A cracked iPhone screen can mean anything from one hairline crack to a display that is black, flashing or no longer responding to touch. The best next step depends on what is actually damaged.
Before choosing a repair, work through the checks below. They can help you avoid turning a manageable screen problem into a bigger one.
First: check how serious the damage is
Look at the phone without pressing hard on the cracked area.
The glass is cracked but the picture looks normal
If the picture is normal and touch works everywhere, the phone may still be usable for a short time. That does not mean the damage should be ignored. Cracks can spread, sharp edges can appear and another drop can make the damage worse.
There are black spots, coloured lines or flickering
These symptoms suggest the display panel itself has been affected, not only the surface glass. A complete screen assembly replacement is commonly the practical repair route.
Touch is unreliable or completely dead
If swipes and taps are failing after the impact, the touch layer or display assembly may be damaged. Avoid repeatedly pressing harder on the broken screen.
The frame is bent or the screen is lifting
A heavy impact can damage more than the display. A lifted screen can also be caused by a swollen battery rather than the drop itself. If the phone is unusually hot, swollen or separating, stop charging it and arrange an inspection.
Back up the iPhone if it is still usable
If you can use the phone safely, make a recent iCloud or computer backup before repair.
A normal screen replacement is not a data-transfer job, but a cracked screen can be the visible part of a harder impact. Having a backup gives you another copy of important photos, contacts and messages if another fault appears during testing.
What are your cracked iPhone screen repair options?
Option 1: keep using it temporarily
For a very small crack, some people add a screen protector to reduce contact with loose glass until they can arrange repair.
That is a temporary measure, not a screen fix. It will not repair a damaged OLED/LCD panel, restore failed touch or stop every crack from spreading.
Option 2: DIY screen replacement
DIY kits can look cheaper because you are comparing a part price with a fitted repair price.
But the job involves opening the device, disconnecting components, moving or protecting small assemblies and reassembling the phone correctly. A mistake can damage connectors or other components. There is also no shop to return to if your own installation develops a problem.
DIY makes most sense for someone who already has the tools, experience and accepts the risk. If the phone contains important data or is your main device, factor that risk into the saving.
Option 3: Apple repair
Apple offers iPhone repair through Apple and Apple Authorised Service Providers, including in-person options. The final fee can depend on the model, inspection and any applicable AppleCare cover.
This route may suit someone who specifically wants Apple's service channel or has cover that changes the repair cost.
Option 4: mail-in repair
Mail-in services can be useful if there is no repair shop convenient to you. Check the expected turnaround, insured postage arrangements, how the phone is packaged and what happens if the inspection finds additional damage.
Option 5: local professional repair
A local repair can be useful when you need the phone back quickly or want to discuss different screen-quality options.
Fonebook's live catalogue shows supported iPhone models, current prices and estimated repair times before booking. Some models have more than one display option, so you can compare rather than accepting an unexplained "screen price".
Check current iPhone screen repair prices.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked iPhone screen?
The model matters.
As of 23 September 2026, Fonebook lists examples including:
- iPhone 11 screen repair from £52;
- iPhone 13 from £55.50;
- iPhone 14 from £56;
- iPhone 15 from £58;
- iPhone 16 from £72;
- iPhone 17 from £80.
These are starting prices and may change. Some models have multiple LCD or OLED choices, which can also change the price. The live repair page is the current source.
For a more detailed breakdown, read How Much Does iPhone Screen Repair Cost in the UK?.
What if only the outer glass is cracked?
From the customer's point of view, it is tempting to think "only the glass" automatically means a cheap glass-only repair.
Modern phone displays are laminated assemblies. The repair offered by a shop depends on the model, the condition of the underlying panel and the services that shop provides. Ask exactly what part will be replaced and what the quoted price covers.
What if the screen went black after the drop?
A black screen after impact can be a display failure, but do not assume it is always the screen. If the phone still vibrates, rings or makes charging sounds, that information is useful during diagnosis.
If there is no sign of power at all, the impact may have caused another fault. Choose diagnosis if you are not certain.
Should I repair the phone or replace it?
Start with the repair quote, then look at the whole device.
Repair is easier to justify when:
- the phone is otherwise reliable;
- the battery still performs well;
- storage still suits you;
- software support is adequate for your needs;
- the repair is comfortably below the cost of replacing the phone.
Replacement may deserve more consideration when the phone has several expensive faults or no longer suits what you need.
Cracked iPhone screen repair at Fonebook Horden
Fonebook is at Unit 5 Cotsford Lane, Horden, SR8 4JJ. Walk-in enquiries are welcome, and online booking lets you choose the device, repair and an available appointment.
Book an iPhone repair or view current iPhone screen prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to fix a cracked iPhone screen?
First identify the exact model and check whether the repairer has the required screen available. A local repair can avoid shipping time, but the actual completion time depends on diagnosis, part availability and testing.
Can a screen protector fix cracked glass?
No. It may cover the damaged surface temporarily, but it does not repair the glass or display underneath.
Should I back up before screen repair?
Yes, if the phone is usable and it is safe to do so. A current backup is good practice before any hardware repair.
My iPhone has lines after I dropped it. Is that screen damage?
Lines, black areas, unusual colours and failed touch after an impact are common signs of display damage. A technician can confirm whether a screen assembly repair is the right fix.