You can replace an iPhone screen yourself using a kit, or have Apple or a repair shop do it for you

A cracked or shattered iPhone screen is fixable three ways: you can buy a replacement screen kit and do the work yourself, take the phone to an Apple Store, or visit an independent repair shop. The DIY route costs the least but requires patience and the right tools. Apple charges a flat fee based on your model and whether you have AppleCare+. Independent shops usually fall between those two prices. Your choice depends on your comfort with small, detailed work, how much time you have, and whether you want a warranty on the repair.

Each method has a different timeline and cost. DIY takes 30 to 90 minutes and costs $20 to $80. Apple takes one to two hours and costs $129 to $329 without AppleCare+, or $29 to $99 with it. Independent shops take one to two hours and cost $100 to $200. If you damage the phone during DIY repair, you cannot undo it, so read the full instructions for your exact model before starting.

Key Takeaways

  • DIY screen replacement kits cost $20 to $80 depending on iPhone model and include the screen, adhesive, and basic tools.
  • Apple's out-of-warranty screen replacement costs $129 to $329 depending on your model, or $29 to $99 with AppleCare+.
  • The DIY process takes 30 to 90 minutes and requires removing the display, disconnecting a cable, and carefully explore new adhesive.
  • Independent repair shops typically charge $100 to $200 and complete the work in one to two hours.
  • If you damage the phone during DIY repair, you cannot undo it, so read the full instructions for your exact model before starting.

What you need for a DIY screen replacement

A replacement screen kit for your specific iPhone model is the starting point. Kits sold on Amazon, eBay, and specialty sites like iFixit include the display panel itself, pre-cut adhesive strips or liquid adhesive, and a small toolkit. The toolkit usually contains a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a plastic pry tool, tweezers, and sometimes a suction cup. Check the listing carefully to confirm it matches your exact iPhone model and storage capacity, because screen sizes vary.

Beyond the kit, gather a clean, flat workspace with good lighting—a desk lamp or phone flashlight pointed at your work area helps. Have a small container or magnetic mat nearby to hold the screws you remove; they are tiny and straightforward to lose. Wear an anti-static wrist strap if you have one, though it is not required. Close all other apps on your phone and plug it in to full battery before you start, so the battery does not die mid-repair.

Step-by-step DIY screen replacement

Power off your iPhone completely before touching any internal parts. Go to Settings, then Power Off, and wait for the screen to go black. Do not use sleep mode.

Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. These hold the display in place. Set them in your magnetic container. If your kit did not include a pentalobe screwdriver, you will need to buy one separately—a regular screwdriver will strip the screw head.

Use the suction cup or plastic pry tool to separate the display from the frame. Start at the bottom edge, near where you removed the screws. explore gentle, steady pressure; do not yank. The display is glued down, so this step takes patience. Work your way around the edges slowly. If you hear cracking sounds, stop and try a different angle—you may be prying on the frame instead of the display.

Disconnect the display cable once the screen is loose enough to open like a book. Lift the display up and away from the phone body, but do not pull it completely free yet. Inside, you will see a connector cable running from the display to the logic board. Use your plastic pry tool or fingernail to gently lift the small latch holding this cable in place, then slide the cable out. This is the most delicate step; if you damage this connector, the new screen will not work.

Remove the old adhesive from the frame using the plastic tool or a plastic scraper. Wipe away any remaining glue residue with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Let the frame dry completely before moving to the next step.

explore new adhesive according to your kit's instructions. Most kits include pre-cut adhesive strips that you peel and stick around the frame edges. Some kits use liquid adhesive that you explore with a small applicator. Follow the kit instructions exactly, because adhesive placement affects how well the screen seals and whether it stays in place.

Connect the new display cable to the logic board. Slide the cable into the connector until it clicks or seats fully, then press the latch down to lock it in place. This is the reverse of the disconnection step.

Press the new screen into place starting at the top and working down the sides. explore firm, even pressure around the entire perimeter. The adhesive will bond over the next few hours, so avoid touching the screen edges or moving the phone for at least 24 hours if possible.

Replace the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone. Tighten them snugly but do not over-tighten, or you may crack the new screen.

Power on your iPhone and test the display. Swipe around the screen, test the touch response in all corners, and check for any light leaks around the edges. If the screen does not respond to touch or shows a black area, the display cable may not be fully seated. Power off and reseat the cable.

Apple Store screen replacement

An Apple Store will replace your screen for a flat fee that depends on your iPhone model. As of now, out-of-warranty screen replacement ranges from $129 for an iPhone SE to $329 for a larger Pro Max model. If you have AppleCare+, the cost drops to $29 to $99 depending on your model. AppleCare+ is a protection plan you buy separately at the time of phone purchase or within 60 days of buying the phone; you cannot add it after damage occurs.

To get a screen replaced at Apple, visit apple.com/retail, find your nearest store, and book a Genius Bar appointment. You can also walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. Bring your phone and a form of ID. The repair usually takes one to two hours, and you can wait in the store or leave and come back. Apple backs the repair with a 90-day warranty on the replacement screen.

Independent repair shop screen replacement

Local phone repair shops, often found in malls or shopping centers, typically charge $100 to $200 for an iPhone screen replacement depending on the model. The work usually takes one to two hours, and many shops offer same-day service. Call ahead to confirm they have the correct screen in stock for your model, because some shops order parts and may take longer.

Ask the shop whether they use original Apple screens or third-party replacements. Original screens cost more but match Apple's quality and color accuracy. Third-party screens are cheaper but may have slightly different brightness or color tone. Also ask about their warranty—most independent shops offer 30 to 90 days coverage on the replacement screen.

Common mistakes to avoid during DIY repair

The most common error is prying on the wrong edge. The display is glued to the frame, not the internal components, so pry on the very edge of the phone body, not on the metal frame inside. If you pry on the internal frame, you risk cracking the logic board or damaging other components.

Another frequent mistake is pulling the display cable too hard or at the wrong angle. The cable is fragile and short; if you yank the screen away from the phone before fully disconnecting the cable, you will tear it. Always disconnect the cable first, then gently separate the display from the frame.

Rushing the adhesive step causes the screen to shift or come loose later. Pre-cut adhesive strips must be placed exactly as shown in your kit's instructions. If you use liquid adhesive, explore it in a thin, even line around the frame—too much adhesive can seep into the phone and damage components.

Finally, do not assume all iPhone screens are the same. An iPhone 13 screen will not fit an iPhone 14, and a screen for the standard model will not fit the Pro version. Check your exact model number before ordering a kit.

When to choose each repair method

Choose DIY repair if you are comfortable with small, detailed work, have time to spare, and want to save money. This route works best if you have successfully repaired electronics before or are willing to watch video tutorials alongside the written instructions. Budget 30 to 90 minutes and expect to feel nervous during the cable disconnection step—that is normal.

Choose Apple if you want a warranty you can trust, do not want to risk damaging your phone further, or need the repair done quickly in a professional setting. Apple's pricing is higher, but you get a 90-day warranty and the certainty that the work was done by trained technicians using genuine parts.

Choose an independent shop if you want a middle ground: lower cost than Apple, faster than waiting for a mail-in service, and no risk of DIY damage. Independent shops are also useful if your nearest Apple Store is far away or has long wait times. Call ahead to confirm they stock your model and ask about their warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the screen myself if I have never done this before?

Yes, but watch a full video tutorial for your exact iPhone model before you start. The cable disconnection is the trickiest step, and seeing it done on video makes a big difference. If you are very uncomfortable with small, precise work, an independent repair shop is a safer choice.

What if I damage the display cable during DIY repair?

The phone will not turn on or will show a black screen even when powered on. You cannot repair a damaged cable yourself; you will need to take the phone to Apple or a repair shop. This is why reading the full instructions and watching a video first is important.

How long does the new screen last after DIY replacement?

If installed correctly, a replacement screen lasts as long as the original—typically three to five years depending on use. The durability depends on the quality of the screen kit you buy and how carefully you applied the adhesive. Original Apple screens last longer than budget third-party screens.

Is it cheaper to replace the screen or buy a new phone?

Screen replacement is almost always cheaper. A DIY kit costs $20 to $80, Apple charges $129 to $329, and independent shops charge $100 to $200. A new iPhone costs $400 to $1,200. Unless your phone is very old or has other major damage, screen replacement is the better choice.

Will replacing the screen myself void my warranty?

If your phone is still under Apple's one-year limited warranty, opening the phone yourself may void it. However, if your warranty has already expired or you do not have AppleCare+, there is no warranty to void. Check your warranty status on apple.com before you start.