Screen replacement costs between $150 and $800 for most phones, depending on the phone model and whether you use the manufacturer or a third-party repair shop

The price you pay depends on three things: which phone you own, who does the repair, and whether your phone is under warranty or covered by insurance. An iPhone 15 Pro screen from Apple costs around $329; the same screen from an independent repair shop might cost $180 to $250. A Samsung Galaxy A15 screen from Samsung runs about $180, while an independent shop charges $80 to $120. Older phones cost less; newer flagship models cost more.

If you have AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+, your out-of-pocket cost is usually $29 to $99 per incident, depending on your plan. Without coverage, you pay the full replacement price. Some phone insurance plans through carriers like Verizon or AT&T cover screen damage, but you typically pay a deductible of $50 to $200.

Key Takeaways

  • Manufacturer repairs (Apple, Samsung, Google) cost more than independent shops but use original parts and preserve your warranty.
  • Independent repair shops charge 30 to 50 percent less but may use refurbished or third-party screens that affect display quality or longevity.
  • AppleCare+, Samsung Care+, and carrier insurance plans reduce your cost to a fixed deductible, usually $29 to $99 per repair.
  • Repair time ranges from same-day at chain shops to one to two weeks at manufacturer service centers, depending on parts availability.
  • Mail-in repair services from manufacturers take longer but may cost less than in-store visits and work if no service center is nearby.

Manufacturer repair shops versus independent shops

Apple Stores and Samsung service centers use original parts and maintain your warranty. An iPhone 15 screen replacement at an Apple Store costs $329 and takes one to three hours if parts are in stock. If your phone is under the one-year limited warranty and the damage is not accidental, Apple may replace the screen at no cost. AppleCare+ reduces the cost to $29 per incident.

Independent repair shops — including chains like uBreakiFix and local shops — typically charge 30 to 50 percent less. The same iPhone 15 screen costs $180 to $250. The trade-off is that many use refurbished screens or third-party parts. A refurbished screen may have a shorter lifespan or slightly dimmer display than an original. Independent shops usually do not affect your manufacturer warranty, but some repairs (like using non-original parts) may void coverage if the phone later fails in an unrelated way.

Mail-in repair services from manufacturers take longer — usually one to two weeks — but cost the same as in-store repair. This option works if you have no nearby service center or cannot be without your phone for a few hours.

What insurance and protection plans cover

AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including screen breaks for $29 per incident on iPhones. Samsung Care+ covers screen damage for $99 per incident on most Galaxy phones. Both plans cost $4 to $17 per month depending on the phone model. You pay the deductible only when you file a claim; the monthly fee covers unlimited claims over the plan period.

Carrier insurance through Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile typically costs $7 to $15 per month and covers screen damage with a deductible of $50 to $200. Some plans have an annual cap on claims. Check your plan documents to see whether screen damage is covered and what your deductible is — many people pay for insurance without realizing their plan does not cover accidental damage.

If you do not have insurance or a protection plan, you pay the full replacement cost out of pocket. Some credit cards offer purchase protection that covers accidental damage within 90 days of buying the phone; check your cardholder benefits before paying for repair.

How to find the actual price for your phone

The easiest way to get an exact quote is to visit Apple's or Samsung's website and enter your phone model. Apple lists screen replacement costs under "Repair and Service" for each device. Samsung's support site has a repair cost estimator. Both sites also show whether your phone is under warranty.

For independent shops, call or visit three to five shops in your area and ask for a quote. Prices vary by location and shop reputation. Shops with longer track records and customer reviews tend to charge slightly more but have lower failure rates. Ask whether they use original, refurbished, or third-party parts — this affects both price and longevity.

If you have insurance, contact your insurance provider or carrier before going to a shop. Some plans require you to use in-network repair shops or file a claim first. Filing a claim before repair ensures you pay only the deductible, not the full cost.

Repair time and what to expect

In-store repair at Apple or Samsung service centers usually takes one to three hours if the part is in stock. Chain repair shops like uBreakiFix often complete screen replacement in one to two hours. Independent local shops vary; some do same-day repair, others take one to three days if they need to order the part.

Mail-in repair takes one to two weeks from the time you ship the phone until you receive it back. You lose access to your phone during this time, so mail-in is best for people with a backup device or those who can wait.

Before you go to any shop, back up your phone. Most screen replacements do not erase your data, but it is safer to have a backup in case something goes wrong during repair.

Why screen prices vary so much between shops

Original screens from manufacturers cost more to buy wholesale than refurbished or third-party screens. A shop that uses original parts pays more and charges you more. A shop using refurbished screens pays less and charges you less. Neither is inherently wrong — it depends on whether you prioritize cost or longevity.

Labor costs also vary by location. A repair shop in a major city with high rent charges more than one in a smaller town. Shops in malls or airports charge more than standalone shops because their overhead is higher.

Warranty length on the repair itself varies too. Apple and Samsung typically warranty their repairs for 90 days. Many independent shops offer 30 to 90 days. Some offer no warranty at all. A longer warranty means the shop will re-repair the screen at no cost if it fails during that period.

When to repair versus replace the whole phone

If your phone is more than four years old and the screen costs more than half the price of a used replacement phone, buying a used phone may make sense. A screen replacement for an iPhone 12 costs about $279; a used iPhone 12 in good condition costs $300 to $400. If your phone has other damage or battery issues, repair becomes less attractive.

If your phone is under two years old, screen repair almost always costs less than replacement. A new flagship phone costs $800 to $1,200, so a $300 screen repair is the better choice.

Consider also whether your phone is repairable. Some newer phones have screens that are harder to replace without damaging other components. Ask the repair shop whether the repair is straightforward or complex; complex repairs carry higher risk of additional damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my phone still work if I don't replace the cracked screen?

Yes, usually. A cracked screen does not stop the phone from functioning. However, cracks can spread, sharp edges can cut your fingers, and moisture can seep in over time and damage internal components. If the crack is small and not spreading, you can wait. If it is large or spreading, repair sooner to avoid water damage.

Is a refurbished screen as good as an original?

Refurbished screens work fine but may have a shorter lifespan — typically two to three years instead of four to five. They may also have slightly lower brightness or color accuracy. If you plan to keep your phone for two more years, a refurbished screen is a reasonable choice. If you plan to keep it longer, an original screen is safer.

Can I replace the screen myself?

You can buy a replacement screen and tools online for $50 to $150, but self-repair requires steady hands and patience. One slip can damage the display connector or the frame. If you damage something during repair, you have paid for both the screen and the repair you now need. Most people save money and stress by paying a shop.

Does screen repair affect my warranty?

Manufacturer warranty covers defects, not accidental damage. If you crack your screen, the warranty does not cover it. Using a non-authorized repair shop does not void your warranty on other parts, but if something else fails later, the manufacturer may argue that the repair caused it. Using an authorized shop protects you if a dispute arises.

How do I know if a repair shop is trustworthy?

Look for shops that have been in business for at least two years, have reviews on Google or Yelp with at least 4 stars, and offer a written warranty on the repair. Ask whether they use original or refurbished parts and get that in writing. Avoid shops that pressure you to decide when ready or refuse to give you a quote in advance.