- For a MacBook screen repair, expect up to 7% in Virginia sales tax, on top of a price that matches only what you need for parts and labor.
- Your first step should be to check Apple’s estimate tool, which will give you a good idea of how much a first-party repair will cost so that you can compare it with a local quote.
- Even if you find a cheaper quote, Fruit Fixed will match it and ensure the work meets high expectations.
How much does it cost to fix a MacBook screen? The answer to this varies by model, required parts, and how long the task takes. However, why does this MacBook screen repair cost still vary depending on where you get the service?
Without AppleCare+, which can often cost you more over time than other options, the methods used to fix a broken laptop screen at a specific location can often significantly affect the cost. It can also depend on the technician’s skill and whether they offer a lifetime warranty or similar benefits.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a MacBook Screen?
The primary driver of the cost of an Apple MacBook repair is the specific steps required to get your device back to a functional state. These elements include items like its:
- Model family
- Year of production
- Display type
- Parts needed
- Damage done
For example, replacing the entire assembly, even if only the lid, is not uncommon. For such a replacement, you will need to pay more than just for the panel, as it can often be a riskier job when done alone due to the underlying electronics and features.
If you go with AppleCare+, they will charge a fixed fee of $99 for screen damage and accidental damage to the display enclosure.
For any other accidental damage, they will require you to pay $299. However, any other damage is not covered by AppleCare+’s MacBook repair services. They will demand that you pay up to almost $2,499 for newer MacBooks with large screens if you want to leave with a working device. Hardly the laptop screen replacement cost you would expect from a user-focused business.
Here at Fruit Fixed, you can often get your screen repaired for as little as $128 on older devices and less than $1,000 for the newest models. For a specific quote, however, you will need to bring your device in so our technicians can assess the full extent of the damage, as there may be additional problems not visible from the outside.
Is It Worth Fixing a Broken Mac Screen?
It is common for people to use their MacBooks for many years, with MacWorld reporting that it is normal to keep the same one for at least eight years. The loss of such an expensive piece of equipment can be a significant shock to a person and their wallet.
Bringing in a high-spec model means you can preserve an expensive electronic item for much longer if you repair it, rather than needing to replace a multi-thousand-dollar piece of technology every time something goes wrong.
At the same time, you may have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos and other sentimental files on the device. If that’s the case, fixing it avoids the risks of migrating your data without being able to access the MacBook itself because of the broken screen. You can then continue using it, potentially backing up your files a little more often when you do.
Parts and Labor Cost Breakdown
The costs of labor and parts will heavily depend on the specific device. It includes the price of the:
- Device frame or assembly
- Hinges
- Brackets
- Adhesives
- Electronics
Labor costs include:
- Dissassembly
- Testing of parts
- Sourcing new parts
- Reassembly
- Calibration
- Post-repair testing
Calibration ensures the colors you see on the device match the colors you expect. It includes checking that the screen works precisely as it should after replacement, checking that the white balance functions correctly, and other steps. What you see should be exactly what Apple expects you to see.
Be aware that if there is any additional damage, such as a dented lid or a bent hinge, or if a technician spots sure signs of water damage, then the repair cost is likely to increase significantly. There are methods for detecting unambiguous water damage that our technicians can demonstrate to you, as it can sometimes occur while the owner was not in possession of the device.
Fruit Fixed Cost Tradeoff
At Fruit Fixed, we act as a trusted third-party repair service, and as such, we can set low fees while still preserving key features on your device.
Our turnaround time doesn’t require that you send your device in the post to a far-off Apple repair warehouse or similar. We perform repairs in our workshop and will do everything we can to maintain your privacy when it comes to your data.
Independent Benefits
While Apple asks that first-party repair shops meet its standards, this can include lowering them in some cases, such as failing to meet the requirements of a unique or tailored repair process. Instead, we can talk to you about any specifics, including customizations you have performed to your device, to try to keep them intact where possible.
We understand that every Apple device owner is different, and we want to respect that whenever possible.
Because of this, when we give you an estimate for when your device will undergo repairs, it will be completely open and honest. We have no corporation watching over our every move, and we can enjoy a better relationship with our customers through building trust in every step of our service.
Apple MacBook Repair FAQ
What is the Average Lifespan of a MacBook after Screen Repair?
There is no single “average” lifespan that you can expect from a repaired device. It will depend heavily on various factors, including the model’s age when we repaired it and how you use it afterward. If the MacBook is old enough that it no longer receives OS or security updates, that may shorten its lifespan as well.
It is also important to remember that the screen may not be the only part to degrade. Battery health is one of the most common factors limiting device lifespan.
While a strong battery can often sustain years of use post-repair, it depends on how many charge cycles the MacBook undergoes and whether you decide to use it in extreme conditions. Some examples we have seen in the past include devices used in extreme heat and cold while on vacation, which degrade faster.
What Are the Risks of Using a MacBook With a Cracked Screen?
Apple’s safety guidelines explicitly tell users not to use a Mac notebook if they notice damage, including a cracked screen, “as it may cause injury“. Shards or splinters from your screen could cause serious harm if the screen cracks further or even shatters.
While they may seem harmless at first, cracks can start to spread under pressure from anything on the lid or if you place the device in a backpack that then flexes for any reason. Over time, this can turn a minor crack into a complete display failure, or even into other damage that requires a higher-tiered repair.
What Should I Do Before Giving a MacBook for Repair?
If you can still use the screen, carefully back up your device using Time Machine or another backup program to avoid data loss. Doing this occasionally is often a good idea, regardless of your device access, since accidents can happen at any time.
You should then turn off “Find My Mac” and remove any activation lock, as these prevent our technicians from performing essential repairs. You may also need to disable a firmware password, if any, such as on an Intel Mac, before diagnostics run.
We will also not take in your accessories or covers. As such, remove any keyboard rest or cover, as they can damage the display. You may bring the device into our shop with its protective cover, but you will need to take it with you afterward.
Are MacBook Screens Fragile?
Not especially. However, Apple makes several design decisions to reduce the device’s form factor (size), including offering very little space between the screen and the keyboard.
As such, one of the common forms of damage we see is simply people closing the device with something in the way, causing a crack to the thin Retina display.
Trust a Local Professional to Look After Your Gear
Get an estimate from Apple’s support pages to answer the question, “How much does it cost to fix a MacBook screen?”, and discover the shockingly high price of a first-party repair. What you want instead is a fast repair from a professional with access to genuine Apple parts, without the markup.
So, it may help if you look up your device on Fruit Fixed’s repair page to learn how much you will save by coming to us. You don’t even need AppleCare+, as we offer a lifetime warranty on our repairs.
