How to Get a Cracked Apple Watch Screen Fixed

If disaster struck and your Apple Watch screen cracked, there are a few ways to get it fixed. Unfortunately, none of them come cheap.

Apple products are known for their build quality, and the Apple Watch is no exception to this. However, since it is a wearable, it is exposed to different environments. And the way the smartwatch has been designed, the display cover glass protrudes from the main body, so it can easily crack through daily use.

If you have cracked your Apple Watch’s screen and are wondering about your options for getting it fixed, here’s what you need to know.

Getting Your Apple Watch Screen Repaired by Apple

The first thing you should know is that Apple doesn’t repair a cracked Apple Watch’s display. Instead, it will send you a new or refurbished unit and reuse parts from the older model on future refurbished watches.

Secondly, Apple Watch repairs (or replacements) are not carried out in stores. Units are sent to an authorized repair center for any repair work. Even if you submit your smartwatch to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store, they will mail it to an authorized repair center. This is the case even if Apple knows it is going to replace the Apple Watch unit.

Due to this, Apple Watch repairs can take longer than other Apple devices, like iPhones and MacBooks.

If you own the Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3, you may be eligible for a free screen repair. Apple has a screen replacement program for selected Apple Watch Series 2 and 3 units manufactured between September 2016 to 2019. On the Apple Watch Screen Replacement Program page, the company notes that the crack should begin on one side and continue around the display for this program.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Broken Apple Watch Display?

Since Apple’s standard warranty terms does not cover display repairs, getting a crack fixed from an authorized service center can be an expensive affair.

In the US, pricing for an out-of-warranty repair on the Apple Watch ranges from $299 to as much as $800 for the Ceramic or Titanium Apple Watch models. For the Apple Watch SE, the repair costs are a bit cheaper and range from $219 to $249. You can find the complete pricing breakdowns on the Apple Watch service pricing page.

In many out-of-warranty repair cases, buying a new Apple Watch and giving up your old unit for recycling would make more sense. This is especially true if your Apple Watch is particularly old, as you can upgrade to a newer model by just paying a little bit more.

If you have AppleCare+, you are in luck as this does cover accidental damage to the screen. You will only have to pay a service fee of $69 (plus taxes) to get the screen replaced, which is far more reasonable. Again, this screen replacement is likely to result in an entire Apple Watch unit replacement.

Apple also offers an Express Replacement Service for AppleCare+ customers. With this, the company will send you a replacement Apple Watch before you ship even your broken one.

Can You Mail In Your Apple Watch for Screen Repairs?

No. Apple doesn’t offer a mail-in service for Apple Watch repairs. You will have to take the watch to your nearest Apple Store or authorized service center. After an in-store check, Apple will ship the watch to an Apple Watch repair center. Make sure to back up your Apple Watch before submitting it for repair no matter who sends it.

How to Book an Appointment for an Apple Watch Screen Repair

You can book an appointment at your nearest Apple Store for your Apple Watch screen repair. This way, you won’t have to wait in the store for your turn.

1. Head over to Apple’s Get Support website.
2. Select Apple Watch, then choose Repairs & Physical Damage from the list of issues.
3. From the list of topics, select Cracked or broken display.
4. Click on Continue to see your support options.
5. You can then call Apple Support or book an appointment at your nearest Apple Store.
6. You’ll have to enter your Apple Watch’s serial number or log in to your Apple ID and select the device to complete the process.

You can also take your Apple Watch to the nearest Best Buy store for official repairs. Head over to the Best Buy Apple Watch Service and Repair page to book an appointment.

Fix Your Apple Watch Screen Using a Third-Party Repair Provider

Aside from Apple, you can also get your cracked Apple Watch’s screen repaired by a third-party service provider. Unlike Apple, these repair shops and services will replace your Apple Watch’s broken display and not replace the entire unit. Their charges will also be far more reasonable than what Apple commands for an out-of-warranty repair.

There are limited third-party repair stores that will replace your cracked Apple Watch’s display. This is because the process is a lot more complicated than usual. This is part of the reason Apple chooses not to actually repair damaged Apple Watches.

If you find a third-party store near you that can replace your Apple Watch’s display, there’s no guarantee that its water-resistant rating won’t be compromised afterwards. Additionally, the store might not do a good replacement job, which could eventually end up causing other reliability issues.

Your best option would be to check the repair store’s reviews on Google and decide based on that. Ultimately, you’re unlikely to get an Apple Watch repair that will meet Apple’s quality standards from a third-party provider.

How to Self-Repair Your Apple Watch’s Cracked Display

If you are willing to take things into your own hands and don’t mind getting them a bit dirty, you can consider replacing your cracked Apple Watch’s screen yourself. The process is definitely not for the faint of heart and requires a lot of time. If you have all the tools at your disposal, this will be the cheapest way to get your smartwatch up and running again.

Apple’s offers a Self Service Repair Program that makes it possible for you to repair an iPhone by yourself. However, this program is currently limited to iPhone models and doesn’t offer any Apple Watch parts or instructions. The biggest hurdle in self-repairing your Apple Watch’s cracked screen will be to get your hands on the replacement display.

You can check iFixit’s online store for replacement screens and related cables, but they are mostly available for older models. You will also need access to all the relevant tools, including a heat gun, which can be pretty expensive. As for repair instructions, iFixit’s repair guide center has the manuals for all Apple Watch models, so you can follow them to replace your Apple Watch’s cracked display.

Fixing Your Cracked Apple Watch’s Display Is an Expensive Affair

Getting an Apple Watch’s cracked display fixed is very expensive. If you intend to expose the smartwatch to rugged terrains, you should consider buying AppleCare+. This will help protect you against accidental damage for three years.

If your Apple Watch’s display is already broken, and you don’t have AppleCare+, check out some third-party repair options first before heading over to your nearest Apple Store.