You can replace an iPhone screen yourself with the right tools and patience, but Apple and authorized repair shops offer faster, warranty-backed alternatives

An iPhone screen replacement costs between $30 and $400 depending on the model and who does the work. A DIY replacement using a kit from Amazon or eBay runs $30 to $100 for parts and tools combined. Apple's official repair through their stores or mail-in service costs $150 to $400 plus tax. Authorized third-party repair shops (Best Buy Geek Squad, uBreakiFix, local phone repair stores) typically charge $100 to $250 and often finish the same day.

The choice comes down to three things: how much time you have, whether you want a warranty on the repair, and how comfortable you are opening your phone. If your screen is cracked but the phone still works, you have time to weigh your options. If the phone is unusable or you need it fixed today, a local repair shop is usually faster and safer than attempting it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • DIY screen replacement costs $30 to $100 in parts and tools but takes 30 minutes to 2 hours and voids any remaining warranty.
  • Apple's official repair costs $150 to $400, includes a one-year warranty on the repair, and takes 3 to 5 business days by mail or same-day at some stores.
  • Authorized third-party shops (Best Buy, uBreakiFix, local repair stores) typically cost $100 to $250 and can often complete the repair within hours.
  • Opening your iPhone yourself requires a pentalobe screwdriver, a heat gun or hair dryer, suction cups, and a plastic pry tool — all included in most kits.
  • If water damage, battery swelling, or other damage is visible inside the phone, stop and take it to a professional instead of continuing the repair.

What you need to do a DIY screen replacement

A complete DIY kit includes a replacement screen (the most expensive part), a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a suction cup, plastic pry tools, and tweezers. Most kits from reputable sellers on Amazon cost $30 to $60 and include all of these. Do not buy the cheapest option — screens from unknown sellers often have poor color accuracy, dead pixels, or fail within weeks.

You will also need a heat source (a heat gun works best, but a hair dryer on high heat works) and a clean, well-lit workspace. Lay down a towel to catch small screws. Have your phone's model number ready — you can find it in Settings > General > About — because screens vary between iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 13, 13 Pro, and so on. Ordering the wrong screen wastes money and time.

Before you start, back up your phone to iCloud or your computer. You will not lose data during a screen replacement, but backing up is a safety net if something goes wrong and you need to take the phone to a professional mid-repair.

Step-by-step DIY replacement process

Step 1: Power off your phone and remove the SIM tray. Press and hold the power button and volume down button until the power-off slider appears. Slide it to turn off the phone. Use the SIM ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip) to pop out the SIM tray on the side of the phone.

Step 2: Heat the edges of the screen. Use a heat gun or hair dryer on high heat, holding it 3 to 4 inches from the phone's edge for 30 to 60 seconds. The adhesive holding the screen softens when warm. Do not overheat — if the phone is too hot to touch, you have gone too far.

Step 3: Use the suction cup and pry tool to separate the screen. Place the suction cup on the screen near the bottom edge and pull gently while sliding a plastic pry tool into the gap. Work your way around the phone's edge, heating and prying in small sections. This step takes patience — rushing will crack the new screen before you even install it.

Step 4: Disconnect the battery. Once the screen is loose enough to lift, you will see the battery connector and screen connectors underneath. Disconnect the battery first by gently prying up the small connector with a plastic tool. This prevents electrical damage if you accidentally touch a live circuit.

Step 5: Remove the old screen connectors. Carefully disconnect the screen cable connectors. Take a photo of the connectors before you unplug them so you know which cable goes where when you reassemble.

Step 6: Install the new screen. Line up the new screen's connectors with the ports on the phone's logic board. Press each connector down firmly until it clicks. Reconnect the battery connector last.

Step 7: Seal the edges. Most replacement screens come with new adhesive strips already applied. If yours does not, you will need to buy adhesive strips separately (they cost $5 to $15). Press the screen down firmly around all edges, starting at the corners and working toward the center.

Step 8: Test before closing. Power on the phone and test the screen, speakers, and buttons before you seal it completely. If something does not work, power off when ready and check your connections.

When to take your phone to a professional instead

Stop the repair and take your phone to a professional if you see water damage (white or green corrosion inside the phone), a swollen battery, or damage to the logic board or connectors. These repairs require specialized equipment and training. Attempting them yourself can cause a fire or permanent damage to the phone.

If you drop the phone during the repair or crack the new screen before installation, a professional can still help — but you will have already spent money on the kit and parts. If you are uncertain at any step, take photos and post them to a phone repair forum or subreddit before continuing. A five-minute question beats an hour of undoing a mistake.

Apple's official repair process and timeline

Apple offers screen replacement through Apple Stores and by mail. At an Apple Store, you can often get same-day service if you book an appointment and the store has the part in stock. The repair takes 2 to 4 hours. Mail-in repair through Apple's website takes 3 to 5 business days plus shipping time — usually 7 to 10 days total from the moment you drop it off.

Apple's repair includes a one-year warranty on the screen and labor. If the screen fails again within that year, Apple will replace it for free. Apple also handles any other damage they find during the repair, though they will contact you first if additional work is needed and will charge separately.

To start an Apple repair, visit apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Screen Repair." You can schedule an appointment at a nearby store or request a mail-in kit. Apple will give you a prepaid shipping label and a box. You pack the phone, drop it off at any Apple Store or UPS location, and Apple ships it back when the repair is done.

Third-party repair shops: speed and cost trade-offs

Best Buy's Geek Squad, uBreakiFix (owned by Best Buy), and independent local phone repair shops typically charge $100 to $250 for an iPhone screen replacement. Most can complete the repair within 2 to 4 hours, and many offer same-day service if you drop the phone off in the morning.

The trade-off is warranty coverage. Third-party shops usually offer a 30-day to 90-day warranty on the screen and labor, which is shorter than Apple's one year. The screen quality can also vary — some shops use original Apple screens (more expensive, better quality) while others use aftermarket screens (cheaper, sometimes lower color accuracy or brightness).

Before choosing a shop, ask whether they use original or aftermarket screens, what warranty they offer, and how long the repair takes. Read reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see whether customers report problems weeks or months later. A shop with hundreds of five-star reviews and a clear warranty policy is worth the extra $20 or $30 compared to the cheapest option.

How to avoid screen damage and when replacement is worth the cost

A phone case and screen protector prevent most cracks. A case absorbs impact when you drop the phone, and a tempered glass screen protector cracks instead of the actual screen — and costs $5 to $15 to replace. If you drop your phone regularly or work in a rough environment, these two items pay for themselves in one prevented screen replacement.

Screen replacement is worth the cost if the phone is otherwise working well and you plan to keep it for another year or two. If the phone is older than four years, has other damage (battery not holding charge, speaker not working), or you are considering upgrading anyway, the repair cost might not be worth it. A used iPhone in good condition often costs less than a screen replacement plus the cost of keeping an aging phone running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone while waiting for a screen replacement?

If the screen is cracked but the phone still responds to touch, yes — but be careful. Broken glass can cut your fingers, and cracks can spread if you drop the phone again. If the screen does not respond to touch or the crack is large, the phone is unusable and you should not attempt to use it.

Will a screen replacement fix a phone that won't turn on?

No. If your phone will not turn on, the problem is not the screen — it is likely the battery, logic board, or power button. A screen replacement will not help. Take the phone to a professional who can diagnose the real issue.

Does a DIY screen replacement void my warranty?

Yes. Opening your iPhone yourself voids any remaining manufacturer warranty. If something else breaks after you replace the screen, Apple will not cover it under warranty. However, if you take the phone to Apple or an authorized repair shop, the warranty on that specific repair is separate and still applies.

What is the difference between an original and aftermarket screen?

Original screens are made by Apple or their suppliers and match the phone's original color accuracy and brightness. Aftermarket screens are made by third parties and are cheaper but sometimes have slightly dimmer displays or colors that look slightly off. Most people do not notice the difference in daily use, but side-by-side comparisons can show it.

How long does a replacement screen last?

A properly installed screen lasts as long as the phone — typically 3 to 5 years. If the adhesive fails or the screen develops dead pixels, it usually happens within the first few months. This is why warranty coverage matters: a screen that fails at month two should be replaced for free.