iPad screen replacement costs between $99 and $599 depending on which iPad model you own and who does the repair
Apple's official repair pricing runs from $99 for the base iPad to $599 for the largest iPad Pro models. If your iPad is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the cost may be lower or covered entirely — but only if the damage is accidental, not intentional neglect. Third-party repair shops typically charge $80 to $250 for the same work and often finish the job the same day, though the screen quality and warranty on that repair varies widely.
The price difference matters because it reflects what you're actually paying for. Apple replaces the entire display assembly and tests it in their system. Independent shops may replace just the glass layer if that's what's broken, or they may use refurbished screens instead of new ones. Neither approach is inherently wrong — it depends on whether you want the fastest repair, the lowest price, or the longest warranty on the fix.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $99 and $599 for screen replacement depending on your iPad model, and the repair takes three to five business days at most locations.
- AppleCare+ covers accidental screen damage for a $49 service fee on most iPad models, which is cheaper than paying the full replacement cost.
- Independent repair shops charge $80 to $250 and often complete repairs the same day, but screen quality and warranty length vary by shop.
- The cost difference between Apple and third-party shops reflects whether you get a new screen, a refurbished one, or just the glass layer replaced.
- Before you pay for any repair, check your iPad's warranty status and whether AppleCare+ is still active, because coverage can make the repair free or nearly free.
Apple's official repair pricing by iPad model
Apple publishes screen replacement costs on their support website, and the price depends entirely on which iPad you own. The base iPad (the non-Pro model) costs $99 to repair. iPad Air models run $149. iPad mini costs $149. The 11-inch iPad Pro costs $299, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $349. If you have an older iPad Pro with a larger screen, the cost may be higher — Apple's pricing for discontinued models sometimes goes up because parts are harder to source.
These prices assume your iPad is out of warranty and you have no AppleCare+ coverage. Apple's standard one-year hardware warranty covers manufacturing defects but not accidental drops or cracks, so most people pay the full amount. The repair takes three to five business days at an Apple Store, or longer if you mail it in. Apple will also replace the battery for $99 to $129 at the same time if you ask, which can make sense if your iPad is older and the battery no longer holds a full charge.
AppleCare+ coverage and what it actually covers
AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan, and it costs between $79 and $129 depending on your iPad model — you buy it when you purchase the iPad or within 30 days after. If you have AppleCare+ and your screen cracks from a drop or accident, you pay a $49 service fee and Apple replaces the screen at no other cost. That $49 is significantly cheaper than paying $99 to $349 out of pocket, which is why AppleCare+ makes financial sense if you're accident-prone or use your iPad in risky environments like a job site or a classroom.
The catch is that AppleCare+ only covers accidental damage — not damage from intentional misuse, liquid damage in some cases, or normal wear and tear. If your screen cracked because you sat on your iPad, that's covered. If it cracked because you threw it, Apple may deny the claim. Liquid damage is covered under AppleCare+ for iPad, but only if you report it within 14 days and the damage is from an accident, not neglect. Check your AppleCare+ status by opening Settings, tapping your name, then selecting iCloud and looking for the coverage section — or call Apple Support and give them your serial number.
Third-party repair shops and what to expect
Independent repair shops like uBreakiFix, Micro Center, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local phone repair stores all offer iPad screen replacement for less than Apple charges. Typical pricing is $80 to $150 for a base iPad, $120 to $180 for an iPad Air or mini, and $180 to $250 for an iPad Pro. Most shops finish the repair the same day or within 24 hours, which is much faster than Apple's three to five business days. Many also offer a warranty on the repair itself — usually 30 to 90 days — so if the screen fails again, they'll fix it for free.
The trade-off is that third-party shops use different screen sources. Some use new original screens, some use refurbished screens, and some use aftermarket screens that look and work like the original but aren't made by Apple. A refurbished screen is a used screen that was tested and cleaned, so it's cheaper but may have a shorter lifespan. An aftermarket screen is brand new but may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness than an Apple screen. Before you commit to a repair, ask the shop which type of screen they use and what warranty they offer. A shop that won't tell you is a shop to avoid.
How to find your iPad model and check warranty status
You need to know your exact iPad model before you get a price quote, because "iPad Pro" alone doesn't tell a repair shop whether you have the 11-inch or 12.9-inch version — and the price is different. Find your model by opening Settings, tapping General, then About. Look for the line that says "Model" — it will say something like "iPad (7th generation)" or "iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5th generation)". Write that down or take a screenshot, because you'll need it when you call for a quote.
To check your warranty status, go to Apple's coverage checker at support.apple.com/warranty and enter your serial number. Your serial number is also in Settings > General > About, listed as "Serial Number". The coverage checker will tell you when your standard warranty expires and whether AppleCare+ is active. If AppleCare+ is active, you'll see the expiration date. If you're not sure whether you bought AppleCare+, call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE and they can look it up for you using your serial number.
Comparing the total cost: Apple versus third-party shops
| Repair Route | Cost Range | Time to Repair | Warranty on Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (no AppleCare+) | $99–$599 | 3–5 business days | 90 days |
| Apple (with AppleCare+) | $49 | 3–5 business days | 90 days |
| Third-party shop | $80–$250 | Same day to 24 hours | 30–90 days (varies) |
If you have AppleCare+, the choice is straightforward: go to Apple and pay $49. If you don't have AppleCare+, compare the Apple price for your specific model against quotes from two or three local shops. A third-party shop that charges $120 for a base iPad repair saves you $20 and gets you the device back today instead of in five days — that's worth it for most people. But if you have an iPad Pro and the Apple price is $299, a shop charging $200 saves you $99, which is more meaningful.
One more consideration: if your iPad is very old or has other damage (a cracked back, a broken home button), a third-party shop may be willing to do multiple repairs at once for a package price. Apple will only fix the screen unless you ask them to diagnose other problems, which adds time and cost. If your iPad needs multiple fixes, get a quote from a third-party shop that covers all of them before you decide.
What to do before you take your iPad in for repair
Back up your data before you hand your iPad to anyone. If you use iCloud, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and make sure the toggle for iCloud Backup is on. Let it finish backing up — this usually takes a few minutes if you're on Wi-Fi. If you use a computer, connect your iPad to it, open Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows), and click Back Up Now. This step protects you in case something goes wrong during the repair, though it rarely does.
Write down your Apple ID password and keep it with you. Some repair shops need to sign out of your Apple ID before they work on the device, and they'll need your password to do it. If you don't remember your password, reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you go in. Also bring your receipt or proof of purchase if you think you might have AppleCare+ — it makes the coverage check faster. If you're going to an Apple Store, you can make a Genius Bar appointment online at apple.com/retail, which saves you from waiting in line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace an iPad screen myself?
You can buy replacement screens online and watch tutorials, but it's difficult and risky. iPad screens are glued to the frame, so removing one without damaging the rest of the device requires heat, special tools, and steady hands. If you slip, you can crack the frame or damage the battery. For most people, paying a shop to do it is worth the cost and the may provide that it will work.
Does AppleCare+ cover screen damage if I drop my iPad in water?
AppleCare+ covers accidental liquid damage on iPad, but only if you report it within 14 days and the damage is from an accident, not neglect. If your iPad fell in a pool, that's covered. If it sat in a wet bag for a week, Apple may deny it. Call Apple Support when ready if your iPad gets wet — don't wait to see if it still works.
Will a third-party screen repair affect my iPad's resale value?
A third-party repair may lower resale value slightly because buyers prefer original parts, but the difference is usually small — maybe $20 to $50 on a used iPad. A cracked screen lowers value much more than a repaired one does, so repairing it at all, regardless of where, is better than leaving it broken.
How long does an iPad screen usually last after repair?
A properly installed new or refurbished screen lasts as long as the original — typically five to seven years or longer. A screen that fails within the warranty period (30 to 90 days) is usually a defect in the installation or the part itself, and the shop should replace it for free. If a screen fails years later, that's normal wear and you'd pay for another repair.
What if my iPad screen is cracked but still works?
A cracked screen that still works will eventually fail completely — the crack spreads, the touch sensor stops responding in that area, or the display develops dead pixels. Repairing it now costs less than waiting until it fails entirely and you can't use the device at all. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack will damage the frame or other internal parts, which increases the repair cost.