How to Replace an iPhone Screen: DIY Repair Guide

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Save money by fixing your iPhone screen yourself
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If you've broken your iPhone screen, you probably need to repair it quickly. If you don't have the time or money to take it into the store for repairs, you can do it yourself at home. You’ll need a repair kit and replacement parts for your model of iPhone to do it. Read on to learn how to replace your screen with tips from smartphone repair specialist Shavo Hacopian and certified mobile repair specialist Linh Le.

How to DIY Repair Your iPhone Screen

Order the parts and tools from Apple’s Self Service Repair Store or a Genuine Parts Distributor. Remove the screws from the bottom of the phone. Break the waterproof adhesive seal around the screen with heat and a cutting tool. Disconnect the internal display cables, then replace the adhesive and screen.

Section 1 of 5:

Removing the Screen

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  1. For the best results, you can order genuine replacement parts and repair tools from Apple’s Self Service Repair Store or a Genuine Parts Distributor (such as Mobile Sentrix ). [1] You can also purchase aftermarket parts and tools from a vendor like IFIXIT , but this option is not necessarily less expensive than buying genuine Apple parts!
    • Keep in mind that any damage you cause to your phone during the repair process won’t be covered under your AppleCare plan or your warranty. It might also make your phone ineligible for future repairs by Apple. [2] Only attempt this repair yourself if you’re confident you can do it without damaging your phone.
    • Different iPhone models require different parts and tools, so make sure you order the right equipment for your phone.
    • You can find detailed repair manuals for all iPhone models here: support.apple.com/en-us/docs/iphone
      • Look for a list of the required tools for a screen repair in the appropriate section of your repair manual.
  2. To avoid damaging your phone’s internal components, it’s critical to power it off completely before you start making repairs. [3]
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  3. Most iPhones have a pair of screws at the bottom on either side of the charging port. Hacopian explains that you’ll need a specialized screwdriver, such as a small pentalobe driver, to remove these screws. [5]
    • Refer to your iPhone model’s repair manual to determine what kind of screwdriver you need to remove these screws. Most models require a pentalobe P2 security bit, which should be included in the specialized repair kit you ordered for your phone.
  4. If your screen is so damaged that the glass is broken in several places, trying to remove it could be hazardous. Put a few layers of tape over the screen to prevent any stray pieces of glass from coming loose and hurting you or damaging the phone's internal components.
    • If your iPhone model has a glass back, cover that with tape as well if it’s cracked.
    • Try to create a smooth surface with the tape to help suction cups stick to the screen during the removal process. [6]
    • If your iPhone has a Home button, do not cover it with tape.
  5. On most newer, water-resistant phones, the screen is held on by an adhesive. Apply heat to loosen the adhesive. Hacopian recommends using a hairdryer, a heat gun, or a specialized heating pad that comes with screen repair kits. [7]
    • If you rent an iPhone display repair kit from Apple’s Self Service Repair store, you’ll likely receive a heated display removal fixture. This is a large, specialized piece of equipment designed specifically for loosening the adhesive on an iPhone. If you’re using one of these devices, read the instructions carefully so you know how to operate it safely.
  6. Some screen repair kits, including the official ones from Apple, come with a repair tray designed to fit your model of iPhone. These trays help stabilize the phone during the screen removal and repair process. [8]
  7. Take a small suction cup and place it directly on the bottom half of the screen. Press down firmly so it sticks to the broken screen. Your suction cup should have a metal ring extending from it, making it easier to handle.
    • If the suction cup is having trouble sticking to the screen, slightly moisten the suction cup and press it against the screen again.
    • If you’re using Apple’s repair kit , don’t apply a suction cup yet! Instead: [9]
      • Use the adhesive cutter that comes with your kit to cut around the edges of your screen while the phone rests in the repair tray. Only cut along the sides between the antenna bands (the faint bands on the sides of your phone near the top and bottom).
      • Insert the pair of display removal wedges under your screen at the designated points on the tray. These wedges will help hold up the edges of the screen as you continue to cut the adhesive.
      • Use the adhesive cutter to cut around the top edges and corners of the display.
      • Now you can insert the repair tray suction cups into their slots on the tray. Carefully tilt the display up and press it onto the cups. Skip the next two steps below.
  8. Gently pull up on the suction cup while you hold the phone down. You may need to firmly pull up on the screen several times before it starts to come away from the frame. When it does, move the suction cup to the corner of the screen so you have greater leverage when pulling it away. The goal is to create a small gap between the screen and the bottom edge of the phone.
    • Remember to avoid covering the Home button with the suction cup, if your phone has a Home button. If you cover it, the cup won't be able to suction the screen away.
  9. After you warm the adhesive, you’ll likely need to help it along by cutting the seal around the edges of the phone. Work your cutter or pick under the gap you created with the suction cup, then make your way around the edges of the screen until you’ve cut the adhesive on all sides. Be extremely careful during this step, since cutting too far in can damage the delicate internal parts of your phone.
    • Apple’s adhesive cutter is designed specifically for this task, so the cutting edge can only go so far under the screen. If you’re using a third-party repair kit, place a mark 3mm from the edge of the pick or cutter. Don’t insert the pick any further under the screen than the 3mm mark. [10]
    • If you’re using a hair dryer or other targeted heat source to warm the adhesive, you may need to repeat the warming and cutting process several times until the screen is fully released from the phone.
    • Consult the manual for your specific iPhone model so you know where the screen connector cables are located under the display. Be extra careful when working in those areas so you don’t damage the cables.
  10. Once you’ve fully released the adhesive, gently grip the bottom edges of the screen between your thumb and index finger. Lift the screen as if you were lifting the cover of a book. Lay the phone open with the screen face down on the left or right side of the phone, depending on the location of the connector cables.
    • Be aware that the screen is still connected to the phone by cables. Be careful not to damage the cables when lifting the display away from the phone.
    • If you’re using an Apple repair kit, use the included suction cups to lift and hold the screen in place in the repair frame until the connector cables are released.
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Section 2 of 5:

Removing Components

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  1. Once you release the screen from your phone, it will still be attached by at least two connector ribbons. You will need to remove these connectors to completely detach the broken display from your iPhone. The right way to do this depends on your iPhone model, so make sure to read the repair manual for your phone carefully.
    • Depending on your iPhone model, these cables may be located on either the right or left side of your phone. For example, they’re on the right if you have an iPhone 11, and on the left if you have an iPhone 16.
    • Typically, you will need to use a special screwdriver (such as a Y000 tri-point driver) to remove the screws from the covers over each connector. Use tweezers to remove the connector covers and set them aside.
    • Use a pick or spudger to gently loosen the cables and pull them away from the connectors, then remove the screen and set it aside.
  2. For some older iPhone models, there are additional components you must remove before you can fully release the display. For example, in the iPhone 11, you must disconnect the battery, logic board, and front sensors from the display. For models with a Home button, like the iPhone SE, you must remove the Touch ID sensor assembly as well.
    • In most cases, you will need to remove the covers over these components with a special screwdriver, then gently pry the cables away from the connectors.
    • Consult the manual for your iPhone model to figure out which components you need to remove and where they are.
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Section 3 of 5:

Installing the New Screen

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  1. Use a pair of tweezers or a spudger to carefully pick out and peel away any adhesive that’s still sticking to the rim of the phone. Be careful of delicate components around the edges of the phone, such as the camera assembly and the tiny grounding clips at the top and bottom edges.
  2. Use an isopropyl alcohol or ethanol wipe, or a lint-free cloth dampened with alcohol, to wipe the areas where you removed the remaining adhesive. This will clean the area so that the new adhesive can stick properly when you reassemble the phone.
    • Avoid touching any internal components of the phone with the wipe. Just wipe the edges of the frame.
    • This is also a good time to examine any delicate internal parts and make sure they aren’t bent or damaged. Depending on your iPhone model, this might include things like the grounding clips, speaker grille, and grounding springs. If any of those parts are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. [11]
  3. Set it aside on a clean, dust-free surface.
  4. The replacement adhesive typically has three protective liners on it that must be removed in a specific order. Before removing any of the liners, line the adhesive up with the frame of your iPhone. Make sure the holes on the protective liners are positioned over the correct components on your phone.
  5. Grab the tab on the bottom protective liner on your replacement adhesive and peel it back a little. Then, press the bottom of the adhesive into place on the bottom of your iPhone frame. Keep peeling back the liner as you push the adhesive into place, moving from bottom to top.
    • Before you continue, inspect the adhesive and make sure it’s positioned correctly on the rim of the phone frame. If not, you’ll need to remove it and start over.
  6. If you’re using the official Apple repair kit, this tool may be called a “black stick.” Gently but firmly press around the edges of the replacement adhesive, working your way all around the phone frame. Do this at least 3 times to make sure the adhesive is firmly in place.
    • Be careful when pressing near delicate components like the grounding clips and the camera assembly.
  7. Use tweezers to grip the top protective liner over the replacement adhesive. You can also work the end of a spudger under the release tab, usually located at one of the corners of the liner. Peel the liner away.
    • There should still be one last protective liner, a thin strip over the adhesive itself. Don’t remove that yet.
  8. Depending on your iPhone model, you will need to attach your new screen with at least two cables. These cables should already be attached to the screen. Line the new screen up with the edge of your phone (left or right, depending on the model) and press the cable connectors into place until you hear a click. Reattach the covers over the connectors using the screws you removed earlier.
    • Depending on your model, you may need to reconnect the battery and Touch ID sensor display as well.
    • If you’re using an Apple repair kit with a repair frame, attach the suction cups to the frame and use them to hold the new screen in place while you reconnect the cables.
  9. Use tweezers or a spudger to gently loosen the thin strip of protective lining from the replacement adhesive. Peel the liner away, being careful not to damage the cables you just reattached. You’ll need to work the liner out from under the cables.
    • Don’t touch any of the exposed adhesive as you work!
  10. Most iPhone screens have clips that fit into cutouts around the frame. Align the clips with the cutouts and carefully lower the screen down onto the frame, starting with the top edge and working your way down. The screen should click into place.
    • You shouldn’t encounter any resistance as you work. If you do, make sure the clips are going into the cutouts correctly. You may need to straighten any clips if you accidentally bend them.
    • Take care not to pinch any cables between the screen and the frame.
  11. Use your hair dryer or heat gun to apply a little heat around the edges of the phone. It should be hot enough that it’s uncomfortable to touch. Press down around the edges with your hands once it cools. You can also lay a few heavy books on the back of the phone and let it sit for about 30 minutes to seal the adhesive.
    • Before placing books on the back of your phone, put some masking tape on the back to protect the finish, then stack coins around the edges to about the height of the camera assembly. Lay the books on top of the coins.
    • If you have an Apple repair kit, place your iPhone in a display press to completely seal the adhesive instead.
  12. Use the pentalobe screwdriver to reinsert the screws next to the charger port at the bottom of the phone. Your iPhone is now fully reassembled!
  13. Repair Assistant can help you calibrate your replacement parts to make sure they’re working correctly. Your iPhone will need to be connected to Wi-Fi and running the latest version of iOS for this to work. To use Repair Assistant: [12]
    • Boot up your iPhone and go to Settings > General > About > Parts & Service History .
    • Tap Restart & Finish Repair .
    • Follow the instructions on the screen.
    • This might not work if the screen is installed incorrectly or if you didn’t use the correct parts.
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Section 4 of 5:

Troubleshooting Screen Issues

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  1. Dirt, moisture, or other contaminants on your screen can cause issues like a lack of sensitivity (or excessive sensitivity) in your iPhone’s touchscreen. Before you take more extreme measures, try cleaning your screen with a soft, lint-free cloth or screen wipe. [13]
    • It’s okay to dampen the cloth slightly, but don’t get moisture in any of the ports on your iPhone. Don’t clean your phone with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
    • Dirt on your screen can cause pixel anomalies if you have an older iPhone with an LCD. Clean the area with the glitchy pixels and see if that helps. If not, there might be a bit of debris trapped on the inside of the screen, which will require you or an Apple technician to remove the display and clean it. [14]
  2. Accessories like screen protectors, faulty chargers, and even ill-fitting phone cases can cause issues with your display. Try removing all accessories and see if your screen continues to glitch or malfunction.
  3. Your phone has built-in diagnostics utilities that can help you identify problems with your display. You’ll need to boot your iPhone up in diagnostics mode to use them. [15]
    • Power down your iPhone, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold both the Volume buttons . While holding down the buttons, plug your iPhone into a charger with a 20W or higher power adapter. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.
    • Wait for the Diagnostics & Repair screen to appear, then tap Continue . Connect to a Wi-Fi network and agree to the terms and conditions when prompted.
    • Select Run Diagnostics on the Diagnose or Repair screen.
    • Select Mobile Resource Inspector . Among other things, this diagnostic will check your iPhone’s hardware components (such as your display and batteries) to make sure they’re working correctly. You can use the diagnostic results to determine which physical parts of your phone, if any, might be causing your screen to malfunction.
      • Alternatively, if you have an LCD screen with pixel issues, you can select Display Pixel Anomalies to identify and diagnose pixel anomalies.
  4. If your screen keeps going blank or black, there might be a problem with your phone’s power supply. Plug in your phone and wait for up to 10 minutes to see if it boots up or an image appears on the screen. If your display won’t turn on at all, or if an image only appears on the screen when it’s plugged in, this can indicate a power issue. For detailed information on how to diagnose and fix power issues, check out this Apple Support article .
  5. If other troubleshooting methods aren’t working, you might need to remove your screen and check for obvious problems with the hardware inside your iPhone. Follow the steps above to safely remove your display. Once you’ve done so, look for debris or damage on the cable connectors. If your cables are damaged, you’ll probably need to replace your screen. If there’s dirt or debris on the cables, gently clean them with a microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, let them dry completely, and then reassemble your iPhone.
  6. For more extensive damage to your iPhone screen or internal components, you’ll probably need to completely replace the display. Take your iPhone to a qualified repair technician or use the steps at the beginning of this article to replace the screen yourself.
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQ

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  1. 1
    How much does it cost to replace an iPhone screen? If your iPhone is covered by an AppleCare plan, it may cost as little as $29 USD to get your screen replaced. Otherwise, you can expect to pay up to $379 depending on your iPhone model. [16]
    • Accidental damage to your iPhone screen isn’t covered under Apple’s warranty, although you can get a discount on repairs if you have AppleCare. However, if the problem with your screen is due to a manufacturing error, your warranty may cover it.
    • If your iPhone is out of warranty or you don’t have AppleCare, you can try replacing the screen yourself. However, keep in mind that self-service repairs can also be costly! For example, the iPhone 16 Pro Display & Screw repair kit from the Self Service Repair store currently costs $329 USD, with an additional $49 rental fee for the tool kit you need to do the repairs.
      • Some third-party repair kits cost even more, in some cases running as high as $700+!
  2. 2
    How can I get my iPhone screen fixed professionally? If you don’t want to try fixing the screen yourself, an Apple repair technician can do it for you. Visit Apple’s iPhone Screen Repair website to schedule an appointment with an authorized technician near you. You can also select the option to mail your phone in for service. This page also offers a cost estimate tool for screen repairs.
  3. 3
    How do I fix lines on my iPhone screen? Lines on your screen could be due to a software or firmware glitch or a hardware problem. Try updating iOS. If that doesn’t help, reset your phone and restore it from a backup. If you still have lines on your screen, there might be a hardware issue. In that case, you’ll need to get your iPhone professionally serviced.
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Do You Have Any Specific Tips for Fixing an iPhone Screen?

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do I have a green line on my iPhone's screen?
    Shavo Hacopian
    Smartphone Repair Specialist
    Shavo Hacopian is a Smartphone Repair Specialist. With over 17 years of experience repairing and customizing smartphones, Shabin has a follower base of over 119,000 YouTube subscribers on his channel PBKreviews, and has over 29 million views. He specializes in teaching people how to take smartphones apart, repair or replace parts, and make informed decisions about what the right products are for them.
    Shavo Hacopian
    Smartphone Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It could be a software issue that can be fixed by either a restart or a reset. If that doesn't fix it, then it's a hardware issue that would require your phone's screen to be replaced. Remember to check your warranty coverage before doing this.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Is there a way to fix the back of a cracked iPhone X without the repair kit? I don't have the money or time to buy one.
    Community Answer
    No. If you broke the glass back of your iPhone X, you'll have to get a kit or take it to a professional.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18
  • Question
    What if my phone is not cracked, but damaged on the inside?
    Minorite
    Community Answer
    You'll need to go to an Apple Store or a third-party repair shop. It's a bad idea to try to fix internal components using web guides, as it's extremely easy to turn your phone into a brick.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 8
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about troubleshooting mobile phones, check out our in-depth interview with Shavo Hacopian .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/genuine-parts-distributor
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/120623
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/120815
      4. ↑ Linh Le. Certified Mobile Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Shavo Hacopian. Smartphone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+16+Pro+Max+Screen+Replacement/178634
      7. ↑ Shavo Hacopian. Smartphone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/120815
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/120815
      1. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+16+Pro+Max+Screen+Replacement/178634
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/120815
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102567
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102187
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/101965
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/screen-replacement

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