Step-by-step

1. 1

   Heat glass edges

   3 min

   Apply a heated pad or heat gun around the perimeter of the front glass for two minutes. This softens the strong adhesive holding the display to the frame.

2. 2

   Attach suction cup

   2 min

   Place a suction cup on the lower portion of the front glass above the home button. Pull up gently to create a small gap between the glass and the bezel.

3. 3

   Slice glass adhesive

   5 min

   Insert a thin opening pick into the gap and slide it along the edges. Cut carefully through the adhesive, avoiding the home button cable on the bottom right.

4. 4

   Hinge front glass

   2 min

   Gently lift the digitizer glass from the left edge and swing it open like a book. Rest it flat against the work surface without straining the flex cable.

5. 5

   Unscrew metal shield

   4 min

   Remove the four Phillips #000 screws securing the large metal LCD shield plate. Keep track of each screw position as they vary in length.

6. 6

   Remove metal shield

   2 min

   Use tweezers to lift the metal LCD shield plate off the device. Set the shield plate aside in a clean environment.

7. 7

   Unscrew display bracket

   3 min

   Remove the three Phillips screws securing the display cable retaining bracket to the logic board. Lift the bracket clear with tweezers.

8. 8

   Disconnect display cables

   4 min

   Pry the digitizer and LCD ribbon connectors straight up from their logic board sockets using a spudger. Lift both the LCD screen and front glass away.

9. 9

   Isolate battery connector

   2 min

   Insert a plastic spudger or isolation pick underneath the battery contact on the logic board. Disconnect power to prevent shorts during logic board handling.

10. 10

    Unscrew Lightning connector

    5 min

    Remove the Phillips screws holding the Lightning port assembly and speaker modules to the bottom of the case. Unclip the speaker cables from the board.

11. 11

    Warm rear shell

    3 min

    Apply heat to the back of the aluminum casing behind the logic board for two minutes. Soften the heavy glue securing the main board.

12. 12

    Pry up logic board

    6 min

    Insert a flat plastic spudger underneath the logic board starting near the battery connector. Slowly pry upwards along the length of the board until it detaches.

13. 13

    Apply rosin flux

    2 min

    Spread a thin layer of rosin flux over the target repair pads or damaged components on the logic board. Flux aids heat transfer and prevents oxidation during soldering.

14. 14

    Clean target pads

    5 min

    Place desoldering braid over damaged solder joints and press with a heated soldering iron tip. Wick away old solder until the contacts are clear.

15. 15

    Solder board components

    10 min

    Align replacement chips or bridge broken traces on the logic board using tweezers. Carefully apply fresh solder to complete board-level repairs under magnification.

16. 16

    Clean board residue

    3 min

    Wipe down the repaired logic board area with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free swab. Remove all excess flux and debris before reassembly.

17. 17

    Reinstall logic board

    5 min

    Apply fresh double-sided adhesive tape to the underside of the logic board. Lower the board into the aluminum housing and press firmly to secure it.