iPhone 15 Plus Back Glass Replacement
This document details the procedure for swapping out a damaged rear glass panel on an iPhone 15 Plus, whether it's fractured or completely broken.
For Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS, proceed with the following steps.Applicable to models manufactured in 2018 or later.To connect replacement, authentic rear glass components, utilize the Apple Repair Assistant application.
- To finish the repair, obtain new adhesive specifically designed for the back glass.
Step 1 | Prepare your phone for disassembly
- To optimize battery health, ensure the charge level drops to a minimum of 75% remaining.A fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a potential safety risk..
- Disconnect all wires and cords connected to the device.
- Simultaneously press the power button and one of the volume buttons, and then physically move the phone's power switch to initiate the shutdown process.
Step 2 | Tape over any cracks
- To prevent injury and simplify the repair process when the display or rear glass exhibits severe cracking, apply several layers of packing tape across the damaged areas.
- Ensure a flat surface, approximately the size needed to accommodate a suction cup, exists close to the lower extremity.
Step 3 | Mark your opening picks
- To avoid potential damage to your device, ensure the opening pick does not extend beyond a safe depth; use this step to create a reference mark on the pick, limiting its insertion distance.
- Determine the dimension using a measuring tool.Three millimeters.Using a permanent marker, clearly indicate the opening point on the pick.
- Alternatively, use markings on the remaining corners to indicate various lengths.
- Securely affix a coin to the tip of a pick using adhesive tape.Three millimeters.Beginning at the very end, proceed.
Step 4 | Remove the pentalobe screws
Employ a P2 pentalobe screwdriver to detach the pair of screws.Screws measuring 7.7 millimeters in length.Flanking the charging port are components located on both the left and right sides.
Step 5 | Heat the bottom edge
- Apply heat evenly along the lower perimeter of the rear glass panel using a hair dryer or heat gun, continuing until the surface feels warm.
- To prevent heat-related battery damage, ensure the device's temperature remains below the specified limit.
Step 6 | Insert an opening pick
- Using a suction handle, carefully secure the lower edge of the rear glass panel.
- Apply firm, consistent upward pressure to the handle to separate the rear glass from the frame.
- Using a specialized opening tool, carefully slide its pointed end into the separation.
Step 7 | Back glass information
Exercise caution while separating the adhesive bonds holding the rear glass in place during subsequent procedures, paying particular attention to the areas mentioned.
- To prevent damage to the fragile cable linking the rear glass assembly and the device, refrain from using your opening tool in the vicinity of the volume up button.
- To prevent damage, exercise caution and limit the depth of your opening tool during each step, as the phone's edge features several delicate spring contacts.
Step 8 | Separate the bottom edge adhesive
- To prevent damage, limit the insertion depth of the opening pick to a maximum of 5 millimeters when working along the lower edge.
- Using a pick, gently work along the lower perimeter, moving it back and forth to release the adhesive bond.
- To stop the adhesive from bonding again, maintain a pick in the lower right area.
Step 9 | Heat the right edge
Apply heat to the right side of the rear glass panel until its surface temperature is high enough to be felt as hot when touched.
Step 10 | Separate the bottom right corner adhesive
- To prevent damage, limit the pick's insertion depth to a maximum of 7 mm along the right edge.
- Carefully maneuver the pick along the lower right perimeter, advancing it vertically along the right side until resistance is encountered from the retaining clip that secures the rear glass.
- To prevent damage to the wireless charging cable, exercise caution and avoid cutting in the vicinity of the volume buttons.
- Maintain the presence of this tool to stop the adhesive from bonding again.
Step 11 | Heat the left edge
Apply heat to the left side of the rear glass panel until its surface temperature is high enough to be felt as hot when touched.
Step 12 | Separate the left edge adhesive
- Limit the insertion depth of the pick to a maximum of 5 mm when working along the left edge.
- Position another opening pick near the lower boundary.
- Using a pivoting motion, position the second pick so that its tip engages the lower left edge.
- Using the pick, gently move it upwards towards the upper left edge to release the adhesive bond.
- Maintain the tool's position within the gap to stop the adhesive from bonding closed.
Step 13 | Heat the top edge
Apply heat to the upper perimeter of the rear glass panel until its surface temperature is high enough to be felt as hot when touched.
Step 14 | Separate the top edge adhesive
- Avoid pushing the tool beyond the specified depth.Three millimeters.Position the component along the uppermost boundary.
- Using your second opening pick, maneuver it along the upper edge, starting at the left corner and moving towards the right, to release the adhesive bond.
- Expect to perceive audible clicks and a slight movement indicating the disengagement of the uppermost two retaining clips.
- Maintain the positioning of this tool to avoid the adhesive bonding again.
Step 15 | Heat the top right corner
Apply heat to the upper right quadrant of the rear glass panel until its surface temperature is high enough to be felt as hot when touched.
Step 16 | Separate the top right corner adhesive
- Avoid pushing the tool beyond the specified depth.Four millimeters.Position yourself on the right-hand side.
- Using the second opening pick, maneuver it to the upper right corner, then advance it toward the volume up button to release the adhesive bond.
Step 17 | Swing open the back glass
- Carefully pivot the rear glass cover away from the device's left side.
- Carefully inspect the entire edge of the rear glass for any remaining adhesive or obstructions like clipped fasteners if it resists movement.
- To prevent cable stress, support the rear glass on an elevated platform during the repair.
Step 18 | Unfasten the lower connector cover
- Carefully organize all screws during disassembly, noting their original locations to ensure correct reassembly.
- Employ a 3/8-inch socket wrench to tighten the fastener to a torque of 15 ft-lbs, ensuring that you observe all safety precautions and handle the component with care.Use a Y000 tri-point screwdriver.Detach the pair of fasteners.Screws measuring 1.3 millimeters in length.Ensure the lower connector cover is firmly attached.
Step 19 | Remove the lower connector cover
- Carefully employ tweezers to move the cover upwards, disengaging it from the logic board.
- Detach the protective housing.
Step 20
- Using one hand, maintain the vertical alignment of the back glass and pivot its lower portion to the left, exposing the battery press connector located directly beneath the volume buttons.
- Carefully insert the tip of a prying tool beneath the battery press connector and gently lift to release it from the logic board.
- The connector's head displays polarity markings, indicated by "+" and "-" symbols.
- Carefully position the press connector above its receptacle and apply even downward pressure on one lateral surface until you hear a distinct click, then repeat the process on the opposite side. Verify proper seating by ensuring the connector lies flush; the surrounding rubber insulation may impede complete engagement.
Step 21 | Unfasten the middle connector cover
Employ a Y000-sized tri-point screwdriver.Detach the component.A screw measuring 0.9 millimeters in length.Affix the connector cover centrally, ensuring it is firmly attached.
Step 22 | Remove the cover
- Employ the broad, planar surface of a spudger tool or your fingertip.Slide the cover downwards along the phone's body, releasing the retaining clips located at the top edge.
- Detach the protective housing..
Step 23 | Disconnect the wireless charging coil
Employ a prying tool to create separation.Carefully use a prying tool to release and detach the wireless charging coil and NFC connector.
Step 24
Carefully detach the rear panel, which is the back glass..
Step 25 | End of disassembly
- Having finished taking the device apart, proceed with the following instructions to put it back together.
- To ensure proper engagement, position the connector precisely above its receptacle and apply even pressure, initially on one side using a fingertip or spudger, followed by the opposite side, until you hear a distinct click indicating secure attachment. Avoid applying excessive force; if the connector doesn't seat easily, realign it and attempt the connection again.
- The iPhone 15 non-Plus serves as the visual reference for the reassembly steps; while minor aesthetic variations may exist in other models, the outlined process remains accurate.
Step 26 | Remove the back glass adhesive
Avoid contact damage to the spring contacts during cleaning procedures.
- Before finalizing the phone's reassembly and securing the rear enclosure, verify the repair's functionality by temporarily reconnecting the battery and back glass, then activating the device to confirm it operates normally. Following this test, deactivate the phone, detach the battery and back glass, and proceed with the remaining assembly steps.
- To eliminate the challenging-to-remove adhesive and any resulting residue on your phone, use a hair dryer or heat gun to gently warm the area if removal proves difficult.
- Employing a spudger's tip, apply pressure and a rolling motion to loosen the adhesive, enabling a secure grip with tweezers.
- Carefully remove the adhesive securing the phone using tweezers.
Step 27
To maintain the iPhone's water resistance, completely remove any remaining adhesive or material from the frame.
- Using a microfiber or lint-free cloth, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol—ensure it's a concentration exceeding 90%—to the cloth and then carefully wrap the cloth around the tip of a spudger.
- Using a cloth, remove any remaining adhesive by gently wiping along the frame's edges, maintaining a consistent direction.
- Allow several minutes for any remaining alcohol to fully dissipate before continuing the repair.
Step 28 | Orient the adhesive
Carefully position the adhesive strip adjacent to the device, aligning its openings with the spring contact cutouts and the rear camera to ensure proper orientation.
- Expect variations in the appearance of the adhesive product.
Step 29 | Apply the adhesive
Because the adhesive bonds immediately upon contact, any adjustments after placement are impossible; instead, the application must be completely removed and redone using fresh adhesive material.
- Starting at the lower edge, gently lift the backing liner using the provided pull tab, exposing only a portion of the adhesive surface without completely separating the liner.
- Position the liner aside, then carefully align the adhesive strip with the lower edge of the iPhone, ensuring accurate placement.
- Carefully position the adhesive's lower edge within the frame's designated channel, ensuring precise alignment of the iPhone’s spring contacts with the corresponding openings in the liner.
Step 30
After ensuring proper positioning of the adhesive, apply even pressure across its lower border by using the spudger’s planar tip or a fingertip.
Step 31
- As you remove the adhesive backing, ensure firm contact with the iPhone's frame edges.
- Proper alignment of the adhesive's lower edge ensures the side and top edges seat correctly; if misalignment occurs, discard the adhesive and repeat the process using fresh adhesive.
- Should the adhesive strip be incorrectly positioned and a replacement isn't immediately available, the iPhone can be reassembled and used as normal without it; however, be aware that the device's water resistance will be reduced until replacement adhesive is applied.
Step 32 | Press the adhesive into place
- Verify correct liner positioning by confirming that each spring contact and the rear camera are situated within their designated openings; if misaligned, discard the adhesive and reattempt the process using a fresh liner sheet.
- Carefully apply pressure along the frame's edges with the spudger's flat tip to secure the adhesive.
- Avoid contact with the spring terminals extending through the pink liner.
Step 33 | Remove the top liner
- Carefully peel away the adhesive backing layer.
- The liner's construction varies based on the adhesive type; it may consist of several sections or be a continuous piece.
Step 34 | Prop up the back glass
- To prevent damage, secure the rear glass on the right side of the iPhone with a stable support, such as a small, rigid container.
- Employ the tool's flat, planar end toUse a plastic pry tool, often referred to as a spudger.To establish a wireless charging connection, engage the wireless charging coil with your finger, subsequently securing the battery press connector.
Step 35 | Place the middle connector cover
Position the connector cover, ensuring it extends beyond the logic board's bottom clip slot, and align it with the wireless charging coil connector.
Step 36
- Apply downward pressure to the cover using a fingertip.
- Apply downward pressure and then move the cover in an upward direction, ensuring the metal clips align and engage with their corresponding locations on the logic board.
Step 37 | Place the lower connector cover
- Employ the specified tool to perform the action.Employ fine-tipped pliers or similar instruments for manipulation.Align the upper edge of the lower connector cover and slide it downwards until it engages with the corresponding receptacle on the logic board.
- Position the lower connector cover so it rests directly on top of the press connectors.
Step 38 | Install the cover screws
- Employ the specified tool to perform the action.Use a Y000-sized screwdriver with a three-pronged tip.Secure the component using the specified fasteners, ensuring proper alignment with the designated mounting points and adhering to the torque specifications of 5 Nm.A screw with a length of 0.9 millimeters.Fasten the connector cover centrally using the provided 3.5mm hex key, ensuring it is tightened to a torque of 1.2 Nm and observing the warning regarding potential damage from over-tightening.
- Employ the specified tool to perform the action.Use a Y000-sized screwdriver with a three-pronged tip.Secure the pair using the specified fasteners.Screws measuring 1.3 millimeters in length.Ensure the lower connector cover is firmly attached.
Step 39 | Remove the final adhesive liners
Carefully detach the retaining tabs located at the base of the frame, close to the charging port, utilizing either tweezers or your fingertips.
Step 40
Carefully peel back the thin liner, exposing the adhesive on the frame's left and top sides.
Step 41
- Position the replacement back glass above the device, ensuring it doesn't contact the adhesive to allow access to the remaining adhesive liners situated on the right side.
- Carefully detach any remaining liners from the right side of the device using tweezers or your fingertips.
Step 42 | Install the back glass
- Align the back glass perpendicularly to the frame's surface, then apply even pressure until the retaining clips click into place.
- Apply even pressure along the edges of the rear glass to secure all retaining clips.
Step 43 | Heat the back glass
- Warm the perimeter of the rear glass with an iOpener, a hairdryer, or a heat gun, ensuring it reaches a temperature that is comfortable to the touch to promote proper adhesive adhesion.
- To ensure a strong seal, apply consistent pressure across the entire edge of the rear glass; for enhanced adhesion, utilize screen vise clamps if available, otherwise proceed with alternative securing methods detailed below.
Step 44 | Press the back glass
Ensure uniform pressure during iPhone reassembly and secure the rear glass to the frame by carefully considering the camera module's protrusion.
- Using the iPhone's original packaging, position the lid on a level surface.
- Because the original packaging is not required, proceed to the alternative procedure.
Position the iPhone, camera lens protuberance aligned with the designated indentation, within the box’s upper compartment, ensuring the display faces upward.
- Employ an object approximately the dimensions of a standard iPhone in height, but exceeding the box's side walls in length. Position this object atop the iPhone, then add several substantial weights on top of it.
Allow the items to remain undisturbed for a minimum of thirty minutes; reduce the duration needed if the items are heavier. For optimal results, maintain the stacked position overnight.
Step 45
- Lacking the original packaging, use the following three steps to apply uniform pressure when compressing the rear glass.
- Position the iPhone on a level, non-abrasive surface with the display facing downward.
- To prevent damage to the rear glass's surface, affix masking tape across its exterior.
Step 46
- Use flat, uniformly-sized objects like coins to distribute even pressure along the perimeter of the rear glass when applying the tape.
- Ensure the combined thickness of the shims creates a uniform elevation exceeding the camera module's protrusion.
Step 47
- To apply downward pressure evenly across the iPhone’s surface, position several books or a comparable weight on top of the device.
- To prevent marking or damage, avoid placing the coins directly on delicate or valuable surfaces.
- Allow the items to remain undisturbed for a minimum of thirty minutes; reduce their weight necessitates a longer waiting period. For optimal results, maintain the stacked position overnight.
Step 48 | Install the pentalobe screws
Employ a 3/8-inch socket wrench to tighten the fastener to a torque of 15 Nm, ensuring you observe all safety precautions regarding eye protection and the potential for pinch points.Use a P2 driver with a pentalobe tip.Secure the pair using the specified fasteners.Screws measuring 7.7 millimeters in length.Flanking the charging port are components on both the left and right sides.