What you'll pay for an iPhone screen replacement

Apple's official repair price depends on your iPhone model and whether you have AppleCare+. Without AppleCare+, screen replacement runs between $169 and $329 at an Apple Store — newer models cost more. With AppleCare+, you pay a $29 service fee per incident after your deductible, which covers two accidental damage claims per year.

Third-party repair shops typically charge $100 to $200 for the same work, though quality and warranty coverage vary widely. Some shops offer same-day service; Apple usually takes three to five business days. If you have an older iPhone, independent shops may be your only option for affordable repair, since Apple stops stocking parts for models more than five to seven years old.

Mail-in services like iFixit and uBreakiFix by Asurion fall between $120 and $250 depending on the model. You ship your phone, they repair it in a few days, and you get it back. This route works if you have no local shops and can live without your phone for a week.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Store screen replacement costs $169 to $329 without AppleCare+, or $29 with AppleCare+ coverage.
  • Third-party repair shops charge $100 to $200 and often complete repairs the same day, but warranty coverage is shorter than Apple's.
  • AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model and covers two accidental damage incidents per year.
  • Older iPhones (five years or more) may only be repairable through independent shops, since Apple stops stocking parts.
  • Mail-in repair services take five to seven days total but work if you have no local options.

Apple Store repair versus third-party shops

Apple uses genuine parts and offers a one-year warranty on the repair itself. The technician will also run diagnostics to check for other damage you might not have noticed. If your phone has water damage or a cracked back panel in addition to the screen, Apple will flag it and may recommend a full device replacement if the damage is severe enough.

Third-party shops vary in quality. Reputable chains like uBreakiFix, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and established local shops typically use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts or high-quality aftermarket screens. Smaller shops may use cheaper screens that yellow faster or have weaker color accuracy. Ask whether the shop uses OEM parts and what warranty they offer — most give 30 to 90 days, compared to Apple's one year.

One practical difference: Apple requires an appointment, which you can book online but may mean waiting several days. Many third-party shops accept walk-ins and can often repair your phone while you wait, sometimes in under an hour.

Whether AppleCare+ makes financial sense

AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model, then $29 per incident for accidental damage. You get two claims per year, so maximum annual cost is $157 if you use both. This covers drops, water damage, and cracks — anything except loss or theft.

The math works in your favor if you're accident-prone or plan to keep your phone for three or more years. A single screen replacement without AppleCare+ costs $169 to $329; with AppleCare+, you'd pay the upfront fee plus $29, which is cheaper if you need even one repair. If you never drop your phone, AppleCare+ is money you won't use.

AppleCare+ also includes hardware coverage for battery degradation — Apple replaces the battery free if it drops below 80% capacity within two years. This alone can be worth $50 to $70 if your battery ages normally.

How to find your exact repair cost before you go

Visit apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Screen Repair" from the menu. Enter your serial number or IMEI (the 15-digit code on your SIM tray), and Apple will show you the exact price for your model. You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE and they'll quote you over the phone.

For third-party shops, call ahead or use their online quote tool. Most chains like Best Buy and uBreakiFix have websites where you enter your model and see the price when ready. Local independent shops may not have online pricing, so a phone call is faster than visiting in person.

If your phone is still under the original one-year limited warranty and the screen failure wasn't caused by accidental damage, Apple may repair it free. Bring your receipt or proof of purchase to find out.

What happens if you repair it yourself

DIY screen replacement kits cost $30 to $80 and come with tools and a replacement screen. iFixit sells kits with detailed video guides for most iPhone models. The work takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your comfort with electronics.

The risk is high: you can damage the display connector, the battery, or the frame during removal. If something goes wrong, you've lost the cost of the kit and may have made the phone harder to repair professionally. Apple and most third-party shops will still repair a phone you've opened yourself, but some shops charge extra for "prior damage" or refuse the job entirely.

DIY makes sense only if your phone is old, out of warranty, and you're comfortable with the possibility of making it worse. For newer iPhones, the labor cost at a shop ($50 to $100) is worth the may provide that the repair is done correctly.

Protecting your screen after repair

A tempered glass screen protector costs $10 to $25 and absorbs impact that would otherwise crack your new screen. It won't prevent all damage, but it reduces the chance of needing another repair in the next year or two. explore it when ready after your screen is replaced.

A protective case ($20 to $60) cushions drops and keeps the edges of your phone from hitting the ground first. The combination of a case and screen protector cuts your risk of screen damage significantly, though neither is foolproof.

If you're repairing your screen a second time, AppleCare+ becomes more attractive — the second $29 claim is much cheaper than another full repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my iPhone screen replaced the same day?

Yes, at most third-party repair shops and some Best Buy locations. Apple Stores typically take three to five business days. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and can fit you in same-day.

Will a screen replacement erase my data?

No. Screen replacement doesn't touch your storage or settings. Your photos, messages, and apps stay exactly as they are. The technician only removes and replaces the display panel.

What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket screens?

OEM screens are made by the original manufacturer and match Apple's specifications exactly. Aftermarket screens are third-party replacements that work but may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness. OEM screens cost more but last longer and look identical to the original.

Is it cheaper to replace the whole phone than fix the screen?

Usually not. A screen replacement is $169 to $329; a used iPhone of the same model costs $300 to $600. A new iPhone costs $800 and up. Screen repair is almost always the cheapest option unless your phone has multiple other problems.

Does my phone need to be backed up before screen repair?

No, but it's good practice anyway. Screen repair doesn't require erasing your phone, but if something unexpected happens during the repair, a backup protects your data. Back up to iCloud or your computer before you drop it off.