Macs are known for their excellent build quality, but they aren’t indestructible. Whether you have an iMac or a MacBook, it’s still possible to damage the screen, enclosure, or internal components. And if that happens, you won’t be able to fix it with a simple software reset, you’ll need a physical repair instead.

You’ve got a few different options to get a physical repair on your Mac, ranging from official (and potentially expensive) repairs, to budget DIY options.

Option 1. Get Your Mac Repaired by Apple

This is probably your best option when looking to get a physical repair for your Mac, though it is also likely going to be the most expensive one. That said, if your Mac is covered under the warranty and has stopped working all by itself, you could get a repair for free.

If your Mac is covered under AppleCare+, you are eligible to make up to two accidental damage claims every year, for a total of three years. Depending on the repair, you may still need to pay an excess fee, which would be far more reasonable than paying for the damage entirely out of pocket.

A screen replacement or an external closure replacement will only cost you $99 in excess fees. Any other extensive damages that require the complete replacement of the logic board will set you back by $299. For keyboard issues, you should first check out some tips and tricks to get your Mac keyboard working again before shelling out any money.

If you have butter fingers and tend to drop your MacBook frequently, you should get AppleCare+ for it. This will ensure that within the coverage period, you can get physical repairs relatively cheap. Apple will also replace your MacBook’s battery if its health drops below 80% during that three-year period.

apple store

Without AppleCare+, Apple tends to charge quite a lot for a physical Mac repair. Battery replacements for the MacBook Pro lineup cost $199. Depending on the damage, screen replacements can run upwards of $400, while repairs related to the logic board can easily cost thousands of dollars.

One of the benefits of getting your Mac repaired by Apple is that the replacement parts are covered by a 90-day guarantee, which should give you additional peace of mind.

You can start a service request for your Mac from Apple’s Get Support website. And if there’s no Apple Store or repair center near your location, you can also schedule an appointment at Best Buy, as they are also an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Option 2. Get Your Mac Repaired by a Third-Party Repair Shop

Getting a physical repair on your Mac by a third-party repair shop is often a far more convenient and cheaper option than going to Apple. Ideally, you should take this route only if your Mac is particularly old and Apple won’t work on it. This is because getting a third-party repair may void any remaining warranty you have with Apple.

The good thing is that Apple has an Independent Repair Provider Program, which provides authorized shops with original parts, tools, and the required manuals for repair purposes. For peace of mind, you can get your Mac’s repair done at such service providers, as they would have all the technical knowledge and the required tools. The prices they quote for repair will also be far lower than what Apple will charge you.

However, it is not always the case that independent repair shops will do a good job. Always make sure to check their reviews before giving your Mac to them. And inspect it carefully when you collect it.

Option 3. Repair Your Mac Yourself

Open MacBook on desk

If you are the adventurous type, you can consider self-repairing your Mac. It will most likely be the cheapest way of fixing your machine, provided you have access to all the tools and don’t end up making matters worse.

Back in the day, getting your hands on the necessary manuals, tools, and parts required for repairing any Apple device was quite difficult. Apple has made this easier by introducing an official Apple Self Service Repair program, through which it directly sells replacement components to consumers. However, it is currently limited to certain iPhone models.

Apple’s Self Service Repair Program is not perfect, as it is expensive and time-consuming. A better option is iFixit, where you can find repair guides for almost all Macs, along with the common replacement parts and tools required for the job. For sound issues, you should first check out these easy fixes to solve your Mac’s audio problem.

Your Mac’s Best Repair Option Depends on Your Time and Skills

If you don’t have the time or skills to carry out a repair yourself, Apple is definitely the best option to get your Mac repaired. Apple should also be your only option if your Mac is still covered by the warranty or if you paid for AppleCare.

But if Apple won’t repair it for free and you don’t want to spend a bomb on your Mac’s repair, take it to a third-party repair shop instead. For more courageous folks, there’s always the self-repair option. But remember that one wrong move can end up making matters a lot worse.