Phone · Apple · iPhone XS Max
Apple iPhone XS Max Taptic Engine Repair
Taptic Engine Repair guide for the Apple iPhone XS Max
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Tri-point Y000 screwdriver
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000, #00)
- Suction cup tool
- Plastic prying tools
- Spudger tool
- Tweezers
- Heat gun or hair dryer
Parts / materials
- Replacement iPhone XS Max Taptic Engine
- Display assembly replacement adhesive seal
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
Safety
- Disconnect the battery before handling internal components to prevent short circuits.
- Do not puncture, bend, or apply pressure to the lithium-ion battery.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes when handling pried glass panels.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power down the iPhone
1 minPress and hold the side button and either volume button, then slide to power off the device completely.
- 2
Remove pentalobe screws
2 minUnscrew the two 6.9 mm P2 Pentalobe screws located on the bottom edge next to the Lightning port.
- 3
Heat bottom adhesive edge
2 minApply a heat gun or hair dryer to the lower edge of the display for two minutes to soften the waterproof adhesive.
- 4
Attach suction cup
1 minPosition a suction cup on the lower glass area right above the Lightning port and press down firmly to secure it.
- 5
Slice display adhesive
3 minPull up on the suction cup to create a small gap, then insert a plastic prying pick to slice through the adhesive along the edges.
- 6
Open display assembly
2 minSwing open the screen from the right side toward the left like the cover of a book.
- 7
Unscrew logic board bracket
2 minRemove the four Tri-point Y000 screws securing the main lower logic board connector cover bracket.
- 8
Remove logic board bracket
1 minUse tweezers to lift the metal shield bracket off the logic board and set it aside.
- 9
Disconnect battery cable
1 minUse the pointed edge of a spudger to pry the battery connector straight up from its motherboard socket.
- 10
Disconnect display flex cables
2 minPry up the OLED display and digitizer flex cable connectors from their sockets using a spudger.
- 11
Remove display assembly
1 minLift the display assembly away from the rear enclosure completely and set it aside safely.
- 12
Unscrew speaker assembly
2 minRemove the three Tri-point Y000 screws holding the lower speaker module in place.
- 13
Remove loudspeaker module
2 minGently lift the loudspeaker out of the bottom corner of the enclosure to expose the Taptic Engine.
- 14
Unscrew Taptic Engine
2 minRemove the two Tri-point Y000 screws securing the Taptic Engine to the rear case.
- 15
Disconnect Taptic Engine flex cable
1 minUse the flat end of a spudger to pop the Taptic Engine flex cable connector off the board.
- 16
Remove Taptic Engine
1 minUse tweezers to carefully lift the old Taptic Engine out of the rear chassis.
- 17
Install replacement Taptic Engine
3 minLower the new Taptic Engine into position, reconnect its flex cable, and re-tighten the mounting screws.
After your Apple iPhone XS Max taptic engine repair
Power the iPhone XS Max back on and test the taptic engine repair 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.
