How much does an iPhone screen replacement cost?

It’s the worst feeling: seeing your expensive iPhone take a fall and picking it up to find a cracked screen. As gut-wrenching as this scenario is, it’s not the end of the world. You can get the screen replaced, even if it may cost you a good amount of money. But how much does an iPhone screen replacement cost? It depends on where you get the device fixed.

Do I have to get my iPhone repaired by Apple?

You aren’t forced to have Apple replace your iPhone screen. We have the right to repair, after all. Apple Authorized Service Providers are another option. There aren’t many, and they are usually large retailers like Best Buy, but some smaller participants exist. Additionally, Apple has an Independent Repair Provider Program for shops that want to provide repairs that are out of warranty.

Of course, there is also an excess of third-party technicians and shops that will do screen replacements for you. Apple has become more accepting of these businesses, and will respect your warranty as long as any future damage isn’t related to, or caused by, what the third-party tech repaired (in this case, the screen). That said, we would be very wary about taking iPhones to third-party repair businesses.

While these businesses may be knowledgeable and capable, there’s also the chance some aren’t. We’ve heard plenty of horror stories about such businesses not using genuine screens and parts. And even if they do, some users have experienced Face ID problems and other issues. We won’t tell you not to go to these, but we also won’t advise that you do. If you choose to do so, just do your research, read reviews, and do everything you can to ensure you’re working with a good business.

If you want to save some money, you also have the option of doing the repair yourself. Yes, Apple allows this and supports it! More on this later in the article.

How much does it cost for Apple to replace my screen?

The price to replace a screen depends on your phone model. Let’s take a look at some prices from the latest iPhone releases.

What if I have Apple Care Plus?

Those with an Apple Care Plus plan will only pay a flat fee of $29 to replace their screens. Third-party insurance plans will have their own rules when it comes to deductibles.

How much does it cost for Apple Authorized Service Providers to replace my screen?

What about Apple Authorized Service Providers? Surely, they charge more, right? The cost of operation is not the same for Apple compared to some of these smaller authorized stores. This means that they often have to charge more. However, this is not a set rule that applies to all service providers. Best Buy is one of the biggest Apple Authorized Service Providers, and its prices are actually identical to Apple’s. Likewise, those with Apple Care Plus will only pay $29 for iPhone screen replacements at Best Buy.

The short answer is: expect to pay very similar prices, but some authorized shops may charge a bit more.

Is there anything cheaper?

As mentioned in the first section of this guide, you can opt to go with third-party technicians and repair shops. These will often be cheaper. For example, the one closest to my house will charge $145 to replace an iPhone 13 screen. That’s much less than Apple’s $279. As mentioned before, though, we wouldn’t recommend these services. We’re sure there are some good ones, though. Just do your research first.

You can also replace the screen yourself!

Apple announced its Self Service Repair program in late 2021. This basically allows users like you and me to make an iPhone screen replacement ourselves. Those willing to take matters into their own hands will get a manual with step-by-step instructions, dedicated tools, and components. You can buy them straight from selfservicerepair.com/order. Also, go to Apple’s Self Service Repair page for more details.

Just keep in mind it isn’t exactly cheap to do this, either, even if it will cost less than taking it to Apple or an Authorized Service Provider. Let’s say you want to fix an iPhone 13 Pro Max screen. You’ll have to pay $329 for the repair kit. Apple will then refund you $52.64 if you return the broken screen. This totals $276.36. It’s still cheaper than the $379 you would have paid Apple to do this, but it isn’t exactly the deal of your life. Not to mention, many of us will be worried about doing a bad job at this.

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