How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Tablet Screen?
While a tablet’s screen may seem indestructible, it really is not.
Just like a smartphone or any electronic gadget with a glass screen, for that matter, a tablet screen is prone to cracking or breaking if it is dropped.
Instead of buying a new tablet, replacing the screen could be a less expensive option to consider.
How much does it cost to fix a tablet screen?
The cost of repairing a tablet screen will depend on the tablet you own and the company you use. With so many brands on the market, refer to the table below to see what the various makes and models can cost:
| Type of Tablet | Average Repair |
|---|---|
| Asus Transformer Pad | - $85 to $125 via third party |
| Dell Venue | - $269 via Dell - $150 to $175 via third party |
| Google Nexus 7 | - $150 to $250 via third party |
| HP Slate | - $85 to $115 via third party |
| HTC Evo | - $60 to $85 via third party |
| iPad 3rd generation, iPad 4th generation, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2 | - $299 out of warranty with Apple - $275 via third party |
| iPad mini | - $199 out of warranty with Apple - $130 via third party |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch | - $379 out of warranty with Apple |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | - $449 out of warranty with Apple |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) | - $599 out of warranty with Apple |
| iPad, iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad 5th generation | - $249 out of warranty with Apple - $110 via third party |
| Kindle Fire | - $100 via third party |
| Lenovo Ideatab | - $50 to $75 via third party |
| Samsung Galaxy Note | - $199 via Samsung |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab | - $95 via third party |
NOTE: The costs will vary according to your geographical location, the exact model and who you choose to repair. Use this guide as a reference to help effectively budget.
TechNewsWorld.com says the average tablet screen, without the professional repair, can cost $50 to repair on your own.
CNET notes that if you were to take your iPad to Apple, the costs to fix your screen could vary anywhere from $199 to $599 without AppleCare. However, if you did have AppleCare, then it could only cost $49 for a service fee and an additional $6.95 to ship it if you were to choose the online repair option.
Fixing a tablet screen overview
With most repair jobs, the back cover of your device will be removed. From there, the battery will be removed and any exposed cabling will be loosened. The back will be removed by unscrewing the multiple screws from the chassis and the new screen will be installed. If the screen is cracked, the screen may not be replaced, but instead, a special sealant/product may be used to hide the cracks.
A good third-party company will always stand behind their repairs, often offering a warranty for up to a year.
What are the extra costs?
If other repairs have to be done to the tablet, such as the speakers, WiFi, docking or fixing the power button, additional fees can apply.
Using an online service or even sending it into the official manufacturer may result in additional shipping charges. Depending on the service you use, the shipping costs can vary from $5 to $10.
Tips to know:
Check with the manufacturer to see if the tablet is still under warranty. If it is, the repair could be next to nothing if no deductible is applied.
If you take your tablet to an outside party to have it repaired, it could void the warranty. Apple can tell if a non-Apple employee has worked on your tablet, so proceed with caution, especially if under a warranty.
If you used a credit card, check with them to inquire about their protection program. Some tablet owners claimed that they were able to get their credit card company to replace it.
Just like a crack in a windshield, table screen cracks can expand over time. If you have a small crack, take it in right away to see if it can be repaired rather than be replaced. If you wait too long to take it in and the crack expands too much, the screen will probably need to be replaced instead.
How can I save money?
Most of the time, third party repair stores are going to be a lot cheaper than the authorized company.
If you have an older tablet, compare the prices of a newer one or even a slightly used model. You may find that it could be just as cheap to buy a newer unit rather than repair it.
Consider doing the repair yourself. Depending on the type of tablet, there are many how-to guides and even kits on the Internet that can walk you through the process. Depending on your tablet, this can cost less than $80 to repair.
Most online repair service centers offer quotes directly on their website. Try your best to get a handful of quotes and see who meets your budget.
Most touch screens still work perfectly fine even when cracked. Consider using a screen protector if you were to keep your cracked screen to prevent cuts in the future.
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Average Reported Cost: $42.5
How much did you spend?
- jimmy hawley (penn yan, New York) paid $50 and said:
its a irulu tablet model:ax150
Was it worth it? Yes
- Rhonda Esparza (Clinton, Oklahoma) paid $35 and said:
I did not pay anything yet. I would like to fix my tablet myself.
Was it worth it? Yes
