Cracked and shattered phone screens are an epidemic these days. A 2022 study by Allstate Protection Plans found that 61% of American smartphone owners have had a broken screen at some point – that‘s over 140 million people! And if you‘re reading this, I‘m guessing you might be one of the unlucky majority.
As a long-time tech reporter and an admittedly accident-prone phone owner myself, I‘ve become something of an expert on fixing broken screens. If you have Verizon, the good news is that the company offers a pretty comprehensive in-store screen repair service for many common phone models. But there‘s still a lot that the average consumer doesn‘t know about how the process works.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know about getting your phone screen fixed at Verizon, including:
- What types of damage Verizon‘s repair service covers (and what it doesn‘t)
- A full list of phone models that are eligible for in-store screen repair
- An in-depth look at Verizon‘s repair process and what to expect
- A comparison of Verizon‘s screen repair pricing vs. other options
- The pros and cons of Verizon‘s repairs vs. third-party services
- Expert tips for preventing screen damage and maintaining resale value
I‘ll also share some personal insights and anecdotes from my own experiences using Verizon‘s screen repair services over the years. So if you‘re on the fence about whether it‘s the right choice for your broken phone, read on!
Verizon Screen Repair 101: The Basics
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let‘s cover some basics about Verizon‘s screen repair services. In a nutshell, if you have a fairly recent model Apple, Samsung, Google, or Motorola phone, you can get the screen fixed at select Verizon stores – often within the same day. The company uses genuine OEM screens and certified repair methods to ensure the quality is up to snuff.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Verizon only repairs damage to the front screen glass. If the LCD display underneath is also broken, they typically can‘t fix it in-store.
- Other phone damage like liquid intrusion or cracks on the back glass aren‘t covered by the standard screen repair service.
- The out-of-pocket cost for a screen repair can be pretty steep (up to $329) if you don‘t have Verizon‘s phone insurance. More on that later.
So that‘s the high-level overview. Now let‘s look closer at some of these key points to help you figure out if Verizon‘s repair service is right for your broken device.
What Kinds of Screen Damage Can Verizon Actually Fix?
When we talk about phone screen damage, it‘s important to distinguish between the front glass screen and the LED/OLED display panel underneath. Most of the time, if you drop your phone and the screen shatters, it‘s just the top glass layer that breaks. But in more severe impacts, the digitizer and display can also be damaged.
According to my conversations with Verizon repair technicians, the company‘s in-store screen service only covers replacing the front glass and digitizer assembly. If the diagnostics reveal any display malfunction, they‘ll have to send the phone to a centralized repair center or back to the manufacturer. That means a longer turnaround time and possibly higher cost.
Bottom line: Verizon‘s in-store screen repairs are best suited for phones with relatively minor frontal damage like:
- Shattered or cracked front glass
- Scratches or Chips on the front glass
- Touch sensitivity issues resulting from glass damage
But if your screen is totally unusable, has dead pixels/color distortion, or shows signs of liquid damage, you‘ll probably need a more extensive repair that Verizon stores aren‘t equipped to handle.
Which Phone Models Are Eligible for Verizon‘s Screen Repair?
Verizon is one of the few wireless carriers that does phone repairs in-house rather than outsourcing them. But the downside is the service is currently limited to a narrower range of phone models compared to third-party repair shops.
Here‘s the official list of devices that qualify for in-store screen repair at Verizon as of January 2024:
- Apple: iPhone 6 models and newer
- Samsung: Galaxy S5 models and newer
- Google: Pixel 2 models and newer
- Motorola: Moto Z2 Force
Notably absent are all LG, OnePlus, and Nokia models, as well as popular Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Huawei. If you have one of those, you‘ll have to look elsewhere for screen fixes.
It‘s also worth noting that just because your phone is an eligible model doesn‘t guarantee your local Verizon store offers the repair service. The company‘s website currently lists "over 300" retail locations across the US that have on-site repair facilities. So unless you‘re in a major metro area, you might have to drive a bit to find a participating store.
Appointment or Walk-in: What to Expect from Verizon‘s Repair Process
Okay, so let‘s say you‘ve confirmed that your broken phone is eligible for Verizon screen repair. What happens next?
The first step is to schedule an appointment through Verizon‘s website or app. You could try walking into your local store, but I don‘t recommend it. These days, with social distancing protocols, most locations have shifted to an appointment-only model for repairs.
When you arrive for your scheduled slot, you‘ll be asked to fill out an intake form and warranty waiver. A technician will then do a quick diagnostic to confirm the extent of the damage and final cost. Be sure to have your ID and a form of payment ready.
Assuming there are no snags, the tech will get to work replacing your screen while you wait. Having been through the process myself, I can say it‘s quite interesting to watch! They use high-tech tools and follow a very specific set of steps to ensure everything is put back together perfectly.
Most standard screen repairs are done in about 2 hours or less, depending on the phone model and how busy the store is. You‘re free to leave and come back or wait on-site. If there are additional issues with the phone, it may take longer.
One piece of insider advice: schedule your appointment as early in the day as possible. Repair bookings often get backed up later on, and if there are any unexpected delays or parts issues, you might end up having to leave your phone overnight. Not ideal if it‘s your main communication device!
Verizon Screen Repair Costs: Is Phone Insurance Worth It?
Now for the million dollar question: how much does Verizon charge for a screen repair? As with most things in life, the answer is "it depends."
Here‘s a breakdown of Verizon‘s current screen repair pricing for popular phone models:
| Phone Model | Repair Price (with insurance) | Repair Price (without insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12/13/14 | $29 | $329 |
| iPhone 11/XR | $29 | $279 |
| iPhone 7/8/X | $29 | $279 |
| Galaxy S20/S21/S22 | $29 | $329 |
| Galaxy S10/S10+ | $29 | $299 |
| Pixel 4/5/6 | $29 | $299 |
*Prices current as of January 2024 and subject to change. Check Verizon‘s website for latest pricing.
As you can see, there‘s a huge difference in cost depending on whether you have one of Verizon‘s phone insurance plans like Total Mobile Protection or Wireless Phone Protection. With insurance, the price of a screen repair is just $29 across the board, thanks to the standard deductible.
Without insurance, you‘ll be shelling out anywhere from $249 to $329 to get your screen replaced, depending on your device. For flagship phones like a new iPhone or Galaxy, that could be almost a third of the total device cost!
So is Verizon‘s phone insurance worth the monthly fee? If you tend to be hard on your phones, it very well could be. Total Mobile Protection runs $17/month for a single line, so you‘d break even on the plan cost with just one $329 screen repair every two years. The plan also covers liquid damage, battery replacement, and even theft/loss.
But if you‘re usually pretty careful with your devices, you might be better off setting aside that $17/month in a savings account earmarked for unexpected repairs rather than paying for insurance indefinitely. Just don‘t forget to factor in the potential resale value hit from an unrepaired broken screen down the line.
Verizon vs. Third-Party Repair Shops: How Do They Compare?
We‘ve focused a lot on Verizon‘s own screen repair services in this guide, but it‘s worth addressing the elephant in the room. There are tons of third-party phone repair businesses out there, from big national chains to mom-and-pop gadget shops. How do they stack up to getting your screen fixed at Big Red?
Having tried both over the years, here‘s my take on the biggest differences:
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Price: As discussed above, Verizon‘s screen repair prices are quite high without their insurance. Local repair shops can often undercut them, sometimes by $50 or more. But you may sacrifice some quality control.
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Turnaround Time: Verizon tech stores aim to complete basic screen fixes the same day, often within 2 hours. Smaller shops might need to order parts, which could mean waiting a few days.
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Quality: Verizon uses genuine OEM screens and components that are identical to your phone‘s original parts. Third party shops may use cheaper aftermarket screens that have slight cosmetic or touch sensitivity differences.
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Warranty: Verizon will honor your phone‘s original manufacturer warranty for the remainder of its term after a screen repair, and they provide their own 90-day warranty on the new screen. Warranties from independent shops are typically much shorter if offered at all.
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Convenience: Scheduling a repair at Verizon and being able to track the progress online or in their app is super handy. Smaller local shops may have more limited hours and require calling for updates.
So which one is the better choice? If you have Verizon insurance, I think it‘s a no-brainer to use their repair service for simplicity and quality assurance. Paying just $29 for an Apple/Samsung-certified screen installed by a VZW tech is an excellent value.
If you‘re uninsured, a reputable third-party shop starts to look more attractive from a pure cost perspective. You might save $100 or more compared to Verizon‘s retail price. Just be sure to ask the right questions about the screen origin, adhesive quality, and water resistance before committing.
Bonus: Quick Tips to Protect Your Screen and Maintain Resale Value
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to Verizon phone screen repairs. But I‘d be remiss if I didn‘t include some parting advice on preventing broken screens in the first place! Here are my top tips as a tech expert and phone geek:
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Always use a tempered glass screen protector. Yes, even with Verizon‘s insurance. It‘s your first line of defense against cracks and scratches, and it‘s way cheaper to replace than the actual screen. I prefer the Zagg or Spigen brands.
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Get a good case with a raised lip. Thin cases are sleek but they don‘t do much in a fall. Look for a case that has a rubberized bumper or raised bezel that keeps the screen from contacting the ground. Otterbox and Urban Armor Gear make some heavy duty options.
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Avoid beach days and construction sites. Sand and concrete are a phone screen‘s worst nightmare. If you work in a physically demanding setting, consider a ruggedized case or even a separate work phone.
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Insure your phone! I know I harp on this a lot, but it really can be a smart investment, especially for pricier models. Verizon‘s insurance plans have a lot of perks beyond just cheap screen repairs too.
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Fix that screen ASAP if you break it. Not only are you risking a finger sliced by glass shards, a shattered screen is also a big red flag for phone buyers down the line. You can lose up to 30% of your potential resale value compared to a phone in good cosmetic condition.
The Bottom Line
Broken phone screens are a huge pain, but they don‘t have to ruin your day – or your wallet. Verizon‘s in-store repair services are a great option for many common smartphones, offering a good mix of speed, quality, and convenience. The catch is the cost, which can be tough to swallow for uninsured customers.
If you‘re a Verizon subscriber with a recent iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel device, I recommend at least considering their Total Mobile Protection plan for the cheap screen repairs and peace of mind alone. For everyone else, be sure to shop around and ask the right questions before settling on a repair provider.
And of course, follow those expert tips for preventing cracks and dings whenever possible! Your phone‘s screen (and future resale value) will thank you.
