I think you'd better sit down for this
The chances you’ll break the screen of your Apple Watch are extremely low, even if you wear it on your wrist every day. But accidents do happen. You may damage its organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, or maybe you already did, and you’re searching for how much it will cost you to repair a broken Apple Watch screen.
Well, the short answer is a lot! However, the price depends on the type of Apple Watch you have. There are a lot of different models out there, but no matter which one you have, you should know that Apple Watches currently don’t fall under Apple’s self-service repair program.
Table of Contents
There are several methods to replace your screen, but they all require an authorized service. You can opt to visit the nearest Apple Store or mail it to the authorized repair center. The repair price should be the same no matter which method you choose. The price will also be based on whether you have Apple’s one-year limited warranty or if the AppleCare+ insurance covers it. But the insurance doesn’t guarantee a free screen replacement, it will only lower your repair fees.
Apple Watch Screen Replacement with a Warranty
Apple gives a one-year warranty to all its watches, under which you can have it repaired for free. But the Apple limited warranty is put in place only to cover the defects of the products. Cracked screens are not considered a defect because they are typically a result of accidental damage. If you can prove that your cracked screen was a result of a defect, contact Apple to see if you can get it fixed for free. Be prepared to make your case because proving the defect is not an easy task.
Apple Watch Screen Replacement with AppleCare
If you have the AppleCare+ plan, you can expect to pay $69 for replacing the screen on most Apple Watch models. If you have an Apple Watch Hermes or Apple Watch Edition model, you’ll pay $79. If you don’t have this insurance, you may pay between $159 to $800 for Apple Watch screen repair or replacement.
Note that the AppleCare+ plan is valid for 24 months from the date you purchased your watch, except for the Hermes and Edition models. They are covered for 36 months. The Insurance plan allows for two incidents of accidental damage.
What if I Don’t Have AppleCare or a Warranty?
Without Apple’s limited warranty or AppleCare+, you can expect to pay between $159 and $499 on average for an Apple Watch screen replacement. The Apple Watch Ceramic model broken screen replacement cost is a whopping $800. Here’s a table with estimated out-of-warranty screen replacement prices depending on the Apple Watch model and series:
| Model | Approximate cost |
| Apple Watch Series 7,8 and Watch Ultra | Between $299 and $499 |
| Apple Watch Series 4,5,4 and Apple Watch SE | Between $219 and $800 |
| Apple Watch Series 1,2, and 3 | Between $159 and $800 |
Use the Get an Estimate Tool
If you want to check the prices on your own, you can go to Apple support page and use the Get an Estimate tool. Be warned that this tool will give you only a potential cost for Apple Watch screen repair if you get the service directly from Apple. Other authorized service providers may have different repair fees so you should always ask them for an estimation. If you are covered by AppleCare+, your service fee will always be the same, no matter if you go directly to an Apple Store or to a service provider.
The Get an Estimate Tool can’t give you a guaranteed price because once you send your Apple Watch for broken screen replacement, it’ll be thoroughly inspected. If any other damage is found, they’ll charge you additional fees for the repair.
Why Is it Expensive to Replace an Apple Watch Screen?
Replacing the screen on Apple Watch costs a lot, more than half the price of the device itself. You might think it’s just a screen, but it shouldn’t cost that much. But in reality, when you send your Apple Watch for a screen replacement, Apple sends you a new watch. They don’t really replace the screen, they replace the whole watch.
You don’t pay the full price for the new watch you received because Apple uses your old watch for spare parts. They deconstruct it and use its components to refurbish and resell the old watches. This is why it’s important to have your watch repaired by Apple or Apple-authorized service providers. If you go to a third-party repair shop, your watch will no longer be eligible for Apple services, even the chargeable repairs.
Will My Apple Watch Still be Waterproof After Apple Watch Screen Repair?
With Apple’s official support, you can rest assured your watch will be waterproof. Most likely, Apple will send you a new watch to replace your old one. On the other hand, repair shops might only replace the screen. That means there’s no guarantee your repaired watch will remain water-resistant.
Note that your watch was never really waterproof, to begin with, it’s just water-resistant. A few sprinkles won’t damage it but refrain from submerging it in water completely.
Is it Worth Replacing a Cracked Apple Watch Screen?
It really depends on the watch model you have and Apple’s repair deal. In many cases, the repair costs you as much or nearly as much as a brand-new watch. So if the cost difference is negligible, you might as well just get a new watch, unless you can replace the screen cheaply at a third-party repair vendor.
Repairing an Apple Watch screen can be a pricey endeavor. So if you want to keep your Apple Watch in top-notch condition, it’s important to get a protective case and avoid as many mishaps as possible.
