What to Do When Your iPhone's Back Glass Cracks

What was once a tool for capturing adorable pet photos and sharing your thoughts on social media has now become a potential hazard for your fingers. Yes, you can still engage with your favorite posts, but at the risk of a painful injury.

The Double-Edged Sword of a Glass Back

The glass back of your iPhone isn’t just for aesthetics or to give you a thrill every time you drop it. It serves a practical purpose: enabling wireless charging due to its low conductivity. However, this feature also makes your iPhone more susceptible to damage.

Apple asserts that the glass used in their phones is the most robust ever used in a smartphone. But let’s face it, glass is still glass. Even with a protective case, your iPhone is always one unfortunate drop away from damage.

The following iPhones have glass backs:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 14
• iPhone SE 2022
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 12
• iPhone SE 2020
• iPhone 11
• iPhone XE
• iPhone XS
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 8
• iPhone X
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4

If you’re among the unfortunate iPhone users dealing with a cracked back glass, don’t worry, you’re not alone. And if you’re particularly prone to accidents, we’re here to guide you.

How to Address a Cracked iPhone Back

The real question isn’t how to fix it, but whether you should attempt to fix it at all. Apple is renowned for its quality, which is why iPhone users remain loyal. However, this quality comes with a downside: repairs can be challenging, even for Apple technicians and third-party professionals. If you’re feeling brave and want to try a DIY repair, here’s what you should know.

DIY Repair

The shattered back glass that’s causing you stress and potential injury isn’t merely glued to the frame. It’s essentially fused with your iPhone’s interior due to a strong epoxy and tiny welds. Removing each shard of glass requires patience and the careful application of extreme heat or cold to dissolve the epoxy.

Even if you manage to remove all the broken glass, you’ll still need to find a non-functional iPhone with a good frame and back for the replacement. Plus, DIY repairs always carry the risk of causing further damage to your device’s components, like disabling Face ID.

Verdict: It’s best to avoid this labor-intensive and risky repair.

Third Party iPhone Repair

If you’re not ready to give up on your iPhone, you could consider a third party iPhone repair shop, especially if your warranty has expired or you didn’t opt for AppleCare+. However, keep in mind that this repair is just as challenging for professionals, and the cost will reflect that.

Verdict: It’s worth considering, but be realistic about the cost and potential outcomes.

Repair with Apple or an Apple-Certified Service Provider

If you have AppleCare+ or your phone is new enough to add it, the repair will cost you a reasonable $99 (plus $199 for the extended warranty). But if you’re dealing with out-of-warranty iPhone repair prices, the repair can cost anywhere from $349 for an iPhone 8 to a whopping $599 for an iPhone 14.

Verdict: This is the best option if you have AppleCare+.

Considering a Trade-In? The Condition of Your iPhone’s Back Glass Matters.

When contemplating a trade-in for the latest iPhone 15 or any other model, the condition of your phone plays a significant role in determining its value. While carriers often present enticing trade-in deals, these offers are contingent upon the state of your device.

An iPhone with a cracked back glass may significantly reduce its trade-in value. In fact, most carriers will provide a substantially better deal if you present an iPhone with an intact back glass compared to one that’s damaged.

Repairing the back glass before considering a trade-in can be a strategic move to maximize the value of your existing device.

To get an in-depth understanding of how trade-in deals work and the potential benefits of presenting a phone in prime condition, explore our guide on Understanding the iPhone 15 Trade-In Deals.

Verdict: Fix your back glass on most of these iPhone 15 trade-in deals.