How Much Does iPhone XR Screen Replacement Cost?

The iPhone XR has been around since 2018, and there are still quite a few of these smartphones in use today. Unlike other models from the iPhone’s 12th generation — like the iPhone XS and XS Max — the XR was positioned as a budget-friendly iPhone model.

One of the ways Apple saved money on the XR was on its screen, even though it technically had a larger display than the other models from its generation. While the XS and XS Max used 5.8-inch displays, the XR boasted 6.1 viewable inches. However, the XR had significantly lower resolution (326 pixels per inch compared to the XS/XS Max’s 458 ppi) and also an inferior LCD screen, while the other models had a higher-quality OLED display.

The iPhone XR was a smash hit upon release, as it was Apple’s best-selling smartphone of 2018, and remained in that position through much of 2019. Only Apple’s release of the iPhone 11 knocked the XR off of its best-seller status.

If you’re still using an iPhone XR today, you’re certainly not alone! That said, phones that have been in use since the late 2010s are likely to have some cosmetic or functional imperfections, and one of the most common is damage to the iPhone screen.

If you have a cracked screen on your iPhone XR, you might also have some questions, such as:

• How much does iPhone XR screen repair cost?
• Should you have Apple fix it, try your luck with independent repair shops, or try the DIY route?
• What’s the cheapest way to perform an iPhone screen repair?
• How do you prevent damage to your phone screen going forward?
• What’s the best way to sell an iPhone XR with screen damage?

Read on to learn the answers to these questions and determine the best iPhone XR repair options for you.

What Are My Repair Options for iPhone Screens?

In general, there are three main options to fix an iPhone XR screen: You can get official first-party repairs from Apple itself, save some cash with a third-party repair center, or try your hand at fixing it yourself.

Whether you have a completely shattered screen or just a couple of small cracks, let’s examine the pros and cons of each choice. Along the way, we hope to help you make the right decision for your circumstances.

Official Apple iPhone Screen Repair

Whether you have a warranty or protection plan — or neither — Apple offers official first-party repairs for iPhone XRs with screen issues. As you might expect, Apple also provides other services for the iPhone XR, such as battery replacement.

Advantages

One thing we always appreciate about Apple’s support team is its transparency. All you need to do to get an exact quote for your repairs is head over to Apple’s official support website and enter your iPhone model and damage type. Then, Apple will tell you how much it will cost to fix your device with or without AppleCare+.

For the iPhone XR screen, Apple quoted us $199 without a protection plan or $29 with AppleCare+. It also offered the option to schedule a visit to the Apple Store or another Apple-Authorized Service Provider, or to send the phone in via mail to have Apple’s in-house experts repair it.

One of the big advantages of using Apple’s official repair service is that you’ll get your phone fixed using genuine Apple components. In other words, your new screen will look and function exactly like the iPhone XR’s original screen. Even though many independent repair shops also use Apple’s proprietary parts, there is still some peace of mind from getting them installed by people who are true iPhone experts.

Disadvantages

So, what are the negatives of using first-party repair services for Apple phones? The biggest one is the price. In many situations, Apple’s official repair service is your most expensive option, as third-party shops can often undercut their prices.

The other potential disadvantage is that this route can take a while, especially if you don’t have an Apple Store near you. In this scenario, you’ll need to mail your phone to Apple, and the repairs can take up to seven business days after they receive it. When you add shipping times into this equation, you can see that the total turnaround time could stretch into a weeks-long wait.

Third-Party iPhone XR Repair

Apple’s official repair services are reliable and trustworthy, but many people choose independent repair shops for iPhone screen repair instead. These companies still offer knowledgeable technicians who know their stuff, and they also have some other advantages that might sway your opinion.

Advantages

First and foremost, the main reason people opt for third-party screen replacement and repair services comes down to one factor: pricing. Simply put, Apple charges a bit of a premium for its in-house repairs, and you can often get similar work done for a lower price using your local repair shop. As a general benchmark, you can expect replacing an iPhone XR screen at a third-party shop to cost somewhere between $75 and $150. If you don’t have AppleCare+, this option can probably save you some cash.

Another element to consider is convenience. There are far more independent cell-phone repair shops across the country than there are Apple Stores — the bottom line here is that far more people live near a third-party repair center than an official brick-and-mortar Apple retailer. Therefore, visiting your local repair shop can be faster and more convenient than shipping the device to Apple itself.

These shops still typically provide reliable and trustworthy services as well. While the techs might not be specifically trained by Apple to replace and repair iPhone screens, they usually know their stuff and can still get the job done to your satisfaction.

Finally, if you also have Android or Windows devices that require fixes, these repair services typically work on other phone models too — not just iPhones. This can make using these stores a true one-stop-shopping experience that saves you the time and hassle of running multiple errands.

Disadvantages

Of course, third-party repair centers aren’t always a bed of roses either. One major potential issue is the quality of replacement parts used to fix your iPhone XR. While many of these shops do use original Apple parts to fix iPhones, some of them instead use aftermarket parts with variable reliability and quality. Always make sure your chosen shop uses real iPhone components, as the usage of third-party parts can void warranties and negatively affect resale values.

Furthermore, one of the advantages we named above can also be viewed as a disadvantage: Because techs at these shops tend to work on a much wider variety of devices than Apple’s in-house iPhone experts, they may not have as deep of a knowledge base for iPhones. After all, these people also work on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, Google Pixel phones, and more, so their iPhone-specific expertise may not measure up to a first-party technician.

DIY Options for a Replacement Screen

If you have a deep base of technical knowledge (and the bravery required to try it), you can always attempt fixing your own iPhone XR screen. To be perfectly honest, this is very rarely a good idea! Let’s break down why.

Advantages

There is really only one true advantage to the DIY route, and that’s the expense. You can complete the whole process at a pretty cheap rate when you do your own labor, and you can save even more money if you buy a pre-owned or third-party replacement screen. If saving money is your absolute top priority, and you have the tech-savvy knowhow to not make any big mistakes, fixing it yourself is an option.

Disadvantages

Where do we even begin when discussing the negatives associated with DIY iPhone screen repair? How about we start right here: There’s a very good chance that you’ll make mistakes and end up regretting the DIY route. While it might sound deceptively simple to replace your own iPhone XR screen, there are actually quite a few steps involved, and each of them requires a delicate touch and tech-savvy knowhow. In addition, there are some specific tools needed to perform these repairs.

And, whether you make any mistakes or not, the simple act of opening up your iPhone screen might void its warranty or prevent you from getting a protection plan. Apple is pretty strict about who it allows to work on its phones, and “some random guy in his basement” unfortunately doesn’t make the cut.

Finally, this route can result in decreased resale values for an iPhone XR. If you try to fix your phone, there will probably be far fewer people willing to buy it when the time comes to upgrade your own device. In short, the DIY option has far more cons than pros, to the point where we essentially never recommend it.

How Can I Prevent Screen Damage in the Future?

Screen repairs can be expensive, and the best way to avoid these costs is to take preventive measures. This way, you can sidestep the need for repairs or replacements in the first place! These tips and tricks can help maximize your phone display’s lifespan.

• Use a tempered glass screen protector to absorb shock and prevent dings and scratches to your phone’s screen when you inevitably drop it.
• Choose a durable case for your phone. Opt for one with raised edges, as these can protect your display from direct impacts. You can find great cases for a wide variety of iPhone models.
• Don’t keep your phone in the same pocket or purse as your keys, nail files, or other sharp objects. Doing so can greatly increase the chances of scratching your screen.
• Consider signing up for AppleCare+ or purchasing an extended warranty. This way, any repairs that you do require will be much more affordable.

What Are My Resale or Recycling Options for an iPhone XR With a Cracked Screen?

Given the age of the iPhone XR, it wouldn’t be too surprising if it has reached the end of its life cycle and you need to upgrade your device. After all, there are plenty of newer models available these days, and if you need your screen replaced, your phone likely has some other issues as well.

If you decide it’s time to sell your old iPhone XR and upgrade to a new smartphone, weigh the pros and cons of the following resale options before pulling the trigger.

ecoATM

Here at ecoATM, we pride ourselves on offering top dollar for used electronics, including the iPhone XR. You can get a quote for your old phone by entering some details about it on our website, or you can simply bring it to your nearest ecoATM kiosk and connect it for an evaluation.

With 6,000+ kiosks located in convenient retail centers from coast to coast — not to mention the handy kiosk locator tool on our website — it’s easy to find your nearest ecoATM location. The kiosk will assess some vital functions of your phone and then make an offer for it. We’ll offer instant cash for some used iPhones, while others will be eligible for our no-fee recycling program.

Either way, you’re doing your part for the environment and participating in a highly convenient process. With ecoATM, you can get a great rate for your old phone and help keep devices out of landfills. What’s not to like about that?

Apple Trade-In

Apple’s official trade-in program is another popular option. Like ecoATM, Apple responsibly recycles used devices for free. Another similarity is that you’ll never have to haggle with potential buyers or maintain online listings — you simply drop off your used phone at the Apple Store and that’s that.

However, Apple Trade-In only provides store credit for your used iPhone XR, whereas ecoATM offers cash (or your choice of PayPal or Venmo). In addition, we still offer cash payments for some smartphones with cosmetic or functional imperfections, whereas Apple only offers recycling services for broken phones.

Other Options (eBay, Pawn Shops, etc.)

Finally, you can always sell your used iPhone in an online marketplace like eBay, Craiglist, or Facebook Marketplace. However, these options all require you to create and maintain online listings, negotiate with buyers, navigate complicated shipping requirements, and wait for payment. It can be a big hassle, and it’s often not worth the slightly higher payout you might be able to get.

As for pawn shops, if you really want to travel to your nearest shop in person, haggle with employees for what’s likely to be a very low payout, and navigate sometimes-sketchy sales processes, be our guest! For most of you, you’ll want to choose a different option.