Does a warranty cover a cracked screen?
Usually not covered
A cracked screen from a drop is accidental damage, not a manufacturing defect, so the standard phone warranty doesn't cover it — AppleCare+ and similar plans do, for a fee.
- Covered when You have AppleCare+ or a similar paid accidental-damage protection plan that covers screen damage for a service fee.
- Not when You're relying on the standard manufacturer warranty with no accidental-damage plan.
What flips the answer
- Covered when
You have AppleCare+ or a similar paid accidental-damage protection plan that covers screen damage for a service fee.
- Not covered when
You're relying on the standard manufacturer warranty with no accidental-damage plan.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Usually not covered
- Applies to
- cracked screen · Warranties
- Covered when
- You have AppleCare+ or a similar paid accidental-damage protection plan that covers screen damage for a service fee.
- Not covered when
- You're relying on the standard manufacturer warranty with no accidental-damage plan.
- Verified
- 2026-07-02 · 2 primary sources
Manufacturer warranties cover defects that exist from the factory — a screen that develops dead pixels or delamination on its own, for example. A screen that cracks because the phone was dropped is damage caused after purchase, which standard warranties exclude.
A technician can usually tell the difference: a defect shows up with no physical impact, while a crack pattern radiating from a point of impact is diagnostic of a drop, and gets denied under warranty.
Screen damage is one of the most common reasons people buy AppleCare+ or a carrier insurance plan — those plans treat a cracked screen as a covered accidental-damage event, typically at a lower service fee than other repairs, rather than something a free warranty repair would fix.
What people typically pay
With AppleCare+, a cracked iPhone screen is a flat $29 service fee — the lowest repair tier — while other accidental damage like liquid damage runs higher (e.g., $99 for iPhone). Fees differ by device type, and carrier insurance may apply its own separate screen-repair deductible. Check the specifics for your plan and model.
Relying on the standard warranty means the repair isn't covered at all, so you pay the full out-of-warranty screen price, which can run high for premium phones. Independent repair shops may be cheaper but could affect other coverage.
Fees vary by device model, plan, and repair location, so confirm the exact screen-repair charge for your specific phone before booking.
Common questions
How can a technician tell a cracked screen from a warranty-covered defect?
They look at the damage pattern: a crack radiating outward from a single point signals a drop or impact, while a defect like dead pixels, lines, or delamination appears with no physical mark. Impact cracks are generally denied under the standard warranty. If your screen failed without ever being dropped, document that and push for a defect diagnosis.
How much does a screen repair cost through AppleCare+ instead of the warranty?
AppleCare+ treats a cracked screen as accidental damage and charges a flat service fee rather than the full repair price. For iPhone, Apple lists a $29 service fee for damaged screens or back glass, which is the lowest repair tier; other accidental damage like liquid damage carries a higher flat fee ($99). Fees vary by device type — check Apple's Service Fees and Deductibles for your model. Without any plan, you pay full out-of-warranty repair pricing, which is much higher.
Can I buy AppleCare+ or a protection plan after my screen is already cracked?
Generally no. These plans require the device to be in good working condition when you enroll, and enrollment often has to happen at purchase or within a limited window afterward. Apple notes that devices added to AppleCare One must be in good working condition. A screen that's already broken would not be covered retroactively — confirm the exact enrollment rules for your plan.
Does carrier phone insurance cover a cracked screen the same way AppleCare+ does?
Carrier insurance and third-party protection plans commonly cover cracked screens as accidental damage, sometimes with a separate screen-repair deductible, but the exact terms vary widely by carrier and plan. Always confirm the screen-specific fee and whether an authorized repair shop is required, since these can differ from the general damage deductible.
What happens if I try to claim a cracked screen under the standard warranty anyway?
The claim will very likely be denied once impact damage is identified, and you'll then be quoted the full out-of-warranty repair price. There's no penalty for asking, but you generally can't convert a denied warranty claim into accidental-damage coverage after the fact. Your realistic paths are an existing protection plan, an out-of-pocket repair, or an independent repair shop.
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