Cracked iPhone screens are an unfortunate reality for many iPhone users. Even with advancements in screen durability, iPhones are still susceptible to cracks and breaks from drops and impacts. When your iPhone screen cracks, you’re faced with a decision: live with the cracked screen, or pay to have it repaired. There are pros and cons to each option, so it’s important to consider factors like cost, convenience, and your personal preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to decide if repairing a cracked iPhone screen is worth it for you.
What causes iPhone screens to crack?
iPhone screens are made of glass, which means they’re fragile and prone to cracking and breaking on impact. Here are some of the most common causes of cracked iPhone screens:
– Dropping your phone – Dropping your iPhone, even from a short distance onto a hard surface, can cause the screen to crack. The higher the drop, the more likely the screen is to shatter.
– Impacts during accidents – Car accidents, sports collisions, and other impacts can also crack iPhone screens. The force of the impact drives the glass display into the metal frame, causing fractures.
– Pressure damage – Sitting on your phone, keeping it in a tight pocket, or putting pressure on the screen in a bag can cause cracks over time. The continual pressure stresses the glass.
– Extreme temperatures – Rapid temperature changes, like moving your phone from an air conditioned space to hot outdoor temperatures, can cause the glass to expand and contract quickly, leading to cracks.
– Manufacturing defects – In rarer cases, small defects in the glass from the manufacturing process can cause spontaneous cracking.
So in summary, direct impacts, drops, pressure, temperature changes, and defects are the main causes of cracked iPhone screens. The glass is inherently vulnerable, so cracks are common.
How much does it cost to repair a cracked iPhone screen?
The cost to repair a cracked iPhone screen varies based on a few factors:
– iPhone model – Newer iPhone models with more advanced screens tend to cost more to repair. For example, it’s more expensive to fix an iPhone XS screen than an iPhone 7.
– Screen technology – Standard LCD screens are cheaper to replace than OLED or Super Retina displays found on high-end iPhones.
– Where you get it fixed – Apple and authorized service providers charge higher prices than independent repair shops.
– Screen damage type – A shattered screen costs more to replace than a screen with minor cracks.
On average, you can expect to pay these screen repair costs for common iPhone models:
| iPhone Model | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | $129 |
| iPhone 6/6S | $149 |
| iPhone 7 | $169 |
| iPhone 8 | $199 |
| iPhone X | $279 |
| iPhone XS/XR | $329 |
So you’re looking at anywhere from $129 to $329 typically. Apple charges higher prices, usually $199 to $329 depending on the model. Third party repair shops offer discounts.
Pros of fixing a cracked iPhone screen
Getting your cracked iPhone screen repaired has some clear benefits:
– Restores full functionality – With a cracked screen, you may lose touch sensitivity, face issues with swiping and scrolling, and have problems typing. A repair restores full touchscreen functionality.
– Eliminates sharp edges – Cracked screens can have sharp glass edges that are dangerous. Fixing the screen smooths the surface and removes this hazard.
– Improves resale value – iPhones with pristine screens have much higher resale values. Repairing a cracked screen boosts the phone’s value if you plan to sell it.
– Avoids other damage – Cracked screens are vulnerable to moisture damage and glass falling out. Repairing quickly prevents more problems.
– Looks much nicer – A cracked screen is an eyesore. Repairing the screen restores the iPhone’s sleek, attractive look.
– Cheaper than replacement – At $129 to $329, a screen repair costs far less than replacing the iPhone entirely.
So in summary, fixing a cracked screen restores full touchscreen function, improves safety, boosts resale value, prevents further damage, and restores aesthetics at a relatively affordable price.
Cons of fixing a cracked iPhone screen
There are also some downsides to weigh with repairing a cracked iPhone screen:
– Costs money – While less than full replacement, the $129 to $329 cost of a screen repair is still expensive, especially for minor cracks.
– Not covered by warranty – AppleCare and iPhone warranties do not cover cracked screens, so you have to pay out of pocket.
– Risk of low-quality parts – Cheap third-party screens may not match OEM quality and have issues down the road.
– Possibility of other damage – If the phone has internal damage beyond the screen, repairs might not resolve all issues.
– Delay getting phone back – Repairs require sending the phone away or leaving it at a shop for 1-2 days typically.
– Cracks could reoccur – Dropping the phone again often just cracks the new screen all over again.
Overall, while screen repairs restore functionality and aesthetics, the cost can be hard to justify for minor cracks. Additionally, low quality replacement parts, underlying damage, and cracks reoccurring temper the benefits of investing in a repair.
When is it worth fixing a cracked iPhone screen?
In general, it makes financial and practical sense to repair a cracked iPhone screen if:
– The cracks significantly impact touchscreen sensitivity and usability
– There are multiple large cracks or the screen is shattered
– Glass edges are sharp enough to be dangerous
– You are not upgrading soon and want to maximize the phone’s lifespan
– The phone still has a relatively high resale value in good condition
– You don’t have insurance/warranty coverage for the damage
On the other hand, minor cracks along the edges or scratches on the screen that don’t affect function are often not worth the repair cost. Also, if the iPhone is already older and you are planning to upgrade soon, living with the cracks may be the better option.
iPhone screen repair options
If you decide to move forward with repairing your cracked iPhone screen, you have a few options:
Apple
Taking your iPhone to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for screen repair ensures high quality OEM parts and workmanship. However, Apple charges top dollar for fixes. You’ll pay $129-$329+ depending on the iPhone model. Appointments are needed, and Apple may replace the phone if they can’t fix the screen.
Mail-in services
Third party mail-in iPhone repair services like iCracked and uBreakiFix provide free prepaid shipping labels. You send them the phone, they make the repair with OEM or high quality aftermarket parts, and ship it back typically within 1-2 business days. Pricing is usually $100-$250.
Local repair shops
Nearby independent iPhone repair shops offer the lowest prices, often $60-$150 for a screen replacement with comparable parts. You drop off and pick up the phone in person. Quality can vary greatly, so read reviews and warranties closely.
DIY screen replacement
With the right tools and parts, you can purchase an iPhone screen on Amazon or eBay and replace it yourself following online tutorials. This is the cheapest option but also the most time consuming and risky. Damage can easily occur during amateur repairs.
So in summary, while Apple provides the highest quality repairs, third party options offer greater affordability. Carefully consider warranty, shipping time, quality, and costs when picking a screen repair service.
Best practices for preventing cracked iPhone screens
While Apple has made recent iPhone models more crack resistant through innovations like Ceramic Shield glass, screens are still vulnerable. Here are some tips for keeping your iPhone display intact:
– Use a protective case – Wrap your iPhone in an impact-absorbing case to cushion drops and bumps. Cases with air pockets and bumpers provide optimal protection.
– Install a screen protector – Plastic screen protectors prevent scratches and can also stop screens from shattering on impact. Glass protectors are most protective.
– Be careful where you place the phone – Avoid putting your iPhone in pockets with keys or coins that could scratch the screen. Don’t place it on ledges or unstable surfaces.
– Improve your grip – To avoid fumbles and drops, hold your phone securely in your hand or use a phone strap or grip accessory.
– Avoid large temperature changes – Don’t rapidly expose your iPhone to temperature swings, which can stress the glass.
– Inspect regularly for cracks – Periodically examine the edges and surface for any forming hairline cracks so you can get ahead of major damage.
– Have AppleCare+ – Paying for AppleCare+ monthly can save you money on screen repairs, with just a $29 fee for accidental damage replacement.
Following these precautions allows you to get the most lifespan out of your iPhone display and avoid the decision of whether to repair cracks. But even if the worst happens, weighing the factors in this guide will help you decide if repairing a cracked screen is the right call.
Conclusion
Cracked iPhone screens are an inconvenience many device owners have to deal with. While Apple has taken steps to improve screen durability, iPhones are still vulnerable to cracking from drops and accidents. When your screen cracks, determining if a repair is worthwhile comes down to assessing the severity of the damage, your financial situation, your intended length of future use for the device, and other unique factors. In many cases, repairing a cracked screen restores full function, improves aesthetics, and extends the usable life of your iPhone at a price that beats replacement. But for minor cracks or old devices, living with the damage or upgrading entirely are better options. Ultimately there is no one-size-fits-all answer—you have to weigh the pros, cons, costs, and value proposition for your specific situation. Hopefully this guide gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision if you ever find yourself asking that dreaded question: is it worth it to fix my cracked iPhone screen?
