Should I get my mobile phone screen repaired?

Is it worth replacing a mobile phone screen?

When deciding whether to have a phone repaired, you need to consider the extent of the damage, the age of the phone and the purchase price. 

If the phone is still functioning normally, a crack in the display is simply a cosmetic flaw. However, if your phone was very expensive, it’s usually worth repairing the screen. 

It’s a good idea to replace a screen in the following cases:   

• The inner workings of the phone are still intact.   

• The phone is no more than two or three years old.   

• The repair costs significantly less than a new phone.

• The damage is covered by an insurance policy.

Note also that you can easily resell an intact iPhone. iPhones hold their value better than Android smartphones. This is another reason why you might opt for a repair.

How much does it cost to replace a mobile phone screen?

Official Apple stores: both Apple and Samsung offer their own screen repair services. The replacement of an iPhone 12 screen no longer under warranty costs 297.65 francs in the Apple store (as at August 2021) (page in German only). The older and cheaper the model, the cheaper it is to repair. To replace the screen of an iPhone 8, you would pay 177.65 francs (as at August 2021). The disadvantage is that you have to take your phone to one of the four Apple stores (Basel, Geneva, Zurich and in the Glattzentrum).

Official Samsung repair service: the Samsung repair service charges 249 francs to replace the display of a Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G (as at August 2021) (page in German only). Once again, prices vary by model.

Authorized service providers: a quicker way to have your smartphone repaired is to visit a specialist service provider like iKlinik.ch (in German, French and Italian only) and Handydoktor.ch (in German only). You will pay around 329 francs to have your iPhone 12 repaired by such providers (as at August 2021). To repair the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, you're looking at around 369 francs (as at August 2021). The advantage of these service providers is that they are available in more locations. iKlinik will even repair your phone in your own home if you wish. 

Retailers: another option is take your phone to a retailer like Media Markt, Mobilezone or Swisscom. As they usually have to send your phone away, you can expect the repair to take longer. The service is also more expensive than official or authorized repair services. However, as the network of retailers is more extensive, you are more likely to be able to get your phone repaired near where you live.

Who should repair the phone?

Using an official repair service is the safest option. If you prefer to pay less by using a different repair service, you should choose an authorized one, otherwise your warranty will generally not apply. Authorized service providers train their staff regularly, follow the manufacturer’s repair guidelines and only use genuine parts. Your warranty will not therefore be invalidated.

You can also find instructions online on how to repair your phone display yourself. This is often in video format, but you can also buy repair kits. Such kits are available from around 30 francs so are cheaper than having the repair done by the manufacturer or a service provider. On the other hand, you need considerable technical expertise and manual skills to replace a screen. Plus, doing this will also invalidate your warranty. 

Who pays for screen repairs?

You can add extra cover to your contents insurance policy or take out separate mobile phone insurance. However, note that a standalone insurance policy is comparatively expensive and is not worth purchasing in most cases.

The warranty only covers damage to the device that is not due to external forces. So if you drop your phone, the damage is not covered by the terms of the warranty.

If the phone is not covered by your contents insurance, a standalone policy or the warranty, you will have to cover the cost yourself. 

How long does it take to repair a screen?

If you have the phone repaired by Apple, Samsung or another repair service provider, it will usually be done the same day. A repair service provider takes just 30 to 60 minutes. If the damage is such that the device needs to be sent to a repair centre, you can expect it to take around 6 to 8 days. 

What should I bear in mind before arranging a repair?

Consider the following points beforehand:

• Back up your data: some repairs may cause loss of mobile phone data. To avoid any risk, it's a good idea to back up your data first. It’s advisable to do this as a matter of routine anyway. 

• Remove any external storage media: this is also about safeguarding your data. If you remove external storage media, there is no risk of losing the data on it during the repair.

• Remove the SIM card: if you have a spare phone, don’t forget to take the SIM card out of the broken one. You can then continue to make calls and browse the web and won't run the risk of losing your SIM.

• Reset your phone: to be completely sure that no unauthorized persons will have access to your personal data, perform a factory reset. Sometimes the repair centre will reset it anyway.

How to prevent mobile phone screen damage

It’s better to be safe than sorry. You can find a range of protective films on the market to fit any mobile phone model. Cheaper films protect your device from small scratches such as those caused by coins or keys in your bag or pocket. However, they do not provide sufficient protection if the phone is dropped. Screen protectors made of plastic or tempered glass provide better protection, with prices starting at around 15 francs.

For the utmost protection, invest in a phone case as well, as this will also cover the corners of your device. Then, if you drop it, the phone won't land directly on the screen. With a protector and a case, your phone will be properly protected against screen damage.