Cracked Apple Watch Screen Repair Cost: 5 Options Compared

How much does it cost to replace a cracked Apple Watch screen? The answer depends on your model and which repair option you choose. Compare Apple Watch screen repair costs below.

Estimated Apple Watch screen replacement costs

Apple Watch Model	AppleCare+	Carrier Insurance	Pro Repair Service	DIY Repair
Series 7	$69 to $79	$29 to $129	Independent: $250 Apple Repair: $299 to $499	$235 to $260
Series 6	$69 to $79	$29 to $129	Independent: $220 to $360 Apple Repair: $299 to $499	$100 to $150
Apple Watch SE	$69 to $79	$29 to $129	Independent: $200 Apple Repair: $219 to $249	$90 to $135
Series 5	$69 to $79	n/a	Independent: $200 to $290 Apple Repair: $299 to $499; $800 Edition Ceramic	$100 to $200
Series 4	$69 to $79	n/a	Independent: $180 to $290 Apple Repair: $299 to $399	$100 to $230
Series 3	$69 to $79	n/a	Independent: $150 to $180 Apple Repair: $159 to $329; $800 Edition	$70 to $140
Series 2	$69 to $79	n/a	Independent: $140 to $180 Apple Repair: $199 to $249; $800 Edition	$65 to $110
Series 1	$69 to $79	n/a	Independent: $120 to $130 Apple Repair: $199 to $249; $800 Edition	$30 to $80
Series 0	n/a	n/a	$125	n/a

Cracked Apple Watch screen repair options and costs

Cracked Apple Watch screen replacement costs vary by model and your selected repair option. Here’s what to expect.

1. Warranty repair: $0

All Apple Watches are covered by Apple’s one-year warranty, which offers free repairs for covered defects. Hermès and Edition models come with a two-year warranty. However, cracked screens are usually caused by accidental damage, which is not covered by Apple’s warranty.

If you believe a manufacturing defect is responsible for your cracked screen, contact Apple to see if you can get it fixed for free. It might be difficult to prove the damage wasn’t accidental, so be prepared to make your case. If Apple won’t cover your cracked Watch screen, you’ll need to pay to have it replaced.

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2. AppleCare+ repair: $69 to $79

If you have AppleCare+, cracked screen repairs cost $69 for most models and $79 for Hermès and Edition models. AppleCare+ is good for 24 months from the date of purchase for all models except Hermès and Edition, which are covered for 36 months.

The plan allows for two incidents of accidental damage and costs $69 to $79, depending on your Watch model. If you make a claim, Apple might send a replacement instead of your repaired Apple Watch.

Can you get an AppleCare refund? Find out

3. Carrier insurance: $29 to $129

For new Apple Watches, Verizon Mobile Protection costs $17 per month and has a $129 deductible for cracked screen repairs. AT&T’s Protect Advantage costs $14 to $17 per month and has a $29 deductible for cracked Apple Watch screens.

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T-Mobile Protection 360 costs $13 to $18 per month and likewise has a $29 deductible. Note that carrier insurance plans typically do not cover Hermès and Edition models.

T-Mobile Insurance: What it covers, what it doesn’t

4. Professional Apple Watch screen repair: $120 to $499 (Up to $800 for Edition)

Expect to pay between $250 and $499 for Series 7 screen replacements, $220 to $499 for Series 6 screen repairs and $200 to $249 for Apple Watch SE and Series 5. Repair costs for older models range between $120 and $399, depending on the watch and whether Apple or an independent repair shop completes the repair. Screen replacement costs for Edition models can be significantly higher, up to $800.

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You might be able to save money with online and local repair companies like iFixYouri and Joe’s Gaming & Electronics. For example, Apple charges $299 to replace the screen on an Apple Watch Series 7 GPS Aluminum, but you can get the same repair for $250 from Joe’s Gaming & Electronics. Note that many third-party companies use aftermarket repair parts, not OEM.

Apple Watch screen repair services

Use the following links to find online mail-in screen replacement or local Apple Watch screen repair services near you.

• Apple Repair
• Apple Genius Bar Locator
• iFixYouri
• Joe’s Gaming & Electronics
• Best Buy Geek Squad Repair

5. DIY Apple Watch repair: $30 to $260

If you’re comfortable making the repair, you can replace your own Apple Watch screen with parts from sites like FixEZ and iFixit. You can even find step-by-step instructions on iFixit and YouTube.

Repair kits cost anywhere between $5 and $50 or more, depending on the quality and number of tools, but you can get by with a cheaper set.

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If you go the DIY route, keep in mind you could cause more damage and void any warranties or insurance policies – so be sure you have the necessary skills before you dig into your Apple Watch.

Where to get Apple Watch replacement screens

These online stores sell Apple Watch repair parts:

• iFixit
• FixEZ
• Device Parts
• eTech Parts
• ETrade Supply

How to repair an Apple Watch screen

WARNING: This can be a difficult repair, especially if you’re not experienced. Understand the risk of additional damage that could void any warranties and insurance policies.

The process differs slightly by model, but generally involves the following steps.

1. Use a hairdryer, heat gun or iOpener tool to heat the screen and soften the underlying adhesive
2. Slide a knife along the seam between the screen and case to cut the adhesive
3. Slide a guitar pick along the seam and pry the screen away from the case
4. Gently lift the screen so it hinges on one side
5. Use heat to soften the battery adhesive, then use the guitar pick to pry the battery out of its recess
6. Use a spudger or screwdriver (depending on the model) to disconnect the battery
7. Use a spudger and/or tweezers to disconnect the display cables, foil, stickers and grounding cable
8. Remove the old screen, then follow these steps in reverse order to install the new screen

Here are example videos for the Apple Watch Series 7, 6 and SE.

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch screen repair FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Apple Watch screen replacement.

What are the most common Apple Watch screen issues?

Some of the most common Apple Watch screen issues include:

• Cracked and scratched screens
• Displays that lift or pop off
• Displays that are stuck, won’t turn on and the “black screen of death”
• Upside down displays

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What are Apple Watch screens made of?

Your Apple Watch screen is made from either Ion-X glass or sapphire crystal, depending on the model. Both are strong, scratch-resistant glasses that help prevent damage. Consumer Reports conducted a test to see which glass was stronger according to the Mohs hardness scale. They found that sapphire crystal is stronger as it resisted scratches from a 9-rated pick, while an 8-rated pick scratched Ion-X glass (though a 7-rated pick did not scratch it).

Can you polish an Apple Watch screen?

Multiple sources suggest using toothpaste to buff out light scuffs and scratches, but abrasive polishers are not recommended for Apple Watch screens. If yours has a small scratch, it could be in the oil-resistant coating and not in the glass. A screen protector might hide it. If you want to try buffing out the scratch anyway, you can find Apple Watch polishing kits on Amazon.

Does AppleCare cover Apple Watch screens?

Yes, AppleCare+ covers screen damage with a $69 deductible for Sport and Nike+ models and a $79 deductible for Hermes and Edition models. You can check the status of your AppleCare+ coverage here.

Will Apple repair or replace Apple Watch screens for free?

If your Apple Watch screen is scratched or cracked due to accidental damage, Apple probably won’t fix it for free. However, Apple might replace it free-of-charge if your screen malfunctions during the warranty period.

Is the Apple Watch waterproof after screen replacement?

Generally speaking, no, since replacing the screen breaks the water-resistant seal. That said, Apple Watches repaired by Apple authorized repair centers will retain their water resistance. It’s also worth noting that Apple typically sends a new replacement watch rather than repairing broken screens, and those are water resistant.

How can I protect my Apple Watch screen from damage?

The best way to protect your Apple Watch screen is to use a high-quality screen protector and case. Learn more about how to protect your gear so it lasts for years.

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Can you trade in or sell an Apple Watch with a cracked screen?

Yes, you can sell or trade in an Apple Watch that has a scratched, cracked or otherwise damaged screen. Find the best offers for your broken Apple Watch on Flipsy.

Is it worth replacing a broken Apple Watch screen?

It depends on the net value of your Apple Watch after the repair and how long you plan to keep your Apple Watch. Sometimes, you’re better off selling your broken Apple Watch and using the money toward a new one.

For example, Apple charges $299 to repair a broken Apple Watch Series 7 aluminum cellular model. At the time of this writing, the watch was worth $150 in “good” condition and $24 in “broken” condition. If you paid for screen replacement ($299) and sold it for $150, you’d lose $149 in value. If you sold it as-is, you’d gain $24 in value.

Learn more about whether you should repair or sell a broken Apple Watch.

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