iPhone Cracked Screen: Your Real Repair Options

If the screen still displays correctly with no dead zones, color bleed, or black spots — only the glass layer is cracked. This is the cheaper fix. If you see dark blotches, color distortion, lines, or the touch doesn't respond normally — the OLED/LCD panel is also damaged. That doubles or triples the repair cost.

Face ID components sit behind the TrueDepth camera array at the top of the screen assembly. If Face ID stops working after a cracked screen, the front sensor module may be damaged. Note: third-party screen replacements on Face ID models (iPhone X and later) almost always break Face ID — only Apple or authorized service can preserve it.

Before any repair: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Or connect to a Mac and back up via Finder. A repair that goes wrong can wipe your phone — a backup takes 5 minutes and saves everything.

If you have AppleCare+, a cracked screen repair costs $29 regardless of model. This is by far the cheapest option. Check: Settings → General → About → scroll to AppleCare+ Coverage. You can also check at apple.com/support. If you don't have AppleCare+ but bought your phone within the last 60 days, you can still add it.

Without AppleCare+, Apple charges full out-of-warranty price. Apple uses genuine parts, preserves Face ID, and maintains your warranty. The repair takes 1-3 hours in-store or you can mail it in. See cost table below. Most reliable option if you want OEM quality.

Local shops typically cost 30-50% less than Apple. Quality varies widely — ask specifically if they use OEM Apple display assemblies or aftermarket panels. Aftermarket screens often have worse color accuracy, lower brightness, and may cause ProMotion issues on Pro models. Face ID will not work after a third-party screen swap on iPhone X and later.

DIY is possible on iPhone 11 and earlier with the right kit. iPhone 12 and later introduced software pairing of display components — a DIY swap will show "Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display" and may disable True Tone and some brightness features. On iPhone 15 and 16, software pairing requirements are stricter. Not recommended unless you're experienced.

A $10 tempered glass screen protector applied over cracked glass will: stop the crack from spreading, protect your fingers, keep glass shards from coming loose, and make the phone usable while you arrange repair. Apply carefully — clean the surface first with the included wipes.

If glass is actively lifting or shedding, clear packing tape across the screen prevents cuts and keeps the display functional. Not pretty, but effective for 24-48 hours.