You just noticed your iPhone 6 screen is cracked or shattered and you're not sure what to do next. Although your iPhone might in rough shape now, there's a good chance you'll be able to fix it! In this article, I'll tell you what you can do if your iPhone 6 screen is broken and explain the steps you can take to make this process easier.
My iPhone 6 Screen Is Cracked. Now What?
It's important to immediately assess the damage after you notice that your iPhone 6 screen is broken. The way to approach fixing your iPhone can vary depending on how badly the screen is cracked.
Does your iPhone only have one small, thin crack in its display? This is known as a hairline fracture.
Often times, hairline fractures aren't particularly bad or intrusive. You may be able to keep using your iPhone 6 as you normally would. If you have AppleCare+, Apple may even cover the repair of a single hairline crack under warranty.
However, if your iPhone 6 screen has a spiderweb of cracks or is completely shattered, you almost certainly won't be able to use it until the screen is replaced.
Make sure you clean up any shards of glass that may be present if your iPhone 6 screen is broken and completely shattered. We recommend covering up your iPhone's display with a Ziplock bag or a piece of packing tape.
Backup Your iPhone ASAP
It's important to backup your iPhone immediately, especially if you're going to take it into the Apple Store or a local repair shop to have it repaired. When you backup your iPhone, you're saving a copy of all the information on it, like your photos, videos, and contacts.
We recommend saving a backup of your iPhone 6 before having its broken screen replaced, just in case something goes wrong during the repair process. This could be the last chance you have to back it up.
You also might have a change of heart and decide to just buy a new iPhone. It'll be much easier to set up your new phone if you already have a saved copy of the information from your old iPhone!
How Do I Backup My iPhone?
You can use iTunes or iCloud to backup your iPhone. The process is pretty simple either way, but iTunes is probably the better option since your broken iPhone 6 screen might make it difficult to backup using iCloud.
Check out our article to learn how to backup your iPhone using iTunes, or check out our video if you'd prefer to backup your iPhone to iCloud.
Screen Repair Options
Now that you're prepared, it's time to discuss repair options for your broken iPhone 6 screen. The cost of the screen replacement can vary depending on your iPhone's warranty status and which repair company you decide to go with.
Option 1: The Apple Store
The Apple Store should be your first stop, especially if your iPhone 6 is covered by an AppleCare+ Protection Plan. You'll be able to get your screen fixed for a small fee — usually $29.
However, it's possible that Apple will find other things wrong with your iPhone. This isn't too uncommon when you drop your iPhone onto a hard surface. If other parts of your iPhone 6 are damaged, Apple will have to fix them too, which could turn your cheap $29 repair into something much more expensive.
However, if you don't have AppleCare+, fixing a cracked iPhone 6 screen can cost more than $200. Before heading into your local Apple Store, it's a good idea to check if your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+.
We also recommend scheduling an appointment with an Apple technician before going. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing around all day waiting for someone to become available!
Option 2: Buy A New Phone
A lot has changed since Apple released the iPhone 6. You may want to take the fact that your iPhone 6 screen is broken as a sign to upgrade. Newer iPhones have larger screens, sharper displays, better cameras, faster processors, and much more!
Check out our cell phone comparison tool to find a new iPhone with all the awesome features you want!
Option 3: Can I Fix It By Myself?
Unless you have experience repairing iPhones, we don't recommend trying to fix a cracked iPhone 6 screen by yourself. You run the risk of completely breaking your iPhone 6 if something goes wrong.
If you plan on trying to fix your broken iPhone 6 screen, you'll have to use a specialized toolkit, which you can purchase a kit on Amazon.
It's important to keep in mind that if you replace anything in your iPhone with a non-Apple part, your warranty is immediately voided. As I said, we strongly recommend checking out other repair options before doing it by yourself.
For more information, check out our article to learn more about fixing your iPhone screen on your own.
Your iPhone 6: Fixed!
It's definitely frustrating any time your iPhone breaks. We hope this article alleviated some of that frustration and helped you find the best way to handle your broken iPhone 6 screen. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments below!