How can Apple fix my cracked screen without getting a new phone?

Brenda1428 wrote:

... I really don't want to lose every thing on my phone

That must mean you back up frequently. With a good backup, you don't have to worry about losing important information, regardless of how Apple chooses to remedy your cracked screen.

If your iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad is Broken

Apple does not fix iDevices. Instead, they exchange yours for a refurbished or new replacement depending upon the age of your device and refurbished inventories. On rare occasions when there are no longer refurbished units for your older model, they may replace it with the next newer model.

ATTN: Beginning July 2013 Apple Stores are now equipped to do screen repairs/replacements in-house on iPhone 5 and 5C. In some cases while you wait. According to Apple this is the beginning of equipping Apple Stores with the resources needed to do most repairs for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches that would not require major replacements. Later in the year the services may be extended as Apple Stores become equipped and staffed with the proper repair expertise. So, if you need a screen repaired or a broken screen replaced or have your stuck Home button fixed, call your local Apple Store to see if they are now doing these in-house.

You may take your device to an Apple retailer for help or you may call Customer Service and arrange to send your device to Apple:

Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.

To contact product and tech support: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers.

You will find respective repair costs in the appropriate link:

iPod Service Support and Costs

iPhone Service Support and Costs

iPad Service Support and Costs

There are third-party firms that do repairs on iDevices, and there are places where you can order parts to DIY if you feel up to the task:

1. iResq or Google for others.

2. Buy and replace screen yourself: iFixit

You don't get a new phone, you pay for a refurbished replacement.

Are you sure you didn't have iCloud backups active or did you ever connect it to a computer to backup?

You can view the latest iCloud backup on a Mac by looking in 'System Preferences > iCloud'. Click 'Manage…', scroll down to see what backups are listed (if any).

iTunes also lists the local backups, see it's 'Preferences > Devices' tab for that info.

Apple will take your device & exchange it for another. When Apple repair screens they do so in a factory that strips & tests the unit completely, effectively making a new device. It means that a repair is not possible. If the screen is not functioning you may not be able to backup to iTunes, otherwise connect it to iTunes on a computer & back it up.

NOTE: the device must be unlocked if a PIN/ passcode is set - that is the reason the screen must work to make a local backup to iTunes, the pairing process requires it.

As far as I can see if the device is locked your options are…

1. See a genius at an Applestore (or call Applecare etc) & enquire about any alternative options.
2. Take it to a third party & void your Apple warranty by having a screen replaced.
3. Do it yourself (& void your Apple warranty) … http://ifixit.com/

EDIT:

Kappy has some nice news posted - nice job Kappy.

Normally if you take your phone to the mall There is usally a kiosk setup to fix broken Iphone screens for around $20.00. But if you are good with taking things apart and whatnot than you can o online and buy a screen replacement and put it on yourself.

Any such third-party repairs are unsupported by Apple and will void any existing warranty and any future support.