How Much Does Phone Screen Repair Cost?

Last Updated on May 30, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Anyone who’s ever dropped their phone knows the sinking feeling that comes with seeing a network of cracks spider across your screen. Given how reliant we are on smartphones, getting a damaged display repaired quickly is usually a top priority.

But before rushing off to the nearest phone repair shop, it pays to have a realistic understanding of what you’ll have to pay for screen repair or replacement.

In this guide, we’ll explore the many factors that influence phone screen repair costs. You’ll find average price estimates for common iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel repairs. We’ll also provide tips to find affordable repair options near you and potentially save hundreds of dollars.

How Much Does Phone Screen Repair Cost?

The cost for a phone screen repair can range quite a bit – from $50 for a simple screen crack up to $350+ for a high-end OLED display replacement.

To give you a better idea of realistic costs, here are typical price ranges for fixing common phone models with cracked or non-working screens:

Apple iPhones

• iPhone SE/6/7/8: $129 to $199
• iPhone X/XR/11: $199 to $279
• iPhone 12/13: $279 to $329

Costs can exceed $400 for giant screens like the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Samsung Galaxy Phones

• Galaxy S7/S8/S9/S10e: $139 to $239
• Galaxy S10/S20/S21: $209 to $289
• Galaxy S22/S22+: $239 to $319
• Galaxy Z Flip/Fold: $450+

Budget Galaxy A series models can be as cheap as $99 to fix.

Google Pixel Phones

• Pixel 3/4/5: $99 to $199
• Pixel 6/6 Pro: $159 to $259

googleapis Other Leading Android Brands:

• LG Stylo/K Series: $99 to $149
• Motorola Moto G Power: $89 to $139
• OnePlus Nord N Series: $115 to $175

Location and Shop Type Impacts on Cost

To highlight how location and provider affect pricing, here are sample costs for an iPhone 13 Pro screen repair:

• Apple Store (Manhattan, NYC): $329
• Local Repair Shop (Queens, NYC): $279
• Best Buy (Los Angeles, CA): $299
• uBreakiFix (Orlando, FL): $259
• Mail-in Service – iCracked: $229

As shown, getting quotes from multiple shops can reveal cost saving opportunities.

In-Store vs Mail-In Repair Service

Another major cost factor is whether you use an in-person repair shop versus a mail-in service:

• In-store repair allows fast 1–2-hour fixes but has higher technician labor rates, resulting in costs $50 to $100 higher on average.
• Mail-in services like iCracked and UBreakIFix spend less on retail overhead and parts, allowing them to offer repairs for $50 to $150 less than in-store shops.
• You’ll be without your phone for about 1 week with a mail-in service. In-store shops can often expedite repairs in 30-60 minutes for an upcharge.

To illustrate, here’s how sample iPhone XR screen repair pricing shakes out:

• Apple Store: $199
• Local Repair Shop: $179
• Best Buy: $189
• Mail-in Service: $129

While mail-in repairs are ideal for saving money, in-store shops make sense if you need your phone fixed fast.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a laptop screen replacement, cell phone charging port repair, or TV screen replacement.

DIY Screen Replacement

Doing the screen replacement yourself with aftermarket parts is another option:

Pros

• Much lower cost – just $50 to $150 for the DIY part depending on phone model
• Faster repair since there’s no wait time without your phone
• Useful skill to learn and take pride in

Cons

• High risk of damaging other components like the frame or cables
• Aftermarket screens have lower quality than OEM parts
• Most DIY repairs void the phone’s warranty

DIY makes the most financial sense for old phones with little risk. But pay the premium for professional repair on phones you rely upon.

Simply Fixable provides detailed data on phone screen repair costs, stating that the average market price for screen repair across the United States is $202.50 for Apple and $183.50 for Samsung phones. However, they note that these prices can vary based on the specific make and model of the phone. Simply Fixable’s own average repair cost is $184.4 for iPhones and $123 for Samsung phones.

XiRepair mentions that a cracked Android phone screen might cost anywhere between $100 and $300 to repair, while a DIY phone screen repair may cost $15 to $40. For iPhones, they state that an iPhone 11 screen replacement costs $199, an iPhone 11 Pro display costs $279, and an iPhone 11 Pro Max screen replacement costs $329.

HomeAdvisor provides a broader range, stating that the cost of phone screen repair typically falls between $70 and $400, with an average price of $200. They note that repairing a phone screen directly through the manufacturer, like Apple or Samsung, may cost more than using a third-party service, but a protection plan like AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+ could lower the cost to as little as $29.

Swappa focuses on iPhone and Samsung Galaxy screen repair costs, stating that iPhone screen repair may cost as much as $379 depending on the model, while Samsung Galaxy phone screen repair cost is lower, potentially reaching $289. They suggest that repairing a cracked screen only makes sense if it’s cheaper than getting a replacement device.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Fixing a Phone Screen

Many variables affect the total bill for fixing or replacing a cracked or non-working phone screen:

Phone Brand and Specific Model

Phone screens are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to replacement parts and repair complexity. For example:

• Apple iPhones typically cost the most for screen repair due to OEM part prices. Fixing an iPhone 13 Pro screen ranges from $279 to $329.
• Samsung Galaxy screens are more moderately priced. A Galaxy S22+ screen fix runs $209 to $289 on average.
• Mid-range Google Pixel and LG model screen repairs average around $99 to $199.

Less popular phone brands can be cheaper as low as $50 to $150 for common LCD repairs.

Severity and Type of Damage

Costs for screen repair or replacement depend heavily on the specifics of the damage:

• A hairline crack confined to one area of the screen can often be fixed affordably from $50 to $150.
• Multiple cracks across the display increase the complexity of repair and parts needed, raising costs to $150 to $250.
• A completely shattered screen requiring full display replacement can cost $200 to $350.
• Dead pixels or discoloration issues that don’t impact screen integrity may be repairable for under $100.
• Water damage requires full replacement rather than repair, which gets expensive at $250+.

LCD, OLED, or Other Specialty Screens

The screen technology also drives pricing:

• LCD screens on budget phones are the cheapest to replace at around $50 to $150.
• Newer OLED screens found on premium phones range from $150 to $300 depending on size.
• Foldable displays on phones like the Samsung Z Flip/Fold can exceed $600+ for screen repair due to the complexity and parts cost.

Warranty Coverage

If the phone is still under the 1-year limited warranty, screen repair costs are reduced, typically to a $29 to $99 service fee.

But accidental damage often isn’t covered, so expect to pay the full out-of-pocket price beyond the warranty period.

Location and Repair Shop

A small hometown phone repair shop has lower overhead and labor costs compared to big city locations, so they can offer screen repairs for $20 to $100 less on average.

Independent shops also tend to have better rates than manufacturer-authorized repair providers which can charge premium rates.

Where to Get Professional Repairs

For phones you depend on daily, using a proven professional repair service ensures your device is fixed quickly and properly. Here’s how to pick a good provider:

• Check reviews on Google and Yelp to confirm consistently positive experiences and good communication.
• Look for experienced technicians who have specific training and certification for your phone brand.
• Inspect example repairs so you can see first-hand quality.
• Ask about OEM parts – higher cost but ensure full compatibility and performance.
• Compare warranty coverage, at least 90 days for workmanship defects.

Paying more for replacements done right the first time avoids endless headaches and costs down the road.

Saving Money on Phone Screen Repair

While phone screen repair isn’t cheap, here are great ways to minimize the damage to your wallet:

Use Warranty Coverage

Accidental damage often isn’t covered, but if your screen stops working due to a defect within the 1-year warranty period, you’ll just pay a service fee of $29 to $99 rather than the full repair cost.

Utilize Phone Insurance

Many carrier and third-party insurance plans provide 1-2 screen repairs per year for a modest deductible like $29 to $49, saving you hundreds.

Find Discounts and Promos

Repair shops regularly run 10-15% discounts and coupons to attract business, especially for new customers.

Price Match Guarantees

If a competitor advertises a lower rate for your particular repair, ask shops about a potential price match to save up to 20%.

Prevent Cracks with Protective Gear

Quality phone cases and screen protectors are cheap insurance against cracks that could cost over $200+ to fix. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

With some savvy shopping and preventive measures, you can save big on fixing your broken phone screen.

Overview of Repair Process

When you take your damaged phone to a professional repair shop, here’s a typical service process:

• Initial inspection – The technician will diagnose the exact problem and provide a quote for parts, labor, and total cost.
• Data backup – Your data will be backed up before any work is done to safeguard your info and files.
• Parts ordering – If any parts need special ordering, there may be a short delay before repair can begin.
• Screen repair/replacement – This is when the meticulous work is done to install a new screen and ensure full functionality.
• Testing and QA – The phone’s display is put through diagnostics to verify the repair was a success.
• Final pickup – Once fully inspected and tested, you pick up your phone with a working screen again!

Throughout the process you’ll be kept informed of status and costs. Quality shops stand behind their work with a 6 month to 1 year warranty.

Repair Costs at Top National Retailers

To demonstrate how prices for phone screen repair can vary, here’s a detailed cost comparison between top national retail providers:

Apple Store/Genius Bar Repairs

As the manufacturer, Apple offers premium OEM repairs but at high cost without warranty coverage:

• Screen repair: $129 to $329
• Screen replacement: $149 to $349

Convenient if you need an iPhone fixed immediately, but often $40 to $70 pricier than third-party options.

Best Buy Geek Squad Repairs

Available in nearly 1,000 locations, Geek Squad offers seasoned technicians:

• Screen repair: $110 to $210
• Screen replacement: $130 to $280

Their large parts inventory allows speedy in-store service with costs moderately below Apple.

uBreakiFix Repair Services

With over 650 locations, uBreakiFix is a leading repair chain:

• Screen repair: $99 to $229
• Screen replacement: $149 to $299

Significant savings from their scale, pricing 20-30% below Apple and Best Buy on average.

Local Independent Repair Shops

Great for affordable service with a personal touch:

• Screen repair: $80 to $150
• Screen replacement: $100 to $250

Lower overhead and tailored service allows very competitive pricing, but read reviews to confirm quality.

Related Costs for Phone Screen Repairs

Beyond just the screen repair itself, keep these other factors in mind:

Full Time Required for Completion

• In-store repairs: 1-3 hours typically
• Mail-in service: 5-7 business days
• DIY repair: 1-3 hours from start to finish

Quality of Replacement Parts

OEM screens match the original for fit and function while third-party can have minor defects. But aftermarket is 25-50% cheaper.

Additional Repairs

If there is damage beyond the screen like the frame or cables, costs are additive and can be $100 to $200+ extra.

Impact on Phone Resale Value

Professional OEM screen repairs optimize resale value over DIY fixes. But any working screen is better than a cracked one.

Final Words

Cracked phone screens are an inevitable nuisance for most smartphone owners. While the costs to professionally repair or replace broken displays may seem daunting, understanding what impacts pricing is important to making an informed decision and getting the best deal.

With good shopping, you can find quality repairs at affordable rates from reputable technicians, whether through mail-in services, big box retailers, or local shops. Utilizing warranties, insurance plans, and preventative measures are also great ways to minimize costs.

In the end, a damaged screen compromises the functionality of your indispensable mobile device. Getting it fixed properly and as cost-effectively as possible should be the top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth replacing screen on old phone?

For newer flagship phones it’s usually worth the screen replacement cost to fix cracks and regain full functionality. But for phones over 3 years old that you plan to use only short-term, it’s often better to put that money towards a new phone.

How long can it take to fix a phone screen?

At an in-store repair shop, a basic screen fix typically takes 1-2 hours if they have the part in stock. For mailed-in repairs, the full process takes about 5-7 business days between shipping and turnaround time. Expedited in-store options can be ready in 30-60 minutes.

What to do before phone screen repair?

• Back up your data in case anything gets erased.
• Remove any screen security like PINs that could hinder repair.
• Provide any warranty information to get the lowest price.
• Remove phone case and screen protector – you’ll get new ones after repair.
• Have your payment info ready for seamless service.