iPhone 13 screen replacement costs between $279 and $329 at Apple, depending on your location and whether you have AppleCare+

If you go through Apple directly — either at an Apple Store or by mail — an out-of-warranty screen replacement for an iPhone 13 runs $279 in most of the United States. Some states charge slightly more due to local taxes and fees. If you have AppleCare+, the cost drops to $29 plus tax, because AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including screen breaks.

Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple — typically $150 to $250 — but the price varies widely by location and shop reputation. Mail-in repair services like iFixit or Puls may quote $180 to $220. The trade-off is that non-Apple repairs may void any remaining manufacturer warranty, though this depends on your specific coverage and what the repair shop does.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $279 for an iPhone 13 screen replacement without AppleCare+, or $29 with AppleCare+ coverage.
  • Third-party repair shops typically charge $150 to $250, but prices vary by location and the shop's reputation.
  • AppleCare+ costs $99 to $129 upfront (depending on when you bought your phone) and covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $29 each.
  • Non-Apple repairs may affect your remaining warranty, so ask the repair shop what coverage you keep before you commit.
  • Turnaround time at Apple is usually 3 to 5 business days; third-party shops often finish the same day or next day.

What Apple charges and what it includes

Apple's $279 price covers the screen itself, labor, and a 90-day warranty on the repair. You can start a repair at apple.com, through the Apple Support app, or by walking into an Apple Store. If you mail your phone to Apple, they typically return it within 5 to 7 business days from when they receive it, though the total time from drop-off to your hands is usually longer.

The 90-day warranty covers the screen only — it does not extend your device's overall warranty. If something else on your phone breaks during the repair process, Apple covers that under their standard repair warranty, but normal wear and tear after the repair is your responsibility.

How AppleCare+ changes the math

AppleCare+ is a monthly or upfront insurance plan that covers accidental damage. If you bought it when you got your iPhone 13, the cost was either $99 upfront for two years or $4.99 per month. If you did not buy it then, you can still add it within 60 days of purchase, but after that window closes, you cannot add it to a phone you already own.

With AppleCare+, a screen replacement costs $29 plus tax. You get two incidents per year, so if you break the screen twice in one year, you pay $29 each time. The third break in that year is not covered. After two years, AppleCare+ expires and you are back to paying the full $279 for the next screen replacement unless you renew.

Third-party repair shops: what to expect

Independent repair shops and chains like Best Buy's Geek Squad, Walmart, or local phone repair stores typically charge $150 to $250 for an iPhone 13 screen. The exact price depends on the shop's location, their overhead, and the quality of the replacement screen they use. Some shops use original Apple screens salvaged from other phones; others use aftermarket screens that are cheaper but may have slightly different color accuracy or durability.

Most third-party shops can finish the repair the same day or next day, which is faster than Apple's typical 3 to 5 business days. However, using a non-Apple repair shop may void any remaining AppleCare+ coverage or manufacturer warranty. Before you commit, ask the shop whether the repair affects your warranty and whether they may provide their work if the screen fails again within a set period.

Mail-in repair services and their costs

Services like iFixit, Puls, and some carrier-affiliated repair programs offer mail-in screen replacement. You typically ship your phone to them, they repair it, and they ship it back. Costs usually range from $180 to $220, and turnaround is often 5 to 10 business days plus shipping time.

The advantage is convenience if you do not have a local Apple Store or repair shop nearby. The disadvantage is the wait time and the fact that you are without your phone during the repair. Some of these services offer expedited options for an extra fee, but that can push the total cost closer to Apple's price.

Factors that affect the final price you pay

Your location matters more than you might think. Sales tax varies by state, so a $279 repair in one state may cost $295 in another. Some states have no sales tax, which saves you money. If you live in a rural area far from an Apple Store, mail-in repair or a local third-party shop may be your only option, and their pricing may be higher than in urban areas.

The condition of your phone also affects price. If the screen is cracked but the phone still powers on and the touch screen works, most shops will do a straightforward screen replacement. If the impact also damaged the frame, the home button, or the internal components, the repair becomes more complex and costs more. Some shops charge a diagnostic fee ($20 to $50) to determine the full scope of damage before you commit.

What to do before you pay for a repair

If your phone is still under the standard one-year manufacturer warranty and the screen broke due to a defect (not an accident), Apple may replace it for free. This is rare — most broken screens are accidental damage — but it is worth asking. Bring your phone and proof of purchase to an Apple Store and explain what happened.

If you are considering a third-party repair, get a quote in writing and ask what warranty the shop offers on their work. Some shops may provide the screen for 30 days; others offer 90 days or longer. Ask whether they use original Apple parts or aftermarket parts, because that affects both price and long-term durability. If the shop cannot or will not answer these questions clearly, find another shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the iPhone 13 screen myself?

Technically yes, but it is difficult and risky. Replacement screens cost $50 to $100 online, but opening the phone requires special tools and significant care to avoid damaging the display connector or other components. Most people who attempt it end up paying a professional to fix what went wrong. Unless you have experience with phone repair, professional replacement is safer.

Does AppleCare+ cover a cracked screen if I buy it after the phone breaks?

No. You must purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone 13. If you wait until after the screen is already broken, you cannot add AppleCare+ to cover that damage. You can add it to cover future damage, but the current break is not covered.

Will a third-party screen replacement affect my phone's water resistance?

It may. Apple's screens are sealed as part of the phone's water-resistant design. A third-party repair shop may not re-seal the phone to the same standard, which could reduce water resistance over time. Ask the shop specifically whether they re-seal the phone and what their process is before you commit.

How long does an Apple screen replacement take?

At an Apple Store, it usually takes 3 to 5 business days. If you mail your phone, add 2 to 3 days for shipping each way, so total time is typically 7 to 10 business days. Third-party shops often finish the same day or next day, which is much faster if you need your phone quickly.

What if the screen breaks again right after I pay for the repair?

Apple's 90-day repair warranty covers defects in the replacement screen itself, so if it fails due to a manufacturing flaw, they will replace it free. If you break it again through accident or impact, you pay the full price again. Third-party shops have their own warranty terms, so ask what they cover before you leave.