Skip to content Apple products are known for their build quality, and the Apple Watch is no exception.
However, being a wearable, it is exposed to different environments. And the way the smartwatch was designed, the glass covering the display protrudes from the main body, so it could easily break during daily use.
If you’ve cracked your Apple Watch screen and are wondering what your options are to fix it, here’s what you need to know.
Have Apple repair the Apple Watch screen
The first thing you should know is that Apple doesn’t fix a broken Apple Watch display. He will send you a new or refurbished unit and reuse the previous model parts on future refurbished watches.
Second, Apple Watch repairs (or replacements) aren’t done in stores. Units are sent to an authorized repair center for any repair work.
Even if you send your watch to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store, they will ship it to an Authorized Repair Center. This is the case even though Apple knows it will replace the Apple Watch.
Because of this, Apple Watch repairs can take longer than other Apple devices, such as iPhones and MacBooks.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3, you may be eligible for a free screen repair. Apple has a screen replacement program for select Apple Watch Series 2 and 3 units manufactured between September 2016 and 2019.
On the Apple Watch Screen Replacement Program page , the company reports that the crack may start on one side and continue around the display.
How much does it cost to replace a broken Apple Watch display?
Since Apple’s standard warranty terms don’t cover display repairs, getting a crack repaired by an authorized service center can be expensive.
In Italy, the prices for an out of warranty repair on the Apple Watch range from around 320 euros to a maximum of almost 900 euros for ceramic or titanium Apple Watch models.
For the Apple Watch SE, the repair costs are a bit cheaper and range from around 240 to 280 euros. You can find the full price breakdown on the Apple Watch service pricing page .
In many out-of-warranty repair cases, buying a new Apple Watch and giving up the old drive 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 for a little more.
If you have AppleCare +, you’re in luck because it covers accidental screen damage.
You will only have to pay a service fee of 65 euros to replace the screen, which is much more reasonable. Again, this screen replacement is likely to involve replacing the entire Apple Watch.
Can you send an email for Apple Watch screen repair?
No. Apple does not offer an Apple Watch repair mail service. You will need to take your watch to the nearest Apple Store or Authorized Service Center.
After an in-store check, Apple will ship the watch to an Apple Watch repair center. Be sure to back up your Apple Watch before sending it in for repair, no matter who is sending it.
How to book an appointment for an Apple Watch screen repair
You can book an appointment at the nearest Apple Store for Apple Watch screen repair. That way, you won’t have to wait your turn in the store.
- Go to Get Apple Support from the Apple website;
- Select Apple Watch, then choose Repairs and Physical Damage from the list of issues;
- From the list of topics, select Cracked or broken screen;
- Click Continue to see support options;
- You can then call Apple Support or book an appointment at the nearest Apple Store;
- You will need to enter your Apple Watch serial number or log into your Apple ID and select the device to complete the process.
Repair your Apple Watch screen using a third-party repair provider
Apart from Apple, you can also get your broken Apple Watch screen fixed by a third party service provider. Unlike Apple, these labs will replace your Apple Watch’s broken display and not replace the entire unit.
However, there are few stores that replace the broken Apple Watch display. This is because the process is much more complicated than usual, which is why Apple chooses not to actually repair damaged Apple Watches.
If you find a third-party store near you that can replace your Apple Watch display, there is no guarantee that its water resistance won’t be compromised later on.
The best option would be to check the repair shop reviews on Google and decide based on that. Ultimately, you are unlikely to be able to repair an Apple Watch that meets Apple’s quality standards from a third-party vendor.
Repair of the Apple Watch by anyone other than Apple or an authorized service provider will void the warranty on the watch.
How to fix your Apple Watch broken display yourself
If you’re willing to take things into your own hands and don’t mind getting them a little dirty, you can consider replacing the broken Apple Watch screen yourself. The process is definitely not for the faint of heart and takes a long time.
If you have all the tools at your disposal, this will be the cheapest way to get your smartwatch back up and running.
The biggest obstacle to self-repairing your Apple Watch’s broken screen will be getting 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’ll also need access to all relevant tools, including a heat gun, which can be quite expensive.
As for the repair instructions, in iFixit repair guides there are manuals for all Apple Watch models, so you can follow them to replace your Apple Watch broken display.
Repairing your broken Apple Watch display is an expensive business
Repairing a broken Apple Watch display is very expensive. If you intend to expose the smartwatch to rough terrain, you should consider purchasing AppleCare +. This will help protect you from accidental damage for three years.
If your Apple Watch display is already broken and you don’t have AppleCare +, check out some third-party repair options before heading to the nearest Apple Store.