← Back to Guides
Screen Cracked? Here's What to Do
Updated March 2026 · iPhone & Android · 8 min read
Dropping your phone and seeing a cracked screen is a sinking feeling. The good news: it's one of the most repairable phone problems, and you have more options than just going to the manufacturer. Here's what to do.
- Don't panic-press the screen — touching a cracked screen hard can drive glass shards deeper and damage the digitizer underneath.
- Apply a screen protector or clear tape over the crack to hold glass pieces in place and protect your fingers from cuts.
- Back up your phone NOW — if the screen is still somewhat functional, back up your data before the screen becomes fully unresponsive. Use iCloud, Google Backup, or a computer backup.
- Keep the phone away from water — cracks compromise the IP water resistance seal.
- Note the exact circumstances — useful if you have insurance or AppleCare+ and need to file a claim.
Safety: If glass pieces are loose or protruding, handle the phone carefully to avoid cuts. Cover sharp edges with tape before using.
2. Physical Inspection & Damage Assessment
Step-by-Step Physical Inspection:
- Don't press on the screen — pressing can push glass into the display
- Examine under good lighting — use a flashlight at an angle to see crack depth
- Check for glass shards — run your finger lightly (not pressing) to feel for loose pieces
- Test touch response — tap different areas to see if all zones work
- Check display beneath — look for black spots, lines, or color distortion
- Examine screen edges — check if glass is separating from the frame
Minor Crack (Glass Protector Only)
- Only the outer Gorilla Glass or screen protector is cracked
- Display shows colors normally — no black spots or discoloration
- Touch still works perfectly everywhere
- The crack is on the surface, not spreading into the display
- → You can often continue using it with a screen protector
Serious Crack (LCD/OLED Damaged)
- Black ink spots or blotches spreading from the crack
- Discoloration, white lines, or a large white/black area
- Parts of the touch screen no longer respond
- Display dims, flickers, or shows distorted colors
- → Repair is necessary — the display module is damaged
⚠️ Safety Warning:
- Broken glass can cut — handle with care, use tape to cover sharp edges
- Don't continue using if glass is loose or flaking off
- Keep away from water — cracks compromise water resistance
- If touch becomes unresponsive, back up data immediately if possible
- Dispose of properly at e-waste recycling center
3. DIY Fixes vs Professional Repair
Can You DIY?
| Option | DIY Possible? | Cost | Risk Level |
|---|
| Screen protector (temp fix) | Yes | $10–30 | Low |
| DIY screen replacement | Yes, but difficult | $30–150 | High |
| Official manufacturer | N/A | $130–330 | Low |
| Third-party repair | N/A | $80–200 | Medium |
| Insurance claim | N/A | $29–99 deductible | Low |
🏪 Official Repair (Apple/Samsung)
- Guaranteed genuine parts
- No risk of voiding warranty
- Most expensive option
- May require mailing device
🔧 Third-Party Repair Shop
- 30–50% cheaper than official
- Fast (often same day)
- Quality varies by shop
- May use non-OEM screens
🛠 DIY Repair Kit
- Cheapest option ($20–$80)
- High risk of further damage
- Voids manufacturer warranty
- Only for tech-confident users
📋 Insurance / Warranty
- AppleCare+ or carrier insurance
- Small deductible ($29–$99)
- May get brand-new device
- Requires active coverage
4. Screen Repair Cost Estimates (2026)
| Device | Apple Official | 3rd Party Est. |
|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $329 | $180–$250 |
| iPhone 16 / Plus | $279 | $150–$200 |
| iPhone 15 series | $229–$309 | $130–$190 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | $289 | $150–$220 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | $219 | $120–$180 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | $239 | $130–$180 |
| OnePlus / mid-range Android | — | $80–$140 |
With AppleCare+: $29 per screen repair incident. With carrier insurance (e.g., Asurion): $29–$99 deductible depending on your plan tier.
5. iPhone Screen Repair Options
- Apple Store / Apple Authorized Service Provider: Book a Genius Bar appointment at apple.com/retail. Repair takes 1–2 hours in store. Genuine Apple OLED screen guaranteed.
- Apple Mail-In Repair: Available at apple.com/support — ship your iPhone, get it back in 3–5 business days.
- Self Service Repair: Apple's own DIY program (availble in US, some EU countries) — order genuine parts and tools. Most practical for iPhone 12 and newer.
- Third-party: Search for "iPhone screen repair near me" — look for shops with good reviews that use OEM or aftermarket OLED panels (not LCD replacements for OLED models).
Important: Third-party screen repairs on recent iPhones may trigger "Non-Genuine Display" warnings in Settings, and Face ID/True Tone calibration may be affected unless the shop has Apple's System Configuration tool.
6. Android Screen Repair Options
- Samsung: Visit samsung.com/us/mobile-phone-repair/ or use Samsung Care+ walk-in service. Many Best Buy locations also offer Samsung-authorized repairs.
- Google Pixel: Google's repair program via uBreakiFix (Asurion) stores or mail-in.
- Third-party shops: More options for Android as parts are more widely available. Verify the screen type matches your model (AMOLED vs LCD).
- Manufacturer warranty: Most Android warranties don't cover physical damage — check your exact plan.
7. Insurance and Warranty
- AppleCare+: $9.99/month or a one-time fee. Covers up to 2 incidents of accidental damage per 12 months for $29 screen damage fee.
- Samsung Care+: Similar coverage, $4–$12/month depending on model.
- Carrier Insurance (Asurion, Assurant): Usually $9–$17/month. Covers screen cracks and lost/stolen phones. Deductible $29–$249.
- Credit Card Protection: Some premium credit cards (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) offer purchase protection covering accidental damage for 90–120 days after purchase. Check your card benefits.
- Home/Renters Insurance: Some policies cover personal electronics. Check your deductible — it may not be worth claiming for a $200 repair.
8. How to Prevent Future Cracks
- Use a tempered glass screen protector — a good one absorbs impact and cracks instead of your screen. Replace it after it cracks.
- Use a case with raised lips around the screen — so if the phone lands face-down, the case edge takes the impact instead of the glass.
- Be careful at waist height — most cracks happen when a phone falls from a pocket or hand at hip level and lands on a corner.
- Consider a grip ring or PopSocket to make dropping less likely.