How much does it cost to fix a phone screen? And what's the best option to get it repaired? Answering these questions seems like it should be easy, but with so many phone models and several repair options, it can get a little complicated.

That's why we've investigated the prices and simplified the information to help you find out exactly how much it will cost to repair your phone.

Why Does the Price Vary?

A phone screen repair cost can vary depending on a few factors such as brand, model, and extent of the damage. This article will focus on the price difference between repair services, but it's worth keeping these other factors in mind if you find yourself wondering why an iPhone 5s costs less to repair than an iPhone 13 for example.

For more information about phone screens, you can dig into our guide on why phone screens are so expensive to replace in the first place.

Manufacturer Repair

If you want to know how much it cost to replace a phone screen, start by asking the manufacturer of your phone. For both Samsung and Apple phones, you have the option of getting your phone fixed through their official repair services. Benefits of this service include original parts, testing to ensure it's restored to factory standards, and sometimes even repair warranties.

It's fairly easy to break your phone screen, which is probably why both Apple and Samsung have got complete price lists available on their websites.

MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAY

Repairing an Apple iPhone screen can cost anywhere between $129 to $329, with the iPhone 5 being the cheapest and the iPhone 13 coming in at the most expensive repair.

Meanwhile, an Android screen repair cost for Samsung phones ranges from $79 to $599 depending on the phone model. Samsung will repair phones as far back as the Galaxy A01 for the lowest price, but to repair the Galaxy Fold inner screen you will be paying the most expensive repair price.

Third-Party Services

Going direct to the manufacturer to repair your broken screen means that you get certified original phone parts and authorized service providers, but that doesn't mean you should dismiss third-party repair shops. This is especially true if you want to save a bit of money.

While the prices will differ from place to place, using a repair calculator like Swappa can give you some ballpark estimates. As an example, an iPhone Xs can cost about $188, compared with Apple's repair cost of $279.

On the other hand, a third-party repair for a Galaxy S8 will cost $223 while Samsung's price is $219, making it a better choice to go with the manufacturer.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that, unlike the original phone manufacturer, third-party repair shops can replace just the front glass if that's all that is broken, saving you a fair bit of money in the process (these prices might not be listed). If you suspect that only the glass is damaged, make sure to ask your local service provider if it's possible to get a screen-only replacement.

To find a third-party phone repair shop, try your local mall, or else search Google Maps for a phone repair service near you. Another option is to ask an electronics shop if they can recommend a good repair service, or try an online repair calculator like Swappa which will show you a map of local repair businesses.

DIY Phone Screen Repair

If you're really on a budget, you could consider repairing the phone screen on your own. The upside is that the cost of materials and tools can be significantly cheaper than having a professional repair done. But the obvious downside is: you're probably not a professional.

You can buy complete phone repair kits from places like iFixit, which include all the tools you need. While there isn't a repair kit for every phone model, prices range from about $75 for an iPhone SE to $125 for an iPhone 11 repair kit.

It doesn't always make sense to do a DIY repair, however. If you've never done your own repair then paying extra to have a professional handle it might just be easier.

On the other hand, when you can pay just $90 instead of $279 to replace your iPhone XS by doing it yourself, then you might want to give it a go. And in some cases like the Galaxy S6, Samsung doesn't list it as a model that can be repaired through its service.

If you want to know if a DIY repair makes sense for you, read our guide for how to replace a damaged phone screen display.

The Price of Fixing Your Phone Screen

Now you should have a general understanding of how much it costs to repair a phone screen. You can head straight for a manufacturer repair, try searching for trusted third-party services, or attempt a DIY repair job.

Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on whether money, quality, or even a DIY learning experience is your main concern. But overall, there's likely one route that will suit you best.

7 Smartphone Repair Myths Debunked Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorGarling Wu(37 Articles Published)

Garling loves exploring creative uses for technology. With a background in music, she spent many years hacking computers to make weird and wonderful sounds. When not making music, she writes about the best DIY electronic projects.

MoreFrom Garling Wu

Join our newsletter for tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and exclusive deals!