If you need a phone during the repair, you'll have to use another device or borrow one. Some people buy a cheap used iPhone as a backup for this reason.
Will a third-party screen look and feel different from the original?
An original refurbished screen will look and feel identical. An aftermarket screen may have slightly different color accuracy, brightness, or touch sensitivity. Most people don't notice the difference in daily use, but some do. Ask the shop which type they use before you commit.
What if the screen cracks again after I get it repaired?
If you repaired it at Apple and it cracks again within 90 days, Apple will replace it again at no cost. If you repaired it at a third-party shop with a one-year warranty, the shop will replace it at no cost. If the shop offers no warranty, you pay full price again. This is why warranty matters.
Is it worth buying AppleCare+ after I crack my screen?
No. AppleCare+ does not cover pre-existing damage. You have to buy it within 60 days of purchasing the phone, before any damage occurs. If your screen is already cracked, you can only get AppleCare+ coverage on future damage by paying for the current repair first.
Do I need to back up my phone before sending it in for repair?
Yes. Back up your data to iCloud or a computer before you send the phone to Apple or a repair shop. The repair process should not erase your data, but it's safer to have a backup just in case. You can back up to iCloud through Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.