Free Guide to iPhone Screen Repair Costs

Understanding iPhone Screen Damage and Repair Types

iPhone screens fail in different ways, and each type of damage carries its own repair cost. Learning about these differences helps you understand why prices vary and what to expect when you visit a repair location.

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A cracked screen is the most common iPhone damage. This happens when the glass surface breaks but the display underneath still works. You might see spiderwebbing across the glass, small cracks spreading from one point, or large sections of broken glass. Cracked screens still let you see the display and use your phone, but sharp edges can cut your fingers, and the damage spreads over time.

A shattered screen means the glass is broken into many pieces. Sometimes the pieces stay in place, held by the glass coating. Other times, pieces fall away. Shattered screens usually still show the display, but large sections may be difficult to see or touch.

A non-functional display is different from a cracked screen. The glass might look fine, but the LCD or OLED panel underneath stopped working. You might see black spots, lines across the screen, colors bleeding incorrectly, or a completely black display. This damage often happens from dropping the phone or pressure on the screen.

Touch disease is a specific problem with some iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The screen stops responding to touches even though the display looks normal. This happens when the touch sensor under the glass fails. Unlike other damage, touch disease often occurs without visible damage.

Screen protectors and cases don't always prevent these types of damage, though they reduce the risk. A phone dropped from waist height onto concrete can crack the screen even with protection. A phone dropped from higher distances or onto sharp objects more likely causes severe damage.

Key takeaway: Before seeking repair, identify what type of damage your iPhone screen has. Is the glass cracked but the display working? Is the display not showing colors correctly? Does the screen not respond to touch? Each situation leads to different repair costs.

Official Apple Repair Costs by iPhone Model and Damage Type

Apple's pricing for screen repairs varies based on your iPhone model. Newer models and larger phones generally cost more to repair. As of 2024, here's what you can expect to pay through Apple.

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For iPhone 15 models, Apple charges $279 for out-of-warranty screen repair on the standard iPhone 15, $349 for the iPhone 15 Plus, $399 for the iPhone 15 Pro, and $449 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. These prices are for screen-only damage when the phone still powers on and functions otherwise.

For iPhone 14 models, prices range from $279 for the iPhone 14 to $449 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 14 costs $279, the iPhone 14 Plus costs $349, the iPhone 14 Pro costs $399, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max costs $449.

Older models cost less. iPhone 13 models range from $199 for the standard iPhone 13 to $399 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. iPhone 12 models range from $199 to $399. iPhone 11 models range from $199 to $329. iPhone SE models cost $169. iPhone X and XS models cost $279 and $329 respectively.

If your phone has water damage in addition to screen damage, or if the phone won't turn on, Apple may classify the repair differently. They might charge for a full device replacement instead of just the screen. A full device replacement through Apple typically costs between $299 and $649 depending on the model.

AppleCare+ coverage changes the cost significantly. With AppleCare+, accidental damage repair costs $99 for most iPhone models, regardless of whether the damage is to the screen or other parts. You pay this once per incident, and you can make up to two damage claims per year. AppleCare+ also covers hardware failures and battery replacement for free if the battery capacity drops below 80%.

AppleCare+ costs $4.99 to $8.99 per month depending on the model, or you can pay upfront when you buy the phone. You must purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone for damage coverage to apply.

Key takeaway: Write down your iPhone model number (found in Settings > General > About). Then compare the screen repair price to the cost of AppleCare+ coverage. If you frequently drop your phone, the monthly cost of AppleCare+ may be less than paying for repairs out of pocket.

Third-Party and Independent Repair Shop Costs

Independent phone repair shops and third-party services often charge less than Apple for screen replacement. However, prices vary widely depending on location, the shop's reputation, and the quality of parts used.

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In most cities, independent shops charge between $100 and $300 for iPhone screen replacement. A standard iPhone 13 screen repair at an independent shop might cost $150 to $200, while the same repair at Apple costs $199. For newer models like the iPhone 15, independent shops might charge $200 to $280, compared to Apple's $279.

Several factors affect pricing at independent shops. Location matters significantly. Repair shops in rural areas or smaller cities often charge less than shops in major metropolitan areas. Shops in San Francisco or New York City might charge 20-40% more than shops in smaller cities for the same repair.

The type of replacement screen also affects cost. Genuine Apple screens sourced from refurbished phones cost more than aftermarket screens manufactured by third parties. Some shops offer multiple options and let you choose between them. An original screen might cost $180 while an aftermarket screen might cost $120 for the same iPhone model.

Turnaround time can vary. Some independent shops repair your phone while you wait, typically taking 30 minutes to an hour. Other shops keep your phone overnight or for several days. Shops that offer same-day repair sometimes charge premium prices.

Quality varies among independent shops. Some use proper tools and techniques, while others use cheaper methods that may damage other phone components. A poorly executed repair might damage the home button, speaker, or battery. Reading customer reviews on Google Maps or Yelp can show you which shops have consistently positive feedback.

Warranty coverage differs from Apple's approach. Apple offers a 90-day warranty on repair work. Many independent shops offer 30 to 90-day warranties on parts and labor, though some offer no warranty at all. Always ask about warranty coverage before agreeing to repair.

Key takeaway: Call several independent shops in your area and ask for their screen repair pricing. Compare the price, type of screen (original or aftermarket), turnaround time, and warranty offered. Getting quotes from three shops lets you see what's typical in your area.

Retailer Repair Programs and Mail-In Services

Major electronics retailers and mail-in services provide additional repair options beyond Apple Stores and independent shops. These services range from in-store repair at Best Buy to shipping your phone to a centralized repair facility.

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Best Buy's Geek Squad offers iPhone screen repair at many locations. Pricing is typically similar to independent shops, ranging from $150 to $300 depending on the iPhone model. Best Buy also offers Geek Squad protection plans, which cost between $99 and $199 depending on the device. This protection covers accidental damage, and you pay a service fee of $99 for screen repair if you have coverage.

Walmart offers phone repair services at many locations through third-party providers. Screen repair prices are competitive with independent shops, often starting around $99 for older iPhone models and going up to $250 for newer models. Some Walmart locations partner with SquareTrade or similar services.

Mail-in repair services let you ship your iPhone to a repair facility and receive it back repaired. Services like iCracked, CPR Cell Phone Repair (which offers mail-in through their website), and others charge between $150 and $280 for screen repair. Shipping typically takes 5-10 business days total, including time for you to ship it, time for repair, and time for return shipping.

Mail-in services may include prepaid shipping labels, so you don't pay to send the phone in. However, you typically pay for return shipping,