You can replace an iPhone screen yourself, but the decision depends on your model, your comfort with electronics, and whether you want a warranty
Replacing an iPhone screen is possible in three ways: through Apple, through an authorized repair shop, or by doing it yourself. Apple charges between $129 and $329 depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+. Authorized shops (Best Buy, carrier stores, independent certified repairers) often charge less but vary by location. DIY replacement costs $20 to $100 for parts but requires tools, patience, and carries the risk of damaging your phone if something goes wrong.
The method that makes sense for you depends on how comfortable you are opening electronics, whether your phone is under warranty, and how much time you have. This guide walks through what each option involves so you can decide which fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Apple and authorized repair shops preserve your warranty and offer guarantees on their work, while DIY replacement voids any remaining warranty.
- DIY screen replacement requires a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver, a plastic spudger, and adhesive strips — tools that cost $15 to $40 total.
- The actual replacement takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your model and experience, and the hardest part is removing old adhesive without damaging the frame.
- If your phone has Face ID (iPhone X and newer), replacing the screen yourself will disable Face ID unless you transfer the original display's sensor to the new one.
- Authorized repair shops offer a middle ground: lower cost than Apple, faster than DIY, and your work is usually covered by a warranty.
What you need to know before you start
Before you commit to any method, check whether your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. If you have AppleCare+, Apple charges $29 for screen replacement instead of the full price. If your phone is under standard warranty and the screen broke from a manufacturing defect (not a drop), Apple may replace it free. You can check your coverage at apple.com by entering your serial number.
Your iPhone model also matters. Older models (iPhone 6s and earlier) have simpler screens that are easier to replace yourself. iPhone 7 and 8 are moderate difficulty. iPhone X and newer are significantly harder because the screen is fused to the display assembly and Face ID won't work after replacement unless you swap the sensor from your old screen. If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, the screen is also larger and more expensive to replace.
Finally, consider your phone's current state. If the screen is cracked but the phone still works, you have time to research and plan. If the phone is also water-damaged, has a swollen battery, or won't turn on, a professional repair is safer because they can diagnose other problems while they're inside the phone.
Going through Apple or an authorized repair shop
Apple offers screen replacement at any Apple Store or through mail-in repair. You can book an appointment at apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. In-store repair usually takes the same day if you arrive early, though busy locations may ask you to come back later. Mail-in repair takes 5 to 7 business days plus shipping time. Apple replaces the entire display assembly, so you get a screen that works exactly like the original, including Face ID if your model has it.
Authorized repair shops include Best Buy (Geek Squad), carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), and independent shops certified by Apple. These shops often charge $50 to $150 less than Apple and may have faster turnaround. Best Buy typically completes screen replacements in 2 to 4 hours. Carrier stores vary widely — some do repairs in-store, others send phones to a regional center. Independent shops are fastest but quality varies, so check reviews on Google or Yelp before you go.
All of these options come with a warranty on the repair itself, usually 30 to 90 days. If the screen fails again during that period, they'll replace it again at no cost. This is the main advantage over DIY: if something goes wrong, you're covered.
Doing the replacement yourself
DIY screen replacement is cheapest but requires specific tools and a steady hand. You'll need a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a plastic spudger or pry tool, tweezers, isopropyl alcohol, and adhesive strips. You can buy a complete kit on Amazon for $25 to $50, or buy tools separately if you already have some. The screen itself costs $20 to $80 depending on your model — search "[your iPhone model] replacement screen" on Amazon or eBay to find current prices.
The process is the same for most models: power off your phone, remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom, heat the edges to soften the adhesive, carefully pry the screen away from the frame using a plastic tool, disconnect the display cable inside, remove old adhesive, install the new screen, reconnect the cable, and seal it with new adhesive strips. iFixit.com has step-by-step photo guides for every iPhone model — search your model there and read the guide before you buy anything.
The hardest part is removing the old screen without cracking the frame. If you slip with the pry tool, you can damage the aluminum edge or the LCD panel underneath. The second hardest part is reconnecting the display cable without bending the pins. If you're not comfortable with small, precise work, this is where DIY becomes risky.
If your phone has Face ID, know that the new screen won't have the Face ID sensor. You have two options: transfer the sensor from your old screen to the new one (requires additional tools and is very delicate), or accept that Face ID won't work and use Face ID on your other devices or passcode instead. Most people who DIY on newer iPhones accept this trade-off.
Comparing cost and time across all three methods
| Method | Cost | Time | Warranty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $29–$329 depending on model and AppleCare+ | Same day or 5–7 days by mail | Yes, 90 days on repair | You want may provide quality and Face ID to work |
| Authorized shop (Best Buy, carrier, independent) | $100–$250 | 2–4 hours to 1–2 days | Yes, 30–90 days on repair | You want faster service and lower cost than Apple |
| DIY replacement | $25–$100 for tools and screen | 30 minutes to 2 hours | No — voids remaining warranty | You're comfortable with electronics and want lowest cost |
What usually goes wrong and how to avoid it
The most common mistake in DIY replacement is not heating the screen enough before prying. If the adhesive is still cold, you'll crack the screen or frame. Use a heat gun on low setting or a hair dryer on high, and heat each edge for at least 30 seconds. Test by gently pressing the edge — it should feel slightly warm and the screen should move slightly when you push it.
The second common mistake is prying too hard or at the wrong angle. Use a plastic spudger, not a metal tool. Insert it at the corner where the screen meets the frame, not in the middle of an edge. Push gently and let the heat do the work — if it's not moving, heat it more. If you hear cracking sounds, stop immediately.
The third mistake is reconnecting the display cable wrong. The cable has a small connector that slides into a socket on the motherboard. Align it carefully and push straight down until it clicks. Don't force it sideways. If the screen doesn't light up after you reassemble, the cable is probably not fully seated — open it back up and reseat the cable.
If anything goes wrong during DIY, you can still take the phone to a repair shop, but they may charge extra to fix damage you caused. This is why authorized shops are a good middle ground — you get professional quality without the DIY risk, and it costs less than Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing the screen myself void my warranty?
Yes. Opening your iPhone voids any remaining manufacturer warranty. If you have AppleCare+, it covers accidental damage including screen breaks, so you're better off using that coverage. If your warranty is already expired, DIY doesn't make it worse.
Can I use a screen from a different iPhone model?
No. Screens are model-specific and won't fit or work in a different model. Make sure you buy a screen for your exact iPhone model, including the generation (for example, iPhone 13 Pro Max, not just iPhone 13).
What if I crack the screen even more while trying to replace it?
If the screen breaks during removal, you'll need to buy another one and try again, or take it to a shop. This is why practicing on the iFixit guide first and having good lighting and tools matters. If you're not confident, an authorized shop is safer.
Does a DIY replacement screen work as well as the original?
Replacement screens from reputable sellers work well for everyday use, but some have slightly lower brightness or color accuracy than Apple's original. For most people this is not noticeable. Avoid very cheap screens under $20, which often have poor quality or fail quickly.
How long does a replacement screen last?
A quality replacement screen lasts as long as the original — typically 3 to 5 years or longer. The lifespan depends more on how you use your phone (screen brightness, temperature, physical stress) than on whether it's original or replacement.