iPhone screen repair costs between $29 and $329 depending on your model and who fixes it

Apple's official pricing runs from $29 for an iPhone SE to $329 for a larger Pro Max model. Independent repair shops typically charge $100 to $200 for the same work. The difference comes down to parts, labor rates, and warranty — Apple uses genuine parts and guarantees the repair for 90 days, while independent shops vary widely in both.

Your out-of-pocket cost also depends on whether you have AppleCare+. With AppleCare+, accidental damage costs $29 per incident. Without it, you pay the full screen replacement price. If your phone is still under the standard one-year warranty and the screen failed on its own (not from a drop), Apple replaces it free.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $29 to $329 for screen replacement depending on your iPhone model, with a 90-day warranty on the repair.
  • AppleCare+ reduces accidental damage costs to $29, but you must buy it within 60 days of purchasing your phone.
  • Independent repair shops cost $100 to $200 but have no standard warranty, so ask what they may provide before you hand over your phone.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days plus shipping time, while in-store appointments at an Apple Store or authorized shop usually take 1 to 3 hours.

Apple Store and authorized repair pricing by model

Apple publishes screen replacement costs on its support page, and they scale with screen size. An iPhone 15 standard model costs $119, while an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $279. Older models like the iPhone 13 run $99 to $199 depending on whether it is a standard or Pro version. The SE line stays at $29 because the screen is smaller and the phone itself costs less.

These prices assume your phone is out of warranty and you do not have AppleCare+. If you bought AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your iPhone, you pay only $29 for any accidental damage claim, including a cracked screen. AppleCare+ itself costs $99 to $379 depending on the model, spread over two years of monthly payments or paid upfront.

Authorized Apple repair shops — places like Best Buy's Geek Squad that hold Apple certification — charge the same prices as Apple Stores. The advantage is location: you may have an authorized shop closer than the nearest Apple Store. Call ahead to confirm they stock the part for your model, because smaller shops sometimes order the screen and call you back when it arrives.

Independent repair shop costs and what to check before you go

Independent shops advertise $100 to $200 for iPhone screen replacement, often undercutting Apple by $50 to $100. The catch is that quality and warranty vary enormously. Some shops use genuine Apple screens salvaged from broken phones, others use aftermarket screens that may have color shifts or touch sensitivity issues, and a few use screens so cheap that they fail within months.

Before you hand over your phone, ask three questions: What brand of screen are they installing? What is their warranty on the repair? And can they show you the screen before they start work? A shop that uses genuine Apple parts and offers a one-year warranty is closer to Apple's standard. A shop that installs unknown-brand screens and offers 30 days or nothing is a gamble.

Check Google reviews and Yelp for that specific location, not the chain name — a franchise can have one excellent location and one terrible one. Look for reviews mentioning screen quality and whether the shop actually honored its warranty when something went wrong. If you see multiple complaints about the screen failing after a few months, that shop is probably using cheap parts.

Turnaround time: same-day versus mail-in

An Apple Store or authorized shop with the screen in stock can usually finish the repair in 1 to 3 hours. You drop off your phone, they back up your data, replace the screen, and test it. You pick it up the same day or the next morning. If they do not have the screen in stock, they order it and call you when it arrives — typically 2 to 5 business days.

Independent shops often finish faster because they have fewer customers ahead of you. Many can do the repair in 30 minutes to an hour if they have the screen on hand. The trade-off is that if something goes wrong during the repair, you have less recourse than you would with Apple.

If you mail your phone to Apple, the process takes 5 to 7 business days for the repair itself, plus 2 to 3 days for shipping each way. You lose access to your phone for roughly two weeks. Apple covers shipping both directions if the phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+. Without either, you pay for return shipping — usually $10 to $15.

When the screen is still under warranty

If your iPhone is less than one year old and the screen cracked on its own — not from a drop or water damage — Apple replaces it free under the standard limited warranty. You need proof of purchase (your receipt or the order confirmation email) and the phone itself. Bring both to an Apple Store or mail the phone in.

Manufacturing defects are rare, but they happen. If the screen has dead pixels, a line across the display, or touch that does not respond in a specific area, that is a defect. If the screen is shattered from impact, that is not covered. Apple's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, not damage from use.

Comparing total cost: AppleCare+ versus paying per repair

AppleCare+ costs $99 for an iPhone SE, $149 for a standard iPhone 15, and up to $379 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. You spread this over 24 months of monthly payments or pay it upfront. Once you have it, screen damage costs $29 per incident with no deductible.

If you drop your phone once every two years, AppleCare+ saves you money on a flagship model. A single screen replacement on an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $279; AppleCare+ costs $149 spread over two years, so one claim pays for itself. On a cheaper model like the SE, where a screen replacement costs only $29, AppleCare+ is harder to justify unless you are accident-prone.

The catch is that you must buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your phone. You cannot add it later if you drop your phone on day 61. If you already cracked your screen, you cannot buy AppleCare+ to cover that damage — Apple will not insure damage that already exists.

What happens to your data during screen replacement

Apple and authorized shops back up your phone before they start work, so your photos, messages, and apps stay safe. They replace the screen and test it, then restore your backup. The whole process is transparent — they do not need your passcode or Apple ID password to do this, and your data never leaves the device unless you choose to back it up to iCloud first.

Independent shops vary. Some back up your data as a standard step, others do not. Ask before you leave your phone. If a shop says they cannot do the repair without your passcode, that is a red flag — they should not need it for a screen replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone screen myself?

You can buy a screen and tools online for $30 to $80, but the repair requires removing the display adhesive, disconnecting the old screen, and reconnecting the new one without damaging the ribbon cables. One slip breaks the phone further. Most people should not attempt this. If you want to try, watch a full video for your exact model first and understand that you void any remaining warranty.

Does insurance cover a cracked iPhone screen?

AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including cracks for $29 per incident. Carrier insurance through Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile usually covers it too, but deductibles run $25 to $50 and you may have to file a claim. Check your policy. Standard homeowners or renters insurance does not cover phones.

What is the difference between a genuine Apple screen and an aftermarket one?

Genuine Apple screens are made by the same manufacturers Apple uses in new phones. Aftermarket screens are made by third parties and vary in quality. Cheap aftermarket screens sometimes have color shifts, slower touch response, or brightness issues. Better aftermarket screens are nearly identical to genuine ones but cost less. Independent shops can tell you which they use.

Will my phone work normally after screen replacement?

If the repair was done correctly, yes. The screen is a replaceable part, and replacing it does not affect the processor, battery, or any other component. Your phone works exactly as it did before the crack, assuming the technician did not damage anything else during the repair.

How do I know if my screen damage is covered under warranty?

Bring your phone to an Apple Store or authorized shop and ask. They can tell you in minutes whether the damage is a manufacturing defect (covered) or impact damage (not covered). You need your proof of purchase. If you are unsure whether you have AppleCare+, Apple can look that up by your phone number or email.