Professional Apple repair technicians can help when your iPad, desktop computer, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or iPhone stops working or suffers accidental damage. Apple repairs can be a cost-effective way to get your slow or non-functioning iOS device back up to speed, especially if the item is not covered by the Apple extended warranty or AppleCare protection plan, or if there's no Apple store in your area. Apple repair professionals can install and update operating systems, install anti-virus software, replace a broken screen, troubleshoot phones or computers that are not turning on, address slow performance issues, remove suspected viruses or malware, resolve system errors or blank screens, handle strange noises like clicking or grinding coming from the hard drive, or replace logic boards.
You may know the cause of the problem with your Mac spilling liquids on your laptop and dropping the computer are two common causes of accidental damage or you may need the technician to provide diagnostic services to determine what's wrong. Many Apple repair technicians offer flat rates for common services such as screen replacements for which they can confidently predict the cost of parts and labor to complete the job. Some repair pros also provide mobile service, coming to your home or office to do repairs or providing pickup and drop-off service. Mobile service may cost extra or may be included in the repair charge. Several things affect the average cost of Apple repairs including the type of Apple product that needs repair, the type of service needed and more.
Apple repair services are available almost anywhere in the United States for new iOS devices and older models alike. The national average cost for Apple repair services provided by independent technicians ranges from $45 to $140. Some repairs can be quickly diagnosed and completed, while others take more time. An Apple repair technician can also tell you when it makes sense to repair or replace your iOS device.
Common Apple repair needs
The most common Apple repairs are for Mac laptops and desktops. For laptops, most repair shops are called upon to replace logic boards, hard drives and screens. The logic board is the foundation of the computer. Signs of trouble with your logic board are when your machine doesn't have any power, or if it shows just a white screen or a beeping noise when it does power up. Common signs of a problem with your hard drive include a seeing just a flashing folder with a question mark when you boot up or being unable to access your information. Another common repair is fixing the screen of iPhones.
Repair shops also report a lot of the spinning beach ball of death, especially when the hard drive is about 5-6 years old. If you have a pre-2012 Mac, most repair specialists recommend upgrading to a solid-state hard drive to give your computer a new lease on life. After 2012, Apple soldered the memory in and implemented a hard drive that is proprietary to Apple, so it is more costly to upgrade or replace.
Laptop repair costs
Many shops charge a flat rate for Mac laptop repairs, depending on the year and model. Others price based on an hourly rate plus the cost of parts. Each company may have different flat or hourly rates, which vary based on the geographic location, the cost of living and the cost to do business in that region, the background and experience of the technician or company, and product-related costs such as model, year and materials needed. Examples of typical average laptop repair costs:
Liquid damage repair costs
Computers are highly sensitive to water and other liquid damage. In addition to the moisture, the sugars or chemicals in sodas and other drinks can be corrosive to the delicate logic board of your laptop. Many people try the DIY strategy of using dry rice to absorb spilled liquid, but rice only dries the surface liquid, not the water that sits under the chips. The minimum cost for liquid damage repair is typically $129. The technician will completely remove any liquid from the logic board using a special non-conductive solution to clean it and a process chemical to dry it. If the logic board is too damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Notebook screen repair costs
Cracked screens and issues with visibility or errors often result from dropping laptops. The retina screens that are standard on later models offer extremely high pixel density, which creates a seamless viewing experience, but like the touch bar is a new technology that costs more to replace when cracked or damaged. Repair experts recommend always keeping laptops or iPhones in protective cases. Average repair costs, nationwide:
Desktop repair costs
Common repairs for desktops include replacing the internal fans or repairing damage to the hard drive. Internal fans keep the processor and the inside cool and prevent overheating. Your fans may need to be replaced if your computer is overheating, spontaneously shutting down or making strange noises. The national average price to replace fans is $89-$199. Repairing the hard drive in a desktop really depends on the year and model of the computer. For example, the iMac is all-in-one, so fixing or replacing the hard drive can mean taking the entire thing apart. A national average price range for hard drive repair or replacement is $159-$459.
iPhone and iPad repair costs
iPhone screen repairs are a common request, and most shops can replace a screen in less than 30 minutes. The cost of the repair depends on the phone model and screen size; the newer and larger the screen, typically the higher the cost. Battery failure, charge port problems, earpiece difficulties and data recovery are also frequent problems. Here are some examples of average iPhone repair costs, nationally:
Average national costs to replace Apple iPhone and iPad screens:
iPhone
iPad
Another common repair on iPhones and iPads is replacing the Home button, which typically costs an average of $49, nationwide.
Transportation fees
Apple repair technicians may charge for pickup or drop-off services, or may include transportation in their fees. Many technicians will provide a free diagnosis and an estimate of repair costs for customers who bring a computer or device to their location. Some repair shops even offer free diagnostics for laptops and phones when clients bring them in. Others may charge a minimum service fee that averages between $50 and $100, which can then be applied to the cost of repairs.
Software and anti-virus support costs
Viruses are now a real threat for Macs, which used to be nearly impervious to malware and ransomware. If you're experiencing pop-up windows, a technician can help clean your computer. Apple pros can also provide software support for glitches, updates and installations.
Many repair outfits offer a flat rate, starting at a national average of $69-$89, or up to $129 if they also need to do a backup and transfer. A very simple repair might cost as little as $39.
It's important to always back up your data to prevent any loss and to invest in anti-virus software. For most virus removal jobs, many companies offer a flat rate of $90 to clean up a laptop or desktop and get you operating smoothly once more. Many repair experts recommend the Avast brand of anti-virus software, but there are many available to suit your needs. Most repair specialists also recommend backing up your devices to a cloud-based storage system, in addition to an external hard drive, to ensure that a flood, fire, loss or theft doesn't destroy your work files, family photos and important documents. Anti-virus software and cloud-based storage are typically available for a monthly fee.
Cost-saving strategies
In most cases, customers can save time (and often money) by purchasing the replacement parts they need to upgrade or replace and then hiring a repair technician to install them. Consult someone at an Apple Genius Bar and/or the repair service first to find out exactly what to buy.
Pro tips: