How To Fix A Cracked Iphone Screen For Cheap

The unthinkable has happened: you've dropped your iPhone, and it fell face down. You pick it up, flip it over, and the screen is shattered.

If you have AppleCare+, this isn't a huge problem. Pay $29 to Apple and your problem is solved. However, if you've got an older iPhone or don't have AppleCare+, you need to look for other options.

Fortunately, Apple is far from the only company that offers iPhone screen repair services. Here are several places that will fix your iPhone screen for cheap.

1. Local Repair Shops

One of the best—and cheapest—available iPhone repair shops will be your local tech handyman. Typically, most towns will have one store with large signs on the window claiming something along the lines of "you break it, we fix it!"

These repair shops are some of the best around. They typically start with very reasonable prices due to a lack of corporate overhead. From there, your ability to develop a relationship with the tech assistant could lead to a lifelong friendship of discounts and repairs! Plus, it's always a good deed when you're supporting a local business.

2. SquareTrade

For years, iCracked was one of the best options for iPhone screen repairs. iCracked was purchased in 2019 by Allstate Insurance. Luckily for users, despite a change in name to SquareTrade, the service still functions in the same fashion.

Unlike some services, you don't have to live in one of a few major cities for SquareTrade to come to you. With SquareTrade Go, you can have a service technician arrive at your home, and within minutes your phone will be operating once more. Unfortunately, there are no upfront repair costs available.

SquareTrade also offers buy-ahead insurance for less than $10 a month to insure your phone against any potential breaks or cracks.

3. Best Buy

Your local Best Buy is a great option for a quick fix if you need an iPhone screen repair. Although the Geek Squad is extremely helpful with replacing screens and dead iPhone batteries immediately, if you're looking for more than basic repairs, you'll have to say goodbye to your device for a few days.

Best Buy can help with most iPhone repairs. However, depending on the extent of the issues, you may need to send the iPhone to a localized repair company in Kentucky.

The screen replacements are reasonable, starting at $129, but if you're looking to avoid paying monthly insurance, the one-time repair may be the cheapest option available.

4. uBreakiFix

With 450 locations across the US, uBreakiFix is one of the only services on this list that supports repairs on every model of iPhone. From the ancient 2G iPhone all the way up to the most recent model, uBreakiFix will repair it.

Unlike most other iPhone screen repair services, uBreakiFix offers multiple service options. You can take it into the store personally, use two-way free shipping to send your iPhone through the mail, or have someone come to your home directly to fix the crack.

A screen repair will take an hour or less, and the service offers a 90-day warranty.

5. Cellairis

You'll often find Cellairis kiosks located in Walmart stores. If you don't live in a major city but do live close to a Walmart, this may be your easiest option. That said, while Cellairis has 250 worldwide locations, not every Walmart has a Cellairis kiosk.

This service promises low prices, but doesn't give any estimates on its site. Instead, you'll need to either take your phone to a kiosk or give the company a call to find out. The company promises fast repairs, saying your phone will usually be fixed in 45 minutes or less.

Cellairis supports screen repair for models from the iPhone 5 up to the most recent generation.

6. CPR Cell Phone Repair

CPR Cell Phone Repair is a fantastic option if you're looking to fix the screen of an older iPhone model. CPR offers iPhone repairs all the way back to the first generation. This is a great option if you're looking to fix up an old iPhone to retrieve photos or other lost information.

Like some of the other listed services, CPR offers mail-in, in-store, or at-home repair options, depending on your location and needs. In addition to the standard repair services, it also offers Buy, Sell, and Trade options if you're looking to upgrade to something a little newer.

With over 800 store locations featured in 18 countries, there's a good chance you have a local CPR Cell Phone Repair near you!

7. Your Mobile Provider

Depending on who your cell service provider is, you may be able to have them fix your iPhone. Some service providers offer in-house screen repairs at the physical store locations.

All you need to do is walk into your mobile provider's store and request a screen repair. Many places can fix screens immediately upon request. If you're curious about whether your mobile provider offers cellphone repair service options and warranties, be sure to give them a call or stop by to check out your options.

Fix Your iPhone Screen Yourself

While all the above options are often cheaper than taking your phone to the Apple Store, there's a cheaper option still. First, take a look at our guide to what you should do after cracking your phone's screen.

If you consider yourself handy, you could always try fixing the screen yourself. You still need the parts, but you can buy a kit online from Amazon.

While this is cheaper than having someone else fix your phone, it's also riskier. Even once you've completed the repair, you may end up with dark spots on your screen or other issues. Still, if you're confident or not particularly attached to your phone, it's a good way to save some money.

Other Issues With Your iPhone?

A cracked screen might be one of the worst fates to befall your phone, but it's far from the only one. Although initially devastating, iPhone screen repairs are common and simple. One of the other dreaded mistakes is dropping your iPhone in water or getting it wet some other way—a potentially much more consequential action.

How to Save a Phone or Tablet Dropped in Water

You dropped your tablet or phone in water? Here's how to get the water out and ensure your device survives.