Quick answer: Fixing a cracked phone screen typically costs $70–$400, depending on your phone and where you get it repaired. Official Apple repairs range from $129 (older iPhones) to $379 (iPhone Pro Max models), but drop to a flat $29 with AppleCare+. Samsung’s official pricing runs roughly $174–$279 depending on the Galaxy model. Third-party shops usually charge $60–$350, and DIY screen kits start around $30–$50 — cheapest, but riskiest.
Below is the full price breakdown by brand and repair option, plus how to tell when repairing makes more sense than replacing the phone. If your phone has other damage too, check our guide on getting water out of your phone or fixing a muffled speaker.
Why the Price Range Is So Wide
“Screen repair” isn’t one fixed job — the price depends on three things:
- Screen technology. Older phones with LCD screens are cheaper to fix (often $30–$100 for parts). Newer OLED/AMOLED displays — now standard on most flagships — cost more because they’re thinner, more power-efficient, and pack in extra hardware like Face ID sensors or under-display fingerprint readers.
- Who does the repair. Official manufacturer repair costs more but guarantees full feature compatibility (True Tone, Face ID, ProMotion). Third-party shops are cheaper but may affect some features depending on the parts used. DIY is cheapest but carries the most risk.
- Additional damage. A cracked screen sometimes comes with cracked back glass or a damaged camera lens, which are billed separately.
iPhone Screen Repair Cost by Model
| Repair Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple official (older models, e.g. iPhone SE/11) | $129 – $149 |
| Apple official (iPhone 16/17 standard) | $329 – $349 |
| Apple official (Pro Max models) | $379 |
| AppleCare+ (any model, flat deductible) | $29 |
| Third-party shop (certified, e.g. uBreakiFix) | $190 – $299 |
| DIY screen replacement kit | $30 – $200 |
If you have AppleCare+, using it is almost always worth it — the $29 deductible can save $300+ on a Pro Max repair, sometimes covering the cost of the plan itself in a single incident.
Samsung Galaxy Screen Repair Cost
| Repair Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Samsung official (Galaxy A-series, budget) | $120 – $180 |
| Samsung official (Galaxy S series) | $174 – $259 |
| Samsung official (Galaxy S Ultra / foldables) | $279+ |
| Third-party shop | $150 – $280 |
Samsung splits repairs into two tiers: a basic Screen Repair (front glass only) and a more complete Screen Module Replacement (screen, bezel, and battery together) — the second option costs more but makes sense for older phones where the battery is also due for replacement.
DIY: Is It Actually Worth It?
DIY kits are the cheapest option on paper, but they come with real trade-offs:
- Cost savings can be significant — sometimes $100–$150 less than an official repair — but you’re taking on the risk yourself.
- Screen quality varies. Budget “Incell LCD” replacement panels are noticeably dimmer and less color-accurate than the original; higher-end “Soft OLED” kits perform closer to factory screens but cost more, sometimes approaching third-party shop prices.
- You lose calibration features. Face ID, True Tone, and ambient light sensors sometimes don’t recalibrate correctly with non-OEM parts, depending on the phone and screen quality.
- It typically voids remaining warranty or AppleCare+/Samsung Care coverage.
DIY makes the most sense for older, lower-value phones where the risk of a mistake is low-stakes, and least sense for a phone that’s still under warranty or that you plan to trade in soon.
When Repair Isn’t Worth It
A simple rule repair shops often use: if the repair cost creeps above 40–50% of the phone’s current resale value, replacing (or trading in for credit) usually makes more financial sense than repairing. A $150 screen repair on a phone worth $600 used is a reasonable investment; the same $150 repair on a phone worth $180 used generally isn’t.
Also factor in:
- Repeat damage risk — if the crack happened from a drop and the case/screen protector situation hasn’t changed, a second crack is a real possibility
- Battery age — if your phone’s battery is also degrading, a screen-only repair might just delay a second repair bill
How to Get an Accurate Quote
- Check your coverage first — AppleCare+, Samsung Care+, or phone insurance through your carrier can make the deductible far cheaper than any out-of-pocket repair.
- Get 2–3 quotes if going third-party — prices for the same repair can vary 2–3x between shops depending on the screen grade they use.
- Ask what part grade they use — this is the single biggest factor in third-party pricing. A shop quoting $90 and one quoting $250 for the same model are usually using very different screen quality.
- Confirm turnaround time — official repairs can take several days for mail-in service; certified third-party shops often offer same-day repair.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to fix a cracked screen or buy a new phone?
Usually cheaper to repair, unless the repair cost approaches half the phone’s resale value or the phone has other issues (aging battery, past its update support window).
Does AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+ really save that much money?
Yes — AppleCare+ typically brings any screen repair down to a flat $29 deductible regardless of model, which can save $300+ on Pro Max models compared to the out-of-warranty rate.
Will a third-party repair void my warranty?
It can, depending on your phone’s manufacturer and remaining coverage. Repairs through official channels or authorized service providers are more likely to preserve warranty status than independent shops or DIY.
How long does a screen repair take?
Official mail-in repairs often take 3–5 business days. In-person repairs at an Apple Store, Samsung service center, or certified third-party shop (uBreakiFix, Best Buy) are frequently same-day.
Sources
- Talo: How Much Do Apple Repairs Cost? (2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Phone Screen Repair Cost? (2026)
- iFixit: iPhone Screen Repair — Costs and Considerations
- PayMore: How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Phone Screen? (2026)
Last updated: September 2026
