MacBook screen broken? Here are your real options.
Cracked glass. Black spots. Flickering pixels. A broken MacBook screen usually means one thing: panic. You immediately think of exorbitant repair costs, weeks of waiting at Apple, or worse—buying a whole new laptop. Most people Google endlessly for solutions, from DIY tutorials to dubious back-alley repair shops.
But here's what no one tells you: the most expensive option is often the worst choice . In fact, the quickest and cheapest solution is probably already within your reach—you're just using it wrong. Whether you opt for a cleverly positioned external monitor as a temporary solution, a professional repair, or that refurbished MacBook you've been debating for months, the real trick is choosing the solution that suits when you need your laptop again. Not what Apple recommends.
Useful links
- Refurbished MacBook collection - consider a replacement MacBook
- Repair service - professional screen repair
- Accessories - external monitors as a temporary solution
The 3 best solutions for your broken MacBook screen
A cracked screen doesn't have to mean the end of your MacBook. Depending on the damage, your budget, and how quickly you need to get back to work, you have three realistic options. Each has its own benefits, costs, and turnaround times.
Solution 1: External monitor as a workaround
The fastest way to get back to productivity? Connect an external monitor. This works perfectly if only the screen is damaged and the rest of your MacBook is still functioning fine. You can continue working while you think about a permanent solution.
Advantages:- Get back to work immediately (within 5 minutes)
- Relatively cheap (from €100 for a basic monitor)
- No risk of data loss
- Larger screen for home or office use
- Loss of mobility
- Additional equipment required (monitor, cables, possibly adapter)
- Not suitable for working on the road
- Temporary solution
Best choice for: students who work primarily from home, office workers with a permanent workstation, or as a temporary solution while waiting for repairs.
Solution 2: Professional screen repair
A professional repair from a certified service like Leapp offers the best balance between cost and results. You keep your familiar device with all your data and settings, but with a brand-new screen.
Cost indication:- MacBook Air (2018-2022): €400-600
- MacBook Pro 13" (2016-2022): €500-700
- MacBook Pro 14"/16" (2021-2023): €700-1200
Turnaround time: usually 2-5 business days at a specialized repair shop. Apple Store delivery can take up to 7-10 business days.
Pay attention to these factors:- Warranty may be void if repaired outside of Apple
- Always choose original parts
- Ask about the warranty on the repair (minimum 3 months)
- Check if Touch ID and True Tone still work after repair
Solution 3: Switch to a refurbished MacBook
Sometimes replacing is smarter than repairing. Especially with older models (3+ years old) or if there are multiple defects. A refurbished MacBook gives you a completely new device with a warranty, often for little more than an expensive screen repair.
When to consider replacement:- Your MacBook is older than 4 years
- Repair costs exceed 60% of the replacement value
- You also experience other issues (slow performance, battery, keyboard)
- You want to upgrade to a newer model
A refurbished MacBook Air M1 costs around €800-900. That's only €200-300 more than a screen repair for an older model, while you get a completely new laptop with:
- New battery
- Clean installation
- Minimum 1 year warranty
- Better performance and energy efficiency
Preventing damage: practical tips
The best course of action, of course, is to prevent screen damage altogether. These simple measures make a world of difference:
Transport and storage:- Always use a padded laptop bag or sleeve
- Never place heavy objects on your closed MacBook
- Carry your laptop away from keys, pens, or other sharp objects
- Lift your MacBook by the base, not the screen
- Clean the screen only with a microfiber cloth
- Avoid pressure on the screen when closing
- Before closing the keyboard, check that there are no objects (headphones, USB stick) between the keyboard and the screen.
- Do not place drinks near your MacBook
Making the right choice
The best solution depends on your specific situation. Ask yourself these questions:
- How old is your MacBook? For models older than 4 years, replacing them is often cheaper.
- What's your budget? An external monitor is the cheapest, but replacing it is the most expensive.
- How mobile do you need to be? Do you work primarily in one location, or do you travel frequently?
- How urgent is it? An external monitor works immediately, but repairs will take days.
- What is the condition of the remaining parts? If there are multiple problems, replacement makes more sense.
When deciding between repair and replacement, calculate the cost per year of use. Divide the repair cost by the number of years you expect to use the MacBook. Do the same for a refurbished model. The option with the lowest annual cost is usually the smartest choice.
Remember that a refurbished MacBook isn't just a solution; it's often an upgrade. You get better performance, longer battery life, and a new warranty. For many users, this turns out to be the best decision, especially if their old MacBook was already showing some quirks.
The smartest choice depends on timing, not price
A broken MacBook screen feels like a disaster, but you have more options than you think. For immediate work, an external monitor is the fastest solution . If you want to keep your trusted MacBook, professional repair is the logical choice.
But first, do the math: with older models, you often pay almost as much for a screen repair as for a completely refurbished MacBook with a warranty. The smartest choice? It depends on when you need to get back to work, not on what the salesperson tells you.
