You can replace a phone screen yourself with a kit, take it to a manufacturer repair center, or use a third-party repair shop — each option trades cost against risk and time
A cracked or shattered phone screen costs between $150 and $400 to replace through the manufacturer, $80 to $200 at a third-party shop, or $20 to $60 if you buy a kit and do it yourself. The manufacturer route takes one to three days and comes with a warranty. A third-party shop usually finishes in one to two hours. DIY replacement takes 30 minutes to two hours but voids your warranty and risks damaging the phone if you slip.
Your choice depends on whether you have steady hands, whether your phone is still under warranty, and how much you trust a local repair shop. If your screen is under warranty and you have not dropped the phone, the manufacturer will often replace it free. If you have dropped it, the manufacturer will charge full price, and a third-party shop becomes the cheaper option. If you are comfortable with small tools and have replaced a screen before, DIY saves the most money.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturer repairs cost the most but include a warranty and do not void your phone's coverage for other issues.
- Third-party repair shops are faster and cheaper than the manufacturer but may use non-original parts and offer no warranty.
- DIY screen replacement kits cost $20 to $60 but require a steady hand, the right tools, and risk permanent damage if you slip.
- Before you choose, check whether your phone is under warranty — accidental damage is usually not covered, but manufacturing defects are.
- If you go DIY, watch a video for your exact phone model first, because the process differs between phones and between screen types.
Manufacturer repair: the safest but slowest option
Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers run their own repair centers or authorize third-party shops to use their parts and processes. You can find an authorized location through the manufacturer's website by entering your zip code. Bring your phone, your proof of purchase if you have it, and your ID.
The repair takes one to three business days. The technician will examine the phone to confirm the screen is the only damage, quote you a price, and ask whether you want to proceed. If your phone is under warranty and the damage is a manufacturing defect — a screen that cracked on its own, not from a drop — the repair is free. If the damage is accidental, you pay the full replacement cost. AppleCare+ and similar extended plans cover accidental damage for a deductible, usually $29 to $99.
The advantage is that the manufacturer uses original parts, the repair comes with a warranty, and your phone's overall warranty does not get voided. The disadvantage is the cost and the wait time. If you need your phone today, this is not the route.
Third-party repair shops: faster and cheaper
Independent phone repair shops are in most towns and cities. Search "phone screen repair near me" or check Google Maps and Yelp for shops with reviews above 4 stars. Call ahead to confirm they have the screen in stock for your phone model — if they do not, they will order it and you will wait one to three days anyway.
Most shops finish a screen replacement in one to two hours while you wait. The cost is usually $80 to $150 for an iPhone, $60 to $120 for a Samsung, and $50 to $100 for other brands. The shop will examine the phone, quote you, and start work once you agree. You pay when the work is done.
The trade-off is that third-party shops often use aftermarket screens — parts made by companies other than Apple or Samsung — which may not match the original in brightness, color accuracy, or durability. Some shops use original parts but charge more. Ask whether the screen is original or aftermarket before you agree to the repair. Most third-party repairs come with a 30-day to 90-day warranty on the screen itself, but not on the phone as a whole. Using a third-party repair does not void your phone's manufacturer warranty for other issues, though the manufacturer may refuse to cover problems that result from the repair.
DIY screen replacement: cheapest but riskiest
You can buy a screen replacement kit for $20 to $60 on Amazon, eBay, or specialty sites like iFixit. The kit includes the screen, a small suction cup, a plastic pry tool, a screwdriver (usually size 000 or 00), tweezers, and sometimes adhesive strips or glue. Some kits include a heat gun or hair dryer recommendation instead of the tool.
Before you order, search YouTube for "[your phone model] screen replacement" and watch at least two videos from different creators. The process is not the same for every phone. iPhones require you to remove the display from the front, which means disconnecting a ribbon cable inside. Samsung phones often require you to remove the back panel first. Some phones have the screen glued down so heavily that you need a heat gun to soften the adhesive without cracking the frame.
The replacement itself takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your phone and your experience. You will need a clean, flat workspace, good lighting, and a small container to keep screws organized — losing a screw can mean the phone does not close properly or the screen does not sit flush. If you slip with the pry tool or pull the ribbon cable at the wrong angle, you can crack the new screen before you even finish, damage the phone's frame, or break the connector that holds the screen in place. Replacing a second screen costs another $20 to $60, and fixing a broken connector usually requires a technician.
DIY replacement voids your manufacturer warranty for the screen and sometimes for the entire phone, depending on the manufacturer's policy. Apple, for example, will refuse to service a phone that has been opened by anyone but Apple, though they may make exceptions if the damage is unrelated to the screen replacement.
What to do if the screen is cracked but the phone still works
A cracked screen that does not affect touch response or display can wait. You do not have to replace it when ready. However, a cracked screen is a weak point — the crack will spread if you drop the phone again, and the broken glass can cut your fingers or damage the phone's internal components if moisture gets in.
If the screen is cracked but you cannot afford to replace it right now, use a screen protector to prevent the crack from spreading and to protect your fingers. A screen protector costs $5 to $15 and will not fix the crack, but it will hold the glass together and reduce the risk of further damage. You can explore it yourself — clean the screen, peel the backing off the protector, and press it down slowly from one corner to avoid air bubbles.
Comparing cost and time across all three routes
| Route | Cost | Time | Warranty | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | $150–$400 | 1–3 days | Yes, on screen and phone | None |
| Third-party shop | $50–$150 | 1–2 hours | 30–90 days on screen only | Aftermarket parts may not match original |
| DIY kit | $20–$60 | 30 min–2 hours | None | Damage to phone, voids warranty |
How to choose the right route for your situation
If your phone is under warranty and the screen cracked without a drop, go to the manufacturer — the repair is free. If your phone is under warranty but you dropped it, the manufacturer will charge full price, so a third-party shop is cheaper. If your warranty has expired and you have replaced a phone screen before, DIY is the cheapest option. If you have never done it and do not want to risk breaking the phone, a third-party shop is the best balance of cost and safety.
Check your phone's warranty status before you decide. For iPhones, go to Settings > General > About and look for the coverage end date, or visit apple.com/support and enter your serial number. For Samsung phones, go to Settings > About Phone > Status and look for the warranty information, or visit samsung.com/us/support. For other brands, visit the manufacturer's support page and search for your phone model.
If you choose a third-party shop, read the reviews on Google Maps and Yelp, and call at least two shops to compare price and parts quality. Ask whether they use original or aftermarket screens, whether they offer a warranty, and how long the repair takes. Do not choose based on price alone — a shop that charges $20 less may use lower-quality parts or rush the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my phone work if the screen is cracked but the touch still responds?
Yes, the phone will work, but the crack will spread if you drop it again, and broken glass can cut your fingers. A screen protector will hold the glass together and protect you while you save up for a replacement. However, the crack will not go away on its own, and the longer you wait, the more likely the damage will spread to the phone's frame or internal parts.
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?
Most modern phones have the glass fused to the LCD or OLED display layer, so you have to replace both together. Older phones sometimes had a separate glass layer, but that is rare now. The kit you buy will include the entire screen assembly, not just the glass.
What is the difference between an original screen and an aftermarket screen?
An original screen is made by the phone's manufacturer or an authorized supplier. An aftermarket screen is made by a third party and may not match the original in brightness, color accuracy, or durability. Aftermarket screens are cheaper but may have a shorter lifespan. Ask the repair shop which type they use before you agree to the repair.
If I use a third-party repair shop, will my phone's warranty be voided?
Using a third-party shop does not automatically void your phone's warranty for other issues, but the manufacturer may refuse to cover problems that result from the repair. For example, if the screen replacement damaged the phone's frame and the frame later causes a battery problem, the manufacturer may refuse to cover the battery. Check your phone's warranty terms or ask the manufacturer before you proceed.
What tools do I need to replace the screen myself?
Most DIY kits include a suction cup, a plastic pry tool, a small screwdriver, and tweezers. You will also need a clean, flat workspace, good lighting, and a small container for screws. Some phones require a heat gun to soften the adhesive, which you may need to buy separately. Watch a video for your exact phone model to see what tools are needed before you order the kit.