You can replace a MacBook Pro screen yourself or take it to Apple or a third-party repair shop, depending on your model year and comfort level with hardware
MacBook Pro screens fail for different reasons — a crack from impact, a dark spot that spreads, or a hinge that breaks and takes the display with it. The path forward depends on whether your model has a glued-in screen (most models from 2016 onward) or one held by screws (older machines). Self-repair is possible on some models but voids your warranty and requires specific tools. Apple will replace the entire display assembly, which is expensive but covers the work under AppleCare if you have it. Third-party shops offer a middle ground: lower cost than Apple, faster turnaround than mail-in service, and no warranty void if you choose a reputable technician.
Key Takeaways
- MacBook Pro screens from 2016 onward are glued to the chassis, making self-repair difficult and risky; older models have screw-in screens that are easier to replace yourself.
- Apple charges between $300 and $800 for a full display replacement depending on screen size and model, and the cost is covered under AppleCare if you have active coverage.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $200 to $500 and can often complete the work within one to three days, but verify they use genuine or high-quality replacement parts.
- If you attempt self-repair on a glued screen, you will need a heat gun, plastic pry tools, and replacement adhesive strips; one slip can damage the logic board or surrounding components.
- Before paying for any repair, check your MacBook Pro model year and screen type using System Information, because repair difficulty and cost vary widely by generation.
Identify your MacBook Pro model and screen type
Open System Information by clicking the Apple menu, then About This Mac. Note the year and screen size. Models from 2016 onward (including all M1, M2, and M3 MacBook Pros) have Retina displays glued directly to the chassis. Models from 2015 and earlier have screw-mounted screens that separate from the bezel more easily.
The difference matters because a glued screen requires heat to soften the adhesive, and one wrong move can damage the logic board or crack the surrounding glass. A screw-mounted screen is a straightforward parts swap if you have a screwdriver and a replacement panel. Search your exact model on iFixit or YouTube to see photos of the inside before you commit to the repair method.
Apple's official replacement service and cost
Apple replaces the entire display assembly, not just the glass. For a 13-inch MacBook Pro, the cost is typically $300 to $400 out of warranty. A 14-inch or 16-inch model runs $400 to $800 depending on the generation. If you have AppleCare, the repair is covered under accidental damage protection (subject to a deductible, usually $99 to $149).
You can start a repair by visiting an Apple Store, calling Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE, or using the Apple Support app. Apple will either repair it in-store (usually one to three days) or mail you a shipping label if your nearest store cannot handle it. Out-of-warranty repairs take longer because they go through Apple's mail-in service, which can take one to two weeks.
Third-party repair shops and what to expect
Independent repair shops like iFixit, Micro Center, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local computer repair businesses offer screen replacement for $200 to $500, depending on the model and whether they use genuine Apple parts or third-party equivalents. Many shops can complete the work within 24 to 48 hours, which is faster than Apple's typical timeline.
Before you book, ask whether the shop uses genuine Apple display panels or aftermarket replacements. Genuine panels cost more but match the original brightness and color accuracy. Aftermarket panels are cheaper but may have lower brightness or color shift. Also ask about the warranty on the repair — reputable shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage on the replacement screen and labor.
Self-repair on older MacBook Pro models (2015 and earlier)
If you have a 2015 or earlier MacBook Pro, the screen is held in place by screws and can be removed without heat or adhesive. You will need a P5 Pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a plastic spudger to pry the bezel, and a replacement screen panel compatible with your exact model.
The process is straightforward: power off and unplug the machine, remove the bottom case, disconnect the battery, unscrew the display hinges, and disconnect the video cable. Reverse the steps with the new screen. The entire job takes 30 to 60 minutes if you work carefully. Replacement screens for older models cost $80 to $200 from vendors like OWC or Amazon, making this the cheapest option if you are comfortable opening your machine.
Why self-repair on newer models is risky
MacBook Pro screens from 2016 onward are bonded to the chassis with adhesive, and the bezel is fused to the glass. Removing the screen requires a heat gun to soften the glue, plastic pry tools to separate the glass without cracking it, and replacement adhesive strips to reseal it. If the glass cracks during removal, you have destroyed a $300 to $800 component. If you slip with the pry tool, you can damage the logic board or the antenna cables that run under the bezel.
The repair is technically possible — iFixit publishes detailed guides with photos for most models — but it demands patience, steady hands, and a willingness to accept the risk of total loss. Many people who attempt it end up paying Apple or a third-party shop to fix the damage, which costs more than the original repair would have. If you are not experienced with electronics repair, the risk is not worth the savings.
Comparison of repair routes by cost and timeline
| Repair Route | Typical Cost | Timeline | Warranty | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (in warranty with AppleCare) | $99–$149 deductible | 1–3 days | Covered under AppleCare | None |
| Apple Store (out of warranty) | $300–$800 | 1–2 weeks (mail-in) | 90 days on repair | None |
| Third-party shop | $200–$500 | 1–3 days | 30–90 days on repair | Low (depends on shop reputation) |
| Self-repair (2015 and earlier) | $80–$200 | 1–2 hours | None | Low (straightforward screw removal) |
| Self-repair (2016 and later) | $150–$300 | 2–4 hours | None | High (adhesive removal, risk of damage) |
What to do if your screen is cracked but still works
A cracked screen that still displays an image does not require when ready repair, but the crack will spread over time as the glass flexes with opening and closing the lid. If the crack is small and in the corner, you can delay repair for weeks or months. If it runs across the middle of the screen or near the hinge, it will likely worsen within days.
In the meantime, use an external monitor if you need to work. This lets you avoid opening and closing the lid, which stresses the crack. Do not explore pressure to the cracked area, and do not expose the machine to temperature changes, which can cause the glass to expand and contract. Once you are ready to repair, the cost and timeline are the same as any other screen replacement — the crack does not change the repair process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?
On MacBook Pro models from 2016 onward, the glass and LCD panel are fused together, so you must replace the entire display assembly. On older models (2015 and earlier), the glass and panel are separate, so you can replace just the glass if only the outer layer is cracked. Check iFixit for your specific model to confirm which parts are bonded.
How long does a replacement screen last?
A replacement screen from Apple or a reputable third-party shop will last as long as the original — typically five to seven years or longer. Aftermarket screens may have a shorter lifespan if they use lower-quality components, but most will function for at least three to five years. The repair warranty (usually 30 to 90 days) covers defects in the panel or installation, not normal wear.
Will replacing the screen void my warranty?
If you use Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the repair does not void your warranty. If you use a third-party shop or repair it yourself, you lose warranty coverage on the display and any damage that occurs during the repair. AppleCare coverage remains active on the rest of the machine, but the display itself is no longer covered.
What if the screen is dark or has dead pixels instead of a crack?
A dark screen usually means the backlight has failed, and a few dead pixels are cosmetic but do not require replacement. If the entire screen is dim or black but the machine still powers on, the issue may be the video cable or logic board, not the display panel itself. Take it to Apple or a third-party shop for diagnosis before paying for a screen replacement.
Can I buy a replacement screen and have someone else install it?
Yes. You can purchase a replacement panel from OWC, Amazon, or other vendors and bring it to a third-party repair shop for installation. This can save money if the shop charges separately for parts and labor. Confirm the part number matches your exact MacBook Pro model before you buy, because using the wrong panel can damage the connector or the logic board.