Should you use an online phone repair service to replace your cracked screen? Flipsy.com has the details on how much online screen repairs cost and how they compare to local repair and DIY options.

Online cracked screen replacement shops promise to repair your phone fast, but are such services all they're cracked up to be? Here, we compare what popular repair shops charge to replace broken screens, what customers say about them, and how they stack up to local and do-it-yourself options.

How much do online phone repair shops charge to replace cracked screens?

Fees for cracked screen replacement vary by company. Here's what some popular online repair shops charge for mail-in cracked screen replacement (assuming both glass and LCD as a single display):

iPhone 6:

• Mission Repair: $159
• iResQ: $139
• i Fix Your i: $130
• UBreakIFix: $180

Samsung Galaxy S5:

• Mission Repair: $219
• iResQ: $180
• i Fix Your i: $210
• UBreakIFix: $210

Keep in mind prices can change at any time, so it's a good idea to compare prices on your own before you select an online repair shop.

Online cracked screen replacement shop reviews

Like any industry, reviews are mixed for online phone repair shops and individual to each specific company. Here's an overview of each of the four companies mentioned, along with commonly-stated pros and complaints.

Mission Repair
Has a four-star rating on Yelp and 8.1 on TrustPilot.

Common pros:

• Friendly service
• Quick repair
• Cheap pricing

Stated complaints:

• Poor communication
• Incomplete repairs
• Shipping delays (caused by third-party shipping companies)

iResQ
Has a four-star rating on Yelp and 4.8 on Rate It All.

Common pros:

• Expert repair
• Good customer service
• Solves problems (if, for example, employees accidentally damage a device)

Stated complaints:

• Poor communication
• Incomplete repairs
• Damaged devices

i Fix Your i
Has a four-star rating on Yelp and a four-star rating on Bird Eye.

Common pros:

• Expert repair
• Excellent customer service
• Good prices

Stated complaints:

• Incorrect glass installs/repairs
• Poor customer service
• Device damage

UBreakIFix
Has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp.

Common pros:

• High-quality repair
• Excellent customer service
• Low prices

Stated complaints:

• Repairs took longer than expected
• Inexperienced employees
• Overpriced

What about warranties?

If you have an existing warranty on your phone, check to see if the repair shop you're considering is authorized by the manufacturer (such as Apple or Samsung) to make repairs. If they are not, you will void your manufacturer's warranty.

Most repair shops offer their own warranties, typically around 90 days. Some offer unique warranty variations; Mission Repair, for example, offers a lifetime "warranty" on all repairs - but you'll have to pay $20 to make a claim.

How do they compare to local repair shops?

Prices for online cracked screen replacement are comparable to those you'll find at local repair shops. In fact, many online phone repair services have local bases, just as many locally-based businesses are branching out to accept mail-in phone repairs. Some of those include:

• Cellairis
• Batteries and Bulbs
• CPR Cell Phone Repair
• Genius Phone Repair
• RepairStop
• Gotham iPhone
• iFix and Repair
• iCracked (mobile franchises)
• Rockit Repairs

In addition, many small, locally-owned and operated computer repair shops offer phone repair services. Run a Google search for "cell phone repair" in your area to find them. Again, be sure to inquire about manufacturer and repair shop-issued warranties before you decide.



What about DIY screen replacement?

It's typically cheaper to replace your own cracked screen, but you'll also incur the hassle of actually performing the repair. You'll need some special tools and a bit of tech savvy, plus parts - which can take a few days to arrive if you do not have a local supplier.

You can also purchase complete replacement kits that include the LCD/digitizer combination display, all the tools you need, plus instructions to complete the repair. iCracked sells iPhone 6 screen replacement kits for $110, though you can get the screen assembly alone from DirectFix for $85. Digital Supply offers toolkits for $10, and complete replacement kits (screen assembly and tools) for $100.

Keep in mind that replacing your own phone screen will void your warranty, and there will be no support if you make a mistake or accidentally break another component.

How long does it take to get my phone back?

It doesn't take long for an experienced technician to replace your cracked screen, but you have to contend with shipping times and repair schedules when you order online repair services. Here's how they compare to local shops and the do-it-yourself method.

Online cracked screen repair

If you overnight your phone (which will incur additional expenses), you'll get it back in 3 to 5 business days. Every shop has its own policy, but many repair your phone and ship it - overnight - the same day they receive it.

Local cracked screen repair

This is likely your quickest option; in fact, some repair shops guarantee one-hour repairs. Others guarantee same-day repairs.

Do-it-yourself cracked screen repair

If you're not experienced, be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours on your repair. The real wait is in parts shipping time, unless you have a local parts dealer, since parts can take 3 to 5 business days to arrive.

Should you use an online cracked screen replacement shop?

Most reviews for online repair shops are positive, and those that are negative tend to reflect extenuating circumstances rather than the average customer experience. If you don't want to handle the repair yourself and don't have a local repair shop (or one with a good reputation), online phone repair shops can prove excellent alternatives. Conduct your own research and choose the repair shop that has the right price, turnaround time, and warranty for you.