The iPhone 17 Air is a stunning and potent smartphone; yet, a damaged rear glass can affect features like wireless charging and the flashlight in addition to its beauty. If you want to attempt a DIY repair, Phonefix article will walk you through the process step-by-step. Alternatively, you can decide to take your device to a professional repair shop for replacement. Although DIY repairs can save money, please be cautious as poor handling can cause more damage to your phone.
I. Why Do You Need to Replace Your iPhone 17 Air Back Glass?
The iPhone 17 Air's back glass is more than just a casing; it connects to wireless charging and other important components. Damage to the glass can cause wireless charging to malfunction or affect the phone's durability and appearance. Therefore, repairing a broken back glass promptly is crucial.
II. Should You Repair Your iPhone 17 Air Back Glass Yourself?
Replacing an iPhone back glass is a technically demanding task. If you lack experience, improper handling could damage other parts of your phone. Therefore, many people choose to send their phones to professional repair shops for repair. However, if you have some hands-on skills and are willing to try DIY, this guide will provide you with detailed repair steps.
III. Required Tools and Materials
Before you begin, you will need to prepare the following tools and materials to ensure a smooth repair process:
1. Essential Tools List:
· Hot air gun or hair dryer: Used to heat the back glass and soften the adhesive.
· Suction cup tool: Helps lift the back glass, avoiding scratches caused by using metal tools.
· Plastic pry bar: Used to pry open the back glass and cut the adhesive.
· Small screwdriver: Used to remove the pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone.
· Isopropyl alcohol: Used to clean the adhesive and aid in disassembly.
· Replacement back glass with adhesive: Ensures that the back glass you purchase is compatible with the iPhone 17 Air.
· Tweezers: Used to manipulate small parts, especially flexible cables and connectors.
2. Safety Measures
Before proceeding with the repair, please ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from broken glass and seal any cracks with duct tape to prevent glass shards from flying.
IV. Repair Steps
The iPhone 17 Air has two pentalobe screws at the bottom. You will need to remove them with a small screwdriver. After removing these screws, gently lift the bottom of the phone using a suction cup tool to create a small gap, preparing for the next step of prying open the back glass.
Step 1: Remove the Bottom Screws
The iPhone 17 Air has two pentalobe screws at the bottom. You will need to remove them with a small screwdriver. After removing these screws, gently lift the bottom of the phone using a suction cup tool to create a small gap, preparing for the next step of prying open the back glass.
Step 2: Heat the Back Glass
Use a hot air gun or hairdryer to heat the edges of the back glass. The purpose is to soften the adhesive and reduce damage to the phone during disassembly. Ensure even heating to avoid localized overheating that could cause the glass to crack. Maintain a distance of 5-10 cm between the heat gun and the phone while heating, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Pry Open the Back Glass
After heating, gently lift the back glass using a suction cup tool. Secure the suction cup to the edge of the back glass and gradually apply pressure, gently pulling the glass up. Once a gap appears between the glass and the frame, carefully insert a plastic pry bar and pry the glass open.
Note:
During the prying process, you may encounter some hard adhesive areas. In this case, you can drip a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (alcohol) into the gap, wait a few seconds, and then continue prying to help cut the adhesive.
Step 4: Disassemble Internal Components
Once the back glass is successfully pried open, you will need to disassemble some internal components. Use a small screwdriver to remove the mounting plates and connecting screws. Then, carefully disconnect the battery and other flexible cables connected to components such as the wireless charging coil and flashlight.
Note:
Be extremely careful during disassembly to avoid pulling on the flexible cables and damaging these delicate components. Tweezers can be used to help disassemble smaller parts.
Step 5: Transfer the Wireless Charging Coil and Flashlight
The wireless charging coil and flashlight components are usually bonded to the back glass. You will need to gently heat these components to separate them from the glass. When disassembling, be careful not to use excessive force to avoid damaging the circuitry or components.
Note:
After removing these components, install them onto the new back cover glass, ensuring they are correctly positioned and securely fastened.
Step 6: Reassemble Internal Components
Reconnect components such as the wireless charging coil, flashlight, and battery to the iPhone motherboard. Ensure each connector is correctly connected and not loose. Once finished, reinstall the mounting plates and screws, ensuring all parts are securely installed.
Step 7: Attach the New Back Cover Glass
After reassembling all components, use the new back cover glass with adhesive to seal the phone's back cover. Apply a suitable amount of adhesive, ensuring it is evenly applied starting from the top and along the entire edge of the phone.
Note:
Press the new back cover glass onto the phone frame and hold for a few minutes to ensure the glass adheres firmly.
Step 8: Test Phone Functionality
Finally, reinstall the bottom screws and power on the iPhone 17 Air. Test the wireless charging and flashlight functions to ensure they work properly. If these functions work without issue, the repair is successful.
Repair Tips:
If you encounter issues with wireless charging, you may need to use Apple's Repair Assistant to calibrate your device. Select the relevant option in Settings > About > Parts & Repair History.
V. Professional Repair vs. DIY: Which Should You Choose?
While repairing your iPhone 17 Air back glass yourself can save money, if you're unsure of your skills or worried about potential damage from improper handling, choosing a professional repair service is a safer option. Professional repair technicians use specialized tools (such as Laser Machine) to precisely disassemble and replace the back glass, ensuring repair quality and precision.
Replacing the rear glass of the iPhone 17 Air is a difficult procedure. The most crucial thing is to make sure your phone works well and has its original look, whether you decide to do the repair yourself or hire an expert. If you decide to fix it yourself, you can do it effectively if you carefully and slowly follow the instructions in this article. Welcome to China Phonefix, where you can buy your special repair tools and start doing repairs yourself! To ensure that the equipment is not further damaged, it is advised that you turn it over to a professional repair service provider if you lack confidence in its operation.
