iPhone Back Glass Cracked? Here's What Your Options Are

Apple introduced glass backs with the iPhone 8, and they have been a fixture of iPhone design ever since. The glass back enables wireless charging and looks premium — but it also means there is now glass on both sides of your phone that can crack.

If your iPhone back glass is cracked, here is what you need to know.

All iPhones from the iPhone 8 onward have glass backs:

• iPhone 8, 8 Plus
• iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, 16 series, 17 series
• iPhone SE (3rd and 4th generation)

If you have an iPhone 7 or older, your back is aluminum and does not crack.

Unlike a cracked front screen, a cracked back glass does not necessarily affect your phone's functionality. Your touch screen still works, your display is fine, and most features are unaffected.

However, there are good reasons to repair it:

Wireless charging: Severe back glass damage can interfere with wireless charging coils.

Water resistance: The back glass is part of your phone's water resistance seal. A cracked back compromises that protection.

Sharp edges: Cracked glass can cut your hands or damage the inside of your pocket.

Resale value: A cracked back significantly reduces trade-in and resale value.

Aesthetics: You paid a lot for that phone. It should look good.

This is the proper repair. A technician removes the cracked glass and installs a new one.

The complexity varies by model. Older iPhones (8, X, XS) require significant disassembly — the back glass is bonded to the frame and requires heat and specialized tools to remove without damaging internal components.

Newer iPhones (12 and later) are even more complex due to tighter tolerances and additional components near the back glass.

At Sarge's Cellular, we perform back glass replacements with quality parts and back the work with our 60-day warranty.

If the crack is minor and not causing any functional issues, a good case can cover the damage and prevent it from spreading. This is not a repair, but it is a practical short-term solution.

This option makes sense if:

• The crack is small and not spreading
• You plan to upgrade soon anyway
• The repair cost does not make financial sense for your phone's age

Apple offers back glass replacement, but it is expensive — often $300–$550 depending on the model. If you have AppleCare+, the cost is significantly lower (typically $29–$99).

For most people without AppleCare+, a local repair shop is a much more cost-effective option.

Most back glass repairs at Sarge's Cellular are completed same day. The exact time depends on the model — some are more involved than others. We will give you an accurate time estimate when you bring it in.

The best protection is a case with a raised back — one that keeps the glass from making direct contact with surfaces when you set your phone down. Combined with a tempered glass screen protector on the front, a good case provides comprehensive protection for both glass surfaces.

We carry cases and screen protectors at both our Valparaiso and Navarre locations.

Sarge's Cellular repairs iPhone back glass at both our Florida Panhandle locations. We offer free estimates, same-day service on most models, and a 60-day warranty on all repairs.

Military and public safety personnel receive a discount — just show your ID.

Book your back glass repair or stop by today. We will have your iPhone looking sharp again.