Repair Case: iPhone X screen replacement

Q: hello my tool box fell on top of my iPhone X functions still work minus screen but connects to my watch and car fine back side is fine. so is my screen worth fixing or should I just buy a new phone?

Just needs a screen, but then your housing will be a little rough on the edges where the metal was damaged from the toolbox, so throw a case on it after having the screen replaced. Also where the big hole of shatter glass is placed is right where your battery lays, so might wanna replace that as well if it did get any impact damage under the display.

How to replace iPhone X screen

1. Remove shattered or cracked Screen
Start by switching off your iPhone. Use your pentalobe driver to remove the two screens at the bottom of your iPhone.

If your screen is shattered or cracked near the bottom area, put a few pieces of clear packaging tape over the damaged area to keep the glass in place and allow the suction cup to stick to the display.

Next place your suction cup onto the bottom of the screen, Pull up on the suction cup to lift the screen and then insert pry tool into the gap between them.

First pry the bottom side up and then slide your pry tool up each side to unclip it and break the adhesive.

Tips: Do not push the pry tool in too deep or separate the screen too far from the body as there are delicate ribbon cables between them which you may damage.

The top side slides in underneath the edge of the body, gently pry it downwards and it should then come free. Once your display is free, open it up from the left side, the opposite way to a book. There are three ribbon cables along the right side which need to be disconnected. Remove the five screws securing the connector cover plate.

2. Remove the cover plate
Now use your spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable connectors. Start with the battery connector to ensure that power is disconnected from the phone.

Disconnect the two display ribbon cable connectors. Lastly, disconnect the Face ID and forward facing camera connector. Gently pry a small adhesive strip near the top keeping it in place away from the below ribbon cable. The display is now free from the body of your iPhone.

Remove the Face ID, earpiece and camera assembly over to your new display so that you keep your Face ID functionality.

Start with the centre screw which also has a small bracket attached to it.  Use your tripoint screwdriver to remove the screw and put it aside with its bracket. Remember to make a note of which screw goes where on this assembly as well.

Remove the two remaining tripoint screws and use your spudger to pry the earpiece assembly down and away from the speaker and sensors. The remaining sensor ribbon cable assembly is quite firmly glued into place buy works free with a spudger. You can now install the assembly onto your new display.

3. Install the assembly onto your new display.
Peel off any protective stickers on the back side of the screen before assembly, these are usually blue or pink if installed. Install the components in reverse, starting with the earpiece speaker and then proximity sensor.

Fold the remainder of the ribbon cable assembly up over the secured components.  You can now use your screwdriver to replace the outer two screws.

Then replace the middle screw and bracket. It helps to orient the bracket and screw onto your screwdriver beforehand to make sure that it is the correct way around.

 4. Reconnect your display
 If you are going to replace your iPhone’s waterproof gasket, do it now. Remove any pieces of the old gasket from the edges of the iPhone body. Then stick the new gasket down along these edges, be careful not to touch the gasket until you’re ready to install the new display.

Pressing the top FaceID ribbon cable connector into place. Make sure that the connector halves a properly aligned before pressing them into place to avoid damaging the terminals. They should easily snap into place and don’t require much force if correctly aligned.
   
Now connect the two display ribbon cable connectors. Finally, replace the battery ribbon cable connector. Once this is done, it’s a good time to check that your new display is correctly connected and functions.

Try powering your phone back on and checking the functionality of the screen, touch and front facing camera. Also check all ribbon cables for any tears or bends.

 If the display or touch functionality still doesn't work, you may have received a faulty display. Try contact the supplier for assistance.

Replace the cover plate, and the five tripoint screws. Fold the display down and slide the top into place. If you have a new gasket which you’re installing, make sure the edges are aligned before touching the display to the gasket as it is difficult to re-position or move.

Press the top edge into place. Now press down along the edges to snap them into place. Press the bottom edge down and into place. Replace the two bottom pentalobe screws.

Your iPhone X's screen has now been replaced. Remove the protective film and install a tempered glass screen protector to protect it from future drops or scratches. Good luck with the repair and let us know how it goes for you in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this guide, you may be interested in these 5 Secret iPhone Codes You Didn’t Know About or find out how to Charge your iPhone Battery the Right Way.

Also be sure to have a look at our other iPhone repair guides on replacing your iPhones charging port, home button, volume button assembly and camera assembly, or simply type your iPhone model into the search box on the top right of the page.