What to Do With a Cracked iPad Screen

The iPad can still function with a crack in the screen. It can even work if the display is shattered, although it may be tough to actually read the text on the screen. Unfortunately, however, getting that screen replaced isn't cheap.

How Much Does a Replacement iPad Screen Cost?

Apple has a set fee based on the model of the iPad, and while getting the screen replaced on an iPhone isn't too bad, this is one area where that big display is a drawback. 

Without AppleCare+ coverage (more on that later), you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for your iPad repair. The larger the screen, the more it will cost, with iPad Pro models getting closer to $800.

You may find a better deal at a third-party repair company, but if you get your screen replaced by Apple, the repair will have a 1-year guarantee even if your iPad is out of warranty. This means any trouble with the sensors in the screen several months down the line won't incur any additional repair costs. The same can't be said of most third-party repair companies. 

But you might not even want to get the screen repaired. Let's go over the different options.

If You Have AppleCare+

Did you decide to go with Apple's extended warranty for your iPad? If so, you are in luck. One of the best features of AppleCare+ is that it covers accidental damage -- including a cracked screen—for a reasonable service charge of $49. And the screen replacement itself is covered on a one-year warranty, so if you get it replaced but Touch ID no longer works, they'll do a second replacement free of charge. 

And when you consider that screen replacement can cost hundreds (plural!) of dollars, the $49 service charge you will pay is quite cheap in comparison. You can schedule an appointment with Apple's Genius Bar at your nearest Apple store, or you can mail your iPad to Apple to get it fixed.

If It Is a Very Small Crack

While Apple's 1-year warranty doesn't cover accidental damage, some hairline cracks may be a flaw in the display. So if your iPad is still within warranty, it's a good idea to take it to the nearest Apple store to see if it is covered. Remember, this has to be a very small crack, so if your screen is shattered, you won't have much luck.

Another option for small cracks is not to do anything at all. If it isn't covered by Apple, it may be better to continue using the device rather than pay an expensive screen repair. If you choose this option, you might invest in a hardier case that includes a plastic or tempered glass screen protector. 

It is important to remember that a small crack can grow and eventually turn into a shattered screen. However, the screen replacement is a set fee. It will cost the same to replace a screen with a small crack as it will to replace one that is shattered, so if you think you can live with the crack, it won't cost anything additional to repair the screen if the crack grows. 

If It Is More Than a Small Crack

You still have options even if the crack is quite sizable or if the screen is completely shattered. In fact, some people still use their iPad even with a shattered screen. You'll definitely want to wrap your tablet in a case that includes a screen protector as much to protect your fingers from cuts as anything else, but so long as you can see what's on the screen, you can get by with a broken screen. 

This is an option mainly because screen repair can be expensive. An iPad Air 2 will cost $299 for a screen replacement and $399 for a brand new one. And you should be able to buy a used iPad Mini or iPad 2 -- two of the most popular iPad models ever sold—for cheaper than it would cost to replace the screen.

Is It Time to Downgrade?

This really works well if you have a 9.7-inch or 12.9-inch iPad and wouldn't mind stepping down to the smaller 7.9-inch iPad Mini models. The bigger the screen, the more expensive the repair. After all, it costs more to repair an iPad Air 2 than a brand new iPad Mini 2.  

Should You Sell Your iPad?

Just because the screen is shattered doesn't mean it is worthless. In fact, if you check the sold listings on eBay for iPads with a cracked screen, you may find it's better to sell the broken iPad and then use the cash gained combined with what a screen repair would have cost to buy a replacement.  You might even be able to use the cash for the broken iPad to buy a more powerful one for less than that screen replacement. 

How to Get Your Screen Fixed by Apple

You can schedule an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar by visiting the Apple Genius Bar webpage and clicking the "Get help now" button. After you choose that it is an iPad, that it has physical damage and that the screen is cracked, you can schedule an appointment. You can also use this method to call Apple support or have them call you if you don't have a certified Apple repair location near you and need to send your iPad to Apple.