This guide will walk you through replacing the iPhone 5 Screen. As long as you have patience, prepare the right tools, and spend about an hour, your phone will feel brand new and you'll gain a great sense of accomplishment. Let's get started!
Important Notes & Warnings
1. Battery Safety: As the battery cannot be disconnected during the repair, exercise extreme caution. Do not use metal spudgers or touch any exposed contacts inside the iPhone. Also, drain the battery to below 25% to reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
2. Broken Screen Protection: If your screen is severely shattered, cover it with transparent tape before starting the repair. This prevents further breakage and helps the suction cup maintain its grip.
3. Power Off: Completely power off the iPhone before beginning any disassembly.
Part 1: Opening the Device
Step 1: Remove the bottom screws
Remove the two P2 pentalobe screws located on either side of the charging/Lightning port at the bottom edge of the phone.
Step 2: Heat the bottom of the screen
Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the bottom edge of the screen until it feels slightly hot to the touch.
Step 3: Create a gap
1. Attach the suction cup to the bottom of the screen.
2. Pull the handle upward with firm, steady force to create a gap between the screen and the frame.
Step 4: Cut the adhesive
1. Insert an opening pick into the gap.
2. Heat the right edge of the phone until slightly warm, then slide the triangular pick along the edge to cut the adhesive on the right side.
3. Sequentially heat and cut the adhesive along the edges. Use multiple picks if needed.
Step 5: Open the device
1. Remove the suction cup from the screen.
2. Flip the screen open from the down side toward the top (like a book).
3. Rest the screen against a book or box, keeping it vertical or tilted to the left.
Part 2: Removing the Screen
Step 6: Remove the protective covers
1. Use a screwdriver to remove the three screws securing the battery connector cover.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the three screws securing the screen connector cover.
Step 7: Disconnect the screen
1. Use a spudger to gently pry the battery connector upward out of its socket to disconnect it.
2. Use a spudger to gently pry the screen connector upward out of its socket to disconnect it.
Step 8: Remove the screen
The screen is now fully disconnected. Remove it from the device.
Part 3: Transfer the Home Button
Step 9: Remove the home button
1. Remove the two 1.9 mm Phillips screws holding the Home button bracket.
2. Remove the home button.
Step 9: Transfer the Home Button
- Install your original Home button into the new display.
- Reconnect the sensor, display, and Home button cables.
- Test: Before sealing the phone, reconnect the battery and power on the phone to check if the screen and Touch ID work correctly.
- Apply new waterproof adhesive if available, close the display, and replace the bottom Pentalobe screws.