No matter how careful we try to be, everyone drops their iPhone or iPod touch from time to time. Usually, the consequences of a fall are not serious, but in some cases, the screens crack or break. Some of these cracks are minor cosmetic issues that do not affect the use of the device. Others, however, are so large that it becomes very difficult to see the screen or use the iPhone.
Many companies offer low-cost screen replacement, but be careful: if you’re not careful, you could end up breaking Apple’s warranty and losing all the support and benefits it offers.
Fix a cracked iPhone screen if it’s under warranty
The standard warranty that comes with the iPhone doesn’t cover accidental damage, which means a cracked screen isn’t something Apple fixes as part of the warranty.
A crucial term of the iPhone warranty is that if the iPhone is disassembled by someone other than an Apple-authorized technician, the entire warranty is automatically voided . Virtually all low-cost repair shops are not authorized by Apple, so saving money with them can mean losing your entire warranty.
So if you need a repair, the first thing you should do is check if your iPhone is still under warranty. If so, get support directly from Apple, the phone company you purchased the phone from, or an Apple Authorized Reseller.
One nice perk of having Apple fix your phone is that Apple Stores can replace screens without having to send your phone in for service, so you’ll be back to using it in no time.
How to fix a cracked iPhone screen if you have AppleCare
The situation is quite similar if you have purchased an extended warranty from AppleCare. In this case, it’s even more important that you go directly to Apple, as using an unauthorized repair shop will not only void your standard warranty, but also your AppleCare warranty, meaning you’re throwing money away. in her.
Unlike the standard iPhone warranty, AppleCare covers up to two incidents of accidental damage, with a charge for each repair. This fee is probably more than what an unauthorized repair shop will charge, but it maintains your warranty and ensures that your repair is done by the people best qualified to do it.
How to fix a cracked iPhone screen if you have iPhone insurance
Whether you purchased iPhone insurance through your phone company or on your own, you should check with your insurance company to understand their screen repair policies. Accidental damage is covered by most iPhone insurance. Depending on your policy, you may have to pay a deductible and a repair fee, but that combination may be less than replacing the iPhone entirely.
If you do have iPhone insurance, however, be sure to get all the facts and rates before you commit to using their insurance, as many people complain of bad experiences when using insurance for these types of repairs.
We recommend that iPhone owners do not purchase any type of insurance. Find out why in 6 reasons you should never buy iPhone insurance.
Fix a cracked iPhone screen if your iPhone is out of warranty
If you don’t have warranty or insurance coverage for your phone, you have more options. In this case, choosing a low-cost repair shop can be a good idea as it will save you money. If you don’t have a warranty or AppleCare, you have less to lose by using one of these stores.
It’s a good idea to use a shop that is experienced in iPhone repairs and has a good reputation. Although they can’t violate a warranty that’s no longer in effect, a non-repair person could cause additional damage to the body or interior electronics of your iPhone, causing more problems and potentially requiring you to buy more. a new phone.
Fix a cracked iPhone screen if eligible for an update
If you’ve had your iPhone for more than two years, or are considering switching to a new carrier, you may be eligible for a discounted upgrade to one of the newer models. A cracked screen could be a great motivator for an upgrade.
If you upgrade, check out the companies that buy used iPhones. They even buy ones with cracked screens, so you can turn your old phone into extra cash.
How to prevent screen damage in the future
There is no foolproof strategy to prevent damage to screens. If your phone takes enough drops and abuse, even the best-protected iPhone will eventually break. But for most of us, a few simple steps can reduce the chance of broken screens. Try to use:
- Cases: Some cases offer screen protection, some don’t. Even if the case does not include a screen protector, the case itself will provide some security that will reduce the chance of damaging the screen.
- Screen protectors: These thin layers of plastic usually protect your screen from scratches or dents, but can also offer a little more defense against cracks. A case is a more complete solution, but screen protectors are nice additions.
- AppleCare: For your next phone, consider purchasing AppleCare if you haven’t in the past. It adds a bit to your total cost, but it’s usually worth getting two full years of support and repairs from trained experts.