You can replace an iPhone screen yourself with a kit, but Apple and most carriers offer faster professional replacement if your phone is under warranty or you have insurance
A cracked or unresponsive iPhone screen costs between $30 and $400 to fix depending on the model and whether you do it yourself or use a professional service. If your phone is still under Apple's one-year limited warranty, screen damage is not covered — but AppleCare+ (Apple's extended protection plan) covers accidental damage for a service fee. Without coverage, a DIY kit is cheapest; professional repair through Apple, Best Buy, or a carrier store is fastest and comes with a may provide.
The choice depends on three things: your comfort with small electronics, how much time you have, and whether your phone has insurance or warranty coverage. This guide walks through each route so you can decide which fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- DIY screen replacement kits cost $30 to $80 and take 30 minutes to two hours, but require a heat gun, suction cup, and steady hands to avoid damaging the phone further.
- Apple charges $199 to $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, but covers it under AppleCare+ for a $29 to $99 service fee.
- Best Buy, carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), and third-party repair shops offer same-day or next-day service at prices between $100 and $250.
- Professional repair includes a warranty on the new screen and ensures water resistance is restored, which DIY kits often cannot may provide.
- If your phone is older than five years, the cost of screen replacement may exceed the resale value, making it worth considering a replacement phone instead.
DIY Screen Replacement: What You Need and What Can Go Wrong
A DIY screen kit includes the replacement display, a heat gun or heat pad, a suction cup, plastic pry tools, and adhesive strips. Kits for iPhone 12, 13, and 14 cost $30 to $60 on Amazon or eBay; older models like iPhone 8 or XR cost $25 to $40. You will also need a heat source (a hair dryer works in a pinch, but a heat gun is more reliable) and a clean, well-lit workspace.
The process takes 30 minutes to two hours. You heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, use the suction cup to lift the old screen, disconnect the display cable from the logic board, remove the old adhesive, install the new screen, and seal it with fresh adhesive strips. The biggest risks are cracking the new screen while prying, damaging the display cable connector (which costs $100+ to replace), or leaving gaps that let dust and water in.
Water resistance is the hidden cost. iPhones are sealed at the factory with precision adhesive; a DIY replacement will not restore that seal completely. Your phone will still work, but it is more vulnerable to water damage if you drop it in a pool or get caught in heavy rain. If water resistance matters to you, professional repair is worth the extra cost.
Apple Store Replacement: Cost, Coverage, and Timing
Apple charges a flat fee for screen replacement: $199 for iPhone 15, $169 for iPhone 14, $169 for iPhone 13, and $149 for iPhone 12 and older models. These prices are the same whether you walk in with a cracked screen or mail your phone to an Apple Service Provider. Repair usually takes three to five business days if you mail it, or same-day if you have an appointment at a physical store and they have parts in stock.
If you own AppleCare+, the service fee is $29 for standard models and $99 for iPhone 15 Pro Max. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on the model and covers two incidents of accidental damage per year. If you do not have AppleCare+ and your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty, the warranty does not cover accidental damage — you pay the full screen replacement fee.
Apple's repair includes a new battery if the old one is worn, a full diagnostic, and a 90-day warranty on the repair itself. The phone is also re-sealed to factory specifications, restoring water resistance. You can check if your local Apple Store has parts in stock and book an appointment at apple.com.
Carrier and Best Buy Repair: Speed and Price Trade-offs
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer in-store screen replacement at company-owned locations. Prices range from $100 to $250 depending on the model and carrier; T-Mobile is often the cheapest at $100 to $150, while Verizon and AT&T charge closer to $150 to $250. Many locations offer same-day service if you arrive before noon, and some will loan you a phone while yours is being repaired.
Best Buy's Geek Squad charges $150 to $300 for screen replacement and typically completes it within one to two hours. If you have a Best Buy protection plan (which costs $100 to $200 upfront), accidental damage is covered for a $50 service fee. Best Buy's advantage is speed and availability — most locations are open until 9 or 10 p.m., and you can check real-time availability online before you visit.
Third-party repair shops (often called "phone repair" or "cell phone repair" in Google Maps) charge $80 to $180 and usually finish in 30 minutes to one hour. Quality varies widely. Look for shops that have been in business for at least three years, have reviews above 4.5 stars, and offer a written warranty on the repair. Avoid shops that cannot tell you the brand of the replacement screen or do not offer any warranty.
Comparing Cost Across All Routes
| Repair Route | Cost (iPhone 14) | Time to Complete | Water Resistance Restored | Warranty Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY kit | $40–$60 | 30 min–2 hours | No | No |
| Apple Store (no coverage) | $169 | Same-day or 3–5 days | Yes | 90 days |
| Apple Store (AppleCare+) | $29 | Same-day or 3–5 days | Yes | 90 days |
| Carrier store (Verizon/AT&T) | $150–$250 | Same-day | Usually yes | 30–90 days |
| Best Buy Geek Squad | $150–$300 | 1–2 hours | Usually yes | 90 days |
| Third-party shop | $80–$180 | 30 min–1 hour | Varies | Varies (30–90 days) |
When to Replace the Phone Instead of the Screen
If your iPhone is five years old or older, the cost of screen replacement may not be worth it. An iPhone 10 or earlier with a cracked screen costs $100 to $150 to repair, but the phone itself is worth $50 to $150 used. A newer used iPhone 12 or 13 costs $300 to $500, so repair still makes sense. But if you are considering upgrading anyway, a cracked screen is a good time to do it.
Check the resale value of your specific model on Swappa or eBay before you commit to repair. If the repair cost is more than 30 percent of the phone's current resale value, replacement is the better choice. Also consider whether your phone has other damage — a cracked screen plus a failing battery or a damaged camera is a sign the phone is reaching the end of its life.
How to Avoid Screen Damage in the Future
A screen protector and a case prevent most cracks. Tempered glass screen protectors cost $10 to $20 and absorb impact before it reaches the display. A drop-tested case (brands like OtterBox, Spigen, and Casetify test their cases from specific heights) costs $20 to $80 and cushions the phone on impact. Together, they cost less than a single screen replacement and last the life of the phone.
AppleCare+ is worth buying at the time of purchase if you tend to drop your phone or use it in risky environments (construction sites, near water, in a car with kids). It costs $99 to $199 upfront but covers two accidental damage incidents per year for $29 to $99 each. If you never drop your phone, a case and screen protector are enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone while waiting for screen repair?
If the screen is cracked but the phone still responds to touch, yes. If the screen is completely black or unresponsive, no — the phone is unusable until the screen is replaced. If you need a phone while yours is being repaired, ask the repair location if they offer a loaner phone. Carrier stores often do; Apple and Best Buy sometimes do depending on location.
Will a DIY screen replacement void my warranty?
Yes. Opening your iPhone yourself voids the one-year limited warranty and any AppleCare+ coverage. If something else breaks after you replace the screen yourself, Apple will not cover it. If you think the screen might be the only problem, professional repair is safer.
What is the difference between an OEM and aftermarket screen?
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) screens are made by the same company that supplies Apple and are closest to the original. Aftermarket screens are cheaper but may have lower brightness, color accuracy, or durability. Most DIY kits use aftermarket screens. Apple and carrier stores use OEM screens or Apple-certified replacements.
How long does a replaced screen last?
A professionally replaced OEM screen lasts as long as the original — typically four to six years before brightness fades noticeably. An aftermarket screen from a DIY kit may last two to four years. The warranty on the repair itself is usually 30 to 90 days, but the screen itself often lasts much longer.
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole display?
You have to replace the whole display. Modern iPhones bond the glass, LCD or OLED layer, and touch sensor into a single unit that cannot be separated. Trying to replace just the glass risks damaging the display underneath and is not worth the time or risk.