A broken phone is one of those problems that demands an immediate answer. Whether you dropped it face-down on concrete, dunked it in water, or woke up to a screen that simply stopped responding, you need a working phone, and you need it without draining your bank account.
The good news: you have more repair and replacement options in 2026 than ever before. Right-to-repair laws now protect consumers in multiple U.S. states, Apple's Self Service Repair program covers the iPhone 17 lineup, and certified refurbished iPhones start below $150. The following 10 solutions are ranked from cheapest to most expensive so you can stop at whichever step solves the problem first.
1. Search for your specific issue online
Before spending any money, search for the exact symptom you are experiencing. Phrases like "iPhone 15 screen flickering after drop" or "phone stuck on boot loop" will surface threads on Reddit and Apple Support Communities where other users describe the same fault and what fixed it.
Common issues that often have free fixes include:
- A frozen screen (force restart by holding the correct button combination)
- Unresponsive touchscreen after a drop (recalibration or a settings reset)
- Charging problems caused by lint in the Lightning or USB-C port
You may discover that your problem does not require a repair shop at all. If the search turns up nothing useful, move to the next step.
2. Apply a temporary screen protector
If your screen is cracked but still functional, a tempered glass screen protector applied over the damage can buy you time. This simple fix costs under $10 and accomplishes three things:
- It shields your fingers from sharp glass edges.
- It holds cracked pieces in place so the damage does not spread.
- It preserves enough touchscreen sensitivity to keep using the phone.
A screen protector is not a permanent solution, but it lets you keep using the device while you evaluate repair or replacement options on your own schedule rather than in a panic.
3. Take it back to the store
The retailer or carrier where you purchased the phone can often diagnose the issue at no charge. Apple's Genius Bar, for example, runs free diagnostics and will tell you whether the damage is covered under warranty.
Keep in mind that the store will usually recommend its own repair service, which may not be the cheapest option. Get the diagnosis, ask for a written quote, then compare it against the alternatives below before committing.
4. File an insurance or AppleCare+ claim
If you carry phone insurance or AppleCare+, check whether your specific damage type is covered. In 2026, AppleCare+ covers iPhone screen repairs for a $29 deductible, other accidental damage for $99, and theft or loss for $149.
Carrier insurance plans from Asurion and similar providers typically charge deductibles between $29 and $249 depending on the device and damage type.
A cracked or broken phone screen is covered under most plans, but water damage and cosmetic dents may fall outside standard coverage. Review your policy details before filing the claim.
5. Wait for your carrier upgrade
If you are mid-contract with a carrier, check when you are eligible for an upgrade. If the date is only a few weeks away and the phone is still usable, it may not be worth paying for a repair you will abandon shortly.
When you do upgrade, you can sell the broken device to a buyback service. Even phones with cracked screens and cosmetic damage hold some resale value for companies that refurbish and resell them.
6. Repair it yourself (DIY)
Self-repair has become significantly more accessible thanks to right-to-repair legislation and manufacturer programs. Two main paths exist for DIY iPhone repair in 2026:
Apple Self Service Repair: Apple's program now covers the iPhone 12 through iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone Air. You can order genuine Apple parts, rent a professional toolkit for $49 for seven days, and follow Apple's official repair manuals. A display replacement part costs roughly $199 to $299 depending on the model, and you receive credit for returning the old component.
Third-party kits from iFixit: iFixit sells screen replacement kits starting around $50 for older models and $150 to $240 for recent Pro Max models. Each kit includes the tools and adhesives you need.
Be aware of the risks. A DIY repair gone wrong can cause additional damage, void remaining warranty coverage, and end up costing more than professional service. If you have never opened a phone before, the learning curve is steep.
7. Get a third-party repair shop to fix it
Independent repair shops typically charge 20% to 40% less than the manufacturer for the same repair. In 2026, third-party screen replacement for popular models costs roughly:
- iPhone 15 / 16: $180 to $300
- iPhone 15 Pro / 16 Pro: $220 to $360
- iPhone 15 Pro Max / 16 Pro Max: $250 to $400
Right-to-repair laws now active in Colorado, Oregon, and several other states guarantee that independent shops can access genuine parts and repair documentation. Before choosing a shop, check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp and confirm they offer a warranty on the repair.
8. Get the manufacturer to fix it
Apple's out-of-warranty screen repair pricing for 2026 is as follows:
| iPhone Model | Screen Repair Cost (No AppleCare+) |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE | $129 |
| iPhone 14 / 13 / 12 / 11 | $199 to $279 |
| iPhone 15 / 16 / 17 / Air | $279 to $329 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max / 16 Pro Max / 17 Pro Max | $379 |
Other damage categories, such as back glass ($159) or rear camera ($249), carry separate charges. Full device replacement for extensive damage can reach $799.
The manufacturer repair is the most expensive professional option, but it comes with a 90-day warranty on the repaired part and the assurance of genuine components. If the phone is still under its original warranty and the damage is a manufacturing defect, the repair may be free.
9. Buy a certified refurbished phone
When the repair cost approaches or exceeds the value of the phone, replacing it with a certified refurbished model is often the smarter financial move. Certified refurbished iPhones undergo the same functional testing as new devices and ship with a warranty.
In 2026, refurbished iPhone pricing starts at:
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen): from $140
- iPhone 12 Pro: from $180
- iPhone 15: from $529 (Apple Certified Refurbished)
- iPhone 16: from $619 (Apple Certified Refurbished)
On RefurbMe, we compare prices for hundreds of refurbished iPhones across reputable sellers including Apple, Amazon Renewed, Back Market, and Gazelle, each with a warranty.
64GB storage
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If you want to learn more, read our guide on whether Apple refurbished is worth it, check out the best places to buy refurbished iPhones, or learn the differences between manufacturer refurbished and seller refurbished.
10. Buy a new phone
Buying new is the most expensive path, but it makes sense if your broken phone is several generations old and you were planning to upgrade anyway. Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup starts at $599 for the iPhone 17e and reaches $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Before committing, consider whether a certified refurbished phone one generation back might deliver 90% of the experience at a fraction of the price. You can also trade in your broken device through Apple for recycling credit, though broken phones carry minimal trade-in value.
Conclusion
A broken phone does not have to mean an expensive replacement. Start with the free options (searching online, applying a screen protector, checking warranty coverage), then work through progressively costlier solutions. For many people, a certified refurbished phone from a trusted seller offers the best balance of cost and reliability, delivering a like-new device at a significant discount. Whatever path you choose, the key is to compare your options before making a rushed decision.
FAQ
How much does it cost to fix a broken phone screen in 2026?
It depends on the model and repair provider. An Apple out-of-warranty iPhone screen repair ranges from $129 (iPhone SE) to $379 (Pro Max models). Third-party shops typically charge 20% to 40% less. With AppleCare+, screen damage costs a flat $29 deductible regardless of the model. DIY kits from iFixit start around $50 for older iPhones and go up to about $240 for recent Pro Max models.
Are broken smartphones worth anything?
Yes. Companies that refurbish and resell phones will buy broken devices for parts or restoration. Even an iPhone with a cracked screen or cosmetic damage holds some value, though the amount depends on the model, storage capacity, and severity of the damage. Buyback services and trade-in programs provide quotes based on your phone's condition.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a phone?
In most cases, repairing is cheaper. A screen replacement at a third-party shop costs $180 to $400 depending on the model, while a new iPhone starts at $599. However, if the phone has multiple broken components or is several years old, buying a certified refurbished replacement for as little as $140 may be the better investment.
Does Apple buy broken iPhones?
Apple's Trade In program accepts damaged iPhones, but a broken device typically qualifies only for free recycling with no monetary credit. For trade-in value, Apple requires the phone to power on and have an intact screen. If your iPhone has minor wear but still functions, you may receive a partial credit. For truly broken phones, third-party buyback services usually offer better returns.
What does right to repair mean for phone owners?
Right-to-repair laws require manufacturers to provide independent repair shops and consumers with access to genuine parts, tools, and repair documentation. As of early 2026, states including Colorado, Oregon, and Washington have active right-to-repair laws covering consumer electronics. This means you have more options for affordable, high-quality repairs outside the manufacturer's own service network. Additional states and a federal framework are expected to follow in 2026 and beyond.
Last updated: Mar 18, 2026 · First published: Oct 13, 2023
