You can replace an iPhone 11 screen yourself with the right tools, but Apple and most repair shops handle it faster and with a warranty
An iPhone 11 screen replacement costs between $70 and $330 depending on where you go. Apple charges around $199 for an out-of-warranty replacement at an Apple Store. Third-party repair shops like uBreakiFix or local independent technicians typically charge $80 to $150. If you do it yourself with a kit from iFixit or Amazon, you'll spend $40 to $80 on parts and tools, but you lose any remaining warranty coverage and risk damaging the phone if something goes wrong.
The screen itself isn't the only part that matters. The iPhone 11 uses a display assembly that includes the LCD panel, the digitizer (touch layer), and the frame that holds them together. Replacing just the glass won't work — you have to replace the whole assembly. This is different from phones with replaceable glass, and it's why the repair costs what it does.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $199 for a screen replacement without AppleCare+, while third-party shops typically charge $80 to $150 and complete the work the same day.
- The iPhone 11 requires a full display assembly replacement, not just the glass, because the touch layer and LCD are fused together.
- DIY replacement kits cost $40 to $80 but require a heat gun, suction cup, and precision tools, and will void your warranty if anything goes wrong.
- AppleCare+ covers accidental screen damage for a $29 service fee, which is cheaper than any other option if you have the plan.
- Third-party shops often complete repairs in 1 to 2 hours, while Apple may require a mail-in repair or a multi-day appointment depending on store stock.
When to use Apple versus a third-party repair shop
Apple is the right choice if your phone is still under warranty or if you have AppleCare+. With AppleCare+, accidental damage costs $29 per incident. Without it, Apple charges $199 for an out-of-warranty screen replacement on an iPhone 11. The repair comes with a one-year warranty on the replacement screen, and Apple uses genuine parts.
The downside is availability. If your local Apple Store doesn't have the part in stock, they'll either mail your phone to a repair center (which takes 5 to 7 business days) or schedule you for a future appointment. During busy periods, you might wait a week or more.
Third-party shops like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, or local independent repair technicians usually have screens in stock and can complete the repair in 1 to 2 hours. They charge $80 to $150 depending on location and the shop's reputation. The trade-off is that the warranty on the replacement part is usually shorter — often 30 to 90 days instead of a year — and the parts may be aftermarket rather than genuine Apple components. Aftermarket screens work fine but may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness compared to the original.
What you need to know about DIY replacement
A DIY screen replacement requires a heat gun or hair dryer, a suction cup, a plastic pry tool, a pentalobe screwdriver, and tweezers. iFixit sells complete kits for around $60 to $80 that include all these tools plus the replacement screen. The process takes 30 to 60 minutes if you've done it before, and 1 to 2 hours if you haven't.
The main steps are: heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, use the suction cup to lift the screen slightly, slide a plastic tool around the edges to separate the screen from the frame, disconnect the display cable from the logic board, remove the old screen, and install the new one by reversing the process. You'll need to explore new adhesive strips around the edges of the new screen before sealing it back into the frame.
The risks are real. If you explore too much heat, you can damage the battery or logic board. If you pry too hard, you can crack the frame or damage the cables. If the adhesive isn't applied correctly, the screen will separate from the frame over time. Any damage during the process is permanent and will cost you more to fix. You also lose your warranty — if anything else breaks on the phone, Apple won't cover it because you opened the device.
How to prepare your phone before taking it in for repair
Back up your data to iCloud or a computer before you hand the phone to anyone. Most repair shops don't erase the phone during a screen replacement, but backups protect you if something unexpected happens. You can back up to iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, or to a Mac or PC using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
Disable Find My iPhone before you go. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn it off. Some repair shops require this because it prevents the phone from being locked to your account during the repair process. You can turn it back on after the repair is complete.
Bring your phone charger and your ID. Most shops will test the new screen before you leave, and you'll want to make sure it works. Your ID confirms ownership of the device, especially if you're not the original purchaser.
What happens if water damage is involved
If your screen cracked because the phone got wet, tell the repair shop before they start. Water damage can affect the logic board and other components, not just the screen. Some shops will refuse to repair a water-damaged phone because the damage may spread after the repair is complete. Others will open the phone, dry it out, and replace the screen, but they may not warranty the work if the phone fails later.
If the phone was dropped in water and the screen cracked at the same time, the shop needs to know both facts. They may recommend drying the phone for 24 to 48 hours before replacing the screen, or they may suggest a full inspection of the logic board before proceeding. This adds time and cost, but it prevents you from paying for a screen replacement only to have the phone fail a week later because of water damage to other parts.
Comparing the total cost and time for each option
| Option | Cost | Time to Repair | Warranty on Screen | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (with AppleCare+) | $29 | Same day or mail-in (5–7 days) | 1 year | Accidental damage covered by plan |
| Apple Store (out of warranty) | $199 | Same day or mail-in (5–7 days) | 1 year | Phone still under standard warranty |
| Third-party shop | $80–$150 | 1–2 hours | 30–90 days | Fast repair, lower cost |
| DIY with kit | $40–$80 | 1–2 hours (plus learning time) | None (voids warranty) | Comfortable with electronics, no warranty needed |
Signs your screen needs replacement versus repair
A cracked screen always needs replacement — there's no way to repair cracks in the iPhone 11 display. If the screen is shattered, has large cracks, or the touch doesn't respond in certain areas, the whole assembly has to come out.
If the screen is black but the phone still vibrates and makes sounds when you tap it, the display assembly is broken but the phone itself is fine. This is still a full screen replacement, not a repair. If the screen flickers, shows lines, or has dead pixels, the LCD layer inside the assembly is failing, and again, the whole assembly needs to be replaced.
The only time you might not need a replacement is if the phone won't turn on at all. In that case, the screen may be fine — the problem could be the battery, logic board, or charging port. A repair shop can diagnose this for free or for a small fee before you commit to a screen replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a screen protector to prevent cracks?
A screen protector can reduce the chance of cracks, but it won't prevent them entirely. Tempered glass protectors absorb some impact, but a hard enough drop will still crack both the protector and the screen underneath. They're worth using if you want to reduce risk, but they're not a may provide.
Will a third-party screen work as well as an Apple screen?
Aftermarket screens work fine for calling, texting, and apps. You may notice slightly different color or brightness compared to the original, but most people don't see a meaningful difference. The touch response is the same. If color accuracy matters to you — for photo editing or design work — stick with an Apple screen.
How long does an iPhone 11 screen last after replacement?
A replacement screen lasts as long as the original if it's installed correctly and you don't drop the phone again. The lifespan depends on use and care, not on whether it's a first or second screen. Aftermarket screens may have a slightly shorter lifespan than genuine Apple screens, but the difference is usually not noticeable.
What if the screen breaks again right after repair?
If the screen breaks within the warranty period (1 year for Apple, 30–90 days for third-party shops), the shop should replace it for free. Bring your receipt and the phone. If the break is from a new accident, not a defect in the repair, most shops won't cover it — you'll have to pay for another replacement.
Can I trade in my iPhone 11 if the screen is cracked?
Yes, but you'll get less money. Apple's trade-in value for a cracked-screen iPhone 11 is typically $50 to $100 less than one in good condition. If the repair costs $80 to $150, it might be worth repairing before you trade it in, depending on how much you'd get back.