A cracked iPhone screen is one of the most common mobile phone problems. Whether it's an accidental drop or aging due to prolonged use, screen damage can affect the normal use of your phone. If you don't want to spend a lot on repairs, or simply want to try fixing it yourself, Phonefix provides a detailed guide to help you successfully replace your cracked iPhone LCD screen. This article provides a step-by-step tutorial from preparation and disassembly to reassembly, allowing you to easily master DIY repair skills.
I. Why Learn to Repair a Cracked iPhone LCD Screen?
The iPhone is an indispensable part of our daily lives; however, an accidental drop or impact can cause the screen to crack. For many users, a damaged iPhone screen not only affects the appearance but can also lead to problems such as unresponsive touchscreens and blurry displays. Furthermore, by repairing a cracked iPhone screen yourself, you can save on repair costs. Apple's official screen replacement service typically costs over $200 and has a long waiting time. If you can repair it yourself, you can not only quickly solve the problem but also improve your understanding of the device's internal structure through hands-on experience.
II. Required Tools and Materials
Before you begin repairing, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials ready. Having the right tools will not only help you complete the screen replacement smoothly but also minimize damage to your phone.
1. Essential Tools
· Pentax screwdriver: Used to remove screws from the bottom of the iPhone.
· Suction cup: Helps lift the screen, preventing direct contact with your hands.
· Hot air gun or hairdryer: Softens the adhesive between the screen and the body, making the screen easier to remove.
· Pry bar: Used to disassemble the screen, avoiding damage to the screen or internal components.
· Triangular screwdriver (Y0): Used to remove internal screws.
· New screen assembly: A brand new LCD screen to replace the old one.
· New adhesive: Adhesive used to re-secure the screen.
· Anti-static gloves (optional): Prevent static electricity from damaging internal circuitry.
2. Materials Preparation
· Lint-free cloth
· Alcohol (for cleaning the frame)
· Magnetic mat (to help organize disassembled screws)
III. Detailed Repair Steps
Step One: Preparation
1. Power Off
Before performing any disassembly, always power off the device. Press and hold the power button, then slide to power off to avoid short circuits or other problems during disassembly.
2. Remove the Pentagon Screws
Use a pentagon screwdriver to remove the two screws at the bottom of the iPhone. After removing these screws, you can use a suction cup to gently lift the screen.
3. Heat the Screen
Heat the edges of the screen with a hot air gun or hairdryer for approximately 90 seconds. This softens the adhesive between the screen and the body, making the screen easier to remove. Note that you should not direct the hot air directly at the center of the screen to avoid damaging the display.
Step Two: Disassembling the Screen
1. Lift the Screen with a Suction Cup
Attach the suction cup to the bottom of the iPhone screen and gently lift the screen to create a gap. Then, you can use a pry bar to gently insert along the edge of the screen and slowly pry it open.
2. Slice the Adhesive
After a gap forms between the screen and the body, carefully slice the adhesive using a hole opener. This step requires extreme care to avoid excessive force and damage to other components.
3. Open the Device
Gently open the device like turning the pages of a book, being careful not to pull the screen completely open. At this point, the cables connecting the screen to the motherboard and battery are still connected; disconnect these connections before proceeding.
Step Three: Disconnecting Connections
1. Remove the Bracket Screws
Use a triangular screwdriver (Y0) to remove the bracket screws securing the screen and battery connection cables. Each screw may be different in location and size, so handle them carefully to avoid confusion.
2. Disconnect the Battery Connection
After removing the bracket, first disconnect the battery connection cable. Gently pry up the battery connection section using a plastic pry bar, ensuring that no metal tools come into contact with the battery pins to avoid short circuits.
3. Disconnect the Screen Cable
After disconnecting the battery connection, carefully disconnect the screen cable. Ensure that you do not pull on the cable during this process to avoid damage.
Step Four: Transferring Old Components
To ensure your iPhone retains its original functions (such as Face ID and earpiece), these components need to be transferred from the old screen to the new screen when replacing the screen.
1. Remove the Earpiece and Sensors
Use a small screwdriver to remove the earpiece, front-facing camera, and sensors from the old screen. Be extremely careful when removing these components to prevent damage during the process.
2. Transfer the Face ID Module
Face ID is an important feature of the iPhone, and it needs to be transferred to the new screen. Be extra careful during disassembly to avoid damaging the Face ID module.
Step Five: Installing the New Screen
1. Clean the Frame
Before installing the new screen, thoroughly clean the screen frame with alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Keeping the frame clean helps the new screen adhere better and prevents dust or impurities from affecting the display.
2. Apply New Adhesive
Apply a suitable amount of new adhesive glue evenly to the screen frame, ensuring the adhesive covers the edges where the screen will contact the body. Avoid using too much adhesive.
3. Connect the New Screen
Connect the new screen to the device body and gently connect the battery and screen ribbon cables. Ensure each connection is secure, then tighten the bracket screws.
4. Test Screen Functionality
Before complete assembly, power on the device and test the display and touch functionality of the new screen. Confirm the screen display is normal and the touch response is accurate. If everything is normal, continue with the subsequent assembly steps.
5. Tighten the Bottom Screws
After installing the new screen, remember to tighten the five-pointed screws on the bottom. Ensure all screws are securely fastened and the screen fits tightly against the device body.
Step Six: Complete Assembly and Testing
1. Test All Functions
After assembly, power on the device and test its other functions, including the touchscreen, Face ID, earpiece, and camera, ensuring everything functions correctly.
2. Complete Assembly
Inspect the device's appearance, confirming that the screws are tightened and the screen is aligned with the device body. Ensure no steps are missed, and finally, put all disassembled components and screws back in their original positions.
IV. Prevention and Alternatives
While iPhone screens can be repaired DIY, seeking professional help may be a better option in some cases.
1. Data Protection
Before starting the repair, be sure to back up your data. Although the probability of data loss is small, it's best to back up beforehand to avoid unnecessary trouble.
2. Seek Professional Help
If you are unsure whether you can complete the repair yourself, you can choose to seek professional repair services. Apple Authorized Service Providers and professional repair shops usually provide safer and more reliable repair services.
3. Use a Protective Case and Screen Protector
To prevent future screen cracks, it is recommended to use a high-quality screen protector and iPhone case. These accessories can effectively reduce the impact of impacts and extend the life of your iPhone.
Although fixing a shattered iPhone LCD screen is difficult, you can do a DIY screen replacement with the correct equipment and procedures. Once you understand the procedures, you can fix it entirely on your own, even though it takes some patience and ability. You are welcome to visit China Phonefix to select your expert iPhone screen repair tools if you choose to fix it yourself. To make screen replacements simpler and more effective, they provide premium pentalobe screwdrivers, suction cups, pry bars, and other expert repair tools. Additionally, China Phonefix offers a large selection of iPhone screen accessories and components, guaranteeing your repair experience and providing authentic replacement parts.
