Why you’re here
You’re staring at spiderweb glass, a tiny cut on your thumb from that last swipe, and the creeping worry that this will cost way more than it should. You still need your iPhone for work, banking, rides, photos, and life, so what now.
This guide walks you through every practical option for a cracked iPhone screen, from quick triage and official repairs to selling for cash in Dallas, TX so you can upgrade to the brand-new iPhone Air or the iPhone 17 line without dragging this problem through another week.
We’ll keep this simple and real, with steps you can follow right now, price and time expectations, and a clear path to cash out and sell iphone with G1 Tech Dallas, the local cash buyer more and more Dallas sellers trust.
Quick triage before you do anything
1) Power off if shards are loose
If you can see or feel lifted glass, treat it like a tiny knife situation. Hold the phone by the edges, press and hold the side button to power down, and avoid flexing the display. If glass has fallen into the speaker grill or the charging port, don’t poke around. Just set the phone face up on a clean cloth.
2) Protect your fingers first
Slip on thin gloves if you have them or use a microfiber cloth as a barrier when handling the screen. Keep kids and pets away from the work area so no one gets a splinter.
3) Drop on a tempered glass protector now
If touch still works, a quick protector install can pin the cracks and keep tiny fragments from spreading. Wipe the display gently, lay the protector from one edge to the other, and press out bubbles with a card. Even a slightly crooked install is fine. The goal is containment, not pretty.
4) Tape the cracks if you have no protector
Painter’s tape or clear packing tape can hold the surface together long enough to back up. Trim the tape so it does not fold into ports. Avoid duct tape glue on the screen. If tape overlaps the earpiece or sensors, peel it back after your backup.
5) Keep it dry and cool
Cracked glass lets moisture in. Do not bring the phone into a bathroom or kitchen while it is steaming or cooking. No compressed air on the cracks, since air can push grit under the glass.
6) Quick function check
Before you start backups, check a few basics so you know what still works.
- Touch across the screen in a few spots
- Face ID or passcode entry
- Volume buttons and mute switch
- Charging and a short call on speaker to confirm audio
7) Back up right away
Do this before the crack grows or the touch layer gives out.
- iCloud backup
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Settings → Your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
- Keep the screen awake and plugged in until it finishes
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Computer backup
- On a Mac with Finder: connect the phone with a cable, open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, choose “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac,” then click Back Up Now
- On Windows or older macOS with iTunes: plug in, open iTunes, click the iPhone icon, then Back Up Now
- If you keep health data or passwords, choose the encrypted backup option and set a password you will remember
- On a Mac with Finder: connect the phone with a cable, open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, choose “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac,” then click Back Up Now
8) If touch is unreliable, try these assists
- Plug in a wired Lightning or USB-C keyboard, then enter your passcode with keys
- Turn on Voice Control or Switch Control if you can still reach Settings, so you can navigate with your voice or a switch while you finish the backup
- If none of that works and the display is unreadable, stop and plan for cable restore or data recovery rather than forcing it
9) Don’t erase yet
Only erase after a good backup and once you have decided to sell or repair. If you will visit a repair shop first, keep the phone signed in so they can test Face ID and other functions.
10) Pack a quick kit
If you are heading out for repair or a quote, bring a cable and charger, your Apple ID email and password, and a small zip bag for any loose glass.
That is it. With your data safe and the glass contained, you can decide calmly whether to fix it or sell it.
Related link: How to erase and reset your iPhone after you back up on Apple Support: Apple Support
Your four main paths for a cracked iPhone screen
1) Official Apple repair
If you want genuine parts and a repair that keeps True Tone, Face ID, and water resistance behavior within spec, an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store is the safe bet. Screen repairs use Apple parts and follow Apple procedures. Pricing varies by model and coverage. AppleCare+ usually reduces out-of-warranty cost. Turnaround is often the same day to a few days, depending on stock and queue.
Related link: Apple’s iPhone screen repair page and general repair portal: Apple Support
When this makes sense:
- You plan to keep the phone another year or two.
- Face ID or sensors need calibration that third parties may not restore correctly.
- You have AppleCare+.
Watchouts:
- If Find My is on, Apple will ask you to disable it before service. Do this at home to avoid security waiting periods that can kick in at stores. Related link: Turn off Find My, trade-in and service prep: Apple Support
2) Third-party repair
Independent shops can be faster and cheaper, and many do solid work. Parts quality varies from premium aftermarket to budget panels. If you go this route, ask about part grade, True Tone retention, and warranty on the screen.
When this makes sense:
- You want the lowest price that still looks and feels right.
- The phone is older and you just need it to last through upgrade season.
Watchouts:
- Display color accuracy and brightness can differ from stock if non-genuine parts are used. Apple notes that non-genuine displays may have issues.
3) DIY screen replacement
Apple’s Self Service Repair lets experienced users rent tools and buy genuine parts with manuals, but it’s technical. You’ll need patience, steady hands, and time.
Related link: Apple Self Service Repair hub: Apple Support
When this makes sense:
- You like taking things apart and following detailed guides.
- You accept the risk and the time sink for the savings and the fun.
Watchouts:
- You can void coverage or damage water seals.
- If something goes sideways, parts and time can add up quickly.
4) Sell it as-is for fast cash and upgrade
If repair cost feels too high for the age of the phone or you want to jump to iPhone Air or the iPhone 17 line now, cashing out the broken unit can be the smartest move. This is where G1 Tech Dallas shines. As a local cash buyer in Dallas, TX we purchase iPhones with cracked screens every day, pay on the spot, and handle the headache so you can walk out with money for your upgrade without waiting on a repair queue.
Repair vs sell: a simple way to decide
Use a quick mental equation: Repair Cost + Time without a phone vs Instant cash + Upgrade timing.
- If your iPhone is newer and has AppleCare+, official repair often wins.
- If your iPhone is out of coverage and the repair quote is steep, sell iphone to G1 Tech Dallas can get you into a new phone right away with no downtime.
- If you already planned to upgrade to iPhone Air or iPhone 17 this season, selling now keeps you from spending twice.
How much is a cracked iPhone worth in Dallas, TX right now
Exact offers change based on model, storage, carrier status, damage level, and whether the phone still powers on and passes basic checks. In general, you’ll get a solid cash number if:
- Touch still works across the screen
- Face ID works
- The frame is not badly bent
- Battery health is decent
- It is not iCloud-locked and Find My is off
Phones with heavy damage still have value for parts or refurbishment. The fastest way to know is to bring it to G1 Tech Dallas or message us photos. If you decied to sell iphone, we’ll give you a no-pressure quote and pay cash if you like the number.
How to prepare your cracked iPhone before repair or sale
These steps protect your data and speed up your repair or cash-out.
Step 1: Back up
Use iCloud or a computer backup. Even if the screen is barely usable, try to trigger a backup so your photos, messages, and app data are safe.
Related link: Apple’s official erase and backup guidance, including the Erase All Content and Settings path: Apple Support
Step 2: Turn off Find My
Do this at home or at your trusted location so security features do not delay your handoff.
Related link: Turn off Find My on iPhone and Apple’s “before you sell or trade in” checklist: Apple Support
Step 3: Erase all content and settings
On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode or Apple Account password if prompted.
Related link: Apple’s erase steps: Apple Support
Step 4: Remove SIM or prepare your eSIM
If you use a physical SIM, pop it out. With eSIM, be sure your next phone is ready or your carrier can re-provision after you sell. Apple’s guide notes you may be asked about the eSIM during erase.
Step 5: Gather accessories
Bring your charger and cable if you want to include them in the sale. It is optional, but sometimes improves your cash offer for older models.
What makes G1 Tech Dallas the best place to sell iPhone with cracked screens
We’re local to Dallas, TX and we keep this simple so you do not lose a day chasing quotes.
- On-the-spot cash. We are a local cash buyer, so you leave with money, not a store credit.
- No judgment on condition. Cracked front, cracked back, minor bend, it still has value.
- Straightforward process. We test, we quote, you decide.
- Real people in Dallas, TX. If you prefer message-only first, send photos for a quick ballpark.
- Upgrade friendly. Many sellers come in planning to upgrade to iPhone Air or iPhone 17. We get that and move fast so you can head to your carrier or Apple Store with cash in hand.
The clean handoff checklist for a fast sale at G1 Tech Dallas
- Your phone is backed up
- Find My is off
- You know your Apple ID email and password just in case
- You have a government-issued ID
- Optional: bring your box, charger, and cable if you want to bundle them
Tip: During the iPhone 17 launch window and busy weekends, Apple Stores can be packed and trade-ins can stall if Find My or specific security settings are still active. It is smoother when you disable these at home before you hit a store.
Related link: Recent coverage on iPhone 17 trade-ins slowed by security settings and how to avoid the wait: TechRadar
If you’d rather repair first before you sell iPhone, do it smart
- Official route: Start a repair request and book a time. Bring your device wiped and with Find My off to avoid delays. Related link: Apple’s repair portal and screen repair info. Apple Support+1
- Independent route: Ask about part grade, warranty length, water sealing notes, and True Tone re-pairing.
- DIY route: Read the manual, know the tools, and budget extra time. Related link: Apple Self Service Repair. Apple Support
Keep it green: recycle the right way in Dallas
If your phone is truly beyond saving or you are clearing a drawer of dead devices, Dallas has official drop-off options and certified partners to process electronics correctly.
Related links: City of Dallas e-waste guidance and locations, plus a DFW recycler with posted hours: Dallas City Hall
Common questions about cracked iPhone screens
Will a cracked screen get worse
Yes. Micro-cracks spread with heat and pressure. A protector helps for a while, but the risk of deeper damage and touch issues goes up the longer you wait.
Can I still trade in with a cracked screen
Most carriers and big box stores take cracked phones but pay less, and many pay in credits. With G1 Tech Dallas, you get cash on the spot and skip the locked-in store credit.
Will I lose Face ID if I fix it elsewhere
Some third-party repairs are fine, others are not. This depends on parts, calibration, and technician skill. Apple warns that non-genuine parts can affect performance.
How strong is the newer iPhone glass anyway
Apple’s Ceramic Shield is tough for drops, but not magic. Scratches and cracks can still happen.
Do I have to turn off Find My
Yes if you repair or sell. It is part of anti-theft security and trade-in prep. Do it at home for the smoothest experience.
Related link: Turn off Find My and prep steps: Apple Support
The upgrade play that makes the most sense in 2025
If you are already eyeing iPhone Air or the iPhone 17 line, paying to fix a heavy crack on an older device may not be the best use of cash. Selling the broken phone puts money in your hand now and clears the way for a fresh warranty, better battery life, new cameras, and the current iOS. G1 Tech Dallas exists to make that switch easy. Bring your cracked phone, sell iPhone, walk out with cash, then buy the new device that actually makes your day better.
Step-by-step: sell my iPhone with a cracked screen to G1 Tech Dallas today
- Message us or walk in. Share the model, storage, carrier status, and a couple of photos if you want a fast range.
- We check the phone. Power on, basic functions, screen and frame, battery cycle info, and lock status.
- We make a cash offer. No pressure. If you want to think it over, no problem.
- We pay on the spot. Bring ID, sign a quick bill of sale, and get cash.
- Upgrade on your terms. Head to your carrier or Apple Store with cash in hand and pick your iPhone Air or iPhone 17.
Got a cracked iPhone screen and ready to move on? Walk into G1 Tech Dallas in Dallas, TX today, get a fast quote, and cash out on the spot. If your goal is to upgrade to iPhone Air or the iPhone 17 line, this is the fastest way to turn a broken screen into a better phone right now.
G1 Tech is your trusted technology partner located in Dallas, TX, specializing in purchasing used MacBooks, iPhones, tablets, and other electronic devices for competitive cash offers. With a reputation built on reliability, transparency, and exceptional customer service, G1 Tech has earned its place as a leading name in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for those seeking to sell their devices quickly and securely.
Proudly serving Dallas and surrounding areas, including Mesquite, TX · Pleasant Grove, TX · Richardson, TX · DeSoto, TX · Fort Worth, TX · Arlington, TX · Garland, TX · Duncanville, TX · Lancaster, TX, G1 Tech is committed to providing fast, hassle-free service. Whether you’re in Dallas proper or nearby communities, G1 Tech ensures competitive quotes, immediate payments, and a seamless selling experience.
As a trusted local business, G1 Tech is passionate about helping individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area get the most value from their tech while delivering top-notch customer care.
If you’re ready to turn your old device into cash, contact us at G1 Tech today — we’re here to help