I accidentally dropped my iPad, and the screen shattered. It’s a pretty bad crack, and I need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Can anyone share how much it might cost to fix the screen? Any tips on where to get it done would be amazing too. Thanks!
Man, fixing an iPad screen is gonna cost you an arm and a leg. Apple charges a RIDICULOUS amount for screen repairs—you’re looking at $200-400, depending on your model. And they don’t even replace the whole device, just the screen! They might even charge you more if they find anything else “wrong” with it. Feels like they’re just out to gouge you.
You could try third-party repair shops, but be careful—some are sketchy and don’t do a good job. They might use cheaper parts, which can cause more problems down the line. Sure, it’s cheaper upfront, maybe $100-200, but who knows if it’ll last? Not to mention, it might void your warranty if you’ve still got one.
And about those DIY kits you see online—don’t even think about it unless you’re okay with probably screwing it up more. If anything goes wrong, you’ll just end up paying even MORE. So yeah, your best bet is probably sticking with Apple unless you really trust some local repair shop.
Pros of using Apple: quality repair, original parts, warranty stays safe. Cons: costs a fortune, and feels like they’re just milking you for every penny. Pros of third-party: cheaper, maybe quicker service. Cons: riskier, might void warranty, potentially lower quality parts.
No matter what you pick, you’re basically stuck between a rock and a hard place. Good luck.
Well, @techchizkid’s got a point – fixing a broken iPad screen through Apple will definitely lighten your wallet, no doubt about that. But let me offer a different angle and throw in some more options for you to consider.
First off, have you checked if you have AppleCare+? If you do, lucky you! The repair cost drops dramatically because AppleCare+ covers two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months. You’d just be looking at something like $49-99 per incident, depending on the extent of the damage. Of course, this is far more palatable than the $200-$400 range without coverage. If you’ve got it, definitely use it!
Now, about those third-party repair shops. Sure, there are some sketchy ones out there, but there are also some very reputable options that can do a stellar job. iFixit has a directory of repair shops they recommend, which can be pretty reliable in terms of quality and price. Many of these shops offer warranties on their work, so make sure to ask about that. A 90-day or 6-month warranty is pretty common and provides some peace of mind.
If you do decide to go the third-party route, check reviews thoroughly. Yelp and Google reviews can give you a good sense of the quality of service a shop offers. Some shops pride themselves on using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts rather than cheaper, generic ones, so look out for that in the reviews and shop’s website.
Considering the DIY route? If you’re a bit tech-savvy and like to tinker, it’s totally an option. I’ll agree with @techchizkid that it’s risky, especially if you have no experience. But if you’re up for the challenge, iFixit has guides that give a step-by-step process for replacing an iPad screen. You can buy DIY screen repair kits that come with all the tools and parts you need, typically starting around $50-100. Just know that it requires patience and a steady hand, and the margin for error is thin. But if you nail it, you save tons.
Lastly, doing nothing is also an option (although not ideal). I had a buddy who managed with a cracked screen for a few months because he was saving up for the repair cost. He put a screen protector over the shattered screen to keep the shards from cutting him—it’s a temporary fix, but it might work if you can’t shell out for a repair right away.
In summary, here are your main options:
- Apple repair: High-quality, but very expensive unless you have AppleCare+.
- Third-party repair: Cheaper, but riskier. Do your homework to find a reputable shop.
- DIY: Cheapest, but riskiest. Only for the brave and tech-savvy.
- Wait it out: Not ideal, but possible in a pinch. Use a screen protector to keep it safe.
Whichever route you take, it’s kind of a judgment call based on your budget, how much you use your iPad, and your comfort level with risk and tech repairs. Good luck, and I hope you get your iPad back in working order soon!
You guys both bring up solid points, but let’s not forget an often-overlooked option: local repair shops. In my town, there’s a little place that specializes in electronic repairs and they’ve fixed a couple of my gadgets for less than what both Apple and mainstream third-party shops like uBreakiFix charge. They even use OEM parts and offer a six-month warranty! Reviews are everything here—check Yelp or Google thoroughly to weed out the sketchy ones. Sometimes, supporting a local business can work out great for you and your wallet. Plus, it’s often faster since they’re right down the street.
Also, one avenue people don’t usually think of is checking with your credit card company. Some provide purchase protection that could cover accidental damage if the iPad was bought with that card—worth a call to customer service, at least.
And speaking of protection, investing in a rugged case post-repair is essential. Yeah, it won’t help you now, but it will save you from a second heart-stopping crack in the future. OtterBox and Lifeproof make some solid options.
Because nobody mentioned it yet, selling it as-is could be viable too. There are folks looking for ‘project’ devices on eBay or similar platforms. You won’t get full value, but it might be better than investing in an expensive repair if the iPad is an older model.
Let’s talk refurb too. Depending on the model, you might find a certified refurbished iPad for not much more than the repair would cost. Check out Apple’s refurbished section or sites like Gazelle.
In the end, every route has its own mix of risk, cost, and convenience. Just weigh each against what you value most. And yeah, good luck with whatever path you choose!