Your Apple Watch is affixed to your wrist most of the time, so the chances of accidentally breaking the screen are pretty low. Unfortunately, according to Murphy’s law “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”. Accidentally dropping your watch on a tiled floor face-down is a recipe for disaster. Let’s explore what options you’ve got left after disaster strikes.
Replacing Your Apple Watch Screen: All Your Questions Answered
Does Apple Watch Screen Break Easily?
Although Apple says the device is resistant to scratches and impact, your watch is unlikely to survive a 4-foot drop onto a hard surface. The glass the screen is made of is tough but it will break if you drop your watch face-down.
Expensive Apple Watch models tend to withstand shock better than cheaper models equipped with an aluminum case and Ion-X glass. The stainless steel models and ceramic Apple Watch Edition models feature a special sapphire crystal glass that’s very hard to scratch or break. But this doesn’t mean they won’t shatter.
Does Apple Replace Apple Watch Screen for Free?
Apple won’t replace your Apple Watch screen for free. With AppleCare+, you can expect to pay $69 to $79 to have your device serviced. If your Apple Watch is not covered by the Apple Limited Warranty or AppleCare+, you’ll pay a hefty out-of-warranty fee ranging between $159 to $800 depending on your Apple Watch model.
Does AppleCare Cover Cracked Apple Watch Screen?
The monthly AppleCare payments amount to only a few dollars but they buy you an even more important thing, and that is peace of mind. AppleCare+ includes accidental damage protection. With AppleCare, you’ll pay an accidental damage service fee of $69 and the company will quickly service your cracked screen. Apple Watch Hermès and Apple Watch Edition have a service fee of $79.
How Much Money Does It Cost to Replace an Apple Watch Screen?
Without AppleCare+, you’ll need to shell out between $159 to $499 on average for an out-of-warranty Apple Watch screen replacement job, depending on the model. If you own an Apple Watch Ceramic model, get ready to shell out $800. Yes, you read that right. Replacing your Apple Watch screen often costs more than getting a new iPhone 12 screen.
Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and Watch Ultra Service Pricing
Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and Watch Ultra
Screen Replacement Cost
Apple Watch Edition Series 7 (GPS + Cellular, Titanium)
$499
Apple Watch Nike Series 7 (GPS + Cellular)
$349
Apple Watch Nike Series 7 (GPS)
$299
Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 (GPS, Aluminum)
$299
Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 (GPS + Cellular, Aluminum)
$349
Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 (GPS + Cellular, Stainless Steel)
$399
Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 Hermes (GPS + Cellular)
$399
Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular, Titanium)
$499
Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE Service Pricing
Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE
Screen Replacement Cost
Apple Watch SE (GPS, Aluminum)
$ 219
Apple Watch Nike SE (GPS)
$ 219
Apple Watch SE (GPS, Cellular, Aluminum)
$ 249
Apple Watch Nike SE (GPS, Cellular)
$ 249
Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6 (GPS, Aluminum)
$ 299
Apple Watch Nike Series 4, 5, and 6 (GPS)
$ 299
Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6 (GPS, Cellular, Aluminum)
$ 349
Apple Watch Nike Series 4, 5, and 6 (GPS, Cellular)
$ 349
Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6 (GPS, Cellular, Stainless Steel)
$ 399
Apple Watch Hermès Series 4, 5, and 6 (GPS, Cellular)
$ 399
Apple Watch Edition Series 5 and 6 (GPS, Cellular, Titanium)
$ 499
Apple Watch Edition Series 5 (Ceramic)
$ 800
Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3 Service Pricing
If you own an older Apple Watch model, you can breathe a sigh of relief. On average, you’ll pay between $159 to $329 for a new screen.
Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3
Screen Replacement Cost
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, Aluminum)
$ 159
Apple Watch Nike Series 3 (GPS)
$ 159
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, Cellular, Aluminum)
$ 229
Apple Watch Nike Series 3 (GPS, Cellular)
$ 229
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, Cellular, Stainless Steel)
$ 329
Apple Watch Series 3 Hermès
$ 329
Apple Watch Series 3 Edition (Ceramic)
$ 800
Apple Watch Series 1 (Aluminum)
$ 199
Apple Watch Series 2 (Aluminum)
$ 229
Apple Watch Nike+
$ 229
Apple Watch Series 2 (Stainless Steel)
$ 249
Apple Watch Hermès
$ 249
Apple Watch Series 2 (Stainless Steel)
$ 249
Apple Watch Edition (White Ceramic)
$ 800
It is worth mentioning that these prices are for service directly from Apple in the US. Other service providers may offer different pricing and terms.
Why Is Apple Watch Screen Replacement So Expensive?
Apple charges a lot for repair, oftentimes half the cost of your device. Apple Watch screen replacement is expensive because the company doesn’t just replace your screen. They replace the entire watch. You send your watch with the cracked screen in, and Apple sends you back a brand new watch.
The company then deconstructs your old watch and uses the components as spares for refurbished watches. This is usually done by workers in your home country. That’s one of the reasons why a screen replacement for the Apple Watch is more expensive than getting a new iPhone screen.
⇒ Important Note: Have your Apple Watch repaired by Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider. Servicing your device at an unauthorized third-party repair shop may make it ineligible for future service from Apple. This includes chargeable repairs.
Is It Worth Replacing Apple Watch Screen?
Seeing how much it costs to replace a broken Apple Watch screen may throw you into a pit of despair. Oftentimes, getting a brand-new Apple Watch would cost $100 or $200 more than replacing a damaged device. For example, a brand-new Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, cellular, aluminum) costs $529. Getting a replacement screen for the same watch model costs $349.
If you’ve owned the device for a couple of years, getting the latest Apple Watch model is a better choice than paying $300 dollars to service your old watch. Oftentimes, the repair costs exceed the value of your Apple Watch.
Is Apple Watch Still Waterproof After Screen Replacement?
If you service your Apple Watch screen directly at Apple, you can be sure your device will be water-resistant. Apple doesn’t repair broken watch screens, they simply replace your device with a new one. Since we’re talking about a brand-new watch, you can be sure the water-resistant seal will be intact.
On the other hand, if you have your Apple Watch serviced by a third-party repair shop, there’s no guarantee the device will remain water-resistant.
⇒ Important Note: Keep in mind that your Apple Watch has never been waterproof, to begin with. The device is water-resistant. There is a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant.
Should You Get an Apple Watch Screen Protector?
A screen protector made of tempered glass can successfully protect your Apple Watch screen when you accidentally drop it face-down. If you want to take zero risks, get a protective case as well. Apple Watch screen protectors and cases aren’t expensive and can save you a lot of money when disaster strikes.
Conclusion
Apple Watch screens are tough and durable. Expensive models (stainless steel and sapphire crystal glass) withstand shock better than cheaper models (aluminum and Ion-X glass). But sometimes the unexpected happens and you may accidentally break your Apple Watch screen.
Apple doesn’t repair broken watch screens. The company simply replaces your device with a new one. That’s why Apple Watch repair is so expensive. With AppleCare+, you’ll pay $69 to $79 to have your device serviced. If you don’t have AppleCare+, you’ll pay an out-of-warranty fee that ranges between $159 to $800 depending on your Apple Watch model.
Have you ever broken your Apple Watch screen? What did you do after the unfortunate event? Tell us more about your experience in the comments below.
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies — AI and DNA computing in particular.
I dropped my watch on a tile floor and cracked the left corner and then went through the middle. I happened to get the Allstate insurance for $30 from Walmart when I purchased it. I sent it in on a Monday and it is repaired and headed back to me the next Monday, free of charge. Best $30 I ever spent, I don’t usually get protection plans but this was well worth it.
Warning – Apple Watch Ultra’s Water Resistance Not as Advertised!
I Just wanted to share my recent nightmare of a vacation experience in beautiful Emerald Isle, North Carolina. So, I took my supposedly water-resistant Apple Watch Ultra for a swim thinking it can handle a bit of ocean action. Big mistake.
Mid-dip, the darn thing decides to give up on life. Now, I’m left with a fancy paperweight on my wrist, and let me tell you, it’s a mood killer. Checked the specs, and yeah, it claims to be water-resistant, but apparently not against the mighty Atlantic.
And here’s the real kicker—I never bothered getting AppleCare. I know, I know, should’ve seen it coming. Now, I’m facing a potential $499 hit to replace it. Ouch.
Consider this my public service announcement: if you’re planning a beach trip with your Apple Watch Ultra, don’t trust the water resistance claims blindly, and for the love of tech, get that AppleCare. Learn from my regret, folks.
Has anyone else had a similar experience or advice on what to do next? Feeling a bit stranded here.
TL;DR: Trusted Apple Watch Ultra’s water resistance, regretting it after a swim in Emerald Isle. No AppleCare, potential $499 to fix. Share your wisdom or commiserate with my tech fail.
The price to repair my series 3 watch face is as much as I paid. You can do better. This needs to be looked into, and adjustments made to reduce this expense.
dropped my watch face down on tile floor taking it off and it shattered on the bottom left corner and glass came out, I can’t put my password in because then only button that works is the number 3.
Had Series 4 Nike since 2019. Never had issues. Added a metal band on it last week. Dropped in in locker room from about 2 feet from my gym bag it was resting on. Entire screen shattered. Thought about quickly getting a new watch. Apple wants $299 to “fix” the screen. Looks like there are sales, but I will see how long this watch lasts. Ridiculous that a screen would completely shatter from such a short drop. Makes me wonder if these watches went through any destructive testing.
I’ve never dropped my Apple Watch and I’m so upset as it fell off my bench this morning and the screen has broken. What r your suggestions as to what options I’m able to do in this case
Many thanks in advance
Judy
Dropped watch on to tile floor as I was changing band. Left corner bad spider web crack. Apple Store said, ‘you need a new watch.’ Came home, put clear nail polish on cracked area (Sally Hansen hard as nails, fyi). Can barely see cracks. All features still work!
Had watch less than year. Dropped it on ceramic floor. Shattered screen. Went to Apple store and wanted within $30 of new watch to repair. I think hunk it’s ridiculous. I will buy a TIMEX BEFORE I SPEND THST KIND OF MONEY!!!
I think the buyer should be told how awkward it is to put the watch on. Especially seniors, which I am. The rubber is difficult to snap together and the very first time I put on the watch ,it fell face down into the counter cracking the screen. It still works, but now I put a towel down and lay my hand on it while trying to snap the band on. take some time to make this suggestion when selling it or try a senior designed band. this was a present and the giver did not get any insurance on the product , so I now just tell everyone how this happened. And to maybe just get an alternative after checking the band. KInd of scary to watch the heart rhythm monitor on a cracked screen.
Where did you get your screen replaced for 75 dollars? I only use my Apple Watch at the gym, so I could care less if it’s waterproof. I’d rather save the three hundred dollars and buy something else.
I dropped my watch on a tile floor and cracked the left corner and then went through the middle. I happened to get the Allstate insurance for $30 from Walmart when I purchased it. I sent it in on a Monday and it is repaired and headed back to me the next Monday, free of charge. Best $30 I ever spent, I don’t usually get protection plans but this was well worth it.
Warning – Apple Watch Ultra’s Water Resistance Not as Advertised!
I Just wanted to share my recent nightmare of a vacation experience in beautiful Emerald Isle, North Carolina. So, I took my supposedly water-resistant Apple Watch Ultra for a swim thinking it can handle a bit of ocean action. Big mistake.
Mid-dip, the darn thing decides to give up on life. Now, I’m left with a fancy paperweight on my wrist, and let me tell you, it’s a mood killer. Checked the specs, and yeah, it claims to be water-resistant, but apparently not against the mighty Atlantic.
And here’s the real kicker—I never bothered getting AppleCare. I know, I know, should’ve seen it coming. Now, I’m facing a potential $499 hit to replace it. Ouch.
Consider this my public service announcement: if you’re planning a beach trip with your Apple Watch Ultra, don’t trust the water resistance claims blindly, and for the love of tech, get that AppleCare. Learn from my regret, folks.
Has anyone else had a similar experience or advice on what to do next? Feeling a bit stranded here.
TL;DR: Trusted Apple Watch Ultra’s water resistance, regretting it after a swim in Emerald Isle. No AppleCare, potential $499 to fix. Share your wisdom or commiserate with my tech fail.
The price to repair my series 3 watch face is as much as I paid. You can do better. This needs to be looked into, and adjustments made to reduce this expense.
dropped my watch face down on tile floor taking it off and it shattered on the bottom left corner and glass came out, I can’t put my password in because then only button that works is the number 3.
My dog pulled his lead near his lead & it dropped breaking the screen / how do i get it fixed & find out the cost
Had Series 4 Nike since 2019. Never had issues. Added a metal band on it last week. Dropped in in locker room from about 2 feet from my gym bag it was resting on. Entire screen shattered. Thought about quickly getting a new watch. Apple wants $299 to “fix” the screen. Looks like there are sales, but I will see how long this watch lasts. Ridiculous that a screen would completely shatter from such a short drop. Makes me wonder if these watches went through any destructive testing.
I’ve never dropped my Apple Watch and I’m so upset as it fell off my bench this morning and the screen has broken. What r your suggestions as to what options I’m able to do in this case
Many thanks in advance
Judy
Dropped watch on to tile floor as I was changing band. Left corner bad spider web crack. Apple Store said, ‘you need a new watch.’ Came home, put clear nail polish on cracked area (Sally Hansen hard as nails, fyi). Can barely see cracks. All features still work!
Watch series 4 fell from 4 foot, from pants to a tiled floor, screen shattered, I have replaced it it watch se 2.
Hi is the apple watch series 4 Nike edition gps+ lte and 4 normal edition gps+lte are same hardware or different hardware
Had watch less than year. Dropped it on ceramic floor. Shattered screen. Went to Apple store and wanted within $30 of new watch to repair. I think hunk it’s ridiculous. I will buy a TIMEX BEFORE I SPEND THST KIND OF MONEY!!!
I have ceramic Series 3 and will not replace broken screen:(
I think the buyer should be told how awkward it is to put the watch on. Especially seniors, which I am. The rubber is difficult to snap together and the very first time I put on the watch ,it fell face down into the counter cracking the screen. It still works, but now I put a towel down and lay my hand on it while trying to snap the band on. take some time to make this suggestion when selling it or try a senior designed band. this was a present and the giver did not get any insurance on the product , so I now just tell everyone how this happened. And to maybe just get an alternative after checking the band. KInd of scary to watch the heart rhythm monitor on a cracked screen.
Hmmm
I waived water proofiness and had my glass replaced for $74
Apple watch 5 gps lte
I have a series 4 stainless steel and I can’t find anyone to do it for less than $200. Where did you get yours serviced?
There are people on eBay that provide the service to replace the glass, not the LCD screen. Price varies between $65 – $100.
I would have never thought to look on EBay…. Thank you!
Where did you get your screen replaced for 75 dollars? I only use my Apple Watch at the gym, so I could care less if it’s waterproof. I’d rather save the three hundred dollars and buy something else.