# Cracked Phone Screen: Repair Options and Costs for iPhone and Galaxy > Compare where to get a cracked phone screen fixed, from Apple and Samsung to independent shops, how AppleCare+ fees work, and how to get an exact quote. Source: https://www.epifive.com/blog/cracked-phone-screen-repair-cost-options · Published 2026-10-29 · EpiFive ## Key takeaways - Apple lists an AppleCare+ screen damage fee of $29 to $99 depending on model, checked on 2026-10-29. - Apple repairs are available at Apple Stores, Authorized Service Providers or by mail-in with a prepaid box. - Samsung offers walk-in and mail-in repair and a pricing tool that gives an approximate screen replacement cost. - Get an official estimate before deciding, because out-of-warranty prices vary by model and may add tax or shipping. - Back up the phone before any repair and check whether you already have coverage through a plan or carrier. The cheapest repair for a cracked phone screen is usually the one you already have coverage for, and the next best is an official quote from the manufacturer. For an iPhone with AppleCare+, Apple's page (checked 2026-10-29) lists a screen damage service fee of $29 to $99 depending on the model. Without coverage, the price depends on your exact model, so get an estimate from Apple or Samsung before you compare it with other shops. ## Who this is for and what you will have at the end This guide is for anyone with a cracked or shattered iPhone or Samsung Galaxy screen who needs to decide where to take it. By the end you will know the official repair routes, what to check about coverage, how to get a quote, and what to do before the phone leaves your hands. This article deliberately gives few dollar figures for out-of-warranty repairs. Apple's and Samsung's out-of-warranty prices depend on the exact model and change over time, so the guide shows you how to get the current figure rather than quoting numbers that may be stale. ## Step 1: Check what you already have Before paying anyone, find out whether the phone is covered. - **AppleCare+**: Apple's AppleCare page, which describes AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, says the plan includes unlimited repairs for accidents such as drops and spills, with screen and back glass repairs available as often as needed for a fee, and the page notes these can often be done the same day. The screen damage service fee is listed as $29 to $99 depending on the model, and other accidental damage, including liquid damage, is a $99 flat service fee. Theft and loss coverage carries a $149 service fee, with up to two claims in a 12-month period. The page links to AppleCare Service Fees and Deductibles for the exact amount per model. - **Samsung Care+ and carrier plans**: Samsung's repair page links to the Samsung Care+ program but does not list a screen fee, so read your plan's terms or ask Samsung before assuming a price. - **Carrier or credit card protection**: Check your wireless plan and any insurance that came with the device. This guide has not verified specific carrier terms, so confirm them with the provider. - **Original warranty**: A cracked screen caused by a drop is generally accidental damage rather than a defect, so do not assume the standard warranty covers it. Ask the manufacturer. If you have coverage, use the manufacturer's own claim process. It is usually the cheapest and keeps the repair under the plan. ## Step 2: Choose where to repair ### Apple Apple's screen repair page describes these routes for an iPhone: | Option | How it works | | --- | --- | | Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider | You visit in person, and technicians inspect the iPhone, explain your options and handle the repair | | Mail-in | Apple sends a prepaid shipping box so you can send the iPhone in without an appointment | | Express Replacement (AppleCare) | With AppleCare, Apple ships a replacement iPhone before you send yours back | Apple's page adds that its estimates are for out-of-warranty service and may be subject to tax, and a shipping fee may apply for mail-in service. Authorized providers set their own fees for out-of-warranty service. For AppleCare-covered service, the fee is the same at Apple and at authorized providers, so coverage removes the price gap between the two. ### Samsung Samsung's US repair page lists these routes: - **Walk-in**: search for a local Samsung support center and drop by or call for an appointment. - **Mail-in**: the repair status view includes tracking numbers for shipping the device to Samsung and back. - **Pricing tool**: a lookup gives an approximate screen replacement cost. Samsung says phone screen replacements have set prices at Samsung Repair locations. ### Independent repair shops Independent shops are another option, and many people choose them for price or convenience. This guide has not verified any particular shop's prices or parts, so judge them on a written quote, a stated warranty on the repair and whether they use genuine or aftermarket parts. Ask whether using a third-party repair affects any coverage you hold, and ask the manufacturer or plan provider if unsure, because terms differ. ## Step 3: Get an official quote 1. Find your exact model. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and read Model Name. On Galaxy, go to Settings > About phone. 2. For Apple, use the estimate tool on Apple's screen repair page or ask at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. 3. For Samsung, use the pricing lookup linked from Samsung's repair page. 4. Note whether the quote includes tax and whether shipping applies for mail-in. 5. Record the date and the quote so you can compare it later. Apple's own page warns that its estimate is for out-of-warranty service and might be subject to tax, so treat any online number as an estimate until the technician inspects the phone. ## Step 4: Decide whether to repair Compare the quote with the phone's value and your alternatives. - **Minor crack, phone works normally**: Some people live with it, but a crack can spread and may let in dust or moisture. A crack that touches the display area or breaks touch response is worth fixing. - **Shattered glass or dead touch areas**: Repair promptly, and cover sharp edges with clear tape or a case until then. - **Older phone**: If the quote is a large share of what the phone is worth, a replacement or trade-in may make more sense. - **Covered by AppleCare+ or a similar plan**: The fee is usually the obvious choice. ## Step 5: Prepare the phone before you hand it over 1. Back up the phone. For iPhone, see [iPhone backup: iCloud vs computer and how to restore](https://www.epifive.com/blog/iphone-backup-icloud-vs-computer-restore). For Android, see [Android backup and restore to a new phone with a Google account](https://www.epifive.com/blog/android-backup-restore-new-phone-google-account). 2. Make sure you know your Apple Account or Google Account password. Repairs sometimes involve restarting or restoring the device. 3. Turn off Find My on an iPhone only if the repair provider tells you to. Do not turn off security features unless asked, and never share your passcode more widely than needed. Some providers ask for the passcode or ask you to unlock the phone for testing, so ask what they require. 4. Remove the case and any screen protector and take note of any other damage so it is on record. 5. Ask for a written estimate and a receipt stating the repair done and any warranty. ## Troubleshooting ### The touch screen does not respond but the display works This is common after a drop. Do not wait for it to get worse. Back up if you still can, using a connection that does not require tapping, then get an estimate. ### The phone shows a message after repair Messages after a repair can relate to parts or calibration. Contact the provider that did the repair and ask for an explanation. If you used an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Samsung Repair location, go back to them first. ### The quote is higher than expected Ask what is included, whether the price covers only the screen or also other damage, whether tax or shipping is added, and whether a coverage plan changes the price. Compare with a second official location. ## Checklist - Check for AppleCare+, Samsung Care+, carrier plan or card coverage. - Identify the exact model. - Get an official estimate and note the date. - Compare the estimate with the phone's value. - Back up the phone and know your account passwords. - Get a written receipt and warranty for the repair. ## References - Apple Support, iPhone screen repair options: https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/screen-replacement - Apple, AppleCare+ for iPhone (service fees, checked 2026-10-29): https://www.apple.com/applecare/ - Samsung US, Phone repair options: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/repair/ ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does AppleCare+ charge for a cracked iPhone screen? Apple's AppleCare page, checked on 2026-10-29, lists a screen damage service fee of $29 to $99 depending on the model. Other accidental damage is a $99 flat service fee. Check Apple's fees and deductibles page for the exact amount for your iPhone. ### Where can I get an iPhone screen repaired? Apple says you can visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or use mail-in repair where Apple sends a prepaid shipping box. Authorized providers set their own fees for out-of-warranty service, while the fee for AppleCare-covered service is the same. ### How do I find out what a Samsung screen repair costs? Samsung's US repair page links to a lookup tool that gives an approximate screen replacement cost, and says phone screen replacements have set prices at Samsung Repair locations. You can walk in to a support center or mail the phone in. ### Is it worth repairing a cracked screen? It depends on the quote versus the phone's value and whether the crack affects touch or the display. Get an official estimate first, then compare it with the cost of replacing the phone and any coverage you already hold.