You can replace an iPhone screen yourself, through Apple, or through a third-party repair shop — each route has different costs and trade-offs
A cracked iPhone screen is fixable, but the path you choose affects your warranty, your data security, and how much you pay. Apple will replace the screen for a set fee and keep your phone find, but it takes time and costs more. Third-party repair shops are faster and cheaper, but some use non-original parts and may not encrypt your data the same way. Doing it yourself is cheapest but requires tools, patience, and carries the highest risk of damaging something else inside the phone.
The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed, cost, or security. If your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, Apple's route is often worth it. If you need the phone back today and cost matters most, a local repair shop may make sense. If you are comfortable with small electronics and want to save money, a self-repair kit exists — but it is genuinely difficult and voids your warranty.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $129 and $329 depending on your iPhone model, takes three to five business days, and uses original parts that preserve your phone's security features.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $80 to $200, complete the work in one to two hours, but may use aftermarket screens that affect display quality or touch sensitivity.
- Self-repair kits cost $20 to $60 but require a heat gun, suction cup, and small screwdrivers, and one mistake can damage the display connector or battery.
- AppleCare+ covers accidental screen damage for a $29 deductible, making it the cheapest option if you have the plan — check your coverage before paying full price.
- Your data stays on your phone during any screen replacement; the screen itself holds no personal information.
Apple's official screen replacement service
Apple replaces screens at Apple Stores and through Apple's mail-in repair service. You can book an appointment at apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. If you have AppleCare+, the cost is $29. Without it, the cost varies by model: iPhone 15 and 15 Pro are $129 and $169; iPhone 14 and earlier models range from $99 to $199 depending on the size.
The process takes three to five business days if you go in person, or five to seven days if you mail the phone in. Apple backs up your data before the repair, so you do not lose anything. The replacement screen is original equipment, which means it has the same brightness, color accuracy, and touch response as the factory screen. Apple also preserves your phone's security features — the display is paired to your specific device during installation, which prevents certain types of theft.
The main drawback is time. If you need your phone when ready, Apple is not the answer. The second drawback is that you have to go to an Apple Store or ship the phone, which is inconvenient if you live far from a store.
Third-party repair shops
Independent repair shops and chains like iFixit, uBreakiFix, and local phone repair stores can replace your screen in one to two hours while you wait. Prices range from $80 to $200 depending on the model and the shop. Many shops offer same-day service, which is the main reason people choose them.
The trade-off is parts quality and data handling. Some shops use original Apple screens sourced from wholesalers, but many use aftermarket screens made by other manufacturers. Aftermarket screens are cheaper, which is why the shop can charge less, but they sometimes have lower brightness, weaker color accuracy, or touch sensitivity that feels slightly different. A few shops also do not encrypt your data the same way Apple does during the repair process, though most reputable shops follow similar security practices.
Before you choose a shop, ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts, and whether they back up your data before the repair. Read reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see whether other customers had problems with screen quality or data security. Shops with consistently good reviews and transparent pricing are safer bets than ones that advertise only by price.
Self-repair with a kit
iFixit and other companies sell screen replacement kits for $20 to $60. The kit includes a replacement screen, a heat gun or heat pad, a suction cup, small screwdrivers, and a plastic pry tool. You follow a video guide step by step to remove the old screen and install the new one.
Self-repair is the cheapest option, but it is genuinely difficult. The screen is glued to the phone with strong adhesive, so you have to heat it carefully to soften the glue without damaging the display connector underneath. If you explore too much heat, the battery can swell. If you pry too hard, you can crack the connector, which means the new screen will not work. Even if you succeed, you void your warranty — Apple will refuse to repair the phone later if something goes wrong.
Self-repair makes sense only if you have done similar repairs before, you have the right tools, and you are comfortable with the risk. If you have never opened a phone, the learning curve is steep and the cost of failure (a broken phone) is high.
What happens to your data during a screen replacement
Your data does not go anywhere during a screen replacement. The screen itself is a display component with no storage — all your photos, messages, passwords, and apps live on the phone's storage chip, which is separate from the screen. Whether you go to Apple, a third-party shop, or do it yourself, the data stays encrypted on your phone the whole time.
The only time data is at risk is if the repair person has to back up your phone before the repair and then restore it afterward. This is rare for a screen replacement — most shops just swap the screen and hand the phone back. If a shop does back up your data, ask whether they use encrypted transfer and whether they delete the backup after the restore is complete.
Comparing cost, time, and risk
| Route | Cost (without AppleCare+) | Time | Parts Quality | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $99–$199 | 3–5 days | Original | None |
| Third-party shop | $80–$200 | 1–2 hours | Original or aftermarket | Low (depends on shop) |
| Self-repair kit | $20–$60 | 1–3 hours | Aftermarket | High (damage to phone) |
How to decide which route is right for you
If you have AppleCare+, go to Apple. The $29 deductible is cheaper than any other option, and you get an original screen with no risk. Check your coverage at settings.apple.com or by calling Apple Support to confirm the plan is active.
If you do not have AppleCare+ and you need the phone today, a third-party shop is the practical choice. Call ahead to confirm they have the screen in stock for your model, ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts, and check their reviews. Budget $100 to $150 and plan for one to two hours.
If you have time and want to save money, Apple is worth the wait. The original screen and warranty protection are worth the extra cost and the three to five day timeline. If you live far from an Apple Store, use the mail-in service — Apple covers shipping both ways.
Self-repair is only for people who have done phone repairs before and are comfortable with the risk. If you are not sure, do not try it. A failed repair costs more to fix than the original screen replacement would have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my phone work while I wait for the screen to be replaced?
No. The screen is the only way to see what is on your phone or interact with it. You will not be able to use the phone until the screen is replaced. If you need a phone during the repair, ask the shop or Apple whether they have a loaner device, or plan to use a backup phone or tablet.
Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?
Most modern iPhones have the glass fused to the LCD or OLED display layer, so replacing just the glass is not practical. You have to replace the entire screen assembly. Some older iPhones had separate glass, but that is not true for current models.
What if the screen is cracked but the phone still works?
A cracked screen will not get better on its own, and the crack can spread if you drop the phone again. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack will reach the display connector or damage the touch sensor underneath. Replace it sooner rather than later to avoid a more expensive repair.
Does a third-party screen affect Face ID or Touch ID?
Face ID is not affected by the screen — it uses the camera and sensors at the top of the phone. Touch ID (on older iPhones with a home button) is also separate from the screen. However, some aftermarket screens have slightly weaker touch sensitivity, which might feel different but will not break the security features.
Can I use my phone while it is being repaired at a shop?
No, the phone will be unusable until the screen is replaced. Most shops complete the work in one to two hours, so you can wait in the shop or come back later. Ask the shop for an estimated time before you leave the phone.