Yes, you can replace an iPhone with a chipped screen or body, but the cost and process depend on where the damage is and whether your phone still works

A chip in your iPhone's glass or aluminum frame does not automatically mean you need a new phone. If the phone powers on, holds a charge, and responds to touch, it will keep working. The chip is cosmetic damage unless it has exposed the internal components or created sharp edges that cut your hand.

If you want to repair it, you have three main routes: Apple's official repair service, third-party repair shops, or replacement programs through your carrier or insurance. Each costs differently and takes a different amount of time. The choice depends on whether you want the original part, how fast you need it done, and what you can afford to spend.

Key Takeaways

  • A chipped screen or frame does not stop your iPhone from working unless the damage has exposed internal parts or created sharp edges.
  • Apple's official repair costs between $150 and $400 depending on the model and whether the damage is to the screen or the back, and takes three to five business days at most locations.
  • Third-party repair shops often cost $50 to $200 less than Apple but may use non-original parts and do not come with Apple's warranty.
  • Carrier insurance (like AppleCare+) covers accidental damage for a deductible of $25 to $100, but you must have purchased it before the damage happened.
  • If your phone is older than five years, the repair cost may approach the price of a used replacement phone, so comparing both options makes sense.

What Apple charges for screen and frame repairs

Apple's repair pricing depends on which part is chipped and which iPhone model you own. A cracked or chipped screen costs between $150 and $400 to replace through Apple. A chipped aluminum or stainless steel frame costs between $200 and $550. These prices are higher for newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max than for older models like the iPhone 12.

Apple replaces the entire screen assembly or the entire frame, not just the chipped section. This means you get a part that matches Apple's original specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty on the repair itself. The repair usually takes three to five business days if you book an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Some locations offer same-day service if you arrive early, but this is not may provide.

To get a repair quote from Apple, visit apple.com/support, enter your device model, describe the damage, and select your nearest service location. You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE or walk into an Apple Store and ask a Genius Bar representative to inspect the phone in person.

Third-party repair shops and their trade-offs

Independent repair shops and chains like iFixit, uBreakiFix, and local phone repair stores typically charge $50 to $200 less than Apple for the same repair. A screen replacement might cost $100 to $250 instead of $200 to $400. A frame replacement might cost $150 to $350 instead of $300 to $550. The speed is often faster too — many shops can complete the repair the same day or within 24 hours.

The main trade-off is that third-party shops often use aftermarket parts instead of original Apple parts. An aftermarket screen may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness than an original Apple screen. An aftermarket frame may not fit quite as precisely. These differences are usually small enough that most people do not notice them, but they exist.

Third-party repairs also do not come with Apple's warranty. If something goes wrong with the repaired part within a year, Apple will not fix it for free. Some independent shops offer their own warranty on the repair (usually 30 to 90 days), so ask before you book. Check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp for the specific shop you are considering — shops with consistent complaints about poor fit or premature failure are worth avoiding.

Carrier insurance and AppleCare+ coverage

If you have AppleCare+ or your carrier's device protection plan, accidental damage is covered for a deductible. AppleCare+ costs $4 to $13 per month depending on your iPhone model and covers two accidental damage incidents per year, each with a $25 to $100 deductible. Carrier plans like Verizon's Total Mobile Protection or AT&T's Mobile Protection vary in cost and deductible but typically run $10 to $15 per month with a $50 to $200 deductible per claim.

The catch is that you must have purchased the plan before the damage happened. You cannot buy AppleCare+ or carrier insurance after your phone is already chipped and expect it to cover that damage. If you do have active coverage, filing a claim is usually faster than paying out of pocket — most carriers process claims within 24 to 48 hours and either repair the phone or send you a replacement.

Check your bill or your carrier's app to see whether you have active coverage. If you do, contact your carrier or Apple directly to file a claim. They will tell you the deductible amount and whether they will repair your phone or send a replacement device.

When to replace instead of repair

If your iPhone is more than five years old, the repair cost may be close to or higher than the price of a used replacement phone of the same model. A used iPhone 11 in good condition costs $200 to $350 on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. If Apple is charging $300 to repair the screen and frame on your iPhone 11, buying a used replacement might make more sense financially.

Also consider whether the phone has other problems. If the battery health is below 80 percent, the phone has a cracked camera lens, or the home button or face recognition is not working, the total repair cost could exceed $500. In that case, a used phone or a refurbished phone from Apple's refurbished store (which comes with a one-year warranty) might be the better choice.

Apple sells refurbished iPhones on its website at 15 percent off the new price. A refurbished iPhone 14 costs around $600 instead of $700. These phones have been returned by customers, tested, cleaned, and repackaged with a new battery and new outer shell. They come with a one-year warranty and can be returned within 14 days if you change your mind.

Steps to get your phone repaired

Start by deciding which repair route fits your budget and timeline. If you have AppleCare+ or carrier insurance, contact your carrier or Apple first to file a claim — this is usually the cheapest option. If you do not have insurance, get a quote from Apple and from one or two local third-party shops before deciding.

For Apple repairs, visit apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE to book an appointment. Bring your phone and your Apple ID password. For third-party repairs, search Google Maps for "iPhone repair near me" and call ahead to confirm they have parts in stock and can do the repair on your timeline. Ask whether they use original or aftermarket parts and what warranty they offer on the repair.

Back up your phone before you hand it over to anyone. Use iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or connect to a Mac or Windows computer and use Finder or iTunes. If the phone is damaged badly enough that it will not turn on, the repair shop can usually recover your data, but backing up first removes that risk.

Preventing chips and cracks in the future

A case and screen protector reduce the risk of chips and cracks but do not eliminate it. A drop from waist height onto concrete can still damage the phone even with protection. Cases cost $15 to $80 depending on the brand and material. Screen protectors cost $5 to $20. Together they add maybe $30 to $100 to the cost of the phone but can save you $200 to $400 in repairs.

If you drop your phone frequently or work in a rough environment, AppleCare+ or carrier insurance is worth the monthly cost. Two accidental damage claims per year at a $25 deductible each means you can afford to drop your phone twice and still come out ahead compared to paying for repairs out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a chipped screen get worse over time?

A small chip usually stays the same size unless you drop the phone again or explore pressure to the damaged area. A chip that has created a crack (a line running across the screen) may spread slowly over weeks or months, especially if the phone gets hot or cold. If the chip is in the corner or edge, it is less likely to spread than if it is in the center of the screen.

Can I use my iPhone normally while waiting for a repair?

Yes, unless the chip has exposed sharp glass or metal edges that cut your hand, or unless the damage has affected the screen's ability to register touch. If the screen is still responsive and the phone still turns on and charges, you can use it as usual. Just be careful not to drop it again or press hard on the damaged area.

Do I need to tell Apple or my carrier about the chip before I sell the phone?

Yes. If you sell a phone with visible damage without disclosing it, the buyer can report the phone as misrepresented and request a refund through the platform you used (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Swappa, etc.). Honesty about the damage also helps you price the phone fairly — a phone with a chipped screen is worth $100 to $200 less than one in perfect condition.

What if the chip is on the back of the phone and the screen is fine?

A chip on the back is purely cosmetic unless it has exposed the battery or internal components. If the back is intact and the phone works normally, you do not need to repair it. If you want to repair it for appearance, the cost is the same as a screen repair ($200 to $400 at Apple) because Apple replaces the entire back panel, not just the chipped section.

Can I buy a replacement back or screen and install it myself?

You can buy replacement parts online for $30 to $100, but installing them yourself requires opening the phone, which voids any remaining warranty and risks damaging internal components if you make a mistake. Unless you have experience with phone repair, paying a third-party shop $100 to $200 to do it is safer and faster than attempting it yourself.