Apple will replace your broken iPhone, but only under specific conditions

Apple replaces broken iPhones through two paths: warranty coverage (which is free if your phone qualifies) and out-of-warranty replacement (which costs money). The path you take depends on what broke, when it broke, and whether you have AppleCare+. Apple's standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures that aren't your fault — a failed battery, a broken screen from a manufacturing flaw, a speaker that stopped working. It does not cover accidental damage, water damage, or anything that looks like you dropped it. If you caused the damage, you'll pay the out-of-warranty price, which ranges from $199 to $649 depending on your iPhone model.

The fastest way to find out what you'll pay is to visit apple.com/support, select your device, describe what's wrong, and let Apple's system show you the repair or replacement cost. You can also walk into an Apple Store and ask a Genius Bar representative to inspect the phone in person — they can often tell you the cost and availability the same day. If you have AppleCare+, accidental damage is covered for a $99 deductible per incident, which is usually cheaper than the full out-of-warranty price.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces iPhones with manufacturing defects free under the one-year limited warranty, but charges $199 to $649 for accidental damage or water damage.
  • AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for a $99 deductible per incident, which is often less than the full replacement cost.
  • You can check your repair cost and warranty status on apple.com/support or by visiting an Apple Store in person.
  • Replacement usually takes three to five business days if parts are in stock, or longer if Apple has to order your specific model.
  • Apple replaces the entire phone rather than repairing individual parts in most cases, so you get a device that functions like new.

What the one-year limited warranty actually covers

Apple's standard warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship — meaning parts that failed because they were made wrong, not because of how you used the phone. A battery that holds a charge for only a few hours after a few months, a speaker that produces no sound, a home button that stopped responding, or a screen that developed dead pixels all fall under this category. The warranty also covers hardware failures caused by normal use, like a charging port that stopped working or a camera that won't focus.

The warranty does not cover physical damage from drops, cracks from impact, water damage, or anything that shows signs of being dropped or bent. It also does not cover software problems, lost data, or damage from third-party repairs. If you drop your phone and crack the screen, or if water gets inside and corrodes the logic board, the warranty won't pay for replacement. Apple's warranty is one year from the date you bought the phone, and it covers hardware only — not accidental damage or wear and tear.

How AppleCare+ changes what you pay

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan, and it costs $99 to $199 depending on your iPhone model (you can add it within 60 days of buying your phone, or sometimes after if you have the phone inspected first). With AppleCare+, you get two years of coverage instead of one, and you can claim accidental damage — drops, cracks, water damage — for a $99 deductible per incident. You can make up to two claims per year, so if you break your screen twice in one year, you'll pay $99 each time.

Without AppleCare+, a cracked screen on a newer iPhone costs $279 to $329 to replace. With AppleCare+, you pay $99. If the phone is damaged beyond screen repair — say, the frame is bent and the logic board is damaged — Apple will replace the entire phone. Out-of-warranty replacement costs $399 to $649 depending on the model. With AppleCare+, you still pay $99. AppleCare+ also includes technical support and covers hardware failures that aren't your fault, just like the standard warranty does.

Where to get your phone replaced and how long it takes

You have three options: an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or mail-in repair through Apple's website. An Apple Store is fastest if one is near you — you can often get a replacement the same day if the model is in stock, or within three to five business days if Apple has to order it. Walk in without an appointment and ask at the Genius Bar, or book a time slot on apple.com/support to avoid waiting.

An Apple Authorized Service Provider is a third-party repair shop that Apple certifies to do replacements. These shops are often in malls or shopping centers and may have different hours than Apple Stores. Replacement time is usually the same — same day or three to five days depending on stock. Mail-in repair is the slowest option but works if you don't have a store or service provider nearby. You start the process on apple.com/support, ship your phone to Apple, and they send it back within five to seven business days. During mail-in repair, you won't have your phone, so this option is best only if you have a backup device.

What happens if your phone is too damaged to repair

If your iPhone is so damaged that Apple can't repair it — the frame is shattered, the logic board is visibly corroded, or the damage is so severe that parts can't be salvaged — Apple will replace the entire phone rather than try to fix individual components. You'll still pay the same cost: free if it's under warranty and the damage is a manufacturing defect, or the out-of-warranty price if you caused the damage. AppleCare+ still covers it for $99.

Apple does not repair phones in front of you while you wait. They take your phone, run diagnostics, and either repair it or replace it in the back. If they replace it, the new phone will be a refurbished device that has been tested and certified to work like new — not a used phone pulled from someone else's trade-in. It comes with a 90-day warranty on top of whatever coverage you already have.

How to check if your phone is still under warranty

Go to apple.com/support, click "Check Coverage," and enter your phone's serial number or IMEI. You can find the serial number in Settings > General > About, or on the back of the phone. The website will show you the exact date your warranty expires and whether you have AppleCare+ active. If you're not sure whether your phone qualifies for free replacement, this is the fastest way to find out before you go to a store.

You can also text your carrier (if you bought the phone through them) or check your original receipt — the warranty date is always one year from the purchase date. If you bought the phone used or refurbished, the warranty may be shorter or may have already expired. Apple's coverage checker will tell you the exact status in seconds.

What to do if Apple says the damage is your fault

If Apple inspects your phone and determines the damage is accidental — a cracked screen, water damage, a bent frame — they will offer you out-of-warranty replacement at the full cost. You can accept the replacement and pay, or you can decline and take the phone elsewhere. If you have AppleCare+, you can claim the damage and pay only the $99 deductible. If you don't have AppleCare+ and the cost is too high, you can explore third-party repair shops, which are often cheaper for screen cracks and water damage.

If you believe the damage is a manufacturing defect and not your fault, you can explain that to the Genius Bar representative or service provider. They may inspect the phone more closely or escalate the case to Apple's engineering team. Bring any evidence you have — photos of the phone before it broke, a description of what happened, or documentation that the phone failed without being dropped. Apple's decision is final, but it's worth making your case if you genuinely believe the damage wasn't caused by you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace an iPhone screen without AppleCare+?

Screen replacement costs between $279 and $329 for newer iPhones, depending on the model. Older models may cost less. You can check the exact price for your phone on apple.com/support by selecting your device and describing the damage.

Can I get a replacement if my phone has water damage?

Water damage is not covered by the standard warranty, so you'll pay the out-of-warranty replacement cost ($399 to $649). If you have AppleCare+, you can claim it as accidental damage and pay $99. Some water damage can be repaired rather than replaced, which may cost less — Apple will tell you the options when you bring it in.

What if I bought my iPhone from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T instead of Apple?

You can still take it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for replacement. The warranty and AppleCare+ coverage are the same regardless of where you bought it. Some carriers also offer their own device protection plans, which may have different terms — check your carrier's website to see what you have.

Will Apple replace my phone if the screen is cracked but it still works?

A cracked screen is considered accidental damage, so it's not covered by the standard warranty. You'll pay $279 to $329 for screen replacement, or $399 to $649 if the damage is severe enough that Apple replaces the whole phone. With AppleCare+, you pay $99 for either repair or replacement.

How long does mail-in repair take?

Mail-in repair usually takes five to seven business days from the time Apple receives your phone. You'll need to ship it to them first, which adds one to three days depending on your location. If you need your phone sooner, visit an Apple Store or service provider in person instead.