How to Replace an iPhone 12 or 13 Screen – DIY Repair Guide

This is one of the most DIY-friendly repairs on a modern iPhone. It might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve done it once, it’s surprisingly straightforward. This guide covers the iPhone 12 Mini through the iPhone 13 Pro Max, though most iPhones follow a very similar process.

These tools will be used during this repair:

 

Step 1:

Look at the bottom of your iPhone. You’ll see one screw on each side of the charging port. Go ahead and remove those 

Both of these screws are pentalobe (P2 0.8mm). Make sure you use the correct bit for this, as they strip easily.

Step 2:

You’ll want to heat up the screen. You can use a heat mat (recommended), a hair dryer, or a heat gun

You do not need to set your iPhone on fire. If it’s uncomfortable to touch, it’s hot enough

Step 3: 

This is where we begin to separate the screen from the frame of your phone. There are several methods for this. This guide covers the method I use. 

You’re going to want to insert your thin metal pry tool on the left or right of the screen. Make sure it’s between the metal frame and the glass, not the glass and plastic frame of the screen. This is extremely important 

Don’t be shy, this will take some force

Do NOT insert the tool at the top or bottom. This can damage the OLED panel behind the glass, and cause lines to appear. 

Apply a gentle sideways force; like you're trying to slightly tilt the phone using the tool as leverage.

Grab some 99% Isopropyl alcohol and drip it on the pry tool, making sure it goes into the gap you just created. This causes the adhesive to soften. You’ll notice the screen begin to lift on its own with no additional force.

Add alcohol as necessary. Don’t dump it, but it will not harm your device if you’re careful

Eventually, the display will be partially separated from your frame. At this point, grab your thin plastic pry tool (or guitar pick), and work your way around the bottom & sides of the screen. Leave the top adhered. Use as little force as possible, reapplying the heat or alcohol as you see fit. Take your time. 

I advise against using metal for this, as it’s easy to remove the paint from your frame. Soft plastic negates this risk

Use very little force on the bottom of your screen. Too much force can cause lines in your screen

Once the screen is mostly free, don’t rush. This is where people get careless and break something.

Be mindful of the ribbon cables on the left side of the screen. Much like my last relationship, it doesn’t take much to wreck them

Gently pull the screen towards the bottom of the device, and to the left. There are clips at the top. Do NOT pull straight up

If the clips at the top are giving you a hard time, use a pry tool to gently separate them

Congratulations, you’ve finished the most difficult part of this repair 

Step 4:

On the left side of the device, you’ll see two metal shields, each with 2-4 screws (model dependent). Remove those screws while keeping them organized the same way they came out

It’s extremely important to reinsert these screws into the same hole they were removed from. Putting the wrong screw in the wrong hole can and likely will damage your device

Step 5:

Disconnect the battery

Step 6: 

Depending on model, there will be two or three cables that run from your screen to your motherboard. Disconnect these by pushing them straight up

Bend these as little as possible. They’re fragile

NEVER use metal tools for this. Plastic only

Step 7: 

At the top of your screen, you’ll see a cable. This must be transferred over to your new screen

There are 3 to 4 screws securing it in place. Remove them while keeping track of their positions 

If you’re working on an iPhone 12, your earpiece speaker is attached. This folds backwards (top touches screen)

iPhone 13’s have a small metal bracket securing it in place. This will have to be removed. 

You’ll see a mix of Y000 (tri-point) and PH000 (Phillips) screws securing this assembly, depending on the model.

Remove the cable, and install it on your new screen. These are adhered into place, heat is your friend. 

Step 8: 

The old adhesive on your frame must be removed. I recommend using a pry tool to scrape it off, though if it comes off it doesn’t really matter how you do it

Avoid using solvents such as goo-gone. It can seep into the device and damage components.

Isopropyl alcohol can be used, though avoid letting alcohol seep near the front or rear cameras; it can leave permanent fogging under the lens.

Yes, it’s a pain to remove, but unless you want your phone filled with dust, it’s necessary 

Step 9:

Lay your new adhesive cutout on the inner edge of your frame. Same place it was just removed from. Firmly push this down in place, then remove the large protective film

Leave the plastic covering the adhesive itself in place until you’ve tested the phone. This should only be peeled off right before sealing the device 

Step 10:

Follow steps 7 through 1 in reverse order to reassemble the device.

Be sure to connect the battery last, and always seat the top of the screen first to align the clips properly.

 

Need parts or tools? Everything shown in this guide is available at Northern Cell Supplies. Fast Canadian shipping and support if you get stuck.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.