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Published on: 22.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
If you just dropped your iPad and, upon picking it up, discovered a crack on the screen, don't panic. This can happen, and fortunately, there are several ways you can go about it.
For the sake of your iPad, it's best to get this issue sorted. In this guide, we'll help you with your iPad screen replacement so that you can enjoy your device for many years to come.
Although an iPad may still function with a cracked screen, it's best to get it repaired quickly before the damage gets worse.
To fix a cracked iPad screen, you can do one of the following:
Take it to a professional repair store for screen replacement
Get it repaired via AppleCare+
Mend the existing screen
Replace the screen by yourself
To make sure that your iPad makes it through repairs unscathed, it's usually best to entrust it to a reliable repair service. Failed repairs may compromise the touchscreen functionality or even damage the iPad's internal components.
From tiny scratches to massive impacts that will have pieces of the screen coming off, let's explore the different types of broken iPad screens.
If you drop your iPad or accidentally hit it against something, it’ll result in a cracked screen. This can range from something minor that doesn't impact the touchscreen to a huge crack that completely compromises the tablet's functionality.
Shatters are essentially really bad cracks. This refers to massive breakage that spiderwebs all across the screen, often leading to pieces of the glass coming loose, making an iPad screen replacement necessary.
iPads, unlike iPhones, are not officially rated for water resistance. This means that all kinds of water damage can happen if the liquid seeps beneath the screen, causing screen flickering, black spots, or complete unresponsiveness.
A dead pixel is essentially a tiny dot that doesn't react in any way to whatever is happening on the screen. These are a manufacturing defect and may be covered by warranty.
It's understandable if you don't want to stop using your iPad until you can get it repaired. Depending on the severity of the crack, you might be able to use it for a few days or a couple of weeks.
Here are some tips to help you use it without making it worse:
Apply a screen protector. A tempered glass screen protector will hold the screen intact without messing with the touchscreen functionality too much.
Enable Voice Control and Assistive Touch. Apple's Siri can be a great way to get by until you can invest in cracked iPad screen repair. Activate these features in the iPad's accessibility settings.
Back up your data. If the crack is severe, using the iPad may damage its internal connectors, putting your data in jeopardy. Back up now while you still can.
Monitor for changes. If you notice glass splinters, discoloration, or unresponsiveness, it's best to stop using your iPad and turn to a professional iPad repair service.
If any of the following applies to you, don't wait too long and get your iPad fixed as soon as possible:
Shattered screen
Glass splinters
Issues with responsiveness
Colored or black lines across the screen
Discoloration
Whenever something happens to your iPad screen, replacement is usually going to be the go-to fix. It ensures that everything beneath the screen is in good shape, preserves all the touchscreen functionality, and gives your iPad a new lease on life.
However, small cracks and scratches can be mended with sealing or polishing. Keep in mind that the screen may still be weaker in those spots, meaning that it’ll be more prone to breakage.
Most iPads aren't cheap. Nine times out of ten, it'll be cheaper to replace the screen than the iPad itself. However, if your model is really old and it's experiencing issues such as refusing to turn on or poor battery life, you might be better off buying a whole new device.
You might be tempted to indulge in some cracked iPad screen repair without the help of professionals—after all, it's often significantly cheaper.
Below, we'll explore the pros and cons of professional repairs versus some good old-fashioned DIY.
Professional Repairs Pros:
Minimal risk to your iPad
Quick and easy to access
Often includes an extra warranty
The new screen should last a few years
Professional Repairs Cons:
May cost a lot more than a DIY
Aftermarket parts may be of lower quality
Meanwhile, DIY repairs present their own set of challenges. Before you decide to pull the trigger and buy a self-repair kit, consider the following:
DIY Pros:
More cost-effective
Quick and easy if you're tech-savvy
DIY Cons:
You may risk damaging your iPad
Self-repair may void the warranty
You may need additional tools
Your iPad will be even less water-resistant
With that in mind, let's go on a deep dive into how these two repair methods compare so that you can make the choice that best suits your needs.
Working with a team of experts and taking your iPad to a reputable repair store is a surefire way to fix a broken iPad screen.
Tiny cracks and screens that were completely shattered—Simply Fixable's technicians have seen it all, and their expertise can help you with your iPad screen repair. Simply Fixable connects you to its verified network of over 2,000 repair stores across the United States. It offers affordable repairs for all kinds of iPad-related problems.
Simply Fixable has a thorough vetting process that ensures your iPad will be in good hands, and once it's fixed in record time, you'll get a 90-day warranty on the repairs.
Simply Fixable repairs are typically cheaper than those performed by Apple. However, if your iPad is covered by AppleCare+, Apple may charge a drastically reduced fee.
The main obstacle that prevents some people from getting a broken iPad screen replacement is the cost of such repairs. Fortunately, replacing your screen can be affordable if you work with the right provider.
Fixing an iPad screen with Simply Fixable costs anywhere from just $83 to $399, averaging $173. Several factors affect the final price, such as the extent of the damage or the model of your iPad—newer iPads tend to have pricier screens.
Cracked iPad screen repair at Apple tends to cost more. The cheapest screen repairs start at $249 and go up to $499 for the most expensive models, which means an average of $377.
If you need to fix a cracked iPad screen, it doesn't take long at all. As long as you work with experienced technicians, the entire process should take less than 2 hours.
Your warranty options may be pretty limited if you're looking for iPad screen repair due to user error. The limited one-year warranty provided by Apple typically doesn't cover accidental damage, and that includes cracked screens.
If you're paying extra for the AppleCare+ coverage subscription, you're in more luck. This typically extends the warranty and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months. You'll still have to pay a fee, but it should be cheaper than paying the full price of an iPad screen replacement.
Reputable third-party repair services, such as Simply Fixable, are often the best option if you're looking for affordable ways to fix your iPad.
Before you commit to any one solution, shop around and consider the following:
Online reviews of the repair shop
Repair price
Type of parts used for the repairs
Length of the repair
Expertise of the technicians
For repairs that are both cheap and high-quality, Simply Fixable is your best bet. It only works with qualified technicians who have replaced thousands of iPad screens and are ready to do the same for you in your local area.
You should contact Apple through the Apple Support page or app and file a claim, then proceed according to the instructions.
If you have your heart set on trying the DIY route, make sure to go in prepared. Gather all the tools and shop around for the correct screen.
The process of DIY broken iPad screen replacement starts with turning off your tablet and removing the SIM card. Next, use a heat gun or a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive and lift the screen using a suction cup, then detach the adhesive with a pry bar. At that point, you'll remove the screen and disconnect all cables, clean the frame, and start attaching the new screen.
This is just a short summary, so if you want to do this, please check out our step-by-step guide to DIY iPad screen replacement instead.
Alternatively, you could try out Apple's Self-Service Repair Kit instead. It's a one-stop-shop solution to fixing your iPad at home, but it still requires a high level of tech-savvy.
The main cost of fixing your iPad screen by yourself comes down to the price of the screen. The overall cost usually ranges between $40 and a few hundred dollars. New models, such as the 6th generation iPad Pro, may sport an exnpensive Mini-LED or OLED panel that costs significantly more.
If this isn't your first time replacing an iPad screen, you can probably complete the repair in under 2 hours. However, less experienced users may need to spend up to 5 hours to fix the display.
There's a reason why iPad repair services are so popular—doing it yourself isn't easy. You'll need a steady hand, a certain level of confidence with technology, and a lot of time. It also takes some guts to put your expensive tablet at risk.
Different iPad models sport different panels. Let's go over them below.
LCD screens are your standard run-of-the-mill display panels. Found in most older iPads as well as the standard iPad line, they're reliable and fairly inexpensive to replace.
Mini-LED displays are found in the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pros (5th generation and later). They're much brighter and offer greater contrasts, resulting in better HDR performance. The downside? They're expensive.
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. In the context of the iPad, this refers to screens that are Apple-certified and thus are compatible and safe to use.
These are non-OEM parts, meaning third-party screens that are typically cheaper but can be of lower quality than OEM displays.
If you just scratched up your iPad with your keys or something along those lines, a full screen replacement is often not necessary. Repair stores offer glass-only repair to mend those small cracks without throwing away a functioning screen.
These displays have been used previously and are refurbished to make them work again. They're cheaper, but also a gamble—you never know how much longer such a screen will last.
With all these different screen types, iPad screen replacement costs can vary greatly—all based on the device that you're using.
Repairing an iPad Pro can be a more expensive affair, as those tablets typically have magnificent, high-end screens. That's why it's best to work with a third-party repair service.
Simply Fixable is among the cheapest options for a cracked iPad screen repair. The price starts at just $155 for the iPad Pro 10.5-inch and goes up to $349 for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, averaging $227. Meanwhile, repairs at Apple cost between $249 and $499, meaning $394 on average.
Yet another bonus of getting professional repairs is that it doesn't take long. An experienced technician can replace the screen in an iPad Pro in around 2 hours.
The iPad Air is positioned between the basic iPad and the more premium iPad Pro models, and the price of screen replacements reflects that.
It's really cheap to get your iPad Air fixed at Simply Fixable, with screen replacement starting at $145 and going up to just $210; that's $175 on average. Apple repairs tend to cost a lot more for the iPad Air, ranging from $299 to $419, meaning an average of $365.
The time needed to replace an iPad Air screen is affected by several factors, such as the extent of the damage and whether the impact affected the internal components. A cookie-cutter iPad screen replacement takes 1-2 hours.
The iPad mini occupies a unique position in Apple's iPad lineup, making for a very portable and compact little tablet. Good news: this means cheap repairs!
Broken iPad mini screen replacement at Simply Fixable starts at just $83 for the cheapest model. That price can be affected by how new your iPad is; for instance, replacing the screen in an iPad mini 6 costs $399. On average, you'll only have to pay $186 for repairs. Meanwhile, Apple charges between $299 and $349, averaging $324.
Provided nothing else is wrong with your tablet, the replacement should take less than 2 hours.
If you want to know how to replace the iPad screen, we have a comprehensive guide that walks you through the entire process.
Here's a bite-sized version of our step-by-step guide:
Prepare all the tools ahead of time and clean your workspace
Turn off the iPad and remove all accessories
Use a heat gun to loosen the adhesive
Lift the screen with a suction cup, remove the panel, and disconnect all cables carefully
Clean the frame, attach the new digitizer and screen
Test the new screen before sealing the edges with adhesive tape
As long as you take your iPad to a reputable repair shop, such as Simply Fixable, you have nothing to worry about. Experienced technicians who replace hundreds of iPad screens every year know the process in and out.
However, DIY repairs come with some risks. There's potential for further damage to the iPad, such as damaging the delicate connectors or the LCD beneath the glass. Moreover, non-OEM parts can be incompatible or faulty.
If you have AppleCare+, you can file the claim by following these steps:
Verify that your policy covers screen damage
Contact Apple Support via the website, the phone, or the app
Provide required details
Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or at an authorized service provider
Prepare your iPad by backing up your data
Cover the fee and await repairs
iPads aren't cheap, and neither are their screens. This makes for quite a dilemma, but the truth is, it's usually better to repair your iPad rather than buy a new one. When cared for, an iPad can last for years, and iPad screen replacement can give you a couple more years before you have to buy a new one.
However, if your iPad is old and has issues besides the shattered screen, consider buying a new device.
This depends on how severe the damage is. If your screen is badly shattered or cracked, pieces of the glass will start coming off of it. Moreover, dust and debris will slip beneath the screen, potentially damaging the LCD or the motherboard.
Even if you drop your iPad, that doesn't have to mean that you'll be looking into broken iPad screen repair anytime soon. Here's how to prevent the worst outcomes.
A tempered glass screen protector is inexpensive, but it can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs. It adds a thin, protective layer on top of your iPad's screen. It doesn't interfere with the display quality, but it protects the expensive glass in the event of an impact.
A case serves to protect more than just the screen; it also protects the back cameras and ensures that your iPad stays intact during a fall. As a bonus, some cases are pretty stylish.
Avoid using your iPad out in the sun, in the rain, or in extreme cold. This shouldn't make the screen crack, but it can affect battery life, leading to further issues with the device.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about iPad screen replacement.
They're durable, but they're not immortal. They're made with a special glass that is engineered for resistance to everyday use, but high-impact drops, significant pressure, or sharp objects can all break an iPad screen.
Yes, a cracked iPad screen can be repaired at a repair store like Simply Fixable, directly by Apple, or at home using DIY methods.
Absolutely! You can replace just the screen on an iPad as long as its underlying components aren't damaged.
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, it usually will get worse, especially with continued use or pressure.
Yes, you can apply a screen protector to a broken iPad screen. It can help the display remain intact until you can get it replaced.
No, iPad screens don't randomly crack unless they have manufacturing defects. They do, however, crack due to impacts or scratches.
It's not great—it can lead to further damage, such as motherboard damage or broken connectors, not to mention that it can also hurt your fingers with glass splinters.
If you replace the iPad screen by yourself, it will almost always void the warranty. Working with a reputable repair store may help you preserve the warranty, but you should check before you proceed with the repairs.
It's not just okay; it's actually recommended. Apply a tempered glass protector to your iPad screen to protect your tablet in the event of a fall.
AppleCare+ does typically cover a cracked iPad screen. You will still have to pay a service fee if you take your tablet in for repairs, though.
The cost of Apple iPad screen replacement varies by model and the extent of the damage. The cheapest models cost $249 to replace, but the price goes up to $499 for the newest iPad Pros, averaging $377.
iPads, like all electronics, are made to be used. Try not to beat yourself up too much if your iPad falls and the screen is now a spiderweb of little cracks. It happens, and the good news is that it's very repairable.
To protect your iPad, act fast. Assess the damage and consider applying a screen protector to keep it useable until you can get it repaired. For repairs, the cheapest and most reliable option is Simply Fixable. It only works with highly experienced technicians to deliver top-notch repairs all over the United States.
Expertise: Technology, PC Hardware, Software, Gaming
Linkedin: Monica J.White
Monica is a journalist with a lifelong interest in technology. Monica attended King's College London and obtained her bachelor's degree in English Language and Linguistics. She then went on to get a master's at that same university, this time focusing on Global Media Industries. She first started writing over ten years ago and has made a career out of it, with a special focus on PCs and mobile devices. She enjoys the challenge of explaining complex topics to a broader audience, whether it's how semiconductors work or how to troubleshoot a tablet. Her work has previously appeared in Digital Trends, Tom's Hardware, Pay.com, SlashGear, Forbes, Springboard, Looper, Money, WePC, and more.
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