What you need before you start
iPhone screen replacement falls into two paths: taking it to Apple or an authorized repair shop, or doing it yourself. The Apple route costs more but keeps your warranty intact and guarantees the part is genuine. The DIY route costs less but requires tools you probably don't own, takes two to four hours, and voids any remaining warranty. Most people should choose the Apple route unless cost is the deciding factor.
If you decide to go to Apple, you need your device, your Apple ID password, and proof of purchase (your receipt or the email confirmation). If you're going to a third-party repair shop, bring the same items plus your phone. If you're replacing the screen yourself, you'll need a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape specific to iPhones), a suction cup, a plastic spudger or opening tool, tweezers, isopropyl alcohol, a heat gun or hair dryer, and a replacement screen assembly that matches your exact iPhone model and storage capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $129 and $329 for screen replacement depending on your model, takes one to three days, and preserves your warranty.
- Third-party repair shops usually cost $80 to $200, work faster, but may use non-genuine parts that affect display quality or future repairs.
- DIY replacement costs $40 to $100 for the part but requires specific tools, takes several hours, and permanently voids your warranty if something goes wrong.
- The screen is glued to the frame with adhesive that must be heated and carefully separated, making this the hardest step for beginners.
- Your iPhone model number (found in Settings > General > About) determines which exact screen part you need, since screens vary between models released in the same year.
Going through Apple or an authorized repair shop
Start by visiting apple.com/repair or calling Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE. Tell them your iPhone model and that the screen is cracked or unresponsive. They will quote you a price and offer you a same-day appointment at an Apple Store if one is near you, or mail-in repair if you're not near a store. Same-day appointments usually mean a one to three hour wait; mail-in takes five to seven business days total.
At the appointment, bring your device and your Apple ID password. The technician will back up your data (if the screen still responds to touch), replace the screen, and restore your phone. You'll pay at pickup. If you choose mail-in repair, Apple sends you a prepaid shipping label, you pack the phone, and they return it to you within the timeframe they quoted.
Authorized repair shops — Best Buy, Costco, or local shops certified by Apple — follow similar processes but may have different pricing and wait times. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and ask how long the repair takes. Authorized shops preserve your warranty the same way Apple does.
Using a third-party repair shop
Third-party shops (not certified by Apple) are usually faster and cheaper than Apple, but the trade-off is that they may use aftermarket screens that don't match Apple's quality standards. Aftermarket screens sometimes have dimmer displays, color shifts, or touch sensitivity problems. They also may not work with future Apple repairs — if something else breaks later, Apple may refuse to service it because a non-genuine part was installed.
To find a third-party shop, search "iPhone screen repair near me" and read reviews on Google Maps. Call at least two shops and ask: Do they use genuine Apple screens or aftermarket screens? What is the warranty on the repair? How long does it take? Once you choose one, bring your phone, your ID, and ask for a written receipt that lists the part type and warranty length. Most third-party shops offer 30 to 90 days of warranty on the repair itself.
Replacing the screen yourself
DIY replacement is possible but requires patience and the right tools. Start by finding your exact iPhone model number. Go to Settings > General > About and look for the line that says "Model". It will show something like "A2846" — write this down. Then search for a screen replacement kit for that exact model on Amazon or iFixit. The kit should include the replacement screen, the pentalobe screwdriver, the spudger, and adhesive strips. Cost is usually $40 to $100.
Before you begin, back up your phone to iCloud or a computer. Power it off completely. Place it on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. The hardest step is separating the old screen from the frame — it's glued down with strong adhesive. Use a heat gun or hair dryer on low heat to warm the edges of the screen for 30 to 60 seconds. This softens the adhesive. Then use the suction cup to gently pull the screen away from the frame while using the spudger to pry the edges open. Work slowly around all four sides. If you rush this step, you'll crack the frame underneath.
Once the screen is loose, disconnect the battery first (most kits include instructions on where the battery connector is). Then disconnect the screen cable connectors — there are usually two or three small ribbon cables that plug into the logic board. Remove the old screen completely. Clean any remaining adhesive off the frame with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Install the new screen by reversing these steps: reconnect the cables, reconnect the battery, then press the new screen down firmly into place. Use the adhesive strips included in the kit to hold it while the adhesive cures for 24 hours.
If at any point you feel stuck, stop and watch a video for your specific model on iFixit or YouTube. Watching someone do it step-by-step is often clearer than reading instructions.
Cost comparison across all three routes
| Route | Cost | Time to completion | Warranty impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or mail-in | $129–$329 depending on model | Same-day (1–3 hours) or 5–7 days by mail | Warranty preserved |
| Authorized repair shop | $129–$299 | Usually same-day or next-day | Warranty preserved |
| Third-party repair shop | $80–$200 | Usually same-day or 1–2 days | Warranty may be affected for future repairs |
| DIY replacement | $40–$100 | 2–4 hours plus 24-hour adhesive cure time | Warranty voided if damage occurs during repair |
What to do if the screen is cracked but still works
A cracked screen that still responds to touch can wait a few days while you schedule an appointment. However, if the crack is spreading or if pieces of glass are coming loose, the screen can fail suddenly and become unresponsive. If that happens, you'll lose the ability to unlock or control your phone until it's repaired. Don't wait if the crack is large or if you see pieces missing.
If the screen is unresponsive but not visibly cracked, the LCD layer underneath may be damaged. This also needs replacement — the same process applies, and the cost is the same.
What happens to your data during screen replacement
Your data stays on your phone during screen replacement. Apple and authorized shops back up your phone before they work on it, so even if something goes wrong, your data is safe. Third-party shops and DIY replacement don't back anything up, so if the phone fails during the repair, you could lose data. For this reason, always back up your phone to iCloud or a computer before taking it anywhere or attempting DIY repair.
To back up to iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap "Back Up Now". To back up to a computer, plug your phone into a Mac or PC, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), and click "Back Up Now". Either method takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone while I wait for the screen to be replaced?
If the screen is completely unresponsive, no — you won't be able to unlock it or use it. If the screen still responds to touch in some areas, you can use it, but the cracked glass can cut your fingers and pieces may come loose. Most people stop using it once it's cracked to avoid making the damage worse.
Will a screen replacement fix touch problems if the screen isn't cracked?
Maybe. If the LCD layer is damaged (which happens from drops even without visible cracks), replacing the screen will fix it. If the problem is in the logic board or touch controller, replacing the screen won't help and you'll need a different repair. Apple can diagnose this during a Genius Bar appointment before you pay for anything.
What's the difference between a genuine Apple screen and an aftermarket screen?
Genuine Apple screens are made by the same manufacturers Apple uses and meet Apple's brightness, color accuracy, and touch sensitivity standards. Aftermarket screens are cheaper but often have lower brightness, color shifts (blues look purple, for example), or slower touch response. They also don't integrate with Apple's True Tone feature, which adjusts color temperature based on your environment.
If I replace the screen myself, can Apple fix other problems later?
Apple will still service your phone, but they may charge more or refuse to warranty the repair if they determine the non-genuine screen caused the new problem. For example, if water damage occurs and Apple suspects the aftermarket screen's adhesive failed and let water in, they may not cover it under warranty. This is why most people choose Apple or an authorized shop for the first repair.
How long does a replacement screen last?
A genuine Apple screen lasts as long as the phone itself — typically four to six years. Aftermarket screens sometimes fail after one to two years. The replacement screen is not more fragile than the original; it breaks the same way the original does (from drops or pressure).