Having a cracked or broken iPhone screen is an annoying and potentially dangerous problem that many iPhone users face. With phone screens becoming larger and more expensive to replace, many wonder if it’s worth it to pay for professional screen repair or if they should just live with the cracks or buy a new phone.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about iPhone screen repair:
- Average iPhone screen repair cost is $150 – $250+ depending on model
- Repairing is often cheaper than buying a new iPhone, especially for newer models
- Professional repair ensures quality workmanship and parts
- Repair returns iPhone to full, normal functionality
- Cracked screens worsen over time when not repaired
- Aftermarket screens often have quality/functionality issues
- Repair extends usable lifespan of your iPhone
The Cost of Professional iPhone Screen Replacement
One of the biggest considerations when determining whether to fix a cracked iPhone screen is the cost. Professional iPhone screen repair from a qualified repair shop generally costs between $150-$250+ depending on the model. Here are some typical costs:
- iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max: $200-$350+
- iPhone 14/14 Plus: $150-$300+
- iPhone 13/13 Pro: $150-$300+
- iPhone 12/12 Pro: $140-$280+
- iPhone 11/11 Pro: $140-$260+
- iPhone X/XS/11 Pro: $140-$280+
- iPhone 8/8 Plus: $140-$180
- iPhone 7/7Plus: $130-$170
- iPhone 6/6S/6+/6S+: $120-$160
The costs vary based on model because screen components and repair methods differ between models. Newer iPhones like the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max have the highest repair costs due to very pricey OLED display components.
Cost Considerations
While $150-$350 may seem high for a screen replacement, consider:
- It is often less than half the cost of replacing the iPhone entirely
- Quality aftermarket/knock-off screens often have functionality issues
- DIY screen repairs often go awry and result in greater damage
- Cracked screens typically worsen over time when left unrepaired
- It restores the phone to normal working order rather than living with damage
- The repair cost may be partly or fully covered by phone insurance if you have coverage
Overall, the cost of professional iPhone screen repair is high but often less than the price of an all-new iPhone. And high-quality original replacement parts ensure full functionality is restored.
Repair vs. Buying a New iPhone
For many with a damaged iPhone screen, the key question is: should I pay to fix my current iPhone or put that money toward a new model instead?
Here are some factors to help determine whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense for you:
Newer vs. Older iPhones
The age and original price of your iPhone are major considerations:
- Newer models: Repairing is often the better value. The latest iPhones are $799+ new. Paying $200-$350 for a screen replacement is less than half of that and saves you hundreds vs. buying new.
- Older models: Buying a new budget iPhone may make more sense if repair costs exceed roughly 50% of the original purchase price.
Warranty Considerations
If your iPhone is still within the 1 year limited warranty or you have an extended AppleCare+ plan, a screen repair may be fully or partially covered by the warranty depending on the circumstance of the damage.
Insurance Options
If you have iPhone insurance (usually via your carrier or a third party), the screen repair may be fully or partially reimbursed by insurance, making the out-of-pocket cost less of a factor.
Damage Beyond Screen
If your iPhone has extensive damage beyond just a cracked screen, the full cost of additional repairs may make purchasing a new iPhone more economical.
Repairability Concerns
In rare cases of severe damage, your iPhone may be unrepairable or so close to irreparable that a new iPhone ends up being the better option.
Benefits of Professional iPhone Screen Replacement
Going with a professional iPhone screen replacement service rather than a DIY job or aftermarket part has many benefits:
- Expert technicians: Less risk of further damage from improper repair
- Quality parts: Genuine Apple OEM screens with proper functionality
- Warranty: Repairs often have 90 day+ limited warranty against defects
- Restored water resistance: Gaskets and seals replaced to maintain IP67 rating (iPhone 7+)
- Full testing & inspection: Ensures all phone components are functioning properly
- Optimal results: Looks and operates like new when done
The high costs of professional iPhone screen repair may seem unjustified at first glance. But in reality, you end up paying for an expert technician to properly install a genuine Apple display and restore full normal functionality of your iPhone. Afterwards, it will look and work good as new.
Living With a Cracked iPhone Screen
If the cost of repair seems too high, you may consider living with your cracked iPhone screen for awhile. Here’s what you can expect if going this route:
- Cracks gradually worsen over time
- Increased risk of cuts from sharp glass edges
- Broken glass splinters may fall out
- Touchscreen sensitivity issues
- Some screen functionality loss
- Ingress of dirt/dust/moisture through cracks
- Potential of glass shattering when phone is dropped
While you can continue using your iPhone with a cracked screen for awhile, the damage will likely continue worsening over time until repair is needed or the phone becomes unusable. This makes repair more urgently needed down the road.
DIY iPhone Screen Repair
Some iPhone owners consider doing DIY screen repairs on their own rather than paying for professional service. However, DIY iPhone screen replacement has some big downsides to consider:
- Aftermarket parts often have fit/functionality issues
- Extremely difficult repairs for non-experts
- High risk of damaging phone further
- Loss of water/dust resistance rating if present
- No warranty on part or repair work
Unless you have specific experience and skills repairing iPhones, you will likely end up with less than optimal results. Many who attempt DIY repairs end up turning to a professional to fix their botched screen installation.
Questions to Ask Your iPhone Repair Shop
To ensure you get quality service, here are some key questions to ask potential iPhone screen repair providers:
- Do you use genuine Apple OEM display components for iPhone repairs?
- Do you back your repairs with any kind of warranty?
- How long have you been repairing iPhones?
- Can I see examples of iPhones you’ve repaired previously?
- Do you restore full water/dust resistance if present?
- Do you confirm full iPhone functionality after completing repairs?
- Do you offer free repair estimates?
- Do you have flexible payment options like financing?
Repairs backed by a warranty, performed by experienced technicians, and using original Apple parts are best for optimal results. Avoid shops that cut corners with aftermarket or refurbished components.
Conclusion
Here are some final points to summarize iPhone screen repair considerations:
- Professional screen repair costs $150-$350+ depending on model
- Often less expensive than buying a brand new iPhone
- Restores full, normal functionality when done properly
- Prevents existing cracks from worsening further
- DIY repairs risky, often with disappointing results
- Confirm shop uses original Apple replacement screens
While the costs may seem high, a proper professional iPhone screen replacement can restore your phone to like-new condition and prevent existing cracks from spreading. This can help you save hundreds compared to replacing the iPhone entirely. So in most cases, it is worth investing in a professional screen repair rather than living with a damaged screen or attempting risky DIY repairs.
| iPhone Model | Typical Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max | $200-$350+ |
| iPhone 14/14 Plus | $150-$300+ |
| iPhone 13/13 Pro | $150-$300+ |
| iPhone 12/12 Pro | $140-$280+ |
| iPhone 11/11 Pro | $140-$260+ |
| iPhone X/XS/11 Pro | $140-$280+ |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | $140-$180 |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | $130-$170 |
| iPhone 6/6S/6+/6S+ | $120-$160 |
