Does Apple give free screen replacement?

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You can check your repair options and schedule service through the Apple Service and Repair for iPhone Screens page.

When Is a Screen Replacement Free?

  • AppleCare+ Coverage: If you have active AppleCare+, accidental screen damage is covered for a small service fee (usually $29 or $30 plus tax) rather than being entirely free.
  • Manufacturing Defects: The standard one-year Apple Limited Warranty covers dead pixels or display faults caused by manufacturing defects, but it does not cover cracks or accidental drops.
  • Store-Caused Damage: If an Apple Store technician accidentally damages your screen during another repair (like a battery swap), the store policy covers the replacement for free.

Paid Options (Out-of-Warranty)

  • Without AppleCare+ or a verified defect, screen replacements are out-of-warranty and cost anywhere from roughly $250 to over $400 depending on your specific iPhone model.
  • You can visit a Genius Bar or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for an official inspection and price quote.

Does a 1 year Apple warranty cover a cracked screen?

No, Apple's standard 1-year limited warranty does not cover a cracked screen caused by accidental damage or drops.

What the 1-Year Warranty Covers

  • Manufacturing defects: Issues with materials or workmanship that were present when you bought the device.
  • Spontaneous failures: Screen glitches or display failure that happen without any external physical damage or misuse.
  • Exclusions: Drops, impacts, pressure cracks, liquid spills, and normal wear and tear.

How to Get It Fixed

  • Out-of-warranty repair: If the crack is from an accident, you will have to pay an out-of-warranty service fee to get it repaired by Apple.
  • AppleCare+: If you purchased AppleCare+ for your device, accidental damage like screen cracks is covered, though it usually requires a small service fee per incident.
  • Rare exceptions: If a hairline crack appeared completely on its own due to a verified material defect or impurity in the glass with no point of impact, Apple may cover it after a physical inspection.

Will Apple replace my screen if it's scratched?

Apple will replace a scratched screen, but it is not covered for free under the standard warranty because cosmetic scratches are considered normal wear and tear.

Coverage and Costs

  • Standard Warranty: The Apple Limited Warranty only covers manufacturing defects for one year, meaning cosmetic scratches will require an out-of-warranty screen replacement fee. Out-of-warranty screen repair costs vary by model (for example, around $329 to $499 for recent Pro models).
  • AppleCare+: Opinions and policies can vary at the Genius Bar regarding deep versus minor scratches, but users on Apple Support Communities generally agree that minor cosmetic scratches are excluded. If a scratch is the result of severe accidental damage (like a drop that also compromises the glass integrity), it may qualify for the lower AppleCare+ accidental damage screen fee (typically $29).

Options for Service

You can set up a repair by visiting an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider or by using Apple's mail-in service.

Will Apple fix a cracked screen for free?

Apple will not fix a cracked screen for free unless you have AppleCare+ coverage, which usually requires a small service fee (such as $29 plus tax) rather than being completely free.

When is a Cracked Screen Covered?

  • Standard Warranty: The standard Apple Limited Warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year, but it completely excludes accidental damage like drops, impacts, and cracked glass.
  • AppleCare+: This paid extended protection plan covers unlimited incidents of accidental damage, but screen-only replacements still carry a small deductible or service fee.
  • No Free Hairline Crack Exceptions: Apple treats physical damage and single hairline cracks as accidental damage, meaning they are not repaired for free under standard warranty terms.

Out-of-Warranty Costs

If you do not have AppleCare+, you must pay out-of-pocket for the repair. Costs vary depending on your device model. For example, an out-of-warranty screen replacement for recent pro models can cost around $379 at an Apple Support location. You can start a repair request or check your device coverage directly on the Apple Service and Repair page.

Is AppleCare only for 2 years?

No, AppleCare+ is not strictly limited to two years.

While traditional prepaid upfront plans for items like iPhones and iPads last for two years (and Macs or Apple Watches often last for three years), you can extend coverage past that initial timeframe.

How AppleCare Duration Works

  • Monthly or Annual Subscriptions: You can choose a recurring subscription that automatically renews each month or year and stays active indefinitely until you cancel it.
  • Renewing Expired Plans: If you bought a fixed 24- or 36-month upfront plan, you can often continue or renew your coverage on a monthly or annual basis within 30 to 60 days after the initial expiration date.
  • Exceptions: Certain products like AirPods and Beats generally have a fixed two-year limit with no renewal option.

Say these 3 words to Apple, to get a FREE Replacement!

9 related questions found

Is it worth replacing a cracked iPhone screen?

Yes, replacing a cracked iPhone screen is usually worth it if your phone is less than five years old, works well otherwise, and the repair cost is lower than buying a new device.

When Repair Is Worth It

  • The phone is recent: Models from the last few years still run the newest software and hold strong resale value.
  • Damage is only cosmetic: If touch controls, the display, and cameras work normally, a screen fix is a cheap way to extend the life of your phone.
  • You plan to trade it in: A cracked screen slashes trade-in or resale value by 15% to 40%, which often costs more than the repair itself.
  • You want to protect internal parts: Cracks break the water-resistance seal and let in dust or moisture, which can ruin the motherboard later.

When to Skip the Repair and Buy a New Phone

  • The repair costs close to a new phone: Out-of-warranty screen fixes range from $129 for older models to $379 for current Pro Max versions. If your phone is heavily outdated, saving that money for an upgrade makes more sense.
  • There is deep internal damage: If the frame is bent, the charging port fails, or the LCD shows heavy internal bleeding and lines, repair costs add up quickly.
  • Battery health is very low: If your battery is degraded on top of a smashed screen, paying for multiple repairs may exceed the phone's total worth.

Repair Options and Costs

  • Apple Store / Official Repair: Keeps your water resistance, True Tone, and warranty intact, but costs the most ($129–$379). If you have AppleCare+, it drops to $29.
  • DIY Kits: You can check out parts and tools from iFixit if you want to fix it yourself, though newer models make this difficult and risky.
  • Third-Party Shops: Often cheaper, but make sure to ask if they use original (OEM) screens or cheap aftermarket parts that reduce display quality.

Will Apple give you a free phone if yours breaks?

Apple will only give you a free replacement phone if it breaks due to a manufacturing defect within the one-year standard warranty period.

When Apple Replaces a Phone for Free

  • Manufacturing defects: Issues caused by bad parts or assembly during the first year.
  • Active recall programs: Rare cases where Apple acknowledges a widespread design flaw.

When You Have to Pay

  • Accidental damage: Drops, cracks, and liquid spills are not covered by the standard warranty.
  • AppleCare+: If you bought this extra insurance, accidental damage repairs or replacements cost a small service fee or deductible instead of full price.
  • Out-of-warranty damage: If your phone is old and uninsured, you must pay full repair or replacement costs.

You can check your coverage status directly through Apple Support by entering your device's serial number.

How quickly can Apple replace a screen?

Apple can typically replace an iPhone screen in 0.5 to 2 hours if you visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider in person and the part is in stock.

Service Timelines

  • In-Store Repair: Takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours for same-day service, though most stores ask you to set aside 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Parts Out of Stock: If the local store does not have your specific screen part on hand, it can take 1 to 5 business days to order and complete.
  • Mail-In Service: Sending your device in through Apple's mail-in repair service generally takes 3 to 7 business days.
  • Express Replacement: If you have AppleCare+, Apple can ship a replacement device to you overnight before you send your damaged phone back.

Factors That Affect Speed

  • Appointment vs. Walk-In: Booking an appointment ahead of time via Apple Support lets the store confirm part availability and reduces your wait.
  • Device Model: Older models or straightforward replacements are often faster, while newer models or devices with combined frame/back damage may take longer.
  • Queue Volume: High foot traffic or a busy repair queue at the Genius Bar can extend the actual completion time.

How long does Apple repair usually take?

Apple repairs usually take anywhere from 1 hour for simple in-store fixes to 3 to 8 business days for mail-in or off-site repairs.

In-Store Repairs (Same-Day)

  • Time: 1 to 2 hours.
  • Details: Common fixes like iPhone screen swaps or battery replacements often finish the same day if the local Apple Store has the parts in stock.
  • Note: You can check availability and book a slot via the Apple Store Locator.

Mail-In or Off-Site Repairs (Repair Center)

  • Time: 3 to 8 business days.
  • Details: Complex issues (like logic board damage on Macs or major iPad replacements) require shipping the device to an official Apple Repair Centre.
  • Note: This estimate includes shipping times and can stretch longer if parts are out of stock or delays happen over weekends.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace an iPhone?

Repairing an iPhone is almost always cheaper than replacing it when you are dealing with a single issue like a cracked screen or a worn-out battery.

When to Repair

  • Minor or single damage: Fixes like a new battery ($70–$120) or a screen replacement ($100–$350) cost a small fraction of a new phone.
  • Phone age: Phones under 3 to 4 years old are almost always worth repairing because their overall value remains high.
  • Software support: If your iPhone still receives iOS security updates, a repair easily extends its life for another couple of years.
  • You can check official service prices or set up a visit using the Apple Repair and Pricing Tool.

When to Replace

  • Multiple failures: If the screen, back glass, camera, and battery are broken all at once, total repair costs can match or exceed a refurbished replacement.
  • Logic board damage: Severe motherboard or water damage on older models often costs $300 to $500+, making a replacement the smarter financial choice.
  • Obsolete software: If your model no longer supports current iOS updates, spending money on repairs delays an inevitable upgrade.
  • For buying a pre-owned or refurbished device as an alternative to high repair bills, you can compare options on Back Market.