What you need to know before you start
You have three main routes to get your iPhone screen replaced: Apple's official repair service, an authorized Apple repair partner, or an independent repair shop. Each costs differently, takes different amounts of time, and comes with different warranties on the work. The choice depends on whether you want the fastest repair, the lowest cost, or the strongest may provide that parts are genuine.
Apple's own stores and mail-in repair service use original parts and cover the repair under warranty if something goes wrong. Independent shops are usually cheaper and faster, but the quality and parts vary widely. Authorized partners fall somewhere in between — they use genuine parts and have Apple's backing, but may have longer wait times than independent shops in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Store repairs cost $169 to $329 depending on your iPhone model, take one to three days, and include a warranty on the repair itself.
- Independent repair shops typically charge $100 to $200, can often fix your phone same-day, but may use non-original parts and offer no warranty.
- Authorized Apple repair partners use genuine parts and are backed by Apple, but availability and pricing vary by location and partner.
- If your iPhone is under AppleCare+, screen replacement costs $29 instead of the full price, but you must go through Apple or an authorized partner.
- Mail-in repair through Apple takes five to seven business days but works if no store is nearby.
Apple Store and mail-in repair
Apple's official repair service is the most expensive option but the most straightforward. You can walk into an Apple Store with a broken screen, and they will tell you the cost and how long the repair takes — usually the same day or next day if you arrive early. Costs range from $169 for an iPhone SE to $329 for a Pro Max model, though these prices change by model year.
If you have AppleCare+, the screen replacement costs $29 instead. AppleCare+ is a monthly or upfront insurance plan that covers accidental damage; if you do not have it yet, you cannot buy it after the screen is already broken.
If no Apple Store is near you, you can mail your phone to Apple. You start the process on apple.com, pay the repair cost upfront, and ship your phone to their repair center. The repair typically takes five to seven business days once they receive it, plus shipping time both ways. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label so you do not pay to send it in.
Authorized Apple repair partners
Authorized partners include Best Buy, Walmart, and independent shops that Apple has certified. These businesses use genuine Apple parts and follow Apple's repair standards, so the work comes with the same warranty as an Apple Store repair. Pricing is usually the same as Apple's official price, though some partners offer discounts or promotions.
The main advantage is location — an authorized partner may be closer to you than an Apple Store, or have shorter wait times. The main disadvantage is inconsistency: not all authorized partners offer the same services, and availability of parts can vary. Call ahead to confirm they can repair your specific iPhone model and how long it will take.
You can find authorized partners near you by going to apple.com/repair, entering your location, and selecting "Authorized Service Provider" from the filter options.
Independent repair shops
Independent repair shops — the small storefronts that fix phones, tablets, and computers — are usually the fastest and cheapest option. Many can replace a screen the same day you drop it off, and prices typically range from $100 to $200 depending on the iPhone model and your location. In major cities, competition keeps prices lower; in rural areas, prices may be higher.
The trade-off is that independent shops do not always use original Apple parts. Some use high-quality aftermarket screens that work well; others use cheaper parts that may have color issues, touch sensitivity problems, or fail sooner. There is no way to know the quality before you hand over your phone, so ask the shop what brand of screen they use and whether they offer any warranty on the repair.
Check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp before you go, and ask the shop directly: "Do you use original Apple screens or aftermarket screens?" and "What is your warranty if the screen fails?" A shop that is honest about using aftermarket parts and offers even a 30-day warranty is usually more trustworthy than one that avoids the question.
What to do before you go in
Back up your phone if you can. If the screen is cracked but the phone still turns on, connect to Wi-Fi and back up to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or to a computer using Finder or iTunes. If the screen is so damaged the phone will not respond, the repair shop can usually still access your data, but backing up first removes the risk.
Bring your phone and a form of ID. If you have AppleCare+, bring proof — your receipt, or the email confirmation from Apple. If you are going to an independent shop, ask whether they need anything else before you arrive; some want to see the phone first to give you an accurate quote.
If your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, go to Apple or an authorized partner. Going to an independent shop may void any remaining coverage.
Repair time and what happens to your data
Apple Store repairs usually take one to three hours if you wait, or one to three days if you leave the phone. Independent shops often finish same-day, sometimes in under an hour. Mail-in repair takes five to seven business days at Apple's facility, plus a few days for shipping.
Your data stays on your phone during a screen replacement — the repair only touches the screen and the frame around it. The technician does not erase your phone or access your personal information. If you are still worried, you can ask the shop to show you the phone before and after to confirm nothing else was touched.
Cost comparison table
| Repair Route | Typical Cost (iPhone 14) | Typical Time | Parts Used | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $279 | 1–3 days | Original Apple | 1 year on repair |
| Authorized Partner | $279 | 2–5 days | Original Apple | 1 year on repair |
| Independent Shop | $120–$180 | Same day to 2 days | Aftermarket or original | 30 days to 1 year (varies) |
| Apple Mail-In | $279 | 5–7 business days plus shipping | Original Apple | 1 year on repair |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the screen myself?
You can buy replacement screens online and watch tutorials, but it requires opening the phone, which risks damaging the battery, water seals, or internal components. Unless you have done phone repairs before, the cost of a mistake (a broken battery or water damage) usually exceeds the cost of paying someone else to do it. Most people are better off using a repair shop.
What if I have AppleCare+ but go to an independent shop?
AppleCare+ only covers repairs done by Apple or an authorized partner. If you go to an independent shop, you pay their full price and lose the AppleCare+ discount. You also may void any remaining coverage under AppleCare+, depending on the terms of your plan.
How do I know if a shop uses original parts?
Ask directly: "Do you use original Apple screens or aftermarket screens?" A reputable shop will tell you. You can also ask to see the part before they install it — original Apple screens have Apple's logo and part number on the back. If the shop refuses to show you or is evasive, go somewhere else.
Will the repair affect my phone's water resistance?
Apple's official repairs and authorized partners reseal the phone properly, so water resistance is maintained. Independent shops may not reseal as carefully, which can reduce water resistance over time. If water resistance matters to you, use Apple or an authorized partner.
What if the screen breaks again after repair?
If you go to Apple or an authorized partner, the repair comes with a one-year warranty, so a defect in their work is covered free. If you go to an independent shop, the warranty depends on the shop — ask what they offer before you leave. Most offer 30 days to 90 days; some offer one year. Keep your receipt.