You can replace an iPhone 6 screen yourself with basic tools, or pay Apple or a third-party repair shop to do it
An iPhone 6 screen replacement costs between $100 and $200 at Apple, or $50 to $150 at independent repair shops. If you do it yourself, parts cost $20 to $50 and the job takes 30 to 60 minutes. The choice depends on whether you want a warranty, how much time you have, and whether you trust yourself with small electronics.
The screen on an iPhone 6 is glued to the frame, so removal requires heat and prying — not a straightforward unscrew-and-swap. If you go the DIY route, a single slip can crack the new screen or damage the logic board. If you use Apple, you get a genuine part and a warranty. Independent shops fall in the middle: faster and cheaper than Apple, but the quality of the part and the technician varies.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $129 for an out-of-warranty iPhone 6 screen replacement and completes it the same day at most locations.
- Independent repair shops typically charge $60 to $120 and use aftermarket screens that may not match Apple's original quality.
- DIY replacement requires a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool, tweezers, and a replacement screen assembly — all available online for under $50 total.
- The hardest part of DIY replacement is removing the old screen without damaging the frame or logic board underneath.
- If you damage the phone during DIY repair, Apple will not fix it under warranty and may refuse service entirely.
Apple Store replacement: cost, time, and warranty
Apple replaces iPhone 6 screens for $129 if the phone is out of warranty and the damage is accidental. If you have AppleCare+, the cost is $29. You can book an appointment online at apple.com or walk into a store and ask about same-day service — most locations can turn it around in one to three hours.
The advantage is a genuine Apple screen, a 90-day warranty on the repair, and no risk of damaging your phone. The disadvantage is the price and the wait time if you do not have an appointment. If your iPhone 6 is still under the one-year manufacturer warranty and the screen failed on its own (not from a drop), Apple may replace it for free, though this is rare.
Independent repair shops: faster and cheaper, but variable quality
Local phone repair shops charge $60 to $120 for an iPhone 6 screen replacement and often complete it while you wait — usually within 30 to 60 minutes. The catch is that most use aftermarket screens, not genuine Apple parts. These screens work, but the color accuracy, brightness, and durability may not match the original.
Before you choose a shop, ask whether they use original or aftermarket screens, what warranty they offer on the repair, and whether they have insurance in case something goes wrong. Read reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see what other customers experienced. Some shops are excellent; others cut corners. The price difference between a $60 shop and a $120 shop often reflects the quality of the part and the skill of the technician.
DIY replacement: tools, steps, and risks
If you decide to replace the screen yourself, you will need a replacement screen assembly (not just the glass), a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool or spudger, tweezers, and a small Phillips screwdriver. Buy a kit online that includes most of these tools and the screen for $30 to $50. Do not buy a screen-only replacement — the iPhone 6 screen is fused to the digitizer and frame, so you need the whole assembly.
The process is: heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, carefully pry up the old screen with a plastic tool, disconnect the ribbon cables underneath, remove the old frame if needed, install the new screen, reconnect the cables, and seal the edges with new adhesive. Watch a full video tutorial on YouTube before you start — search "iPhone 6 screen replacement" and watch a video that shows every step in detail. The most common mistake is prying too hard and cracking the logic board or the new screen.
If something goes wrong during DIY repair, Apple will not fix it under warranty and may refuse service. Some independent shops will also refuse to work on a phone that has been opened by someone else. You are responsible for any damage that happens during the repair.
Aftermarket vs. original screens: what the difference means
An original Apple screen for the iPhone 6 is no longer sold separately by Apple, so any "original" screen you buy online is either refurbished or salvaged from another phone. These cost $80 to $150. An aftermarket screen is new but made by a third party, not Apple, and costs $20 to $50.
The practical difference: original screens have better color accuracy, higher brightness, and are more durable. Aftermarket screens work fine for calls, texts, and most apps, but you may notice the colors look slightly off or the screen is dimmer, especially in bright sunlight. Some aftermarket screens have dead pixels or fail within a few months. If you plan to keep the phone for more than a year, an original or high-quality aftermarket screen is worth the extra cost.
What to do if the screen is cracked but the phone still works
A cracked screen does not mean the phone is broken — the display may work perfectly even with visible cracks. If the cracks are small and do not bother you, you can wait to replace the screen. If the cracks are large or the screen is unresponsive in some areas, replace it soon, because the cracks can spread and moisture can get inside the phone.
Do not use a screen protector to hold a cracked screen together. Screen protectors do not seal the phone and will not prevent moisture from entering. If you are waiting for an appointment or saving money, use a clear case to protect the phone from further damage and keep it away from water.
Comparing your options in one table
| Option | Cost | Time | Screen Quality | Warranty | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $129 (out of warranty) | 1–3 hours | Original Apple | 90 days | None |
| Independent shop | $60–$120 | 30–60 minutes | Aftermarket (variable) | 30–90 days | Low (technician handles it) |
| DIY with original screen | $80–$150 | 30–60 minutes | Original Apple | None | High (you do the work) |
| DIY with aftermarket screen | $20–$50 | 30–60 minutes | Aftermarket | None | High (you do the work) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?
You have to replace the whole screen assembly. The glass is fused to the digitizer and LCD panel underneath, and separating them damages all three. Buying just the glass will not work. Any replacement kit you buy will include the full assembly.
Will a screen replacement fix a phone that is not responding to touch?
Maybe. If the phone was dropped and the screen cracked, a new screen may fix the touch problem. If the phone was never dropped and the screen is fine but touch does not work, the problem is likely the logic board, not the screen, and a screen replacement will not help. Test this by tapping the screen in different areas — if some parts respond and others do not, it is a screen issue.
How long does a replacement screen last?
An original Apple screen typically lasts as long as the phone — several years of normal use. An aftermarket screen may last one to three years, depending on the brand and how you use the phone. If you drop the phone frequently, any screen will fail sooner.
What if I damage the phone while replacing the screen myself?
You are responsible for the damage. Apple will not repair it under warranty, and some independent shops will refuse to work on a phone that has been opened. If you damage the logic board, the phone may be unrepairable. This is the main risk of DIY replacement.
Is it worth replacing an iPhone 6 screen, or should I just buy a new phone?
If the rest of the phone works well and you do not need the latest features, a screen replacement is worth it — $100 to $200 is much less than a new phone. If the phone is also slow, the battery drains quickly, or it is more than five years old, you may want to consider a newer model instead.