đź’ˇ Pro-Repairer's Note: The iPhone 16 Pro features an innovative dual-entry chassis, making back glass replacement much easier than previous generations. However, a flawless, lasting repair requires premium-grade iPhone 16 Pro Back Glass. Don't risk damaging your device with low-quality parts.
⚠️ Safety & Preparation
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Safety Warning: Discharge your iPhone battery below 25% before starting. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire or explode if accidentally punctured during repair.
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Power Off: Ensure the device is completely powered down.
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Apply Tape over Cracked Glass: If your back glass is severely shattered, cover the entire back panel with clear packing tape. This keeps glass shards contained, prevents injury, and provides a flat surface for the suction cup to adhere to.
Phase 1: Remove the Old Back Glass
Step 1: Remove Pentalobe Screws
- Remove the two 7.2 mm screws located on either side of the Lightning charging port.
Step 2: Heat the Edges of the Back Glass
- Apply a heat gun or hair dryer evenly along the edges of the back glass.
- Tip: Heating softens the strong waterproof adhesive between the chassis and the back glass. The surface should feel warm but not uncomfortably hot to the touch (around 70°C–80°C). Avoid overheating a single spot for too long.
Step 3: Opening the Phone
1. Place a suction cup onto the lower half of the back glass, near the charging port.
2. Press the phone chassis down with one hand and pull up on the suction cup with firm, steady pressure.
3. Once a tiny gap appears between the back glass and the titanium frame, immediately insert an opening pick into the gap.
4. Slowly slide the opening pick along the edge to slice through the adhesive. Reheat as necessary, until the left, top, and bottom edges of the back glass are completely separated.
- Caution:Â Do not insert the pick deeper than 3 mm into the chassis. Inserting it too deep can easily tear the bending spring contacts and slice the cable.
Step 4: Open it Like a Book
Swing the back glass open from the left side (camera side) to the right, just like opening the cover of a book. Rest the open back glass against a sturdy object (like a tape roll or small box) at a 90-degree angle to avoid straining the ribbon cables.
Step 5: Remove the Cable Metal Bracket
1. Use a screwdriver to remove the 4 screws securing the upper metal bracket and the 3 screws securing the lower metal bracket.
2. Remove the 3 screws securing the lower metal bracket.
3. Use tweezers to carefully lift the metal bracket out and set it aside.
Step 6: Disconnect the Battery
1. Use the pointed tip of a plastic spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector.
- Warning: Always disconnect the battery FIRST before disconnecting any other cables to prevent shorting out your phone.
2. Use the spudger to pry up and disconnect the back glass press connector.
Step 7: Remove the Old Back Glass
The back glass assembly is now completely free. Set the chassis aside.
Phase 2: Installing the New Back Glass
Step 8: Clean the Frame
1. Remove large pieces of old adhesive with tweezers or your fingers. (Apply gentle heat if needed).
2. Clean the frame thoroughly with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth, wiping in one direction.
Step 9: Apply New Adhesive
1. Peel back ~1/3 of the liner, align the exposed edge, and press the new adhesive strip onto the frame.
2. Gradually pull off the liner while pressing the rest of the strip into place.
- Caution: If wrinkled, replace the adhesive.
Step 10: Test the New Back Glass Before Sealing
Do not remove the adhesive liner yet.
1. Connect the back glass flex cable to the motherboard, then reconnect the battery connector.
2. Power on and test essential functions. Once verified, power off.
Step 11: Final Sealing
1. Remove all adhesive liners.
2. Align the top edge of the back glass first, then lower it onto the frame.
3. Press around the edges until the glass sits flush with the frame.
4. Heat the perimeter of the phone again to soften the adhesive.
5. Press firmly around the edges to activate the adhesive.
6. (Optional) Place a heavy book on the phone and let it sit for 30 minutes.
7. Reinstall the two 7.4 mm P2 pentalobe screws next to the USB‑C port.