So, it happened.
That heart-sinking moment when your beloved MacBook Pro takes a hit, and now you’re staring at a spiderweb of cracked glass.
Or maybe it’s not a crack, but a mysterious black spot or flickering lines that have ruined your perfect Retina display.
Before you start thinking about buying a new machine, take a deep breath.
A screen replacement is often a totally viable and much cheaper option. Whether you have a MacBook Pro 13 or the larger MacBook Pro 15, this guide covers everything about macbook pro screen replacement.
We’ll break down the costs, compare repair options from the Apple Store to third-party shops, and even explore if a DIY screen repair is right for you.
We’ll touch on everything from a simple LCD screen issue to a full display replacement for M1 models like the A2338.
01
of 32Quick Comparison: Your MacBook Screen Repair Options
| Feature | Apple Authorized Repair | Third-Party Repair Shop | DIY (Do-It-Yourself) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $$$ (Varies from $99 with AppleCare+ to over $700) | $$ (Typically 20-40% less than Apple) | $ (Cost of parts only, ~$150-$500) |
| Part Quality | Genuine Apple parts guaranteed | High-quality to variable; reputable shops use good parts | You choose the part, quality can vary wildly |
| Technician Skill | Apple-certified experts | Experience varies, check reviews | Your own skill level (High risk) |
| Warranty | Preserves existing Apple warranty; repair is warrantied | May offer its own repair warranty; voids Apple warranty | No warranty; high risk of causing more damage |
| Best For… | Peace of mind, in-warranty devices, ensuring quality | Out-of-warranty devices, saving money with a trusted pro | Tech-savvy users with the right tools and patience |
02
of 32How Much Does a MacBook Pro Screen Replacement Cost?
Alright, let’s get straight to the big question: how much is this going to set you back?
The cost to replace a MacBook Pro screen isn’t a single number; it’s a spectrum that depends heavily on your model, where you get it fixed, and if you have AppleCare+.
03
of 32If You Have AppleCare+
If you have AppleCare+, you’re in luck.
A screen repair for your Apple MacBook Pro will typically cost around $99 for screen damage.
This is a massive savings compared to out-of-warranty repairs.
04
of 32Without AppleCare+ Coverage
For those without coverage, getting service directly from Apple can be pricey.
Out-of-warranty display repairs often run between $500 and $700 for US users.
The final repair cost can shoot up for larger screens, like the MacBook Pro 16, or newer models with advanced True Tone and ProMotion displays.
05
of 32MacBook Pro Computer Screen Replacement at a Third-Party Shop
Going to an independent or third-party repair service is usually the middle-ground option.
These shops can often perform a macbook screen replacement for significantly less than Apple.
For example, a MacBook Pro 13-inch model like the A2338 (2020 M1) might cost around $419 for a full display assembly replacement.
An older model might be even cheaper.
The key is to find a reputable shop that uses high-quality replacement parts.
06
of 32What to Look For in a Third-Party Shop
- Solid online reviews and ratings
- Warranty on their repair work
- Experience with your specific model
- Quality replacement screens that match original specs
07
of 32The DIY Replacement Screen: Cheapest but Riskiest
If you’re brave and handy with tools, the do-it-yourself route is the cheapest.
You can buy a replacement screen for MacBook Pro models online for anywhere from $150 to over $500, depending on the model and quality.
An LCD panel alone will be cheaper than a full display assembly, but replacing just the LCD is an incredibly difficult repair.
You’re only paying for the part, but you’re also taking on all the risk.
08
of 32Why DIY Is So Challenging
The display is a sealed unit, composed of:
- The aluminum lid
- The delicate LCD panel
- The backlight sheets
- The protective glass
- Separating these without causing more damage requires specialized tools and a ton of patience.
09
of 32Official Apple Store vs. Third-Party Repair Services
So, you’ve decided against the DIY route.
Now you have to choose between going to Apple or a local third-party repair expert.
Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice for your macbook pro screen replacement depends on your priorities.
10
of 32Going to an Apple Store
Going to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) is the safest bet.
You’re guaranteed to get genuine Apple parts, and the technicians are trained specifically for these repairs.
This is the best way to ensure your Retina LCD screen looks and functions exactly as it did before.
If your Apple MacBook is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, this is the only way to go to avoid voiding your coverage.
11
of 32Choosing Third-Party Repair
On the other hand, third-party repair shops offer a more budget-friendly path.
For an older device like a late 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (A1706 or A1708) that’s long out of warranty, saving a few hundred dollars can make a huge difference.
The quality of replacement parts can vary, so it’s crucial to vet the shop.
Look for places with solid reviews that offer their own warranty on the screen repair service.
12
of 32Can I Replace the MacBook Pro Screen Myself?
The internet is full of videos and guides, like those from iFixit, showing you how to perform a screen replacement for MacBook Pro.
It looks tempting, right?
Buy a replacement LCD for a model like the A1502 for a fraction of the price and fix it in an afternoon.
But here’s the reality check: this is not a simple repair.
13
of 32My Personal Experience with DIY Screen Repair
When I first attempted a screen-only replacement on an older MacBook, I learned quickly how intricate the process is.
The cables are paper-thin and easily torn.
One wrong move, and you could damage the logic board or the camera.
For most people, buying the entire top assembly (replacement screen attached to the metal lid) is the only feasible DIY option, but even that is a complex task.
In my field test of a third-party replacement assembly for a MacBook Pro 14 (2021), the result was almost perfect, but True Tone functionality was lost because the display wasn’t calibrated with Apple’s proprietary software.
This is a common issue with DIY and even some third-party repairs on newer models.
Unless you’re very experienced with electronics repair, I’d strongly advise leaving this one to the professionals.
14
of 32Key Factors Influencing Your Repair Cost
Why does a screen for a MacBook Pro 15 from 2017 cost so much more than one for a MacBook Air from the same year?
Several factors influence the final price of your display replacement.
15
of 32Model and Year (e.g., A1707 vs. A2251)
The specific model number of your MacBook Pro is the biggest factor.
You can find this number on the bottom of your laptop, starting with an ‘A’ (e.g., A1707, A2251, A2159).
Newer models, especially the M1 and M2 generation MacBooks, have more advanced and expensive screens.
For example, a display screen for a 2019 MacBook Pro 16 (A2141) can cost over $900 at a third-party shop.
16
of 32Screen Technology: Retina vs. LCD
Modern MacBook Pros use high-resolution Retina displays, which are essentially a fused unit of glass and LCD.
This is why you almost always have to replace the entire assembly, driving up the cost.
Older, non-Retina MacBooks had separate LCDs and glass, which were sometimes cheaper to fix, but those models are now quite old.
The complexity of the Retina LCD screen, with its high pixel density and features like True Tone, makes it a premium part.
17
of 32Additional Features That Affect Cost
- True Tone technology
- ProMotion displays (120Hz refresh rate)
- Touch Bar integration
- Higher resolution panels
- Anti-glare coatings
18
of 32MacBook Air Screen Replacement: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering if the process is the same for a macbook air screen replacement.
Generally, repairing a MacBook Air is less expensive than a MacBook Pro.
For instance, a screen for a 2020 M1 MacBook Air (A2337) might cost around $349 from a third-party service, which is a fair bit cheaper than a comparable Pro model.
19
of 32Why MacBook Air Repairs Cost Less
The MacBook Air is designed to be a more budget-friendly machine, and its parts often reflect that.
While modern Airs also have Retina displays, the cost of the assembly is typically lower.
However, the repair process itself is very similar—it’s still a complex job best left to professionals.
So whether you need a macbook pro computer screen replacement or one for an Air, the fundamental choice between Apple, a third-party shop, and DIY remains the same.
20
of 32Common MacBook Pro Screen Issues
Not all screen problems require a full replacement.
Understanding what’s wrong with your display can help you make the right repair decision.
21
of 32Cracked or Shattered Glass
This is the most obvious issue and unfortunately requires a full screen replacement.
Even small cracks can spread over time and affect the LCD underneath.
22
of 32Dead Pixels or Lines
Sometimes you’ll see vertical or horizontal lines, or areas where pixels don’t light up.
This usually indicates LCD damage and requires replacement.
23
of 32Flickering or Dim Display
This could be a backlight issue, which might be repairable without replacing the entire screen assembly.
However, on newer models, the backlight is often integrated into the LCD.
24
of 32No Display at All
Before assuming screen damage, check if the issue is with the logic board or display cables.
Connect an external monitor to test if the computer is working properly.
25
of 32When to Consider Replacement vs. Repair
After a screen-shattering accident, the big question is whether to repair your current machine or just invest in a new one.
26
of 32Newer Models (2021 and Later)
If you have a relatively new and powerful MacBook Pro—say, an M1 or M2 model from 2021 or later—a screen repair is almost always worth it.
Spending $500 to fix a $2,000 laptop makes perfect financial sense.
27
of 32Older Models (2015 and Earlier)
However, if you have an older model, like a late 2013 or early 2015 MacBook Pro, the decision gets tougher.
If the repair cost is approaching half the value of the computer, you might want to consider putting that money towards a new machine.
28
of 32Temporary Solutions
Before making a decision, get a firm quote for the screen replacement compatible with your model and weigh it against the benefits of getting a newer, faster laptop.
Sometimes, you can even use an external monitor as a temporary or even permanent solution if you primarily use your MacBook at a desk.
29
of 32Tips for Preventing Future Screen Damage
Once you’ve invested in a screen repair, you’ll want to protect that investment.
30
of 32Essential Protection
- Use a quality laptop sleeve or case
- Consider a screen protector for added protection
- Avoid placing objects on your closed laptop
- Be careful when closing the lid (check for debris)
31
of 32Travel Safety
- Never pack your laptop loose in a bag
- Use a dedicated laptop compartment
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Handle with care during security screenings
32
of 32Final Thoughts on MacBook Pro Screen Replacement
A cracked or damaged MacBook Pro screen doesn’t have to mean the end of your laptop’s life.
With the right approach, you can get back to full productivity without breaking the bank.
Whether you choose Apple’s premium service, a trusted third-party shop, or brave the DIY route, the key is making an informed decision based on your specific situation, budget, and technical comfort level.
Remember, a quality screen repair can extend your MacBook’s life by years, making it a smart investment for most users.
The most important thing is to act quickly—screen damage can worsen over time, potentially leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
FAQ
What is the cost of a MacBook Pro screen replacement?
The cost of replacing a MacBook Pro screen can vary significantly depending on the model and whether you choose an original or third-party screen. For example, replacing a damaged screen on a 2017 Retina model typically costs between $300 to $600. If you opt for a compatible assembly that is less expensive, such as those for the A2289 or A1989 models, you might save some money. Always check with a reputable service provider for accurate pricing.
Are all MacBook Pro screens compatible with each other?
No, not all MacBook Pro screens are compatible with one another. Each model has specific screen assemblies designed for it. For instance, the A1706 and A1708 models from late 2016 and mid 2017 have different screens than the A2442 from 2021. It’s essential to ensure that the new screen is compatible with your specific MacBook Pro model to avoid any installation issues.
How can I tell if my MacBook Pro screen is cracked?
You can check for a cracked screen by looking for visible damage or lines on the display. If you notice any dark spots, discoloration, or if the screen is not responding, you may have a damaged screen. Testing the display by connecting it to an external monitor can also help determine if the issue is with the screen itself or the internal components.
Can I replace a damaged MacBook Pro screen myself?
Replacing a MacBook Pro screen can be tricky and requires specific tools and skills. While it is possible to do it yourself, it’s recommended only if you are experienced with Mac repairs. Models like the mid 2017 Retina or the early 2013 can have complicated internal assemblies that may be challenging to navigate without prior knowledge. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek professional help.
What should I do if my MacBook Pro screen is displaying strange colors?
If your MacBook Pro screen is showing strange colors, it could be a sign of a failing LCD or LED display. Issues like this can stem from a damaged screen or problems with the motherboard. Before considering a replacement, try resetting the PRAM and SMC, as this can sometimes resolve display issues. If the problem persists, a screen replacement may be necessary.
How long does a MacBook Pro screen replacement take?
The time it takes to replace a MacBook Pro screen varies depending on the model and the service provider. Typically, a professional repair can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. If you are doing it yourself, it could take longer, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Always inquire about the estimated time with your repair service.
Is it worth getting a new screen for an older MacBook Pro?
Whether it is worth replacing the screen on an older MacBook Pro depends on its overall condition and your usage needs. If your device is running smoothly and meets your requirements, investing in a new screen can extend its life. However, for models like the mid 2014 Retina or early 2013, you may want to weigh the cost of a new screen against upgrading to a newer model.
