Estimating Your iPhone Screen Repair Cost: What You Need to Know

Anyone who’s ever cracked their iPhone screen knows it’s a stressful – and sometimes painful – experience. Even cosmetic cracks can worsen with future impacts, and many cracks can make it difficult to use your phone. If your phone is out of its warranty, the repair cost can cover a large fraction of the phone’s original value.

Choosing to self-repair with Apple’s repair kits will lower the cost, but the repair process requires technical know-how to avoid damaging your device. Likewise, phones rapidly depreciate; within a year or two, all but the newest phones will be worth less than the cost of repairs. Depending on your exact iPhone screen repair cost, selling your broken phone to finance a new one may be the smart decision.

Factors Affecting iPhone Repair Costs

When considering the cost to replace or repair an iPhone screen, the following factors come into play:

• iPhone model
• Whether the screen is simply cracked or the device has suffered additional damage
• Whether you use an official Apple service center, independent repair shops, or a third-party service
• Your insurance plan or warranty status

These factors will help determine the average costs of screen repairs and what you can expect to pay for your iPhone repairs.

iPhone Model and Screen Repair Cost

The iPhone model you own plays a significant role in the cost of screen replacement. Newer models like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 generally cost more to repair due to advanced technology and higher-quality screens, such as OLED displays. An older phone may cost as little as $150 to repair, while newer models may cost up to $400.

Glass Repair or Screen Replacement

Sometimes, it’s possible to perform a glass repair rather than replacing the entire iPhone’s screen. Glass repair is typically cheaper than a full screen replacement, but it depends on the phone’s design.

Newer models with OLED screens have glass fused to the display. This means that it’s impossible to repair or replace the glass separately, and any crack will require a full display replacement.

Repair Options: Where to Get Your iPhone Fixed

Choosing where to get your iPhone screen repaired makes a significant difference in the final cost, as do different service levels and warranty coverage. By performing self-repairs, you can reduce your overall costs but take on the risk of performing errors that further damage your device.

Authorized Apple Service Center

Taking your phone to the Apple Store or official Apple service center is often the safest bet to repair an iPhone. Apple exclusively uses official parts in its repairs, and also offers a warranty on the repair. However, it’s often the most expensive option, with screen replacement costs for newer models like the iPhone 12 ranging from $300 to $400.

The upside is that Apple’s official repairs ensure your device remains under warranty. Apple also uses genuine components, which minimizes the risk of future problems.

Local Repair Shops and Third-Party Services

For those looking to save money, going to independent repair shops or using a third-party service is another option. These repair shops may offer significantly lower prices, but there is often a risk involved. Third-party screen repairs may not always use genuine Apple parts, which could void any existing warranty on your device.

• Independent repair shop: These can provide cost-effective alternatives for fixing a broken screen, with average costs typically between $100 and $300 depending on the iPhone model.
• Third-party repair services: These may offer similar pricing, but always ask about the use of genuine parts versus aftermarket components to make an informed decision.

Do-It-Yourself Repairs

If you have the technical skills, you can attempt to repair your cracked screen yourself. DIY kits are available online, and they include the tools you need, such as a SIM ejector tool and the necessary components.

However, repairing an iPhone screen on your own can be risky and may lead to additional damage, so this is not recommended for most users. Doing it yourself will also void your warranty, and user mistakes may make it impossible to repair your device.

Insurance and Warranty Options

If you have an insurance plan like AppleCare+ or another extended warranty through your service provider, this can significantly reduce your repair costs. With AppleCare+, the cost of fixing a screen is $29 for most iPhone models.

If your phone is under warranty, make sure to visit an authorized service center to avoid voiding the warranty on your device. Apple is known for strict warranty policies, and taking your phone to a third-party repair service will likely void any guarantees they offer.

Deciding What to do About Your iPhone’s Damaged Screen

In some cases, the cost of replacing a shattered screen may make you reconsider repairing the device altogether. For instance, the cost of repairing an iPhone XR or iPhone XS Max is currently more than half the value of the phone.

In this case, it’s worth considering an upgrade. If this is the path you choose to take, you can get a great rate for your damaged device today by visiting an EcoATM kiosk near you.

Turn Your Damaged iPhone Into Quick Cash with ecoATM

At ecoATM, we accept most iPhone models, even if they have significant damage. While we’ll account for our internal repair costs in the price we offer, the sum may still cover part or all of the downpayment on your next device.

Selling your damaged device to ecoATM couldn’t be simpler. You can get a price quote from our website or the nearest ecoATM kiosk, then back up and clear your data from your device to prepare it for sale. Drop off your phone, walk away with cash; it’s that easy.

FAQs

How much does it usually cost to fix a screen on an iPhone?

The cost to fix a screen on an iPhone typically ranges between $100 and $400, depending on the model, the extent of the damage, and where you choose to have the repair done. Authorized Apple service centers are the most expensive option, but they use official parts and provide a warranty. Cheaper alternatives will generally void any warranty covering your device.

Is it worth fixing a cracked iPhone screen?

Fixing a cracked iPhone screen may be worth it if the iPhone is relatively new and in good working condition otherwise. Otherwise, you should consider if selling the damaged phone and buying a new one is a better option.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace an iPhone?

Repairing an iPhone is usually cheaper than replacing it. However, your phone will depreciate rapidly over the next few years, and chronic problems will lead to mounting repair costs. In these cases, selling your damaged phone and buying a new one could be more economical.

How much does it cost to fix an old iPhone screen?

For older models like the iPhone 6, iPhone 7, or iPhone 8, screen repair typically costs between $100 and $150. These models have less advanced technology and screens than newer iPhones, which lowers repair costs.