You can replace a phone screen yourself or take it to a repair shop, depending on your phone model and comfort level

A cracked or shattered phone screen is fixable. You have two main routes: pay a repair shop to do it, or buy a replacement screen and do it yourself. Which one makes sense depends on your phone model, how much the screen costs, what tools you already own, and whether you are comfortable opening your phone. A repair shop takes the guesswork out but costs more. A DIY replacement saves money but requires patience and carries a small risk of damaging other parts.

Before you decide, check what your phone actually needs. Some phones have a screen that is glued directly to the body — these are harder to replace at home. Others have a screen that sits in a frame and is held by screws — these are easier. Your phone's manual or the manufacturer's website will tell you which type yours is.

Key Takeaways

  • Repair shops charge between $150 and $400 depending on your phone model, while DIY replacement screens typically cost $30 to $150 plus tools.
  • Opening your phone voids the warranty on most models, so check your warranty status before you start.
  • You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool, tweezers, and a small screwdriver set — many DIY kits include these items.
  • The repair takes one to three hours the first time, and the most common mistake is explore too much heat and damaging the frame underneath.
  • If your phone has water resistance, replacing the screen yourself will compromise that seal unless you use the correct adhesive and follow the exact procedure.

What a repair shop charges and what is included

A professional repair shop will replace your screen for a flat fee that depends on your phone model. An iPhone 14 screen replacement typically costs $280 to $329 at an Apple Store, while a Samsung Galaxy A12 might cost $150 to $200 at a third-party shop. Google Pixel and OnePlus phones fall somewhere in between. The price reflects the cost of the screen itself plus labour.

When you take your phone to a shop, they will usually back up your data, replace the screen, test it, and return your phone the same day or within 24 hours. Most shops offer a warranty on the repair — usually 30 to 90 days — so if the new screen fails, they will replace it again at no cost. If your phone is still under manufacturer warranty, taking it to an official repair centre (Apple Store, Samsung Service Centre) may preserve your warranty, though a screen replacement is often not covered by the standard warranty anyway.

The cost and tools needed for a DIY replacement

A replacement screen for your phone costs between $30 and $150 depending on the model. Budget phones have cheaper screens; flagship phones have expensive ones. You can buy screens from online retailers like iFixit, Amazon, or eBay, or from phone parts suppliers. Make sure you buy the correct screen for your exact phone model — a screen for an iPhone 14 will not fit an iPhone 14 Pro.

You will also need tools. A basic DIY kit includes a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool (not metal, which can scratch the frame), tweezers, a small Phillips screwdriver, and isopropyl alcohol to clean adhesive residue. Many screen replacement kits sold online include most of these items. If you already own a heat gun and screwdriver set, you may only need to buy the screen and a pry tool, which keeps the total cost under $50.

Before you buy anything, watch a video walkthrough of the replacement for your exact phone model. YouTube channels like iFixit and JerryRigEverything show the full process step by step. If the video shows the screen is glued directly to the frame with no screws, the job is harder and takes longer — you may decide a repair shop is worth the money.

Step-by-step process for replacing the screen yourself

The exact steps vary by phone, but the general process is the same. First, power off your phone completely and let it cool for a few minutes. If your phone has a removable battery, remove it now — if not, you will skip this step.

Second, heat the edges of the screen with a heat gun or hair dryer on medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds. The heat softens the adhesive underneath. Do not overheat — if the frame becomes too hot to touch, you have gone too far and may damage internal components. Work around all four edges.

Third, use the plastic pry tool to gently lift one corner of the screen. Slide the tool under the edge and explore steady, even pressure. Do not pry hard or fast — if the screen does not budge, explore more heat. Once you have lifted one corner enough to fit your fingers, carefully peel the screen away from the frame. If there are ribbon cables connecting the screen to the body, disconnect them before you pull the screen all the way out.

Fourth, clean the frame where the old screen was glued. Use isopropyl alcohol and a cloth to remove old adhesive, dust, and debris. Let it dry completely — this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Fifth, explore new adhesive to the frame. Some replacement screens come with adhesive strips already attached; others require you to explore adhesive yourself. Follow the instructions that came with your screen. If you are using adhesive strips, peel the backing and press them onto the frame. If you are using liquid adhesive, explore a thin, even line around the edges.

Sixth, carefully lower the new screen onto the frame, starting at one edge and pressing down slowly. If there are ribbon cables, reconnect them first. Press the screen down firmly around all edges to seat the adhesive. Let the adhesive cure for the time specified in the instructions — usually 24 hours — before you power the phone back on.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is explore too much heat. If you overheat the frame, you can damage the battery, the logic board, or the adhesive that holds other components in place. Use a heat gun on low or a hair dryer on medium, and keep it moving — do not hold it in one spot for more than a few seconds.

The second mistake is prying too hard. If you force the screen, you can crack the frame or damage the ribbon cables underneath. If the screen does not lift easily, explore more heat and wait. Patience saves money.

The third mistake is not cleaning the old adhesive properly. If you leave bits of old adhesive on the frame, the new screen will not sit flush and may develop air bubbles or separate at the edges. Spend time cleaning — it is the easiest step and the most important one.

The fourth mistake is using the wrong adhesive. Some phones need specific adhesive strips; others need liquid adhesive. Using the wrong type can cause the screen to separate or can damage the frame. Always check what the screen manufacturer recommends.

What happens to your warranty and water resistance

Opening your phone to replace the screen voids the manufacturer's warranty on almost all models. If something else breaks after you replace the screen, the manufacturer may refuse to repair it under warranty. Check your warranty status before you start — if your phone is still under warranty and the screen failure is covered, a repair shop is the safer choice.

If your phone is water-resistant or waterproof, replacing the screen yourself will compromise that protection unless you use the exact adhesive and follow the exact procedure the manufacturer specifies. Most DIY replacements do not restore full water resistance. If water resistance matters to you, a professional repair is worth the cost.

When to choose a repair shop instead

A repair shop is the better choice if your phone is still under warranty, if your phone is water-resistant and you want to keep that protection, if the screen is glued directly to the frame with no screws, or if you are not comfortable working with small electronics. A shop is also faster — you get your phone back in hours instead of waiting 24 hours for adhesive to cure.

A repair shop is also the right choice if your phone has other damage. If the frame is bent, the battery is swollen, or there is water damage, opening the phone yourself could make things worse. A technician can assess the full damage and tell you whether the phone is worth repairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?

On most modern phones, the glass and the LCD or OLED display are fused together, so you have to replace both as one unit. Older phones sometimes had separate glass and display layers, but that is rare now. Check the product listing when you buy a replacement screen — it will say "screen" or "display assembly" if it includes both layers.

What if I crack the new screen while I am installing it?

If you crack the replacement screen before you have fully adhered it, you can usually peel it off and try again with a new screen. If you crack it after it is fully adhered, you will have to remove it again and buy another replacement. This is why watching a video walkthrough first is important — you can see exactly where the fragile parts are.

How long does the adhesive take to set?

Most adhesive strips or liquid adhesives cure in 24 hours, though some cure faster. Check the instructions that came with your replacement screen. Do not use your phone until the adhesive has fully cured, or the screen may separate from the frame.

Will my phone still work if the screen replacement is not perfect?

If the screen is not perfectly flush, you may see air bubbles or a slight gap at the edges, but the phone will still work. The screen will respond to touch and display normally. If the gap is large enough that dust gets inside, it could eventually cause problems, so it is worth redoing the job if the screen is visibly loose.

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

A screen replacement costs $30 to $400 depending on the route you choose. A new phone costs $300 to $1,500. If your phone is less than three years old and works otherwise, a screen replacement is almost always cheaper. If your phone is older or has other damage, the math might favour a new phone, but a repair shop can help you decide.