Since cellphones are becoming an essential part of our lives, nearly everyone may have an iPhone screen break. A slip or a thoughtless drop could leave that once-clear screen cracked. Professional mobile phone repair shops are now the "emergency room" where you can save your gadget. In order to make damaged iPhone screens appear "brand new," Phonefix will examine how skilled repair experts fix them step-by-step in this article.
I. Preparation Before Repair
Before the actual repair, professional repair technicians will conduct a preliminary inspection. They will determine the extent of the damage: is it just a cracked outer screen, or has the touch layer and display layer also been damaged? If the screen cannot light up or the touch is unresponsive, it usually means that the entire screen assembly needs to be replaced. After confirming the repair plan, the technician will prepare a set of professional tools:
· Screwdriver set: for removing the bottom screws;
· Suction cup or screen separator: for gently lifting the screen edges;
· Plastic pry bar and pick: to prevent scratching the device or damaging the ribbon cable;
· Hot air gun or heating pad: to soften the adhesive, making the screen easier to separate;
· Anti-static wrist strap: to ensure that static electricity does not damage internal components during the repair process.
All of these preparations are to ensure the accuracy and safety of the following operations and to lay the foundation for the perfect restoration of the entire device.
II. Step One: Disassembly
1. Turning off the power is the first and most crucial step. Professional technicians will not handle powered devices recklessly, as a short circuit could permanently damage the iPhone motherboard.
2. Next, they will use a pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the bottom of the iPhone.
3. Next, the technician uses a suction cup to gently adhere the screen to the bottom, slowly and evenly pulling it upwards while simultaneously using a plastic pry bar inserted along the edge to gradually cut the adhesive holding the screen in place.
4. Once the screen is slightly separated from the body, the technician carefully opens it, as flexible ribbon cables still connect to the top of the screen, responsible for touch, display, and Face ID functions.
5. Applying too much force could break the ribbon cables, significantly increasing the difficulty of the repair.
6. After removing the screen, the technician uses a Phillips screwdriver to remove the metal retaining clips and carefully disconnects the battery connector from the screen's ribbon cables. At this point, the iPhone screen assembly is completely separated from the body.
III. Second Step: Chip Transfer
Many people mistakenly believe that replacing an iPhone screen is simply "removing the old one and replacing it with a new one," but the real challenge lies in transferring the microchips within the screen. These chips (especially the display IC chip, True Tone chip, and Face ID module) store calibration data that is paired with the motherboard. If you directly replace the screen with a new one without transferring the chip, the system may display a "non-original screen" warning, and it may even affect True Tone functionality or facial recognition.
1. Manual Transfer
Some repair technicians use a hot air gun to soften the protective adhesive on the back of the old screen, then carefully remove the chip with tweezers. This process is extremely delicate, requiring precise control of temperature and time to avoid damaging the chip. They then place the chip in the pre-reserved position on the new screen and re-solder it using a HD trinocular microscope and micro-soldering equipment. This manual micro-soldering technique tests not only the technician's technical skills but also their stability and attention to detail.
2. Automated Transfer
Some well-equipped repair shops use automated chip transfer machines. The technician places the old and new screens into the machine, which automatically mills out the chip mounting slot using a CNC milling cutter, and then uses a precision bonding system to implant the old chip. The entire process is not only fast but also maintains the uniformity and stability of the solder joints, reducing human error.
IV. Step Three: Cleaning and Preparation
After the chip transfer is complete, the technician will begin cleaning the machine. After removing the old screen, a layer of old adhesive or broken glass often remains on the edges of the device. At this point, they use a plastic scraper and isopropyl alcohol cleaning solution to remove the residual adhesive, ensuring a clean and smooth bonding surface.
Meanwhile, preparations for the new screen are underway. Repair personnel carefully transfer some modules from the old screen, such as the earpiece mesh, front facing camera, proximity sensor, and light sensor, to the new screen. This step seems simple, but any angular deviation can lead to problems such as unclear earpiece during calls or automatic brightness malfunction. Finally, a ring of waterproof sealant is evenly applied around the edges of the device to protect its waterproof performance after reassembly.
V. Step Four: Reassembly
Once all components are ready, the technicians begin installing the new screen back into the device. They first connect the battery and the new screen's ribbon cable, then temporarily close the screen and power on for testing. At this time, they mainly check the following:
· Display functionality (brightness, color, no flicker);
· Touch sensitivity;
· Face ID, front camera, and proximity sensor functionality;
· True Tone functionality restored.
If all tests pass, the technician will disconnect the power, remove the test screen, carefully place the ribbon cable, replace the retaining metal plate, and secure it with screws. Then, gently press the screen into the device frame from the top, pressing along the edges to ensure a tight bond between the screen and the adhesive. Finally, using a pentalobe screwdriver, tighten the two bottom screws, and a brand-new iPhone screen replacement is complete.
VI. Step Five: Final Inspection and Quality Assurance
Reputable repair shops don't rush to finish before handing over the device; they conduct a comprehensive inspection. Technicians will check details such as screen display, automatic brightness adjustment, touch latency, color consistency, and camera obstruction detection. Some high-end repair shops even use professional testing software to test touch sensitivity and pixel integrity. Once everything is confirmed to be functioning correctly, the device will be cleaned, and the display parameters will be recalibrated in the system to ensure the new screen's color temperature and brightness are close to the original factory settings.
VII. Key Factors Affecting Repair Quality
1. Using High-Quality Parts
A high-quality screen determines the feel and visual experience after repair. Reputable repair shops typically offer two options:
· OEM Screen: Identical to Apple's original screen, offering perfect display quality, but at a higher price.
· High-Quality Compatible Screen: Manufactured by well-known suppliers, with color and brightness close to the original, offering better value.
2. Skilled Repair Technicians
Screen replacement is a delicate procedure requiring not only patience but also solid skills. Especially in chip transfer and micro-soldering, the technician's steady hand and experience directly determine the success or failure of the repair.
3. Comprehensive After-Sales Guarantee
Reliable repair shops usually offer warranty service (generally 3 to 6 months), covering non-human-caused issues such as display abnormalities and touch malfunctions. This not only reflects the repair shop's responsibility but also enhances customer trust.
Although it might appear easy, replacing your iPhone screen requires a lot of technical expertise. Every stage, including disassembly, chip transfer, cleaning, assembly, and testing, calls for accuracy and patience. Selecting top-notch repair tools is essential if you are a mobile phone repair specialist or hobbyist and want to get the same expert results. From screwdrivers and heating tables to microsoldering equipment, China Phonefix offers a comprehensive selection of expert iPhone repair tools that are trusted by repair experts all over the world.
