Introduction

Cracked or faulty display? Replacing the glass is somewhat involved but very doable.

Step 1 Broken Glass

If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily
harm during your repair by taping the glass.
Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's display until the whole
face is covered.
o This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when
prying and lifting the display.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.

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Step 2 Display

Remove the two Phillips #00 screws from the dock-connector end of the iPhone.
Make sure to keep all the screws organized as you are taking the phone apart. They are
different sizes.

2 comments
Tip: Stick a piece of double sided tape or regular tape sticky side up, taped down with two
smaller pieces of tape on the end to hold it down on your work area to hold the screws. You
can also place them on the tape in order you removed them so you remember which ones are
which.
sharonlee - 09/05/2011
Many 3G have #000 Phillips instead of #00 screws in the bottom.
CEF - 02/03/2012

Step 3

Remove the metal handle from the suction cup. It's easier and safer to grip the suction
cup's base instead of the metal handle.
Be very careful when opening the iPhone so that the cables under the display are not
severed.
There is a rubber gasket between the silver front bezel and black display assembly. A
bit of force is required in this step to separate the iPhone's display assembly.
Use a small suction cup near the Home button to gently pull up the lower portion of
the iPhone's display assembly.
If the display assembly is too damaged to allow the suction cup to adhere, tape with a
strong adhesive such as duct tape may be used.

36 comments
Press the metal spudger between the chrome bezel and the screen, than use the suction cup.
mauritscassee - 06/28/2009
Quote from mauritscassee:
Press the metal spudger between the chrome bezel and the screen, than use the suction cup.
Using a metal spudger might damage the bezel and/or screen. It's definitely doable to separate
the two without a metal spudger - I did it myself with no problems - but other iPhone display
assemblies may be tougher than the one I took apart.
Miroslav Djuric - 06/29/2009
When reassembling the display and bezel, how should one install the gasket? What happens if
the gasket is damaged while the phone is being disassembled? Is there a replacement or some
other fix?
yosarian - 07/20/2009
Hello everyone -- what kind of adjustments, if any, can be made in this step to ensure that the
display sits flush with the bezel around all edges when installed? On my iphone, the display is
a tiny bit uneven when installed, i.e. the glass is ever so slightly higher than the bezel on the
left side, while the glass it just a hair bit lower than the bezel on the right side. Thanks!
Bespin - 08/22/2009
Success!
acav802 - 08/24/2009
Quote from Bespin:
Hello everyone -- what kind of adjustments, if any, can be made in this step to ensure that the
display sits flush with the bezel around all edges when installed? On my iphone, the display is
a tiny bit uneven when installed, i.e. the glass is ever so slightly higher than the bezel on the
left side, while the glass it just a hair bit lower than the bezel on the right side. Thanks!
i had to spend quite a bit of time (30 minutes) on the hair dryer/heat up step to gently heat
then gently loosen the adhesive holding the front glass to the rather fragile frame.
after successfully removing the glass (and shards of glass from my broken screen) i also had
some clean up to do to remove the excess glue and adhesive from both the top and bottom
sections and also the rails. i used the "leaf" end of the metal spudger (not the oar shaped end)
for awhile scraping up stray bits but also used a Q-tip dipped in some isopropyl ("rubbing")
alcohol which helped dissolve some of the goo left in the corners and the crevices of the rails.
perhaps your screen sits a bit akimbo because you still have some goo in those rails?

satanders - 09/01/2009
I did every step but the screen doesn't work. Phone calls come in and its charging cause I hear
the sounds. What might be the problme?
slidellboy - 09/28/2009
I've done it. The most difficult part was to separate the broken glass from the plastic structure.
I've damage the thinner rubber on the top.
Everythig works fine except the GPS. After the repair my gps is not working like it was
before. Now rarely gets a constant signal, and the most part the signal is week. Maybe i have
damage the antena ?
Any ideas ? It is possible that the adhesives strips can block the signal ?
Thank you very much.
pbrookei - 10/07/2009
The guide work well with tear down but I have a small problem with the screen fixing with a
slight gap ? But the iPhones . How do I fix the gap?
kempc8 - 11/05/2015
My screen was to busted-up for the suction cup to adhere, so I stuck a piece of (wide) clear
packing tape to the front of the glass, which provided sufficient surface area for the cup to
create a solid seal.
Time to complete the repair: ~60 minutes
kbarins - 10/14/2009
Quote from slidellboy:
I did every step but the screen doesn't work. Phone calls come in and its charging cause I hear
the sounds. What might be the problme?
Try connecting the phone to iTunes and doing a restore. I had the same problem and that fixed
it
Jww285 - 11/08/2009
Hey guys in step two they used a suction cup to remove the screen. Yet my iphone screen is
shattered all through out and the cup who stay due to air coming through the glass. Any ideas
or work arounds?
streak1232 - 11/08/2009

Duct tape or 3m double sided tape should do the juob. I had the same problem and solved it
with taking a piece of duct tape folding it onto itself and leaving about and inch still undone. I
pushed the ens own onto the glass and used the center as a handle. Imagine two capital L's
back to back to get an idea of what I am talking about.
Quote from streak1232:
Hey guys in step two they used a suction cup to remove the screen. Yet my iphone screen is
shattered all through out and the cup who stay due to air coming through the glass. Any ideas
or work arounds?
Shackscs - 11/10/2009
The number one reason for removing the digitizer and LCD assembly is if the digitizer is
smashed. Removing the broken glass from the mid frame is a delicate procedure and can be
very tedious and time consuming. The rubber gasket and home button can be easily damaged
if you are overzealous with a heat gun. The mid-frame section is now readily available as an
orderable spare part and in my opinion youll get a much neater, cleaner repair if you replace
this part too.
Quote from yosarian:
When reassembling the display and bezel, how should one install the gasket? What happens if
the gasket is damaged while the phone is being disassembled? Is there a replacement or some
other fix?
NoBox - 12/01/2009
Hi all,
I have completed the step by step guide as above. I have assembled back together but the
phone wont turn on? i can hear the beep when i connect a charger but im not getting anything
on the display?
Any help appreciated
Jason - 12/08/2009
i have tried everything but the screen will not budge, i have tried using the tool and also my
suction cup and even tape nothing will work to seperate the screen! what should i do??
JJ246 - 12/23/2009
All went well, but I should mention that the force required to pull the screen off is much
higher than I expected. I kept one hand wrapped around the top of the phone to make sure it
didn't fly apart and damage the connectors to the logic board. The other trick is to get the
suction cup as close as possible to the button to increase the leverage. In the end I taped over
the home button so I could use the suction cup at the very bottom. Keep an eye on it and after
a while of constant heavy pressure it should start to separate.

sharnett - 01/16/2010
It is easier to separate the glass from the frame at the non cracked/broken end first. I kept my
fingers near the end I was heating up - this is a good way to ensure that you are not
overheating the plastic. I also used the low setting on the hair drier. This step wasn't too bad,
it just takes time and care.
A final tip is there are some small spring contacts behind the home button that look easy to
damage. Be careful not to catch these and bend them, especially when working to separate the
glass from the frame. If these get broken the home button won't work.
sharnett - 01/16/2010
Quote from slidellboy:
I did every step but the screen doesn't work. Phone calls come in and its charging cause I hear
the sounds. What might be the problme?
try either cycling power or reinstall the cables to the display where they connect to the main
board. cables weren't seated correctly for me and i experienced the same issue.
troy - 01/22/2010
Quote from JJ246:
i have tried everything but the screen will not budge, i have tried using the tool and also my
suction cup and even tape nothing will work to seperate the screen! what should i do??
Make sure the 2 screws are out of the bottom of the phone on either side of the dock
connector. If they are, keep trying. Make sure you are lifting from the bottom end of the
screen toward the home button. Does take a little bit of force but you'll get it. Keep in mind
the connectors for the screen are toward the top end of the phone so don't let it get away from
you or you could damage them. Just lift up like you're reading a book, using the top end as a
pivot point.
troy - 01/22/2010
I tried removing the assembly and only got the glass to come up along with cable #3 coming
disconnected.. Therefore i cannot get anything connected! Please help!!!!!
nathan - 01/26/2010
I had exactly the same problem. I persisted and found that, after the connectors were properly
seated, I had to 1) completely install the screen, including the screws and 2) perform an
iPhone reset. To perform the reset, hold the wake/sleep button (on the top) while at the same
time holding the home button (on the screen). Hold them until the apple logo is displayed on
the screen (approximately 10 seconds). After the apple logo came on the screen, everything
was look'n good! I hope this works for you; i was bummed, not becuase i would have had to
spend another $99 but because ATT automatically extends one's contract every time one buys
a new iPhone, even if it's a replacement. Good luck!

stevenkooper - 02/07/2010
CAUTION! My 16GB 3G has a cable glued to the bottom left side of the LCD. This cable is
marked with a 4 in step 3. There is no way you can open the the screen 45 degrees if your
cable is the same!
Those of you who end up with no screen probably ripped the ribbon cable just as I did. This is
a huge omission!
I have pictures of the ripped cable if anyone needs clarification.
postnospam - 02/11/2010
Clarification to the note above.
On further inspection, cable 4 wasn't glued to the back of the LCD. It just bonded itself there
after a year of use.
If this happens, you'll need to replace the dock connector as well.
Good luck!
postnospam - 02/11/2010
It strange for me, i opened my iPhone 3G and found something that doesn't apear on your
descriptions, on the bottom of the screen just after opening it, there seems to have a connector,
maybe it is only some glue that makes it stick to the screen or maybe it realy is a connector
which is why i don t want to go any further without asking.
Could anyone help me?
Quote from postnospam:
CAUTION! My 16GB 3G has a cable glued to the bottom left side of the LCD. This cable is
marked with a 4 in step 3. There is no way you can open the the screen 45 degrees if your
cable is the same!
Those of you who end up with no screen probably ripped the ribbon cable just as I did. This is
a huge omission!
I have pictures of the ripped cable if anyone needs clarification.
jonathan raillard - 03/24/2010
I have the same problem. I change my husband`s iPhone lcd but i also cannot see anything but
i can hear that it`s charging. I tried to open it again just to be sure that its connected. but still
not working.Anybody can help?
Amelia Westergaard - 03/29/2010

Quote from pbrookei:

Everythig works fine except the GPS. After the repair my gps is not working like it was
before. Now rarely gets a constant signal, and the most part the signal is week. Maybe i have
damage the antena ?
Not sure if you are still following this thread, but I came across this while trying to fix a
buddies phone. We found out when we re-opened his phone after replacing the glass that the
GPS antenna had gotten disconnected when he did the repair. We simply snapped the
connector back on, and VOILA, GPS works again. I hope this helps. The connector is in the
top left corner of the board, and on his phone was labeled connection 6.
Jon - 03/31/2010
or try the suction cup of you iPhone-carkit (i used a navigon carkit) - worked out quite well!
matthias - 04/09/2010
Just did this last week for my GF iPhone awesome results. only problem i found so far is the
new adhesive for the front panel wont stick very well. dont know if its a let it set type of
adhesive but if i have to replace it again i dont know if ill be able to get the front panel/lcd
frame out of the phone.
greyboost89 - 04/19/2010
I replaced my cracked screen and my damaged LCD screen and after I put it all back together,
the iPhone turns on and the screen looks great, but the touch screen does not respond at all. I
opened it up about 3 more times and unhooked and reattached all the connectors to the
motherboard but still no luck. Does anyone know what I should do??
CapeCodKwassa - 05/01/2010
Gotta question. Can i remove my digitizer from the screen and attach it to another glass? (
Digitizer works ) just dont want to buy another one
amaan - 05/04/2010
Quote from Miroslav Djuric:
Using a metal spudger might damage the bezel and/or screen. It's definitely doable to separate
the two without a metal spudger - I did it myself with no problems - but other iPhone display
assemblies may be tougher than the one I took apart.
Sometimes using the metal spudger is necessary-- my screen was entirely too shattered for the
suction cup to hold. I slowly pried it open, and yes, there was slight damage to the plastic.
owenscott - 05/16/2010
Put tape over any part of the screen that is cracked. This will keep the glass from falling out
and keep your work area neat and clean.

Elliot - 05/08/2012
When I applied the suction cup, the screen came loose from the display assembly, the display
assembly remained in the phone (the screen had been replaced once before, so probably the
adhesive used then was not as strong as the original adhesive). I had to use the metal spudger
to separate the display assembly from the phone. Worked fine.
pauldavidgill - 07/09/2012
the lifting of the front assembly from the silver bezel would be easier if you are heating the
silver bezel with an hair dryer carefully.
because at older IPhones some mess will stuck between the bezel and the gasket AND if glas
would be broken it will be a little bigger as the unbroken glas.
And heating the front assembly carefully makes it easier to peel of the glas from the assembly
Guenter Brauer - 01/09/2013
Be sure the silver bezel stays attached to the bottom plastic "tub"; if it is pulled up, a 2 wire
thin film around the lower left will sever.
paulbaclace - 04/14/2013

Step 4

The display assembly is still connected to the iPhone by several cables, so don't try to
remove it entirely just yet.
Rotate the display assembly up until it is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

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Step 5

Continue to hold the display assembly with one hand, and use your other hand and a
spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "1."
Ribbon cable "1" is connected with a plug style connector. The block at the end of the
cable is the plug which is simply pushed into a socket on the circuit board. No other
locking mechanism is used.

5 comments
Ok this was not too difficult but not for the faint at heart either. I did run into three problems:
1) I broke one of the connectors that supply power/information to the home button :(.
2) The display works but the buttons do not match up to what I press. If I press the 7 button, I
get either the 3 or the 9 button, when I press the 3 button, I get the cancel button, etc.
3) I broke te little white piece that secures piece (3) to the board. Not sure if this ithe reason I
am having problems as listed in number 2 above.
Any idea what I can do to fix these problems?
Shackscs - 11/10/2009
I got all the connectors in but the screen is black i can fell the iPhone vibrating but i cant see
anything anybody knows what to do?

johs96 - 05/03/2010
For those of you with a non-responsive home button, I was able to fis mine after watching this
youtube video (production values aside):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZOZp37ON...
The gist is that you gently lift two contacts on the underside of the front panel so that they
make better contact with two metal spots on the dock component. Hope this helps.
Jesse Levitt - 03/27/2011
I had a lot more joy using a sharpened bamboo skewer that all of the different shaped
spudgers I bought from Menda Tools. My home made spudger is thinner and fits into the
confined spaces in the phone better.
cheongi - 09/26/2011
The connector pops up vertically away from the board.
ifi91745 - 02/03/2014

Step 6

Rotate the display assembly up until it is roughly vertical. This will allow easier access
for disconnecting the remaining cables.
Use a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "2."

One comment
The connector pops up vertically away from the board.
ifi91745 - 02/03/2014

Step 7

Ribbon cable "3" is held in place by a FPC style connector. You must unlock this
connector before sliding the ribbon cable out. The locking mechanism is on the
opposite side of where the cable is inserted - it swivels upwards 90 degrees. Use a
plastic spudger to lift the locking mechanism.
The FPC locking latch is very delicate and is typically a different color than the body
of the connector. (see the detail image of FPC connector open and closed)
Slide the ribbon cable out of the connector, and remove the display assembly from the
iPhone.
It's impossible to properly reinsert a ribbon into an FPC connector unless the lock is
disengaged. Make sure the locking latch is open when attaching/detaching the cable.

34 comments
I'm unable to get the ribbon back into the connector also. Is there a trick to it that someone can
share?
bbozsik - 07/18/2009
Quote from bbozsik:
I'm unable to get the ribbon back into the connector also. Is there a trick to it that someone can
share?
You must understand that there is a tiny ribbon keeper (for lack of a better name) that prys up
from the direction shown in the picture... If you didn't see it you probably got the ribbon out
by pulling, instead of lifting the keeper tab. Look very closely and you will see this tab... lift it
up as shown in the picture and insert the ribbon cable, then press the tab back down which
locks the cable in place.
Splzeug - 07/25/2009
I can't understand how No 3 gets in place and your discription doesn't help.
classe - 07/28/2009
Quote from Splzeug:
You must understand that there is a tiny ribbon keeper (for lack of a better name) that prys up
from the direction shown in the picture... If you didn't see it you probably got the ribbon out
by pulling, instead of lifting the keeper tab. Look very closely and you will see this tab... lift it
up as shown in the picture and insert the ribbon cable, then press the tab back down which
locks the cable in place.
Thanks for the reply. Now that made more sense the original directions.
bbozsik - 08/03/2009
what if the micro small plastic clip breaks off? as mine did.. :( what do you recommend?
BigMikesWilly - 08/03/2009

Cable #1 is part of the LCD, and is not on the new panel assembly until the LCD is attached
to it. So don't worry that you got the wrong part because there is only 2 cables on it initially.
Reply about broken tab on cable #3. I would try using a small piece of clear
cellophane(scotch) tape. After getting the cable in the connector, use your third and fourth
hands to put a small pre-cut piece of tape on the top of the cable and on to the top of the
connector. which should hold it in place until you get it the rest of the way together. I read a
note that some non-American models do not have a lock on this piece, so hopefully it will
stay in place after assembly.
GTE - 02/23/2012
Quote from BigMikesWilly:
what if the micro small plastic clip breaks off? as mine did.. :( what do you recommend?
My plastic tab was white. I couldn't get it to rotate up, so I just pulled the cable out. And then
of course I could not get it back in. So I tried to rotate the tab up again using a small flat
screwdriver. For my first attempt, I stuck the screwdriver in where the cable is supposed to go
and gently lifted up. That just broke a little of the plastic off the tab. For my next attempt, I
stuck the screwdriver under the side of the tab and gently lifted. Again, the plastic just started
to break. I quickly pushed it back down with my thumb, pretending nothing had happened. I
pictured myself walking back to the apple store to buy a new iPhone. :-( The stress was
making me burn up. I actually had to take my shirt off at this point. Then I spent the next 5
minutes slowly carefully wiggling the cable back into place without lifting the tab. I put
cables 2 and 1 back in and put the phone back together. I crossed my fingers and pressed the
power button. It worked.
jstone - 08/08/2009
Thanks, I just used this tutorial to fix my phone. The screen was popped out at the top edge,
and I really didn't want to drive to the Apple Store. www.ifixit.com rocks.
Garritt - 08/20/2009
PLEASE READ:
Do not try prying anything from the top or sides.
Ribbon #3 slides in from the TOP (the black end), but the lock is on the BOTTOM (the
white end).
On the BOTTOM, you can open the lock easily by lifting the bottom edge upward... it flips
straight up.
With the lock open, insert the ribbon cable into the top, black end. You may need to push
slightly (I used a tiny flathead) to get it in as far as possible.
Then, just rotate the lock back down into place. You might need to use a small tool, but it's
very easy.

Here is a picture of the connector.

PileOfMush - 08/26/2009
And here's another picture of just the circuit board, top of the phone is on the left.
You should be able to see the connector for #3, but it's not labeled.
http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/ZC...
PileOfMush - 08/26/2009
And in this picture of the 3GS, the colors are inverted... the top is white and the lock is black.
http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/hs...
PileOfMush - 08/26/2009
Failed :(
I didn't found the way to lift and broke in 2 the connector for #3. I try to connect 1, 2 &3 but
iPhone doesn't start anymore.
Very nice sunday indeed...
marcus46 - 09/13/2009
Quote from BigMikesWilly:
what if the micro small plastic clip breaks off? as mine did.. :( what do you recommend?
Just like mine :(
Danfog - 09/23/2009
Quote from Splzeug:
You must understand that there is a tiny ribbon keeper (for lack of a better name) that prys up
Noooooo, this is for 3GS only. dont try to pry the 3G ribbon holder, it will break. ask me how
i know :(
That comment should be edited in bold "3GS only" before more people break their connectors
tware - 09/24/2009
Quote from PileOfMush:
PLEASE READ:

Do not try prying anything from the top or sides.

Ribbon #3 slides in from the TOP (the black end), but the lock is on the BOTTOM (the
white end).
On the BOTTOM, you can open the lock easily by lifting the bottom edge upward... it flips
straight up.
now I understand.. the pic is of the 3GS, but this is correct for the 3G. Hard to visualize, but
the lock is opposite of where the ribbon went in. Doh.
tware - 09/24/2009
I successfully completed the project, but have one issue. Looking at the iPhone 3G (vertically)
the whole right side of the screen linearly about about a quarter of an inch from the edge, will
not respond to my touch. Thus, making letter 'o','p', 'l', and 'back space' unresponsive when
pressing.
This is entirely a new issue...even with a cracked screen like my original was, it still
responded to all touches.
My only guess is that the ribbon wasn't all the way in, but from the looks of your diagram, I
believe it is.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
Yokalow - 10/07/2009
Hi there.
I think I also got a problem with reversing step 6. Tab is open and I tried to get in the ribbon
cable. How far back in do I have to push it? There is a white line with an arrow. Is that how
far? I tried and tried but can't get it back that far... and now the display remains black. The
phoen does sync with iTunes when attached to my Mac - so I guess that I only have a problem
with the display.
Please help!
Thank's
Phil - 01/11/2010
Quote from Phil:
I can even take a screenshot (Home and Sleep) and download it to iPhoto. It is a black pic...
HELP!!!! PLEASE!!!!
OK, this information might help some of you. My problem is solved. What happened?

I turned on my iPhone by accident during repair. So it was switched on when I reatached all
the connectors. My guess is that the display of the iPhone is simly no "plug and play"
component that can be attached while the device is running.
As I wrote in my previous postings: the Phone was running after repair, but the display
remained dark. Home and Sleep buttons worked and so I waited until the battery was empty
and the Phone turned itself off. After that I charged it and then I already saw the "low battery"
screen - I never was so happy to see this screen in my life before!
When the iPhone was ready with all the booting it worked perfectly again.
What a nice day after all the tears.... :-)
Phil - 01/13/2010
just finished the whole process and finally got it to work. By far the hardest part was getting
the #2 ribbon to snap back in & know where to place the #3 ribbon. Just trial & error, and it
finally worked.
FYI. Instead of using a spudger I gently pulled the glass top from the bottom (after I had
removed the 2 bottom screws & gotten the 2 pieces separated) & ribbons 1 & 2 just popped
out. I thought I had broken or torn them at first since I didn't see that might happen. I had that
'oh crap' moment u get when something happens that's not specifically mentioned in the
directions.
at first when i put it all back together after the glass was replaced it came on and the home
button worked, as did the on/off button & sound. But could NOT use the touch screen. So I
had to figure out how the 3 ribbons worked. The #1 ribbon snapped in without a problem, but
I had to keep sliding around the #2 ribbon and pushing down gently until it felt secured.
A suction cup is the best way to get the glass off the casing. I had a pry tool but didn't need it.
This job is not easy & is not for the faint of heart.
dave - 01/30/2010
Quote from Danfog:
Just like mine :(
OK I broke the little black 'ribbon lock' off too. (sinking feeling). Then I tried to wiggle
ribbon three in to the white connector - - then I realized it goes UNDER the white connector. I
was trying to wedge it on top of the white connector, and under the black ribbon lock. I
managed to get it under the white connector as securely as I could. Then I had to even-morecarefully put connectors 1 & 2 back on. Voila. Power up - - - almost everything works. Only
thing still questionable is hearing phone thru the earpiece - - have to use speakerphone . . .
bobroch - 04/17/2010
Quote from bobroch:

OK I broke the little black 'ribbon lock' off too. (sinking feeling). Then I tried to wiggle
ribbon three in to the white connector - - then I realized it goes UNDER the white connector. I
was trying to wedge it on top of the white connector, and under the black ribbon lock. I
managed to get it under the white connector as securely as I could. Then I had to even-morecarefully put connectors 1 & 2 back on. Voila. Power up - - - almost everything works. Only
thing still questionable is hearing phone thru the earpiece - - have to use speakerphone . . .
i have exactly the same as you, i hope the speaker does not rely on that small connector!
tommy williams - 04/23/2010
Quote from tommy williams:
i have exactly the same as you, i hope the speaker does not rely on that small connector!
does anyone know if this is vital, if so where can you get the small ribon keeper from?
I would ask if someone can reply ASAP as my iPhone is unsuable really!
Many thanks
Tommy
tommy williams - 04/23/2010
Quote from Phil:
OK, this information might help some of you. My problem is solved. What happened?
I turned on my iPhone by accident during repair. So it was switched on when I reatached all
the connectors. My guess is that the display of the iPhone is simly no "plug and play"
component that can be attached while the device is running.
As I wrote in my previous postings: the Phone was running after repair, but the display
remained dark. Home and Sleep buttons worked and so I waited until the battery was empty
and the Phone turned itself off. After that I charged it and then I already saw the "low battery"
screen - I never was so happy to see this screen in my life before!
When the iPhone was ready with all the booting it worked perfectly again.
What a nice day after all the tears.... :-)
Thank you for this post! :)
Same thing happened to me. Accidentally turned on the phone during the repair and I didn't
understand why it wouldn't work after I attached the screen. Came on here and read your post.
My phoned was hooked up to iTunes so it could see it was working. Did a hard reset (power
and home button held until I could see iTunes dropping connection to the phone, then let both
buttons go). Waited a sec, powered on and held my breath. After 2 seconds, the familiar apple
logo popped up. Man, I'm so happy now. Was my first iPhone screen replacement :)

Damien - 04/30/2010
Replaced the the touch screen and now the phone earpiece no longer work. everything else
works but not the ear speaker. A cable might not be connected. any advice.
Dinowarrior18 - 05/14/2010
Quote from bobroch:
OK I broke the little black 'ribbon lock' off too. (sinking feeling). Then I tried to wiggle
ribbon three in to the white connector - - then I realized it goes UNDER the white connector. I
was trying to wedge it on top of the white connector, and under the black ribbon lock. I
managed to get it under the white connector as securely as I could. Then I had to even-morecarefully put connectors 1 & 2 back on. Voila. Power up - - - almost everything works. Only
thing still questionable is hearing phone thru the earpiece - - have to use speakerphone . . .
I have that problem but did not break anything. the cable slide out as the instruction and slide
back in need advice asap.
Dinowarrior18 - 05/14/2010
i had a problem with step 6 - during taking off the ribbon cable 3 i happen to brake the
locking lach, actually the right side of the frame. now the iphone is not starting. is there
anything i can do more??
zuzia - 12/27/2010
When you remove the display/digitizer assembly from the phone, handle it carefully, ensuring
that you do not touch the two bent metal tabs that are part of the button. They are extremely
fragile and will break off if pushed down.
Robb Toliver - 02/09/2011
I have to agree. Step six is not easy to "reverse." I had difficulty getting ribbon 3 in place, and
I understood where to place it. I grasped the ribbon with some forceps to slide it in, but given
the tiny space, this was tricky. I'm not sure if it is in place properly, or scratched, or what. But
the earpiece does not work properly, and I cannot reliably place or receive calls now (bad
signal?). What sort of tool would help get this little piece in place properly??
plansdowne - 03/22/2011
Don't try to unlock the cable 3 THERE'S NO LOCK on the cable 3 on my iPhone 3GS,
just slide the cable upside. Almost broke mine, don't try to "unlock", there's no lock actually!
Victor - 03/13/2012
Victor, there most definitely is a lock. The latch pivots up 90 degrees and then the cable slides
out just as described. I have done this with several 3GS phones. I don't know what happened
to yours, but you risk breaking your cable if you don't open the lock.

flyingryan - 03/13/2012
I should add that you can't properly reseat the cable unless it is unlocked when you put it
back. Look closely at the picture with closeup of it open and closed. It's a very small latch but
it's very important.
flyingryan - 03/13/2012
I opened 2 iPhones, one is a 3G and other is a 3GS, both doesn't have the lock, just a slot
without any lock, the ribbon cable detach easily, and both is working fine. I can open it again
and take a picture.
Victor - 03/14/2012
I tried several times to manually plug the ribbon cable #3 without success. But what worked
for me was using tweezers, pinching not the golden end part but the black flat cord and
pushing it quite firmly (but of course in the hole).
anonymous 6212 - 08/22/2012
The locking latch swivels up, away from the board. The ribbon pulls up towards the top of the
phone. When putting the phone back together, if this ribbon is not in all the way, the small
speaker at the top of the phone will not work (the speakerphone will work, because that uses
different speakers). Getting the ribbon to slide in all the way was difficult. I had to use a pair
of tweezers to slide it in all the way.
ifi91745 - 02/03/2014

Step 8

Remove the single Phillips #00 screw from the corner of the display assembly.

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Step 9

Remove the two Phillips #00 screws from the right side of the display assembly.

4 comments
Using the PH000 bit is easier
willfarino - 06/30/2011
I can't get the screws out from step 8. They look rusted on the other side....any ideas?
Suzy Colpitts - 01/05/2013
Thanks for the comments guys and gals, I spent the WHOLE DAY trying to change the
screen assembly of my 3GS now using the 3G which has some issues, if I could only unlock
my 4G would be great.... Well it began ok got the strip 3 in then could not get the ones that
snap into place, so then the strip 3 loosened itself and wound up breaking the snap to it, till
then no problem, placed scotch tape closed the phone and to my sadness the home button was
not working so onto opening the phone again and again. The phone was perfect with the
exception of the home button, so I kept on trying and trying to fix the problem while the
phone was on the whole time. The screen responded about 5 times with all the touch options
working, fixed my volume buttons and home buttons but the darn assembly came with a
defective home button and now my 3GS does not respond at all :( the screen went from
perfect the to white and then to black with no response connecting it to iTunes ): had many
notes and voice ideas on that phone, got

sonicalchemy - 08/05/2013
all the videos out of the 32 GB old bootroom model, white. Have no idea what happened
because I have changed screens and assemblies over 8 times on 2G, 3GS 3xs and 3G 4xs. I
really need the data inside the phone, is there any way possible to retrieve it? Does the logic
board or another part need to be replaced? I should have left the broken screen, at least it was
working perfectly, but now it's just awaiting some compassionate people that understand what
could have happened, I even put back the broken screen and that's not working either. Maybe
because it was on this al, happened but it would turn on w/o any probs the 1st couple times,
just the darn home button, oh and I booted into safe mode turned on Skype by accident and
could not get out of the safe mode, so the phone 3GS is non responsive in safe mode ): I really
need to get the data out of there. Never thought that changing the screen would give me so
much trouble. If anyone can help me out, bless you all eternally, if not,it had to be this way....
sonicalchemy - 08/05/2013

Step 10

Turn the display around, and if there is a thin strip of black tape on the edge of the
display assembly, carefully peel it up.
Keeping the tape from sticking to itself can be tricky. We recommend placing the tape
on a wax-coated piece of paper (any sticker backing will do).

7 comments

I forgot to put the tape back on. What's its purpose?

Thanks
jdangler - 12/16/2009
I'm not seeing any tape....
jaktup20 - 01/10/2010
There isn't any tape on mine either
I'm guessing its not a big deal and you other guys should not worry about putting it back on if
you don't want to.
Ryan Hollis - 06/15/2010
Quote from jdangler:
I forgot to put the tape back on. What's its purpose?
Thanks
I also forgot to put the tape back on. I'm not cracking this thing open again to replace it. I
don't think it's entirely necessary. There are already screws in place to hold the LCD to the
faceplate.
Kevin - 01/29/2010
On iPhone 3GS no black strip along side.
gregorymosby - 06/24/2010
If the tape is in poor condition, replace with black PVC electrical tape. By sticking the PVC
tape to sticker or book covering adhesive backing paper, it can be more easily cut to
size/shape as desired.
cheongi - 09/26/2011
I think the tpae may haev a role in dust sealing and anti-vibration noise. I put extra tape in the
spots where I think dust has penetrated under the glass by keeping my iPhone in my pocket.
(Will have to double check if there a spots earthing contact is needed.)
cheongi - 09/26/2011

Step 11

Remove the three Phillips #00 screws from the left side of the display assembly.

2 comments
If you have trouble removing the screws, carefully examine the back of the screws under a
light. If there are blue traces of Loctite, you may need to use the tip of a soldering iron to
briefly heat the screw so that you can remove it.
anonymous 629 - 12/02/2010
it is the right side not the left!
filzstiftman - 08/29/2011

Step 12

Turn the display assembly over and again carefully insert a metal spudger between the
two metal rails along the edge of the display assembly. Gently rotate the spudger to lift
the LCD up from the glass.

5 comments
Be careful not to touch the gold prongs protruding from the home button area. They are very
delicate and can easily break off with a careless swipe of a hand. Without them, the home
button will not work.
AshD - 06/27/2010
While replacing my display, I set the display assembly down and managed to bend back one
of the contacts to the Home Button which you can kind of see in this picture. This kept the
Home Button from working when I reassembled it. I successfully bent it back and the button
works now.
jamesbrooks27 - 07/29/2010
I found step 11 a bit confusing. From the photo it really wasn't clear how the rails should be
separated. And the instruction to "..insert a metal spudger between the two metal rails along
the edge of the display assembly.." didn't really help.
I can't really describe what I did - once again, this is one of those cases where the photo
should be clearer - but suffice to say that you need to closely examine the rail assembly, look

at where the "joins" are between the rails and use the spudger accordingly. I found that gently
levering the outer rail outwards away from the inner rail and slightly lifteng the display at the
same time allowed me to separate the two rails and release the display assembly. Once it's
starting to pop out of the rails you can slide it away from the ribbon cable end of the phone
and remove it.
midahed - 06/08/2012
Also, be VERY careful separating the LCD from the glass. Even though I worked extremely
careful (at least I thought I did), it still got damaged probably by applying a little too much
force with the spudger to separate the metal rails. It's till working, but one can clearly see the
damage that looks like a crack. Other than that, the replacing worked well.
Reinhard - 01/18/2013
I didn't have a metal spudger, so very gently used a small flat blade screwdriver under the
metal screw hole tab at the bottom of the lcd to lever the lcd out. It didn't need a lot of
pressure, but too much and the tab may bend.
Rob James - 09/11/2013

Step 13
Edit

Separate the LCD and glass by sliding the LCD panel away from the ribbon cables on
the glass.