Has this ever happened to you? One moment your phone is safely in your hand and all of a sudden it’s on the sidewalk, shattered like a baseball through a glass window. You hold back tears. “I never thought it would happen to me!”
If you break your iPhone’s screen, it’s not the end of the world. Here’s how to get it replaced.
Check if You Have AppleCare+
If you purchased AppleCare+ for your device (just $99), then you're eligible for up to 2 incidents of accidental damage - each subject to a $79 service fee.
Not sure if you’re covered under AppleCare+? Use this Apple service tool to check using your phone’s serial number:
AppleCare+ customers are also eligible for Apple’s Express Replacement Service. This means Apple will mail you your replacement and you can send in the broken phone as soon as you receive it - ensuring you’re never without a phone.
Go Online or Call 1-800-MY-APPLE
The easiest way to get your phone replaced is to visit an Apple corporate retail store. To schedule an appointment, call Apple directly or visit http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/repair/screen-damage/. Repairs are usually done same-day.
What Can CityMac Do?
CityMac does not perform in-house screen replacements. However, if it’s more convenient for you, we can facilitate a replacement. Our fee for this service is $139 for iPhone 6, and $159 for iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. This fee covers the cost of having a technician inspect the phone, packaging and mailing the phone to Apple and receiving the replacement.
Loaner Phones
For in-warranty iPhones, we may have loaner phones available to cover you during the time it takes to mail your phone to Apple and receive the replacement. If you’re out-of-warranty, we may not have a loaner phone available for you.
Out-of-Warranty Replacements
Apple determines the cost of fixing the phone and the user is responsible for the entire fee - which could be the “whole unit replacement fee” if there is additional damage to the phone besides the screen. The whole unit replacement fee is $329 for iPhone 6, $359 for iPhone 6 Plus and $299 for iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.
Is There A Cheaper Option?
The answer is "yes," but we don’t recommend it. Sometimes, you’ll see businesses offer screen replacements for a much lower price than Apple’s. This is because they are using non-Apple parts. While this may seem to be the best option, you run the following risks:
1. Installing a non-Apple modification voids the warranty and trade-in value
If you ever need something else fixed on your iPhone (like a broken sleep/wake button, battery replacement, etc.), Apple will not be able to perform these services for you. Similarly, you will not be able to use our Trade-In Trade-Up Program, or other similar trade-in programs anywhere else.
2. 3rd Party Screens often don’t have the same build quality as Apple’s
You may notice that non-Apple screens have odd discolorations, are more susceptible to scratches and cracks and just doesn’t “look” the same.
Should I Buy a New iPhone?
If you’re eligible for an upgrade through your carrier, it might be better to simply purchase a brand new phone. With a new two-year contract, you can get an iPhone 6 for just $199 or an iPhone 6 Plus for $299. We also stock refurbished and used phones - varying in model, carrier, capacity, color, and price.
If you've broken your iPhone screen and want to explore your options further, please leave us a comment below or reach out to us via our webchat. Apple does not replace standalone screens on iPad and iPod Touch. If you have a broken iPad or iPod Touch, reach out to us and we can hlep you go over your options.