Phone · Apple · iPhone XS Max
Apple iPhone XS Max Screen Replacement
Screen Replacement guide for the Apple iPhone XS Max
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Y000 Tri-point screwdriver
- Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Suction cup
- Plastic opening picks
- Spudger
- Heat gun or hairdryer
- Tweezers
Parts / materials
- Replacement iPhone XS Max screen
- Waterproof display adhesive seal
Safety
- Disconnect the battery before touching any internal connectors to prevent electrical shorts.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes if the screen glass is cracked or shattered.
- Do not puncture or bend the lithium-ion battery during screen removal.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off the iPhone
1 minPress and hold the side button and either volume button, then slide to power down completely.
- 2
Remove Bottom Pentalobe Screws
2 minUnscrew the two 6.8 mm P2 Pentalobe screws located on either side of the Lightning charging port.
- 3
Heat the Lower Edge
2 minApply a heat gun or hairdryer to the bottom edge of the phone for 90 seconds to soften the adhesive.
- 4
Attach Suction Cup
1 minPlace a suction cup onto the bottom half of the screen assembly, just above the home button area.
- 5
Create a Display Gap
2 minPull up firmly on the suction cup to create a small gap between the screen and the outer frame.
- 6
Insert Opening Pick
1 minInsert a plastic opening pick into the bottom gap to sever the perimeter adhesive.
- 7
Slice Side Adhesive
3 minSlide the pick up the left and right edges to cut through the remaining adhesive strips.
- 8
Open Display Assembly
1 minSwing the screen open from the left side like a book cover. Do not pull the display free yet.
- 9
Unscrew Lower Bracket
2 minRemove the four Y000 tri-point screws securing the lower battery and display connector bracket.
- 10
Disconnect Battery Cable
1 minUse a plastic spudger to gently pry the battery connector straight up off its socket.
- 11
Disconnect Display Cables
2 minPry up the OLED display cable and touch digitizer cable connectors from the logic board.
- 12
Unscrew Upper Bracket
2 minRemove the three Y000 tri-point screws holding the top sensor assembly connector cover.
- 13
Detach Display Assembly
1 minDisconnect the front sensor assembly flex cable and lift the display entirely away from the body.
- 14
Unscrew Earpiece Speaker
2 minUnscrew the four screws securing the earpiece speaker and front sensor module to the old screen.
- 15
Transfer Front Sensor Assembly
4 minPry up the ambient light sensor and proximity sensor, then seat the assembly onto the new display.
- 16
Apply Perimeter Adhesive
3 minClean remaining adhesive off the frame edges and press a pre-cut waterproof seal into place.
- 17
Reconnect Display Cables
3 minAttach the sensor cable, OLED panel cable, digitizer cable, and battery cable to the logic board.
- 18
Reinstall Brackets and Close
3 minScrew all protective metal brackets back down, align the top edges of the screen, and press it firmly closed.
After your Apple iPhone XS Max screen replacement
Power the iPhone XS Max back on and test the screen replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple iPhone XS Max job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple iPhone XS Max repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
