iPhone SE 2020 Display Replacement Guide

Important Note: This guide recommends using a "Full Assembly" iPhone SE 2020 Display screen (which includes the camera and earpiece). However, you must transfer your original Home Button to the new screen to retain Touch ID functionality.

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Step 1: Preparation

1. Discharge Battery: Drain your battery below 25% to prevent potential fire or explosion if the battery is accidentally punctured.

2. Power Off: Turn off your iPhone completely.

3. Tape the Screen: If the glass is cracked, cover the entire front with clear packing tape to prevent glass shards from falling out during the repair.

Step 2: Remove Pentalobe Screws

• Remove the two 3.5 mm Pentalobe (P2) screws located on either side of the Lightning charging port.

Step 3: Heat the Edge

• Use an heat gun or hair dryer to heat the bottom edge of the iPhone for about 90 seconds. This softens the adhesive holding the display in place.

Step 4: Opening the Phone

1. Apply Suction Cup: Place a suction cup on the lower half of the display, just above the Home button.

2. Create a Gap: Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the screen and the frame.

3. Insert Opening Tool: Insert an opening pick into the gap. Slide it along the bottom and left side to slice through the adhesive.

4. Open Like a Book: Swing the display open from the left side (like the front cover of a book).

• • Caution: Do not separate the display completely yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the logic board on the right side.

Step 5: Disconnect the Battery (Crucial)

1. Unscrew the two Phillips screws securing the lower connector bracket.

2. Remove the bracket.

3. Use a plastic spudger to pry the battery connector up from its socket. Always disconnect the battery first before disconnecting any other components to avoid short-circuiting the phone.

Step 6: Disconnect Display & Front Sensors

1. Disconnect the display cable and the Home button cable connectors.

2. Unscrew the three screws securing the front sensor assembly bracket at the top of the phone.

3. Disconnect the front-facing camera/sensor cable connector. The display assembly is now free from the phone body.

Step 7: Transfer the Home Button (Critical for Touch ID)

1. Unscrew the screws securing the Home button bracket on the back of the display.

2. Disconnect the Home button ribbon cable.

3. Apply Heat: Apply heat to the front of the screen to soften the adhesive under the Home button cable.

4. Gently Pry: Carefully use a thin opening tool to pry the cable away from the back of the display.

5. Remove: Push the Home button through the front of the display to remove it.

Step 8: Reassembly

1. Install your original Home button into the new display.

2. Reconnect the sensor, display, and Home button cables.

3. Test: Before sealing the phone, reconnect the battery and power on the phone to check if the screen and Touch ID work correctly.

4. Apply new waterproof adhesive if available, close the display, and replace the bottom Pentalobe screws.

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Pro Tips:

• Screw Management: Keep track of every screw. They are different sizes. Putting a long screw into a short screw hole ("Long Screw Damage") can permanently destroy the logic board.

• Water Resistance: Once the phone is opened, its water-resistant seals are compromised. Use a replacement adhesive gasket to restore some protection.