Cracked Phone Screen Repair Guide (Costs, Options, and Insurance Coverage)
We’ve all been there—your phone slips from your hand, lands face down, and when you pick it up, your worst fears are confirmed: the screen is shattered. But don’t panic! You have several options to get your phone back to normal, ranging from DIY fixes to professional repairs and even insurance replacements.
Assess the Damage
Before rushing to get a repair, take a closer look at your phone. Different levels of screen damage require different solutions:
- Minor cracks. A small crack in the corner might not affect usability, but it can worsen over time.
- Spiderweb cracks. If the screen is cracked across the entire display but still works, you’ll likely need a replacement soon.
- Touchscreen issues. If taps and swipes aren’t registering properly, your digitizer (touch sensor) may be damaged.
- Black spots or no display. This usually means the LCD (or OLED) is damaged and requires a full screen replacement.
Once you know how bad it is, you can decide on the best repair option.
Choose a Repair Option
Manufacturer Repairs (Apple, Samsung, Google, etc.)
If your phone is still under warranty or you have an extended manufacturer care plan, this is often your best option. Major brands offer in-store and mail-in repairs:
- Apple (AppleCare+): Covers screen repairs at a reduced cost.
- Samsung Care+: Offers discounted repairs at authorized locations.
- Google Pixel Repair: Google has a mail-in program and authorized repair centers.
| Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| $29–$329 (depending on warranty and phone model) | Same day for in-store repairs; 3–7 days for mail-in |
Third-Party Repair Shops
If you don’t have a manufacturer plan, a third-party repair shop can fix your phone faster and often cheaper. Popular options include:
- uBreakiFix (by Asurion) – Official partner for Samsung and Google
- Best Buy Geek Squad – Authorized Apple repair provider
- Local Repair Shops – Many independent shops specialize in same-day phone repairs
| Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| $70–$300 (varies by phone and repair shop) | 30 minutes – 2 hours |
DIY Repair Kits
For the tech-savvy, DIY repair kits are available for many popular phones. Websites like iFixit provide step-by-step guides and sell screen replacement kits.
Warning: DIY repairs void manufacturer warranties and require patience (and steady hands).
| Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| $40–$150 (kit prices vary) | 1–3 hours |
Phone Insurance Replacement
If you have phone insurance, check if screen damage is covered. Popular insurance plans include:
| AppleCare+ | Covers two accidental damage incidents per year ($29 for screen repair) |
| Samsung Care+ | Covers accidental damage, including cracked screens |
| Carrier Insurance (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) | Many carriers offer screen repair or full device replacement for a deductible |
| Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| $0–$249 (depends on deductible and policy) | Same day for repairs; 1–2 days for full replacement |
Step 3: What to Expect to Pay for a Screen Repair
Here’s a breakdown of average screen repair costs by phone brand:
| Phone Model | Manufacturer Repair | Third-Party Repair | DIY Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $329 (out of warranty) | $250–$320 | $100–$150 |
| iPhone 13 | $279 (out of warranty) | $150–$220 | $80–$120 |
| Samsung S23 Ultra | $289 (Samsung Care+ $29) | $200–$280 | $100–$140 |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | $249 (Google Repair) | $180–$240 | $90–$130 |
Prices vary based on availability, location, and screen type (LCD vs. OLED).
Step 4: Prevent Future Screen Damage
Once you get your phone fixed, protect it from future accidents:
| Use a Tempered Glass Screen Protector | Absorbs impact and prevents scratches |
| Invest in a Rugged Case | Brands like OtterBox, Spigen, and UAG offer excellent drop protection |
| Be Mindful of Where You Put Your Phone | No more balancing it on the edge of tables! |
Should You Repair or Replace?
If your phone is newer and valuable, repairing the screen is usually worth it. But if your phone is old, out of warranty, and the repair cost is high, upgrading to a new device might be the smarter move.
Need cash for a new phone? BuckUp gives instant cash offers for broken and working phones—no hassle, no waiting. Check your phone’s value now!
Citations
- Apple: AppleCare+ Screen Repair Pricing
- Samsung: Samsung Care+
- Google: Pixel Phone Repairs
- iFixit: DIY Repair Guides
- uBreakiFix: Official Repair Provider