Your three main routes: repair shop, manufacturer, or do-it-yourself
You can replace a cracked or broken phone screen by taking it to a repair shop, sending it to the manufacturer, or replacing the screen yourself if you have the right tools and parts. A repair shop typically costs $100 to $300 and takes one to three days. The manufacturer usually costs more but covers the work under warranty if your phone is new enough. Doing it yourself costs $20 to $100 for parts but requires patience, a steady hand, and the willingness to void your warranty.
The fastest option is almost always a local repair shop — they often finish the same day or next morning. The cheapest is self-repair, but only if you are comfortable working with small parts and adhesives. The safest for your warranty is the manufacturer, though it takes longer and costs the most.
Key Takeaways
- A local repair shop can replace your screen in one to three days for $100 to $300, depending on your phone model and whether the damage goes deeper than the glass.
- The manufacturer's repair service preserves your warranty but typically costs $150 to $400 and takes one to two weeks.
- Self-repair kits cost $20 to $100 and take one to three hours, but require a heat gun or hair dryer, a pry tool, and a steady hand to avoid damaging the display underneath.
- Before choosing a route, check whether your phone has water resistance — opening it yourself voids that seal, and many repair shops charge extra to reseal it.
- If your phone is under warranty or covered by insurance, contact the manufacturer or your carrier first, because they may cover the cost entirely.
When to use a repair shop and what to expect
A local repair shop is the fastest and most practical choice for most people. Search "phone screen repair near me" or check Google Maps for shops in your area with reviews above 4 stars. Call ahead to confirm they stock the screen for your exact phone model — some shops order parts and take longer than others.
When you arrive, the technician will inspect the damage. If only the outer glass is cracked but the display underneath still works, the cost is lower — usually $100 to $200. If the display is also broken (the screen is dark, has dead pixels, or does not respond to touch), the cost jumps to $200 to $300 because they have to replace both layers. Some shops charge a diagnostic fee ($10 to $30) that applies to the repair if you proceed.
Most shops finish the work in one to three hours if they have the part in stock. Ask whether they test the screen before you leave and whether they offer a warranty on the repair — many give 30 to 90 days. Also ask if they reseal the phone for water resistance; some do this automatically, others charge $20 to $50 extra.
Sending your phone to the manufacturer
Contact your phone's manufacturer directly through their website or customer service number. Apple, Samsung, Google, and other makers all run mail-in repair programs. You will need your phone's serial number (found in Settings) and proof of purchase if the phone is still under the original one-year warranty.
The manufacturer will quote you a price, usually $150 to $400 depending on the model. If your phone is under warranty and the damage is not from physical impact (for example, a manufacturing defect), the repair may be covered at no cost. If the damage is from a drop or impact, you will pay the full price. Some manufacturers offer accidental damage coverage through their own insurance plans, which you can check when you contact them.
The process takes one to two weeks from the time you ship the phone until it arrives back. You will need to back up your data first, because the manufacturer may erase the phone during repair. They will provide a prepaid shipping label, so you do not pay to send it in.
Replacing the screen yourself with a kit
Self-repair kits are available online for most phone models. Search "[your phone model] screen replacement kit" on Amazon or eBay. A typical kit includes the replacement screen, a heat gun or adhesive strips, a pry tool, tweezers, and sometimes a small screwdriver set. Prices range from $20 to $100 depending on the phone.
The process takes one to three hours. You will need to heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive holding the old screen, pry it off carefully, remove any remaining adhesive, and then explore new adhesive or use the adhesive strips that come with the kit to attach the new screen. Watch a video tutorial for your exact phone model before you start — the steps vary widely between phones, and a mistake can damage the display underneath or the phone's frame.
The main risks are damaging the display layer underneath the glass, breaking the frame, or accidentally disconnecting a ribbon cable that connects the screen to the phone's logic board. If any of these happen, the repair cost jumps to $200 to $400 because you now need a new display assembly or frame repair. Self-repair also voids your warranty and breaks the water-resistance seal, so your phone becomes more vulnerable to liquid damage afterward.
What to do if your phone is under warranty or insured
Check your phone's warranty status before you pay for any repair. For iPhones, go to Settings > General > About and look for the coverage date, or visit apple.com/support and enter your serial number. For Android phones, visit the manufacturer's website or check your original receipt.
If your phone is still under the one-year manufacturer's warranty and the screen damage is not from physical impact, the repair is usually covered at no cost. If the damage is from a drop or crack, the warranty does not cover it, but you may have accidental damage coverage through a separate insurance plan.
Check whether you have insurance through your phone carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) or through a third-party plan like AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+. These plans typically cover accidental damage for a deductible of $25 to $100. Call your carrier or insurance provider to file a claim — they will either mail you a replacement phone or direct you to a repair center that handles claims.
Comparing cost and time across all three routes
| Route | Cost | Time | Warranty Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local repair shop | $100–$300 | 1–3 hours (same day or next day) | Voids manufacturer warranty; shop may offer 30–90 day repair warranty |
| Manufacturer | $150–$400 (free if under warranty and not from impact) | 1–2 weeks | Preserves manufacturer warranty |
| Self-repair kit | $20–$100 | 1–3 hours | Voids manufacturer warranty and water resistance; no protection if something goes wrong |
Questions to ask before you choose
Before you commit to a repair route, ask yourself these questions. Is your phone under warranty or covered by insurance? If yes, contact the manufacturer or carrier first — you may not pay anything. Does your phone have water resistance that matters to you? If yes, avoid self-repair and ask a repair shop whether they reseal the phone. How much is your time worth? If you need the phone back today, a repair shop is your only option. If you can wait a week or two, the manufacturer may be cheaper and safer.
Also check the age and value of your phone. If it is more than three years old and the repair costs more than half the price of a used replacement, you might be better off buying a used phone instead. If it is less than a year old and still under warranty, always contact the manufacturer first before paying out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while waiting for the screen to be repaired?
If only the glass is cracked but the display works, yes — you can use the phone normally, though the cracks may cut your fingers. If the display is also broken and does not respond to touch, you cannot use the phone until it is repaired. A repair shop can usually lend you a loaner phone while yours is being fixed, but ask first.
What is the difference between a cracked screen and a broken display?
A cracked screen means only the outer glass layer is damaged, but the display underneath still shows an image and responds to touch. A broken display means the layer underneath is also damaged — the screen may be dark, have dead pixels, or not respond to touch. A cracked screen costs $100 to $200 to fix; a broken display costs $200 to $300 because both layers need replacement.
Will a repair shop reseal my phone for water resistance?
Some shops do this automatically as part of the repair; others charge $20 to $50 extra. Ask before you leave the shop. If you do self-repair, the water resistance seal is broken and cannot be easily restored without special equipment, so your phone becomes more vulnerable to liquid damage.
What happens if something goes wrong during self-repair?
If you damage the display layer underneath or break the frame, you will need a new display assembly or frame repair, which costs $200 to $400. You will also have voided your warranty, so the manufacturer will not cover it. This is why self-repair is risky if you are not confident in your ability to work with small parts.
Can I get a screen replacement under my phone insurance?
Most phone insurance plans cover accidental damage including screen breaks, but you will pay a deductible of $25 to $100. Contact your carrier or insurance provider to file a claim. They will either send you a replacement phone or direct you to a repair center. Check your plan documents to see what the deductible is before you file.