You can replace an iPhone screen yourself with a kit, but it requires steady hands and patience—or you can pay Apple or a third-party repair shop to do it in under an hour
A cracked or shattered iPhone screen is fixable without replacing the whole phone. You have three real paths: take it to Apple, visit an authorized repair shop, or buy a screen replacement kit and do it yourself. The choice depends on your comfort with small electronics, how much you want to spend, and how quickly you need the phone back.
Apple charges between $200 and $400 depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+. Third-party shops often cost $100 to $250. A DIY kit runs $30 to $100 but demands precision and takes 30 minutes to two hours. Each route has real tradeoffs in cost, time, and risk of further damage.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's screen replacement costs $200 to $400 without AppleCare+, but includes a warranty and takes one to two hours in-store.
- Third-party repair shops charge $100 to $250 and often complete the work same-day, but quality varies by location.
- DIY screen kits cost $30 to $100 and take 30 minutes to two hours, but require a steady hand and can void your warranty if something goes wrong.
- Newer iPhones (12 and later) have screens fused to the front glass, making DIY replacement harder than older models.
- If you choose DIY, you will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a suction cup, a plastic pry tool, and a small Phillips screwdriver.
Apple's Official Screen Replacement Service
Apple replaces screens at any Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though booking online usually means a shorter wait. The technician removes the old screen, installs a genuine Apple part, and tests the phone before you leave. The whole process takes one to two hours.
Cost depends on your model. An iPhone 15 screen costs around $300; an iPhone 14 around $280; an iPhone SE around $170. If you have AppleCare+, the cost drops to $29 per incident. Apple's warranty covers the replacement for one year, and the repair does not void your phone's warranty.
The main drawback is cost and wait time at busy locations. The main advantage is that Apple uses genuine parts and stands behind the work. If something goes wrong during the repair, Apple fixes it at no extra charge.
Third-Party Repair Shops
Independent phone repair shops and chains like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local repair stores offer screen replacement for less than Apple. Prices typically range from $100 to $250 depending on the model and the shop's location. Many shops complete the work same-day, sometimes in under an hour.
Quality varies widely. A reputable shop will use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) screens or high-quality aftermarket screens, test the phone before handing it back, and offer a warranty on the repair—usually 30 to 90 days. Before you go, check Google reviews and ask whether they use OEM or aftermarket parts.
The risk is that a poor repair can damage the phone's water resistance, leave dust under the screen, or use a low-quality part that fails quickly. Ask the shop about their warranty and what happens if the screen fails within 30 days. A shop that refuses to may provide their work is a sign to go elsewhere.
DIY Screen Replacement with a Kit
If you are comfortable with small, fiddly work, you can buy a screen replacement kit online and do it yourself. Kits for popular models (iPhone 13, 14, 15) cost $30 to $100 and include the screen, tools, and sometimes a guide video. The work takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your speed and the model.
The process is roughly the same for all iPhones: heat the edges to soften the adhesive, use a suction cup to lift the screen, pry it away carefully with a plastic tool, disconnect the old screen's cable, remove the old adhesive, install the new screen, reconnect the cable, and seal it back down. Newer models (iPhone 12 and later) are harder because the screen is fused to the front glass, meaning more heat and more risk of cracking the surrounding glass.
You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a suction cup, plastic pry tools (metal can crack the frame), a small Phillips screwdriver, and isopropyl alcohol to clean off old adhesive. Many kits include these; if not, you can buy them separately for $20 to $40. Watch a video for your exact model before you start—each generation has slightly different steps.
The main risk is breaking the frame, the surrounding glass, or the display cable during removal. If you crack the frame, the phone's water resistance is compromised. If you damage the cable, the screen will not work at all. A mistake here can turn a $50 repair into a $300 problem. DIY also voids any remaining manufacturer warranty, though Apple may still repair other issues.
What to Do If Your Screen Is Cracked but the Phone Still Works
A cracked screen that still displays and responds to touch does not need emergency repair, but the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Cracks spread, dust gets in, and the screen can fail suddenly. If the crack is small and in a corner, you can wait a few days to schedule an appointment. If it is large or in the center of the screen, repair it within a week.
In the meantime, avoid dropping the phone, do not press hard on the cracked area, and keep it away from water. A cracked screen compromises water resistance even if the phone still works. If water gets in, it can damage the logic board and make the phone unrepairable.
What to Do If Your Screen Is Shattered or Black
A completely shattered screen or a black screen that does not respond to touch needs repair within a day or two. You cannot use the phone safely, and the damage will get worse. Book an appointment at Apple or a repair shop when ready—most can fit you in same-day or next-day.
If the screen is black but the phone vibrates when you press buttons, the display is broken but the phone itself is fine. This is still a screen replacement, not a logic board repair, so the cost is the same as a cracked screen. If the phone does not vibrate and does not respond at all, the problem may be deeper than the screen, and you should have a technician diagnose it before paying for a screen replacement.
Comparing Cost and Time Across All Three Routes
| Route | Cost Range | Time to Repair | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $29–$400 (with or without AppleCare+) | 1–2 hours | 1 year on repair; does not void phone warranty | Peace of mind; genuine parts; no risk of further damage |
| Third-party shop | $100–$250 | 30 minutes to 2 hours | 30–90 days (varies by shop) | Lower cost; faster service; local convenience |
| DIY kit | $30–$100 | 30 minutes to 2 hours | None; voids manufacturer warranty | Lowest cost; full control; comfort with electronics |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a screen protector prevent cracks?
A screen protector reduces the chance of a crack and can prevent small scratches, but it will not stop a hard drop from cracking the screen underneath. It is cheap insurance ($10 to $30) and worth using, but do not rely on it alone. A case that protects the edges and corners is more important for preventing screen damage.
Can I use a non-Apple screen and keep my warranty?
Using a non-Apple screen voids your manufacturer warranty for the display and any related issues. Apple will still repair other parts of the phone under warranty, but if something goes wrong with the replacement screen, Apple will not cover it. A third-party repair shop's warranty covers their work, but it is usually shorter (30 to 90 days) than Apple's one-year may provide.
What if I drop my phone again right after repair?
If you crack the screen again within the warranty period, you pay for a second repair. Apple and most third-party shops do not cover damage from drops—only manufacturing defects. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, so if you have it, a second crack costs $29 instead of $200 to $400.
Is it safe to use my phone while waiting for a repair?
A cracked screen is safe to use as long as the phone still responds and you do not press hard on the crack. Avoid water and do not drop it again. A shattered or black screen that does not respond means the phone may have other damage, so use it minimally and get it repaired quickly.
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?
On newer iPhones (12 and later), the glass and the display are fused together, so you have to replace the whole screen assembly. On older models, it is technically possible to separate the glass from the display, but it requires specialized equipment and is not practical for most people. A screen replacement is the standard repair for any visible crack.