My iPhone Back Is Cracked! Here’s What To Do
The Apple iPhone’s back glass is super shiny, incredibly stunning, and super sensitive. No longer is it that beautiful piece of incredible technology. Now, it’s a cut waiting to happen on your fingers when you try to view photos you have taken or answer the phone. One drop and you’re suddenly left with a cracked back.
Despite knowing that glass can cause injuries to its customers, one has to wonder why Apple still uses glass for its devices.
Why Does Apple Use Glass?
Many people think that the use of glass on the iPhone is merely for aesthetic reasons, but it’s so much more than that. There are several benefits beyond aesthetics that make glass so beneficial.
The most significant benefit is its wireless charging ability. Glass has low conductivity, but due to how fragile glass can be, an accidental knock off the wireless charging device could lead to a crack in the glass.
Apple claims that it uses the most durable glass for its smartphone. And it may be durable, but glass is glass, and it will still break even if you have a shock-proof or protective case for it. This means you still risk the chance of breaking your iPhone glass – be it from a drop or crush. Accidents happen!
Apple has been using glass for its smartphones for the last 10 years, and the phones that currently have the glass feature include:
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR,
- iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max,
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max,
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone Pro Max and iPhone 12 Mini,
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Mini.
If you own an iPhone with a glass back that’s been cracked, rest alone that you’re not alone. How can you make your iPhone look like the device it was when you first purchased it? Or, can you?
Is It Possible To Fix The Glass Back?
When you break the glass on your phone, you may be wondering if it’s even possible to fix it. You have to understand that Apple is synonymous with quality, and it’s why Apple enthusiasts continue to purchase the company’s products. But, this quality does mean the price is more.
For instance, repairs can be nightmarish for consumers, Apple technicians and third-party repair techs. A glass back makes things even trickier. However, if you’re dedicated to Apple products and have a broken glass, you must be mindful of a few things.
Do It Yourself
What you’re going to discover when trying to fix a cracked back glass is that the glass is fused with strong epoxy and minute welds to the interior of the phone. You’ll need to be patient in prying off each glass piece, using heat or cold to dissolve the epoxy, so the glass loosens up.
Then, if you do manage to get every broken piece of glass off, you still need to find a non-working iPhone with a good back and frame to replace it with. You could visit a pawn shop, but it’s possible your particular model won’t be in stock.
Be aware that trying to make repairs yourself could do more harm than good.
- If you have an AppleCare plan, you could void that warranty.
- You could cause the Face ID function to quit working.
- You could also damage other parts of the device.
- If you lose any pieces, it could keep the device from working correctly.
Simply put, do not try making the repairs for yourself. You could be out more money than you think.
Third-Party Repair Shop
For some people, the mere thought of getting another phone in lieu of fixing their broken one can be devastating. As such, they may consider a third-party repair shop to help them out. This consideration is often made when they no longer have or never invested in the AppleCare+ program.
You may think it’s easier for these professionals to repair your broken iPhone glass, but it’s not easy for them either. As such, the cost of repairing the device could get costly. Plus, there are no guarantees they can even fix it or make it work as it should. Even if they are “experts,” it doesn’t mean the phone will be like it was when you purchased it.
When you don’t have AppleCare+, then you can try these professionals. Just remember that it’s a long shot.
Apple Service Providers
If your iPhone’s glass has cracked, the only thing you can really do to feel secure in that your phone will work as it did before is take it to a certified Apple shop or Apple professionals. They have the right skills, tools and knowledge to get your iPhone looking like new again… for a price.
How much you’ll pay depends on two key things:
- iPhone model
- AppleCare+ plan or not
If you currently have AppleCare+ or a newer phone model, you may spend just $99 to repair the phone (in addition to another $200 for the added warranty). Third-party repair shops will cost you so much more money. And, if you don’t have a warranty, the cost could run you anywhere from $350 for an older phone to $600 for the latest devices.
Ask yourself if the AppleCare+ plan is worth it, and if so, invest in it.
GadgetPickup
You also have the option of going with GadgetPickup, which understands that fixing your iPhone may be more than what you can contend with. Why not sell it? GadgetPickup can help. Instead of just leaving it in a junk drawer to collect dust, we will take the damaged device from you and give you money in your pocket to invest in another phone.
How much you get for your cracked iPhone depends on three key things:
1. Condition
2. Phone carrier
3. Storage size
You can use the money to put as a down payment for another iPhone if you want and without the worry of cutting up your fingers.
All you need to do is reach out to GadgetPickup, and we will give you a quote for your Apple device. Even if it’s broken, you’ll get something for it.
Solving Your Cracked iPhone…
Apple is going to continue to make iPhones with a glass back, and people who love Apple will continue to buy and use their products until they can’t anymore. When your iPhone case fails to protect the back glass, you have options. You have the choice of investing in AppleCare+ or getting an upgrade to the latest model with cash from selling the cracked device to GadgetPickup.
No matter what route you go, you’ll end up being a bit more careful with your device.
