Is it cheaper to repair or replace a broken iPhone?

It depends on the phone's age and repair cost. If repair cost is more than 60% of the phone's used resale value, trade in. If less than 30%, repair. Always factor in AppleCare+ — $29 with AC+ makes repair the obvious choice.

How long does an iPhone screen replacement take at Apple?

Same-day at most Apple Stores (1-2 hours), or 5-7 days if mail-in. Third-party shops are faster (30 min-2 hours).

Does a third-party repair void my Apple warranty?

Yes, third-party repairs typically void the Apple warranty on that part. Apple-authorized Independent Repair Providers (IRPs) use genuine parts and don't void warranty.

Should I buy AppleCare+?

If you've ever cracked a phone screen, AppleCare+ pays for itself with one repair. Cost is $149-$199 for 2 years, screen incidents are $29 vs $329-$429 without coverage.

Can I do this repair myself?

Most screen and battery repairs are doable for confident DIYers, but Face ID iPhones (XS+) require careful Face ID transfer or it stops working. iPad Pro M4 with tandem OLED is NOT recommended for DIY.

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iPhone Water Damage Repair Cost 2026

Dropped your iPhone in water? You have about 60 minutes before corrosion sets in. Quick action can make this a $30 problem. Wait too long and you're looking at $99 (AppleCare+) to $899 (out-of-warranty replacement) at Apple — and that's only if the logic board survived.

⚡ Act Fast — Dry It Right

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Cost Breakdown — All Options

Where	Cost	Wait	Notes
Quick action (you, in 60 min)	$0–$30	1–2 days	Power off, wipe, dehumidify in silica gel
Local repair shop ultrasonic clean	$60–$150	1–3 days	Best chance if internal contact occurred
Apple — minor water damage (under warranty)	$0	1–7 days	Apple may decline if liquid-contact indicators tripped
Apple — water damage out of warranty (iPhone 14)	$469–$549	Same-day to 7 days	Counts as 'other damage' service
Apple — water damage out of warranty (iPhone 15/16)	$549–$899	Same-day to 7 days	Higher tier on newer models
AppleCare+ deductible (any liquid damage)	$99	Same-day to 7 days	Counts as one of two yearly incidents
Logic board replacement (third-party)	$200–$450	3–7 days	Risky — better to replace phone if board is damaged

First 60 Minutes — What To Do RIGHT NOW

Power it off immediately. Don't try to use it, charge it, or even check if it works. Current + water = corroded board.
Remove the SIM tray and case. Let any trapped water escape.
Wipe everything dry with a microfiber cloth. Don't shake — that pushes water deeper.
DO NOT use rice. Rice is a myth. It absorbs ambient humidity, not the water already inside your phone, and starch dust gets into ports.
Place phone in a sealed bag with silica gel (the dehumidifier kits in the recommended products list). 24–48 hours minimum.
Don't power on for at least 48 hours. Patience is everything here.

How Apple Detects Water Damage

Every iPhone has Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) — small white strips that turn red on water exposure. Apple checks them in:

The SIM tray slot (visible if you pop the tray)
Inside the bottom Lightning/USB-C port (with a flashlight, look for red)
Internally on the logic board (only Apple sees this)

If LCIs are tripped, your standard 1-year warranty is voided. AppleCare+ does cover liquid damage at the $99 deductible regardless of LCI status.

When To Replace vs Repair

Use this rule of thumb:

iPhone is 1+ year old and out of warranty: Apple's water-damage replacement at $549–$899 may be more than the phone is worth used. Compare to your trade-in value.
iPhone is 2+ years old: Pay for an ultrasonic logic-board clean ($60–$150) at a third-party shop. If that doesn't bring it back, walk away — it's not worth it.
iPhone is under 1 year and you have AppleCare+: Pay $99, get a replacement, move on.

Mail-In Repair Service

Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.

Ship It In for Repair →