Does Walmart Repair Cracked Phone Screens in 2026? (Do This Instead)

Let me be clear – Walmart stores do not actually repair phone screens. However, through an in-store partnership with a company called Puls, you can get your cracked smartphone screen fixed right inside many Walmart locations.

I‘ll explain exactly how the Puls repair kiosks work at Walmart and what your other best options are for fixing a smashed screen quickly and economically in 2022.

As someone who‘s shattered their fair share of phone displays (oops), I‘m going to share plenty of insider tips to save you time, money and frustration!

Why Do So Many Phones Have Cracked Screens These Days?

It seems like everywhere you look, people are walking around with broken phone screens. Some statistics:

• Over 50 million Americans are estimated to have a cracked smartphone screen right now.

• Up to 26% of mobile phone users have damaged their display at some point.

• The average person in the US accidentally breaks their phone screen at least once every two years.

I‘ll admit, I‘m definitely part of those stats!

But why has phone screen damage become so common? A few reasons:

Bigger screens – The larger displays on smartphones today, especially the edge-to-edge glass, are way more prone to cracking.

Thinner phones – To make devices lighter, manufacturers use less protective casing. This reduces durability.

Constant use – We‘re on our phones from morning to night, increasing the chances of drops and impacts.

Daily mishaps – Accidents like sitting on your phone or having it slip off a table are unavoidable.

So don‘t feel bad or embarrassed if you have a cracked screen. You‘re certainly not alone! Now let‘s look at how to get it fixed…

Does Walmart Actually Repair Cracked Phone Screens?

Many people wonder if they can simply walk into any Walmart store and have an associate fix their broken iPhone or Android display quickly and cheaply.

The short answer is no. Walmart does not offer direct in-house phone screen repair services.

However, through a partnership with a company called Puls, you can get your cracked screen repaired conveniently at over 500 Walmart locations across the United States.

What is Puls?

Puls is a relatively new start-up company specializing in same-day, on-demand smartphone and device repairs.

Technicians are dispatched directly to customers to fix cracked screens and other issues. Appointments can be made through their website or app.

In recent years, Puls has set up repair kiosks within Walmart stores. This allows you to walk in and get phone screens fixed by their technicians right on the spot.

Puls Repair Kiosks at Walmart Locations

There are now Puls repair desks located inside the technology department of over 500 Walmart stores in 45 states.

That means around 1 in every 5 Walmarts now hosts a Puls kiosk – look for signage near electronics or the photo center.

What Services Do Puls Kiosks at Walmart Offer?

Puls technicians can provide all of the following services on-site:

• Smartphone screen repair – Fix cracked or shattered screens on iPhones, Androids, and other devices. This is their most popular offering.

• Smart home installation – Help with setting up smart home gadgets and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

• TV mounting – Safely hang flat screen TVs on your wall.

• General tech help – Troubleshoot problems with smartphones, computers, WiFi, and other electronics.

• Recommend Walmart products – Suggest Walmart tech products if your device can‘t be fixed.

A Puls kiosk located inside a Walmart store

The specific services available will depend on the technicians at your local store‘s Puls station. Screen repair is offered at most locations.

Who Are the Puls Technicians at Walmart?

Puls kiosks are staffed by the company‘s own employed technicians – not Walmart associates.

According to Puls, their repair experts undergo extensive training and background checks. Many have prior experience fixing devices at phone carriers, manufacturers, or repair shops.

Technicians must pass certification exams through Puls University. They are background checked and drug tested.

Customer satisfaction scores for Puls techs average around 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews praise their quick, convenient, high-quality service.

How Do Puls Repair Kiosks at Walmart Work?

Here is an overview of how to use the Puls repair kiosks:

1. Find the kiosk – Head to the electronics department and locate the Puls station, typically by the photo lab or video games section.

2. Check in with technician – Explain your smartphone‘s cracked screen. The tech will assess damage and give a quote.

3. Schedule an appointment – Choose a repair time slot that fits your schedule. Severe damage may require leaving your phone.

4. Provide payment – Give your payment info and complete any paperwork. No money is due until the work is done.

5. Shop or relax – With your appointment set, feel free to browse Walmart or the mall while you wait!

6. Pick up repaired device – Return at your scheduled time and collect your fixed, good-as-new phone!

The Puls kiosks make getting your screen repaired fast, easy, and convenient without leaving Walmart. Appointments often take less than 30 minutes.

How Much Does Phone Screen Repair Cost at Walmart Puls Kiosks?

According to Puls, most smartphone screen fixes done through their Walmart kiosks range from $69 to $399.

What impacts the price? A few factors:

• Phone make and model – More complex designs like iPhone screens cost more.

• Screen size – Larger displays are typically more expensive to replace.

• Extent of damage – Cracked vs. shattered displays raise costs. Water damage adds complexity.

• Parts needed – Original components vs. high-quality aftermarket parts affects pricing.

To get an accurate quote, the Puls technician will need to inspect your actual device and assess the screen damage.

Providing your smartphone‘s make and model on the Puls website can also generate an estimated price range.

Here are the average costs to expect:

Phone Model	Typical Screen Repair Cost
iPhone 14 Pro Max	$329+
iPhone XR	$199+
Samsung Galaxy S22	$279+
Google Pixel 7 Pro	$239+

Cost can vary based on damage – prices are estimates only

As you can see, Puls kiosk screen repairs are generally $100 to $150 cheaper than repair costs directly through phone manufacturers:

Repair Provider	Average Cost
Apple	$329+
Samsung	$399+
Puls Kiosk	$199+

The convenience of getting it fixed right inside Walmart is an added perk!

Should You Get Your Screen Repaired Another Way?

While the Puls kiosks at Walmart provide a solid screen repair option, there are a few other routes to consider as well:

DIY Screen Replacement

If you‘re fairly handy and technically skilled, you may want to try replacing the screen yourself.

Pros:

• Much cheaper – DIY screen kits cost ~$25-50 on Amazon
• Faster if you know what you‘re doing
• More control over the process

Cons:

• Very difficult for inexperienced people
• Risk of damaging phone further
• No expert tech support if needed
• Voids manufacturer warranty

Walmart also sells screen replacement kits and parts for under $50 if you want to attempt on your own. But I‘d only recommend DIY if you have repair experience.

Wireless Carrier Insurance Claim

Some carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint offer reduced cost screen repairs if you pay for their insurance.

Pros:

• Only ~$29 deductible with monthly insurance
• Keeps repair on file with your provider
• Some offer same day in-store service

Cons:

• Need existing protection plan (~$15/month)
• Limited replacement phones if yours is junk
• Increasing premiums with frequent claims

If you already pay for phone insurance, using your coverage is likely most cost effective. Just be aware of deductibles and claim limits.

Phone Manufacturer Repair

Apple, Samsung and other brands all offer direct mail-in services to fix your screen with genuine parts.

Pros:

• OEM components ensure quality
• Repair records kept on device
• Warranty support from maker

Cons:

• Very expensive – $200+ in most cases
• Slow turnaround time via mail
• Possibly voids third-party coverage

Going directly through the manufacturer is optimal to retain your warranty, but comes at a high price.

Independent Repair Shops

Local third-party phone repair stores often offer the lowest pricing and fastest service. The quality can be more variable though.

Pros:

• Low prices, often under $100
• Repairs done quickly, sometimes in under an hour
• More convenient than mailing out

Cons:

• Lacking reviews and reputation
• Third-party parts may not match OEM quality
• Risk of losing water resistance etc.

If cost and speed are your priorities, an independent shop is a solid option provided you find a reputable one. Definitely read reviews first!

Weighing Your Screen Repair Options

When deciding the best place to get your cracked phone screen fixed, consider factors like:

• Cost – How much will the repair cost with parts + labor? Get an exact quote.

• Speed – Is this a same-day fix or will you wait days/weeks? Faster is better.

• Quality – Are high-grade OEM or third-party parts used? Does workmanship have guarantees?

• Warranty – Will a repair void or support your existing device warranty?

• Location – Is the repair location convenient or out of the way?

• Customer service – Do they provide help if issues arise post-repair?

Once you weigh what matters most – cost, quality, warranty, convenience, etc. – choosing the right repair option becomes much easier!

Preventing Cracked Phone Screens

While inevitable accidents happen, you can reduce the chances of your screen cracking in the first place:

• Use a protective case – Durable cases cushion drops and impacts.

• Install a screen protector – Glass or plastic protectors absorb shocks.

• Be aware – Pay attention to your surroundings when using your phone walking.

• Improve your grip – Get a case with grip padding or a finger ring on the back.

• Avoid drops – Never use or place your phone near ledges.

• Care with keys – Keep keys/coins away from phone in pockets or purses to avoid scratches.

• Dry your hands – Water and grease increase risk of slips. Keep a cloth handy.

With vigilance and the right accessories, you can help prevent joining the growing statistics of broken phone screens!

The Bottom Line

While Walmart itself does not repair phone screens in-house, the Puls kiosks found in over 500 stores provide a convenient, affordable way to fix your cracked iPhone, Android, or other device right onsite.

Costs through Puls typically run between $69 to $399 depending on make, model, and damage extent. Getting a quote from your local kiosk technician is advised.

DIY repairs, wireless carrier insurance, the phone maker itself, or independent shops are other solid options to consider as well based on your priorities.

No matter where you choose to go, a good screen repair will have your phone looking brand new again in no time! Just be sure to price compare and weigh the pros and cons for your situation.

Let me know if you have any other questions about getting your cracked phone screen fixed affordably and quickly!