How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Phone Screen?

Average Cost to Fix a Broken Phone Screen

Fixing a Broken Phone Screen Cost by Brand

How much does a phone screen repair cost? The biggest cost factor is the phone's brand and model. Read below for more information and price estimates on various cell phone brands and models that are currently on the market. 

iPhone Screen Repair Cost

Assuming you don’t have AppleCare and use Apple to repair your iPhone screen, expect to pay between $130 and $330 in iPhone screen repair costs. Third-party phone repair companies may charge as little as $50 to repair an older iPhone, but often, the cost of repairing the phone screen is more expensive than what you can sell the phone for.

The table below shows current iPhone screen replacement costs when going through Apple directly:

Samsung Screen Repair

Samsung's estimated manufacturer screen repair costs have a wider price range than Apple's, from $79 to $600. Third-party repair companies can also repair Samsung phones, but often, their prices are similar to or more expensive than Samsung's prices.

The table below shows Samsung's estimated prices for smartphone screen repair. Note that with Samsung's new folding and flipping phones, each screen has separate costs. For example, if you need to replace both screens on a Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, you'll spend approximately $690 in total.

Other Brands

Other popular phone brands—including Google, LG, Motorola, and Nokia—often sell their own protection plans and warranties to keep smartphone screen replacement costs down, as low as $29. But out-of-warranty repairs can be much more expensive, depending on the age and size of the phone, upwards of $500 or more.

Phone Screen Repair Costs by Servicer

The phone screen repair cost can vary depending on who does the work: the manufacturer, a third-party company, or yourself. Keep reading to get more in-depth information on each repair servicer.

Manufacturer Repair

Generally, the most expensive route has the manufacturer, like Apple or Samsung, conduct the repair work. However, manufacturer prices might be lower if you’ve opted in with a special warranty or protection plan.

Though screen repair prices are typically higher with manufacturers, they use certified original parts, and the professionals working on your phone have more intimate knowledge of the device. They can restore the phone to factory standards. For many, this makes it worth the cost.

Third-Party Repair

Working with a third-party repair company often saves money on smartphone screen repair. However, keep in mind that several third-party quotes for Samsung phones exceed Samsung's estimates.

Before using a third-party repair shop, compare prices between the store and the manufacturer, and ensure using a third party won’t void your warranty.

DIY Repair

Typically, DIY fixing a broken phone screen will save you on project costs. A DIY phone screen repair could cost as little as $15 to $40, while extensive repairs can reach $200 or higher. Most smartphone manufacturers sell specialty repair kits, but you can also buy third-party repair kits for a lower price.

What Factors Affect the Cost to Fix a Broken Phone Screen?

How much is screen repair for a smartphone? The total cost of phone screen repair can vary based on several factors beyond just the brand and model. Let's look at the various aspects that contribute to the final price tag of the repair.

Damage Type

The extent of the damage to your phone screen will affect the total cost of repair. Some phone screen problems require more work and time to repair than others. Common issues with phone screens include the following:

• Frozen screen

• Broken glass

• Vertical lines on the screen

• Permanently zoomed-in screen

• Flickering screen

• Completely dark screen

The specific problem with your phone screen will contribute to the project’s total cost. For instance, there are simple solutions, such as replacing a battery or earpiece. These will generally cost less than more complex issues, such as water damage, vertical lines on the screen, or an entirely dark screen.

Phone Type

Older phones are typically less expensive to fix than newer models, but it'll also depend on the specific phone. For instance, larger and brand-new models cost more, contributing to the final cost of the phone repair.

Phone Repair Service

Your phone repair service may affect the cost of fixing your broken phone screen. For example, using a high-rated phone repair service might cost more, but choosing the service with the lowest price could result in improper repairs. Research potential phone repair services using online reviews and testimonials from previous customers to ensure optimal results.

Protection Plan

Most phone services offer protection plans or warranties, saving you money if you need a repair. With iPhones, you can purchase an AppleCare+ plan that includes hardware coverage and accidental damage protection, plus on-site visits. Cracked screen repairs start at around $29.

With Samsung phones, you can purchase Samsung Care+. With this plan, you can repair your cracked screen for as little as $29.

DIY Phone Screen Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY phone screen repairs are complex and can result in additional phone damage if you make a mistake. Another major risk is losing the data stored in your phone. That’s why you must consider the risk of making a DIY repair before you start the process. This project involves attaching several layers of the phone screen and working with many small pieces and wires.

It’s a doable project if you have the necessary tools, advanced technical skills, and knowledge of each step involved. Helpful tools may include a mini-screwdriver, plastic tweezers, plastic wedges, and a guitar pick, but it’ll depend on your unique situation.

If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, find a cell phone repair shop near you to fix your phone screen. Make sure you research the company to ensure it’s reputable.