Cracked iPhone Screen? Repair, Replace, or Trade In: How to Decide
A cracked screen does not always mean a new phone, and it does not always mean a repair either. The right move depends on how old your iPhone is, what else is broken, and what a fix costs compared with a certified replacement. Here is how to decide.
First: protect yourself and your data
- Cover the crack with clear packing tape or a screen protector so loose glass does not cut your fingers or spread.
- Back up now while the touchscreen still works: Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. If touch is failing, back up to a computer instead.
- Keep it dry. Once the glass is cracked, the phone's water resistance can no longer be trusted.
Step 1: Figure out what is actually broken
- Glass only: the crack is cosmetic and the display and touch work normally. This is the best case for a repair.
- Display damage: black spots, lines, flickering, a green tint or ghost touches. The whole screen assembly needs replacing.
- More than the screen: Face ID, cameras, back glass, a bent frame or water exposure. Several problems at once usually point toward replacing the phone.
Option 1: Repair it
Mail it to Strictli
Strictli repairs are back. Start a request on our repair page, print the prepaid shipping label, and our Strictli Certified technicians will diagnose your iPhone within 48 hours of arrival. You approve the price before any work, choose OEM, genuine pulled or aftermarket parts, and pay only when the repair is done. The diagnostic fee shows up front, for example $69 for an iPhone 13 Pro, and it is included in your repair price, not charged on top.
Repairs with OEM or genuine pulled parts carry a 1-year warranty, and aftermarket repairs carry 60 days. Our guide to OEM vs genuine vs aftermarket iPhone parts helps you choose. Local to Columbus? Walk-in repairs are handled at our Strictli Repair Partner location in Grandview.
Apple, if you have AppleCare+
If your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+, screen repairs through Apple cost much less. Without it, Apple's out-of-warranty prices vary by model, so get an estimate from Apple's screen repair page and compare it with your Strictli quote.
Do it yourself
If you are handy, our self-service parts store sells screen replacement parts, including the iPhone 11 Pro Max screen from $49.99 and the iPhone 12 Pro screen from $44.99, in grades from budget LCD up to refurbished original OLED panels. Before you start:
- DIY repairs carry real risk, including damage to Face ID, cables or the battery. Work slowly with the right tools, and follow a reputable guide.
- After a screen replacement, an iPhone may show an "Unknown Part" message, and features like True Tone may not carry over. That is Apple software behavior, not a defect in the part.
- Higher-grade screens, like refurbished original OLED, look the closest to the original display.
Option 2: Replace it with a certified iPhone
Replacing often makes more sense than repairing when:
- The phone is four or more years old and the battery is fading too.
- More than one thing is broken.
- The repair quote gets close to the price of a certified replacement.
A certified iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $299.99 and an iPhone 12 Pro at $314.99. Both run iOS 27, come fully unlocked with a complimentary charger and cable, and are covered by our 1-year warranty. The 12 Pro's Ceramic Shield front is also tougher than the glass on earlier iPhones. Read our full iPhone 11 Pro Max review and iPhone 12 Pro verdict. And if you decline a Strictli repair quote, we can recycle the old phone for you at no charge.
Option 3: Sell or trade in the cracked phone
A cracked iPhone still has value, whether you are replacing it or not. Get a quote on our Sell My Device page and put the money toward your next phone. Before you hand it over, follow our guide to safely wiping your data. If it is truly beyond saving, it can still be recycled for free in the Columbus area.
Quick decision guide
| Your situation | Best move |
|---|---|
| Newer iPhone, only the glass is cracked | Repair it with Strictli, or through Apple if you have AppleCare+ |
| Mid-age iPhone, display still works, tight budget | A Strictli repair with aftermarket parts, or a DIY screen part |
| Older iPhone with a weak battery too | Replace it with a certified iPhone and sell the old one |
| Several things broken (screen, Face ID, back glass) | Get a Strictli repair quote, then compare it with a certified replacement |
| Phone will not turn on | Send it in for a diagnosis, or replace it and sell or recycle the old one |
How to avoid the next crack
A case with raised edges and a tempered glass screen protector stop most cracks before they start. Shop cases and screen protection, including Cellhelmet tempered glass for the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.
Frequently asked questions
Does Strictli fix cracked iPhone screens?
Yes. Start on our repair page, ship your iPhone with the prepaid label, and pay only when the repair is done. Walk-ins are handled at our Strictli Repair Partner location in Grandview, near Columbus.
Is it worth fixing a cracked iPhone screen?
It depends on the phone's age and what else is broken. For a newer iPhone with only cracked glass, a repair is usually worth it. For an older iPhone, or one with several problems, a certified replacement is often the better value.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked iPhone screen?
Our repair form shows the diagnostic fee up front, for example $69 for an iPhone 13 Pro, and it is included in the repair price if you go ahead. You get the exact price after diagnosis, before any work. DIY screen parts from our parts store start at $44.99 for the iPhone 12 Pro and $49.99 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Can I sell an iPhone with a cracked screen?
Yes. Cracked phones still have value. Get a quote on our Sell My Device page.
Will a non-Apple screen cause problems?
The iPhone may show an "Unknown Part" message, and True Tone may not work. If you want to avoid that, choose OEM parts for your repair.
Can I keep using a phone with a cracked screen?
Short term, yes, if you cover the crack with tape or a protector. Cracks tend to spread and water resistance is compromised, so do not wait too long.
Strictli, repair and parts store prices as of October 12, 2026. Parts purchases are covered by the parts store's own terms and warranty. Repairs are covered by our Repair Terms and Conditions.
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