In a world where we rely on our computers for so much, it can be devastating when your Mac screen breaks. The good news is you can replace the broken screen without buying a whole new computer.
But going to Apple for a Mac screen replacement is expensive, even if you have AppleCare+. Plus, Apple warranties have limits on the number of repairs they’ll cover. Luckily, there’s another way to get a Mac screen replacement done.
DIY Mac Screen Replacement
After looking at Apple’s Mac screen repair costs, it might be tempting to roll up your sleeves and try to fix it yourself. The reason these repairs are so expensive, however, is also the reason you might not want to do it yourself.
Macs made after 2008 have a display system known as the unibody display. This means the screen’s LCD display sits behind a glass panel. Older Macs just have the LCD display.
The good news is that the glass part of the unibody display can protect the LCD portion from damage. This makes it more likely that a screen crack is just on the glass and not the display itself. Replacing the glass is cheaper and easier than replacing the whole system.
In theory, replacing all or part of the unibody display is doable with a hairdryer, suction cups, and a screwdriver. You can buy a replacement unit for your Mac, pull off the display, and put in a new display unit with tools you have lying around the house.
The glass portion and the LCD screen are removable, so if you can get them off your machine, you can replace one or both of them, but you may not want to.
If you aren’t careful you can damage the LCD display while replacing the glass. Taking the glass off requires you to heat up the adhesive around the edges of the screen. This heat can ruin your LCD display if you apply it wrong.
Additionally, doing home repairs can void any remaining warranty on your machine. But if Apple is too expensive and a home repair is too risky, what are you supposed to do?
Right to Repair
Apple works hard to keep their repairs in-house. They use a host of proprietary tools and software that aren’t available to the public. The argument for this is that they want to protect their customers by making sure all repairs are of good quality and legitimate.
Quality, accurate repairs aren’t restricted to Apple, though. A good repair comes from the repair person knowing the product and how to solve the problem. Just like you don’t have to call the manufacturer to get your washing machine repaired, you shouldn’t have to call Apple to fix your Mac.
Many states in the United States, and the Federal government, have been working on legislation since 2014 called right to repair. Right to repair laws aim to make it possible for parties outside of the manufacturer to repair products.
In simple terms, right to repair laws tell companies to make any information necessary to repair their products available to consumers. This includes things like instruction manuals, software, and tools.
Right to repair legislation is ongoing, so Apple has not had to comply yet. The pressure to provide more service, however, has led to a development in the way Apple does repairs.
Apple Authorized Repairs
You have to use an official Apple repair person to fix Apple products that are still under warranty, or you’ll void the warranty. However, Apple also provides a solution for products that are no longer covered.
Starting in the Fall of 2019, Apple started a program to train independent repair shops and provide them with the same tools and software as their internal repair staff.
While this isn’t the same as complying with right to repair, it does make more affordable repairs more accessible. More and more repair shops are becoming authorized every day.
This new program is also helpful for communities that don’t have a nearby Apple store. Driving for hours for a Mac screen replacement is as much of a hassle as the broken screen is!
Finding the Right Professional
At the end of the day, whether right to repair laws are passed or not doesn’t fix your shattered Mac screen, and whether or not a repair shop is authorized doesn’t tell you if they’re any good.
Finding a shop that uses good quality parts and has excellent customer service will guarantee a good repair. If the shop cares about you and your devices, then they’ll do the job right.
As far as price goes, most repair shops will give you an estimate for the repair via email or over the phone. It’s a good idea to get two or three quotes so you can compare the price and make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
It’s also important to look for a repair service with experience with your exact type of device. A general computer repair shop might not know Macs as well as a shop that specializes in Apple products. Make sure to check with the shop to see what brands they cover when you get your quotes.
A little work upfront finding the right repair service will save you the headache of having to get shoddy repair work re-done later.
Be Confident in Your Mac Screen Replacement
You shouldn’t leave your Mac screen replacement to just anybody. Even if you’re on a hair dryer and suction cup budget, there’s a repair shop that fits your needs. When your Mac screen shatters, take it to an expert. Let us take care of your computer without shattering your wallet too.
