Your three options for getting a cracked or broken iPhone screen fixed
You can replace an iPhone screen yourself using a kit, take it to Apple, or visit an independent repair shop. Self-repair is cheapest but requires patience and the right tools. Apple charges a flat fee based on your model and whether you have AppleCare+ coverage. Independent shops often cost less than Apple and work faster, but quality varies widely.
The choice depends on your comfort with small electronics, how much time you have, and whether you want a warranty on the repair. If your phone is still under AppleCare+, Apple repair is usually your best value. If you're handy and want to save money, a kit from iFixit or similar vendors includes everything you need and costs $20 to $80 depending on your model.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $129 and $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, or $29 to $99 if you have AppleCare+ coverage.
- Self-repair kits cost $20 to $80 and include the screen, tools, and adhesive, but take 30 minutes to two hours and require steady hands.
- Independent repair shops typically charge $100 to $250 and complete the work in one to two hours, though warranty terms vary by shop.
- Apple and most independent shops will back their work with a warranty; DIY repairs have no warranty if something goes wrong.
- Before any repair, back up your phone data through iCloud or your computer in case something fails during the process.
Replacing the screen yourself with a kit
A DIY screen replacement kit includes the new display, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a spudger (plastic prying tool), tweezers, and adhesive strips or glue. The most reliable kits come from iFixit, which also publishes free step-by-step guides for each iPhone model with photos at every stage. Other vendors like Amazon Basics and Spigen sell cheaper kits, but quality control is less consistent.
Start by powering off your phone completely. Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the screen bezel — these are tiny and straightforward to lose, so use a small container. Heat the edges of the screen with a heat gun or hair dryer on low for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive underneath. Use the spudger to gently pry up one corner of the screen, then work your way around the edges. This step takes patience; rushing will crack the new screen before you even install it.
Once the old screen is free, disconnect the battery connector inside (a small ribbon cable near the top). Then disconnect the screen cable itself. Clean any old adhesive from the frame with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Place the new screen's adhesive strips around the frame edges, align the new screen carefully, and press it down firmly for 30 seconds. Reconnect the screen cable first, then the battery. Replace the two pentalobe screws and power on the phone.
The whole process takes 45 minutes to two hours the first time. Common mistakes include disconnecting the battery before the screen (which can damage the logic board), using too much heat and warping the frame, or pressing the screen down unevenly and trapping air bubbles. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse — the phone is yours to fix or replace.
Taking your phone to Apple for repair
Apple replaces screens at its retail stores and through its mail-in repair service. Walk into any Apple Store, explain the damage, and they will quote you a price on the spot. Repair usually takes three to five business days if they have the part in stock; if not, it can take one to two weeks. You can also start a repair request on Apple's website, mail your phone in, and receive it back repaired.
Screen replacement costs depend on your model. For an iPhone 15, Apple charges $129 without AppleCare+ or $29 with it. For an iPhone 14 Pro Max, the cost is $329 without coverage or $99 with it. Older models cost less. AppleCare+ is a monthly subscription (usually $3 to $5 per month) that covers accidental damage with a small deductible; if you bought it when you got your phone, screen replacement is nearly always worth using.
Apple's repair comes with a one-year warranty on the replaced screen and includes a full inspection of your phone. They also use genuine Apple parts, so the screen will match your phone's original specifications exactly. The downside is cost and time — if you need your phone back the same day, Apple is not an option in most locations.
Using an independent repair shop
Independent phone repair shops are found in most shopping centers and downtown areas. They typically charge $100 to $250 for an iPhone screen replacement and can often complete the work while you wait — usually one to two hours. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and ask about their warranty.
Quality varies significantly between shops. Before you hand over your phone, ask whether they use original Apple screens or third-party replacements. Original screens cost more but match your phone's color accuracy and brightness. Third-party screens are cheaper but may have slightly different colors or brightness levels. Ask how long their warranty lasts — reputable shops offer at least 30 days, and many offer 90 days or longer.
Check online reviews on Google Maps or Yelp before you go. Look for shops with consistent five-star ratings and recent reviews mentioning screen replacement specifically. Avoid shops with many complaints about quality or warranty disputes. A good independent shop will let you watch the repair or at least show you the old screen before they throw it away, so you know they actually replaced it.
What to do before any repair
Back up your phone data before you hand it to anyone. Use iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and toggling on the data types you want backed up, then tapping "Back Up Now." Alternatively, connect your phone to a Mac or Windows computer, open Finder or iTunes, and click "Back Up Now." This takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.
Disable Face ID or Touch ID temporarily if you are worried about someone unlocking your phone during repair. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and toggle off the features you want to disable. You can turn them back on after the repair is done. Write down your Apple ID password somewhere safe in case the repair requires you to sign out and sign back in.
If your phone is still under manufacturer warranty (one year from purchase), check whether the screen damage is covered. Accidental damage is not covered by the standard warranty, but manufacturing defects are. If your screen cracked from a fall, you will pay for the repair. If it cracked on its own while the phone was in your pocket, Apple may cover it — bring your receipt or proof of purchase.
Comparing cost and time across all three options
The table below shows how the three repair methods stack up against each other in terms of what you will spend, how long the work takes, and what kind of protection you get afterward. Use this to decide which option fits your situation best.
| Repair Method | Cost Range | Time to Complete | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY kit | $20–$80 | 45 min–2 hours | None |
| Apple Store | $29–$329 (with/without AppleCare+) | 3–14 days | 1 year on screen |
| Independent shop | $100–$250 | 1–2 hours | 30–90 days (varies) |
The cheapest option is always DIY, but it carries the highest risk if something goes wrong. The fastest option is an independent shop if they have your model in stock. The safest option is Apple, because you get a warranty and know the parts are genuine. If you have AppleCare+, Apple becomes competitive on price as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while the screen is cracked?
Yes, but be careful. A cracked screen can have sharp edges that cut your fingers, and cracks can spread if you drop the phone again. If the crack is near the edge, tape it with clear tape to prevent cuts. If the crack is large or the screen is not responding to touch, stop using it and get it repaired before the damage spreads to the display underneath.
Will my phone still work if the screen is completely shattered?
Usually yes — the phone itself is fine, only the display is broken. You may not be able to see anything or use the touchscreen, but the phone is still receiving calls and messages. If you need to use it before repair, you can answer calls by swiping up from the bottom (on newer iPhones) or ask Siri to read your messages aloud.
Is it cheaper to buy a used phone than to repair the screen?
Rarely. A used iPhone in good condition costs $200 to $600 depending on age and model. A screen replacement costs $29 to $329. Even at the high end, repair is cheaper than replacement. The only exception is if your phone is very old and the screen repair costs more than a used phone of the same model, which almost never happens.
What if I drop my phone again right after repair?
If you repaired it yourself, you pay for another kit and start over. If Apple or an independent shop repaired it, their warranty covers defects in the repair work, not new damage from drops. You will have to pay for a second repair. Consider a phone case and screen protector after repair to reduce the chance of another break.
Can I trade in my phone with a cracked screen?
Yes, but the trade-in value will be much lower. Apple and most carriers offer trade-in programs, but they deduct $50 to $150 from the value if the screen is cracked or the phone is otherwise damaged. Repairing the screen first usually makes financial sense — a $100 repair is cheaper than a $100 trade-in deduction.