You can replace a cracked screen yourself or take it to a repair shop, but the cost and difficulty depend on your phone model and whether you have insurance

A cracked phone screen is fixable. You have three main routes: do it yourself with a kit you buy online, take it to an authorized repair center run by your phone's manufacturer, or use an independent repair shop. The cost ranges from about $50 to $300 depending on your phone model and which route you choose. The time it takes ranges from 30 minutes (if you do it yourself) to a few days (if you mail it in). Your phone's warranty and whether you have insurance coverage will affect both cost and may be able to access at official repair centers.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized repair centers (Apple Store, Samsung Service Center, etc.) cost more but preserve your warranty, while independent shops are cheaper but may void it.
  • DIY screen replacement kits cost $30 to $80 but require patience and the right tools; one mistake can damage the phone beyond repair.
  • Insurance through your carrier or a third-party plan usually covers accidental damage for a deductible of $25 to $100, but you must file a claim within days of the damage.
  • Mail-in repair takes one to two weeks but works if you have no local shops; authorized manufacturers offer this option on their websites.
  • Independent repair shops are fastest (often same-day) and cheapest, but they may use non-original parts and cannot access manufacturer diagnostics.

What an authorized repair center costs and covers

Apple Store screen replacement for an iPhone costs between $129 and $329 depending on the model; Samsung Service Centers charge $150 to $250 for Galaxy phones. These prices assume your phone is out of warranty. If you have AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+, you pay a deductible (usually $29 to $99) instead of the full price, and the repair preserves your warranty. Without a protection plan, the repair itself does not void your warranty — Apple and Samsung will still cover defects — but the labor is not covered by the standard one-year warranty.

To get an appointment at an authorized center, visit the manufacturer's website (apple.com/support or samsung.com/us/support), select your device, and choose "Repair" or "Service." You can book online or call. Bring your phone, a photo ID, and proof of purchase if you have it. The repair usually takes one to three hours if parts are in stock; if not, you may wait a few days or have the phone shipped to a regional repair center.

DIY screen replacement: when it makes sense and when it does not

A DIY screen kit costs $30 to $80 and includes the replacement screen, adhesive, and basic tools like a plastic pry tool and tweezers. Kits are available on Amazon, iFixit, and other retailers. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your phone model and your comfort with small, precise work. You will need to heat the phone to soften the adhesive, carefully pry off the old screen, remove the old adhesive, install the new screen, and seal it with new adhesive or a waterproof gasket.

This route makes sense if you are comfortable with detailed manual work, your phone is out of warranty anyway, and you want to save money. It does not make sense if you are nervous about damaging the phone further, if your phone is still under warranty (because opening it voids the warranty at most manufacturers), or if you are not sure whether the screen is the only damage. A cracked screen sometimes hides damage to the digitizer (the touch-sensitive layer underneath) or the LCD panel, and replacing only the screen will not fix those problems. If you open the phone and discover additional damage, you have now made the repair more expensive, not less.

Independent repair shops: speed and cost versus risk

Independent phone repair shops (often found in malls, strip centers, or as standalone storefronts) typically charge $80 to $180 for screen replacement and can often do the work same-day or within a few hours. They are faster and cheaper than authorized centers because they have lower overhead and often use aftermarket screens instead of original manufacturer parts. Many shops will also replace the screen while you wait, so you leave with a working phone.

The trade-off is that aftermarket screens may not match the original in brightness, color accuracy, or durability. Some independent shops use refurbished original screens, which are better quality but still not new. Additionally, opening your phone at an independent shop voids your manufacturer warranty, and the shop's own warranty on the repair is usually shorter (30 to 90 days) than an authorized center's. Before choosing a shop, read online reviews on Google Maps or Yelp, ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts, and ask what warranty they offer on the repair itself.

Insurance coverage and how to file a claim

If you have phone insurance through your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) or a third-party plan (like Asurion or SquareTrade), accidental damage including cracked screens is usually covered. You pay a deductible (typically $25 to $100) and the insurance pays the rest. You must file the claim within a few days of the damage — most carriers have a window of 30 days, but waiting longer can make the claim harder to process.

To file a claim, contact your insurance provider through their app or website, or call the number on your insurance card. You will need to describe the damage, provide photos, and answer questions about how it happened. The insurer will either send you a replacement phone (usually refurbished) or a prepaid shipping label to mail your phone in for repair. Replacement phones typically arrive within three to five business days; mail-in repair takes one to two weeks. Check your policy documents or call your provider to confirm whether your plan covers screen damage and what the deductible is — some basic plans cover only theft and loss, not accidental damage.

Mail-in repair through the manufacturer

If you have no local authorized repair center or prefer not to visit one, you can mail your phone to the manufacturer for repair. Visit apple.com/support or samsung.com/us/support, select your device, and choose "Mail-in Repair." You will receive a prepaid shipping label, instructions for backing up your data, and a timeline (usually one to two weeks for repair plus shipping). The cost is the same as in-store repair: full price if out of warranty, or a deductible if you have a protection plan.

This option is useful if you live far from an authorized center or if you want to avoid the hassle of an in-person appointment. The downside is the wait time — you will be without your phone for at least a week. Before you ship it, back up your data to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android) in case the manufacturer needs to reset the phone during repair.

What to do if your phone has other damage besides the screen

If your phone was dropped hard enough to crack the screen, the impact may have damaged other components: the battery, the charging port, the camera, or the logic board. Before you pay for screen replacement alone, ask the repair shop to run a diagnostic. Authorized centers do this for free; independent shops may charge $20 to $50. A diagnostic will tell you whether the phone has other problems that need fixing.

If the phone has multiple issues, the total repair cost may exceed the cost of a used replacement phone of the same model. In that case, it may be more practical to replace the phone than to repair it. Check the used market price on Swappa or eBay for your model and condition, and compare it to the total repair estimate. If repair costs more than 50 to 60 percent of the used phone's value, replacement is usually the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone while waiting for screen repair?

If you are using an authorized center or independent shop, you can usually use your phone while waiting — the repair takes a few hours at most. If you are mailing it in or using insurance replacement, you will be without your phone for one to two weeks. Some insurance plans offer a loaner phone while yours is being repaired; ask your provider.

Will a screen protector have prevented this crack?

A screen protector reduces the risk of cracks but does not eliminate it. Tempered glass protectors absorb some impact and can crack instead of the screen, which is cheaper to replace. However, a hard enough drop can crack both the protector and the screen. A protector is worth using if you are accident-prone, but it is not a may provide.

Is it safe to use a phone with a cracked screen?

A cracked screen is usually safe to use, but sharp edges can cut your fingers or face. 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 in some areas, the digitizer may be damaged, and the phone will be harder to use. In that case, repair sooner rather than later.

What if the repair shop damages my phone further?

Ask the shop for their damage policy in writing before you leave your phone. Most reputable shops will cover damage they cause during repair, but you need to know what their policy is. If damage occurs, take photos, get a written statement from the shop, and contact your phone's manufacturer or your insurance company — they may cover the additional damage if the shop caused it.

Can I replace just the glass, or do I have to replace the whole screen?

On most modern phones, the glass and the LCD panel are fused together, so you have to replace the whole assembly. On some older phones or high-end models, the glass can be separated and replaced alone, but this is rare and usually more expensive than replacing the whole screen. Ask the repair shop whether your phone model allows glass-only replacement.