Your main options are Apple, authorized repair shops, and independent repair technicians
When your iPhone screen breaks, you have three real paths: Apple's official service, an Apple-authorized repair partner, or an independent repair shop. Each one differs in cost, speed, warranty coverage, and what happens to your data. The right choice depends on whether you want the manufacturer's may provide, how fast you need it done, and how much you want to spend.
Apple itself will replace your screen at an Apple Store or through mail-in repair. Authorized shops — places like Best Buy's Geek Squad or carrier stores — can do the same work and often faster. Independent technicians are usually cheapest and quickest, but you lose Apple's warranty on the repair and take on more risk about parts quality.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Store screen replacement costs between $169 and $329 depending on your iPhone model, takes three to five business days, and includes a 90-day warranty on the repair.
- Authorized repair partners like Best Buy or your carrier's store charge similar prices to Apple but often have same-day or next-day availability in your area.
- Independent repair shops typically charge $100 to $200 and can often fix your phone the same day, but the repair is not covered under Apple's warranty.
- Your data stays on your phone during a screen replacement — the repair does not require a factory reset or backup.
- If your iPhone is under AppleCare+, screen replacement costs $29 instead of the full price, but you must use Apple or an authorized partner.
Apple Store repair: cost, timeline, and what's covered
An Apple Store will replace your screen for a flat fee based on your model. As of 2024, that ranges from $169 for an iPhone 15 to $329 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The price does not change based on how the screen broke — accidental damage costs the same as a manufacturing defect. You do not need an appointment for a screen replacement, though booking one online usually gets you in faster than walking in.
Turnaround is typically three to five business days if parts are in stock. If your local store is out of screens, they can mail your phone to a repair center, which adds a week. The repair includes a 90-day warranty covering the new screen and the work, but not other damage to your phone. Your data is not touched — you keep your phone exactly as it was.
If you have AppleCare+, a screen replacement costs $29 instead of the full amount. AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan, purchased at the time you buy your phone or within 60 days after. It covers two accidental damage incidents per year, each with a $29 deductible for screen damage.
Authorized repair partners: Best Buy, carriers, and others
Best Buy's Geek Squad, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other authorized Apple repair partners can replace your screen for the same price as Apple — $169 to $329 depending on model. The repair carries the same 90-day warranty. The main advantage is availability: many carrier stores and Best Buy locations have screens in stock and can often do the work same-day or next-day, especially for common models like the iPhone 14 and 15.
Call ahead to check if they have your specific model in stock and what their current wait time is. Some locations are busier than others, and during peak times (right after a new iPhone launch, or after a holiday) even authorized partners may have a week-long backlog. Your data stays on your phone — no reset or backup needed.
Authorized partners follow Apple's parts and labor standards, so the quality is the same as an Apple Store repair. The warranty is also identical. If you have AppleCare+, the $29 deductible applies here too.
Independent repair shops: speed and cost trade-offs
Independent technicians — local phone repair shops, kiosks in malls, or mail-in services like iFixit or Puls — typically charge $100 to $200 for an iPhone screen replacement and can often do it same-day or within a few hours. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you need your phone back quickly and do not have AppleCare+.
The trade-off is that the repair is not covered by Apple's warranty. If the new screen fails, the independent shop's warranty applies instead — usually 30 to 90 days depending on the shop. You also have less certainty about parts quality. Some independent shops use genuine Apple parts (which they source from third-party suppliers), while others use aftermarket screens that may have lower brightness, color accuracy, or durability. Ask the shop directly what type of screen they use before you agree.
Your data is not affected by a screen replacement at an independent shop either. The work is purely physical — removing the old screen and installing a new one. No backup or reset is needed.
What to know before you go: data, backups, and what to bring
A screen replacement does not require your phone to be wiped or reset. Your photos, messages, apps, and settings all stay exactly as they are. You do not need to back up your phone beforehand, though it never hurts to have a recent backup in case something unexpected happens during the repair.
Bring your phone and a form of ID. If you have AppleCare+ or a carrier protection plan, bring proof — your receipt, account number, or the app that shows your coverage. If you are not the original owner, bring documentation that you own the phone (a receipt or account statement with your name). Some shops will ask for this to prevent repairs on stolen devices.
If your phone is still under the original one-year limited warranty from Apple and the screen failure is a manufacturing defect (not accidental damage), Apple may replace it at no cost. This is rare — most broken screens are from drops or impacts — but mention it when you contact them.
Comparing cost and timeline across your options
| Repair Source | Cost (iPhone 14/15) | Typical Timeline | Warranty on Repair | Data Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $199 | 3–5 business days | 90 days | No |
| Authorized Partner (Best Buy, Carrier) | $199 | Same-day to 2 days | 90 days | No |
| Independent Shop | $100–$200 | Same-day to 4 hours | 30–90 days (shop's warranty) | No |
| Apple Store with AppleCare+ | $29 | 3–5 business days | 90 days | No |
How to find a repair location near you
For Apple or authorized partners, use Apple's official repair locator at apple.com/repair. Enter your zip code and phone model, and it shows you nearby Apple Stores and authorized shops with availability and estimated wait times. You can book an appointment directly from there.
For independent shops, search "iPhone screen repair near me" in Google Maps or Yelp. Read recent reviews — look for comments about parts quality, speed, and whether the repair lasted. Avoid shops with many complaints about screens failing weeks after repair or about bait-and-switch pricing. Call a few shops and ask what type of screen they use (genuine Apple, OEM, or aftermarket) and what warranty they offer.
If you prefer mail-in service, iFixit and Puls both offer remote screen replacement. You ship your phone to them, they repair it, and ship it back — usually within a week. Costs are similar to local independent shops, and both offer 30-day warranties on the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my screen replacement affect my Face ID or Touch ID?
No. Screen replacement does not touch the Face ID camera or the Touch ID sensor. Both will work exactly as before. Apple's repair process is designed to preserve all sensors and functionality.
Can I get my screen replaced if my phone is water damaged?
Yes, but the technician will assess the water damage first. If water has reached the logic board or battery, they may recommend a full phone replacement instead of just a screen. Screen-only replacement is possible if the damage is limited to the display itself.
What if I drop my phone again within 90 days of the repair?
The 90-day warranty covers defects in the repair work itself, not new damage from drops. If you break the new screen, you pay for another replacement at the full price. AppleCare+ covers two accidental damage incidents per year, so a second break within the year would cost another $29 deductible.
Is it safe to use an independent repair shop if my phone has sensitive data?
A screen replacement does not require access to your data — the technician only removes and replaces the physical display. Your files, passwords, and apps remain encrypted and untouched. That said, choose a shop with good reviews and ask if they have privacy policies in writing.
Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?
Technically yes, but it is difficult and risky. Removing the screen requires heating the adhesive, prying carefully without damaging the frame, and reassembling the phone precisely. One slip can damage the logic board or sensors. iFixit sells screen kits and guides, but most people find the labor cost of a professional repair worth the peace of mind and warranty.