Getting your Mac screen repaired can be an expensive endeavor, but just how expensive depends on a variety of factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Mac screen repair costs so you can make an informed decision.
What affects the cost of Mac screen repair?
There are several key factors that influence how much you’ll pay to get your Mac’s screen repaired:
- Mac model – The specific Mac model you have plays a big role in repair costs. Newer Macs with retina displays tend to be more expensive to repair than older, standard-screen models.
- Screen size – Larger screens cost more to replace than smaller screens. A 15-inch MacBook Pro screen will cost more than a 13-inch screen.
- Screen type – Standard screens are cheaper to replace than retina/high-resolution screens found on newer Macs.
- Damage type – The type of damage to the screen will affect the repair cost. A cracked or shattered screen will cost less than a screen with failed LEDs.
- Authorized vs independent repair – Using an Apple Authorized Service Provider will be more expensive than going to an independent repair shop.
- Warranty status – If the Mac is still under AppleCare warranty, screen repairs may be fully or partially covered.
- Location – Repair costs can vary depending on where you live and local market rates.
Average Mac screen repair costs
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some average screen repair costs for common Mac models:
| Mac Model | Screen Size | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air | 13 inches | $400 – $600 |
| MacBook Pro | 13 inches | $500 – $700 |
| MacBook Pro | 15 inches | $600 – $900 |
| iMac | 21.5 inches | $350 – $500 |
| iMac | 27 inches | $500 – $800 |
As you can see, screen repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a smaller MacBook Air screen to almost $1,000 for a high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro. iMac screens fall in the middle price range usually.
Keep in mind these are just estimates – your actual repair cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.
Cost to repair common Mac screen issues
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common Mac screen issues and typical repair costs:
Cracked/shattered screen
Cracked or shattered screens are one of the most common Mac repair issues. Even a relatively minor crack can spiderweb across the entire screen over time.
Replacing a cracked Mac screen averages $400-$600 depending on the model. Apple charges out-of-warranty fees of $280-$330 just for screen damage on MacBooks, not including the replacement cost. So independent repair shops are usually cheaper.
Flickering/faulty display
If you have screen flickering, discoloration, or distortion issues it likely indicates a problem with the display panel itself or the display cables. This will require replacing the LCD display assembly which averages $550-$700 or more.
GPU failure
Some older MacBook Pro models with AMD or NVIDIA GPUs suffered from a known graphics card defect that causes screen artifacts and failure. The only fix is to replace the logic board, which typically costs $500-$800+ depending on the model.
Backlight failure
Problems with the Mac screen backlight produce symptoms like a dim display or screen blackouts. Repair costs for backlight issues are $400-$700 on average since the entire display assembly often needs replacement.
Liquid damage
Spilling liquid on a Mac can cause all sorts of screen glitches, flickering, discoloration and shorts. Liquid damage repairs can range from $300 for cleaning to $700+ for full display replacement if corrosion is present.
Other screen-related repairs
In some cases, screen issues may stem from other components needing repair:
- Video card/GPU – Faulty dedicated graphics cards can produce visual artifacts, distortions, and screen malfunctions requiring a $500+ logic board replacement.
- Inverter cable – Damaged inverter cables disrupt communication between display components. Replacing the inverter cable costs $150-$300 on average.
- LCD connector – If the LCD connector is damaged or corroded, replacing this small component can fix certain screen issues for around $150-$250.
Diagnosing the root cause of your particular Mac screen problem is important to determine what specifically needs repair or replacement.
Factors that increase Mac screen repair costs
There are a few scenario that can significantly drive up the cost of a Mac screen repair:
- Newer model Mac – Apple’s newest Macs uses proprietary components that are more expensive to source and replace. Screens for the M1 Macs average around $100-$300 more for repairs than previous intel models.
- Non-standard screen – Retina displays and other custom screens used on newer Macs cost $100-$250 more on average versus standard screens.
- Unavailable parts – Finding replacement parts for some older Mac models can be difficult, which inflates costs.
- Additional damage – Complex damage that extends beyond just a cracked screen usually adds $150-$300+ to the repair cost.
- Rush service – Expedited turnaround times within 1-2 days command a premium rate, adding $100-$200 or more to the job.
How to get the best Mac screen repair price
To maximize savings on your Mac screen replacement, here are some money-saving tips:
- Shop around – Get quotes from 3-5 local repair shops to compare pricing.
- Go independent – Independent repair shops often charge $100-$300 less than Apple for equivalent screen repairs.
- DIY it – Do-it-yourself screen repairs can save 40-60% off shop pricing if you’re technically inclined.
- Use refurbished parts – Allowing the use of refurbished replacement screens or assemblies can trim $50-$150 off costs.
- Negotiate – Politely ask if the shop can offer a lower price or discount. Many will oblige if business is slow.
- Bundle repairs – Completing multiple repairs together generally yields a lower per-repair rate.
- Avoid rush fees – Standard turnaround is cheaper than expedited or same-day service.
- Be screen protector savvy – Use preventative screen protection to avoid cracks that require expensive screen glass replacements.
Taking the time to seek out a quality independent repair shop and negotiating a fair price whenever possible will help minimize the cost of your Mac screen repair.
AppleCare+ impact on screen replacement costs
Investing in AppleCare+ extended warranty coverage for your Mac can significantly offset screen repair costs in the event of damage. Here’s an overview of how AppleCare+ pricing and screen damage coverage works:
- Upfront cost – AppleCare+ costs $249 for MacBook Air/Pro, $99 for iMac.
- Coverage term – Protection lasts for 3 years from original device purchase date.
- Screen repairs covered – You get two screen damage incidents covered at $99 service fee per incident.
- Other damage – AppleCare+ also covers two incidents of accidental damage from spills, drops, etc for $299 service fee per incident.
- Repair savings – AppleCare+ reduces Apple’s out-of-warranty screen repair fee from $280-$329 down to just $99, saving $180-$230 per screen replacement.
As you can see, just one covered screen repair pays for the upfront cost of AppleCare+ coverage. And you get protection for the full 3 year coverage term. For frequent travelers or accident-prone users, AppleCare+ can pay for itself quickly by saving hundreds of dollars in screen repair costs.
Third party insurance alternatives
Third-party electronics insurance plans from providers like SquareTrade and Safeware can also cushion the cost of screen repairs and other accidental Mac damage. Here’s how third-party plans compare to AppleCare+:
- Lower upfront cost – Starting at $80-$150 for multi-year Mac coverage.
- copays apply – $50-$100 screen damage deductible is common.
- More repairs allowed – Some plans cover unlimited repairs.
- Fewer exclusions – Covers more types of accidents than AppleCare+.
- Convenient mail-in repairs – Usually just file a claim and mail-in MacBook for depot service.
- Longer coverage terms – Up to 4 years plans available.
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For extreme accident-prone scenarios, third-party Mac insurance can make sense due to lower deductibles and unlimited repair claims allowed. But for most situations, AppleCare+ provides better value at $99 screen repair copay.
Should you repair or replace a damaged Mac screen?
Once your Mac screen is cracked or damaged, you’ll inevitably face this decision – should I pay to repair the screen or put that money towards a new Mac entirely?
Here are a few tips on when repair vs. replacement makes most financial sense:
- Repair if: Model is less than ~5 years old, minimal other damage, repair cost reasonable compared to Mac value.
- Replace if: Mac is older with dated specs, repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost, opportunity to upgrade features.
- Consider a newer refurbished Mac as a cost-effective replacement alternative to buying brand new.
- Run cost comparison – Add up repair cost, replacement cost, and value of your time/lost productivity to determine best option.
The ideal candidates for screen repair are newer Macs that are fully functional aside from the screen itself. Repairing a 5 year old MacBook with a cracked screen for $600 may not be wise if you can upgrade to a newer model for not much more.
Closing summary
Mac screen repairs don’t come cheap, with costs ranging from around $300 up to nearly $1,000 depending on the model, screen size, and type of damage. Apple charges a premium for repairs, so independent shops can offer significant savings in many cases. Getting quotes from multiple repair shops, using refurbished parts when possible, and utilizing AppleCare+ or third party warranty coverage for screen damage are all effective ways to minimize Mac screen replacement costs.
Carefully weighing whether a repair makes financial sense versus upgrading your Mac is also an important consideration. But in many cases, paying a few hundred dollars to get your existing Retina Mac or MacBook screen working again can definitely be worth it compared to the high price of an entirely new replacement Mac.