That gut-drop moment when your iPhone hits the pavement and comes up cracked is horrible, but panicking makes it worse. A cracked screen is one of the most common and most fixable repairs we see. Here is exactly what to do in the first few minutes, and how to get it sorted properly.
Step 1: Stop using the cracked area
Running your finger across shattered glass can drive tiny shards into your skin and worsen the crack. If you must use the phone, apply a clear tape strip or a screen protector over the damage as a temporary shield. This keeps glass in place and stops moisture and grit reaching the internals.
Step 2: Back up while you still can
If the screen and touch still work, back up now, because a cracked display can fail without warning. Connect to Wi-Fi and let iCloud back up, or plug into a computer and back up locally. If touch has already stopped responding, do not worry, a repairer can often recover your data during the screen replacement.
Step 3: Assess how bad it is
- Hairline crack, screen works: Lowest urgency, but fix it soon before it spreads.
- Spider-web crack, touch patchy: Book a repair promptly. Failing touch makes backups harder.
- Black patches or lines: The OLED beneath the glass is damaged, so the full display needs replacing.
- Screen dark but phone rings: The display has failed but your data is intact and recoverable.
What a screen repair involves
A screen replacement swaps the whole front assembly, including the glass, the display and the touch layer. On a professional job the small components that handle Face ID and the front camera are carefully transferred to the new screen so those features keep working. The repair is tested in front of you for touch, brightness, cameras and Face ID before you leave.
What it costs
| iPhone generation | Typical screen repair (AUD) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11 / 12 / 13 | $129–$279 |
| iPhone 14 / 15 | $199–$379 |
| iPhone 16 / 17 | $299–$549 |
Ranges vary with model and panel grade. For model-specific detail, see our iPhone 13 repair page or iPhone 13 Pro Max repair page.
Should you repair or replace?
If the phone is only a year or two old, a screen repair almost always beats buying new. A repair costs a fraction of a new flagship and keeps your apps, photos and settings exactly as they are. Replacement only makes sense if the phone is very old and the battery and other parts are also failing.
Don’t wait it out
Cracked glass tends to spread, and open cracks let in moisture that corrodes internals over time. A quick same-day fix now avoids a bigger repair later. Call our Cardiff workshop on 02 4072 2285 to check stock, or drop in for a walk-in repair. You can see all our services on the Phone Repairs Newcastle homepage, and we serve Newcastle, Charlestown, Kotara and across the Hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my iPhone with a cracked screen?
You can if touch still works, but cover the crack with tape or a protector to stop glass shards and moisture getting in, and repair it soon before the damage spreads.
Will I lose my data during a screen repair?
No. A screen replacement does not wipe your phone, and even if the display has failed, your data stays intact and is usually recoverable once a working screen is fitted.
How long does an iPhone screen repair take?
Most iPhone screen replacements are done the same day and often within an hour when the part is in stock.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a cracked iPhone?
For a phone one to three years old, repairing the screen is far cheaper than buying a new handset and keeps all your data in place.
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Phone Repairs Newcastle · Unit 1/304 Main Rd, Cardiff NSW 2285 · Phone 02 4072 2285 · Open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm · Walk-in service, no appointment needed · Cash, EFTPOS, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Afterpay & credit card accepted