Apple Watch Screen Replacement: All You Need to Know

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 4, 5, 6, and SE Service Pricing

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.

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.