iPhone 5 LCD and Digitizer Replacement
To simplify the screen replacement process on your iPhone 5, utilize the provided repair kit and refer to the condensed instructions for a complete screen assembly swap.
- Experienced technicians can utilize this guide to substitute the complete LCD and digitizer unit, commonly referred to as the iPhone’s front panel assembly.
- Before installation, carefully move the front-facing camera, earpiece speaker, LCD shield plate, and the home button assembly from the old screen to the replacement screen.
- This document also provides instructions for substituting the cable bracket that secures the front panel assembly.
Comprehensive instructions for replacing the iPhone 5s LCD and digitizer are available here.
Step 1 | Taping the display glass
Begin by disconnecting the power supply, ensuring it is unplugged from the electrical outlet, then use a 7mm socket wrench to loosen and remove the four retaining screws securing the fan assembly to the chassis, taking care to note their positions for reassembly, and subsequently carefully lift the fan assembly free, being mindful of the attached wiring harness.
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while performing the repair, secure any cracked display glass with tape.
Apply strips of transparent packing tape across the iPhone screen, ensuring complete coverage by layering them.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments released during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while performing the repair, secure any cracked display glass with tape.
Apply strips of transparent packing tape across the iPhone screen, ensuring complete coverage by layering them.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments released during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
Step 2 | Remove the Pentalobe screws
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully loosen the four screws securing the fan assembly, noting that these screws are torqued to 6 in-lbs and a warning: overtightening can damage the plastic housing.
To prevent a potential fire or explosion hazard during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity prior to beginning work; a fully charged battery poses a risk of ignition if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the Lightning connector.
To prevent a potential fire or explosion hazard during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity prior to beginning work; a fully charged battery poses a risk of ignition if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the Lightning connector.
Step 3 | How to prevent display separation
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully loosen the four screws securing the fan assembly to the motor housing, then gently detach the fan, observing that the impeller's rotation direction must be maintained during removal to prevent damage.
Carefully lift the display assembly—consisting of a glass screen, a plastic bezel, and integrated metal clips—from within the phone's chassis during the subsequent procedures.
Ensure complete removal of the display assembly, irrespective of the chosen tool.
When the glass and plastic layers detach, referencing the initial image for visual guidance, use a plastic opening tool to carefully insert it into the gap between the plastic frame and the phone's metal chassis, releasing the metal clips securing the case.
To ensure proper closure during reassembly when the display bezel is detached, apply a narrow adhesive strip along the interface between the plastic bezel and the glass.
Carefully lift the display assembly—consisting of a glass screen, a plastic bezel, and integrated metal clips—from within the phone's chassis during the subsequent procedures.
Ensure complete removal of the display assembly, irrespective of the chosen tool.
When the glass and plastic layers detach, referencing the initial image for visual guidance, use a plastic opening tool to carefully insert it into the gap between the plastic frame and the phone's metal chassis, releasing the metal clips securing the case.
To ensure proper closure during reassembly when the display bezel is detached, apply a narrow adhesive strip along the interface between the plastic bezel and the glass.
Step 4 | Anti-Clamp instructions
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring the motor shaft remains aligned and observing the warning against over-tightening which could damage the threads.
To simplify the opening process, the following two steps utilize the Anti-Clamp tool, a custom design; if you do not have this tool, proceed two steps further for an alternative procedure.
Refer to the included guide for detailed procedures regarding Anti-Clamp operation.
To release the Anti-Clamp's arms, move the blue handle in a rearward direction.
Position the arms so they extend across the iPhone's left or right side.
To secure the device, place a suction cup on the front surface, close to the lower edge and directly over the home button, and another suction cup on the rear, in the same relative position.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface needing treatment.
To enhance the Anti-Clamp's grip if the iPhone's exterior feels excessively smooth, apply adhesive tape to provide increased friction.
To simplify the opening process, the following two steps utilize the Anti-Clamp tool, a custom design; if you do not have this tool, proceed two steps further for an alternative procedure.
Refer to the included guide for detailed procedures regarding Anti-Clamp operation.
To release the Anti-Clamp's arms, move the blue handle in a rearward direction.
Position the arms so they extend across the iPhone's left or right side.
To secure the device, place a suction cup on the front surface, close to the lower edge and directly over the home button, and another suction cup on the rear, in the same relative position.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface needing treatment.
To enhance the Anti-Clamp's grip if the iPhone's exterior feels excessively smooth, apply adhesive tape to provide increased friction.
Step 5
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring that you do not overtighten and damage the threads.
To secure the arms, advance the blue handle in the direction indicated.
Rotate the handle fully, completing a full 360-degree turn, observing for the initial signs of cup expansion.
Maintain parallel positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction cups' hold and reposition the arms.
Once sufficient separation is achieved by the Anti-Clamp tool, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, increase the heat applied to the component and then pivot the handle 90 degrees.
Allow one minute to elapse and avoid rotating the component more than 90 degrees incrementally, permitting the Anti-Clamp device to function properly.
To secure the arms, advance the blue handle in the direction indicated.
Rotate the handle fully, completing a full 360-degree turn, observing for the initial signs of cup expansion.
Maintain parallel positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction cups' hold and reposition the arms.
Once sufficient separation is achieved by the Anti-Clamp tool, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, increase the heat applied to the component and then pivot the handle 90 degrees.
Allow one minute to elapse and avoid rotating the component more than 90 degrees incrementally, permitting the Anti-Clamp device to function properly.
Step 6 | Manual Opening Procedure
Securely affix a suction cup to the display surface, positioning it directly over the home button area.
Ensure the cup's entire surface makes contact with the screen to guarantee a secure seal.
To prevent further glass fragmentation and ensure a secure grip for the suction cup, apply several strips of packing tape to the face of iPhones with cracked glass, carefully smoothing out any air pockets.
Ensure the cup's entire surface makes contact with the screen to guarantee a secure seal.
To prevent further glass fragmentation and ensure a secure grip for the suction cup, apply several strips of packing tape to the face of iPhones with cracked glass, carefully smoothing out any air pockets.
Step 7 | Start lifting the front panel assembly
Secure the front panel assembly to the suction cup, ensuring a strong and stable connection.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to gently create a small gap between the front panel and the rear enclosure.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the screen, as its fit is considerably more snug than typical device displays.
Using a plastic opening tool, apply gentle upward force to separate the rear case from the display assembly, simultaneously lifting with a suction cup.
To release the front panel assembly from the rear case, carefully disengage the multiple retaining clips by employing both the suction cup and plastic opening tool as needed.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to gently create a small gap between the front panel and the rear enclosure.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the screen, as its fit is considerably more snug than typical device displays.
Using a plastic opening tool, apply gentle upward force to separate the rear case from the display assembly, simultaneously lifting with a suction cup.
To release the front panel assembly from the rear case, carefully disengage the multiple retaining clips by employing both the suction cup and plastic opening tool as needed.
Step 8 | Detaching the front panel side clips
Carefully work a prying tool along the left and right edges of the front panel assembly to release the retaining clips.
Step 9 | Opening up the phone
Disconnecting the front panel assembly entirely from the rear case is not recommended, because delicate ribbon cables remain connected at the top of the iPhone.
After disengaging the retaining clips located along the lower edge and sides of the front panel assembly, separate the assembly's bottom edge from the rear case by applying gentle pulling force.
Carefully position the display at a 90-degree angle, then secure it in a supported position to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure it with a rubber band.
After disengaging the retaining clips located along the lower edge and sides of the front panel assembly, separate the assembly's bottom edge from the rear case by applying gentle pulling force.
Carefully position the display at a 90-degree angle, then secure it in a supported position to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure it with a rubber band.
Step 10 | Removing the battery connector bracket screws
Using appropriate tools, detach the two screws that fasten the metal battery connector bracket to the logic board.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw measuring 1.8 millimeters.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.6 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw measuring 1.8 millimeters.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.6 mm head.
Step 11 | Removing the battery connector bracket
Using a precision screwdriver, detach the metal bracket securing the battery connector.
Step 12 | Disconnecting the battery connector
Carefully lift the battery connector away from its corresponding socket on the logic board, employing a plastic opening tool to avoid damage.
Exercise caution to prevent displacement of the tiny components positioned near the socket.
Exercise extreme caution to lift solely the battery connector; applying force to the logic board socket or the board itself risks socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.
Exercise caution to prevent displacement of the tiny components positioned near the socket.
Exercise extreme caution to lift solely the battery connector; applying force to the logic board socket or the board itself risks socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.
Step 13 | Removing the front panel assembly cable bracket screws
Detach the cable bracket, which holds the front panel assembly cable, from the logic board by unscrewing the screws that fasten it in place.
Use two Phillips screws, each measuring 1.2 mm.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.6 mm head.
Due to its non-magnetic properties, this screw requires a regular screwdriver for removal; prevent loss during disassembly and ensure proper reinstallation, as a magnetized screw could disrupt compass functionality.
Use two Phillips screws, each measuring 1.2 mm.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.6 mm head.
Due to its non-magnetic properties, this screw requires a regular screwdriver for removal; prevent loss during disassembly and ensure proper reinstallation, as a magnetized screw could disrupt compass functionality.
Step 14 | Removing the front panel assembly cable bracket
To detach the display cable bracket, raise it in the direction of the battery, then take it out of the iPhone.
To reassemble, position the bracket outward while securing it with the left-hand hooks located beneath the logic board.
To reassemble, position the bracket outward while securing it with the left-hand hooks located beneath the logic board.
Step 15 | Disconnecting the front panel assembly cables
Prior to either detaching or reattaching the cables in this procedure, ensure the battery's power is completely isolated.
Carefully detach the three front panel assembly cables by gently separating them with a plastic opening tool or fingernail.
The assembly includes the front camera unit and its associated cable.
Connect the display panel's flat, flexible ribbon cable to the corresponding connector on the mainboard, ensuring proper alignment and secure seating, referencing the service manual for precise pin 1 identification and torque specifications (typically 0.5 Nm) when using the specialized crimping tool.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is the digitizer cable.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, it may result in display abnormalities such as white lines or a complete lack of image upon powering on. To correct this, reattach the cable and restart the device; for a complete restart, disconnect and reconnect the battery.
Carefully detach the three front panel assembly cables by gently separating them with a plastic opening tool or fingernail.
The assembly includes the front camera unit and its associated cable.
Connect the display panel's flat, flexible ribbon cable to the corresponding connector on the mainboard, ensuring proper alignment and secure seating, referencing the service manual for precise pin 1 identification and torque specifications (typically 0.5 Nm) when using the specialized crimping tool.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is the digitizer cable.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, it may result in display abnormalities such as white lines or a complete lack of image upon powering on. To correct this, reattach the cable and restart the device; for a complete restart, disconnect and reconnect the battery.
Step 16 | Separating front panel assembly and rear case
Detach the front panel assembly from the rear case.
Step 17 | Earpiece Speaker
Detach the front-facing camera bracket from the display assembly by unscrewing the two fasteners that hold it in place.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 4.1 mm head.
A Phillips head screw, measuring 2.2 millimeters, is required.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 4.1 mm head.
A Phillips head screw, measuring 2.2 millimeters, is required.
Step 18
Detach the display assembly's earpiece speaker bracket.
Step 19
Carefully detach the earpiece speaker component from the iPhone.
Step 20
A tiny black plastic spacer is located directly beneath the metal bracket, positioned so that the upper screw passes through both the bracket and the spacer.
Step 21 | Front-Facing Camera and Sensor Cable
Carefully detach the front-facing camera cable from the display assembly by gently levering it free, beginning at the earpiece speaker contacts; a plastic opening tool or spudger tip is suitable for this task.
Carefully detach the earpiece speaker contacts, as they are prone to tearing; exercise utmost care during this process.
Carefully detach the earpiece speaker contacts, as they are prone to tearing; exercise utmost care during this process.
Step 22
Detach the front camera module and the rear microphone assembly.
New components sometimes feature manufacturing tabs, each containing a hole, which should be removed using scissors.
The proximity sensor's operation depends on a critical, square housing constructed from plastic and metal.
When substituting the proximity sensor or camera, ensure the holder stays securely bonded to the display's rear surface; should the holder detach with the removed sensor, carefully separate it from the discarded component and apply a small amount of adhesive to resecure it to the display's back.
New components sometimes feature manufacturing tabs, each containing a hole, which should be removed using scissors.
The proximity sensor's operation depends on a critical, square housing constructed from plastic and metal.
When substituting the proximity sensor or camera, ensure the holder stays securely bonded to the display's rear surface; should the holder detach with the removed sensor, carefully separate it from the discarded component and apply a small amount of adhesive to resecure it to the display's back.
Step 23 | Home Button Ribbon Cable
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the home button bracket from the display assembly by unscrewing the two screws, each measuring 1.3 mm.
To prevent damage to the display, ensure the two Phillips #000 screws, each measuring 1.3 mm, are tightened gently during reassembly, avoiding excessive force that could cause them to pass through the display panel.
To prevent damage to the display, ensure the two Phillips #000 screws, each measuring 1.3 mm, are tightened gently during reassembly, avoiding excessive force that could cause them to pass through the display panel.
Step 24
Carefully lift the home button ribbon cable from the display assembly's edge using a plastic opening tool.
Beginning with the right-hand side, proceed leftward, focusing on the ribbon cable section situated adjacent to the gold contacts.
To avoid damaging the ribbon cable—due to the strong adhesion of its contacts to the front panel—approach the disconnection from a right-to-left direction.
Applying force to either of the gold contacts risks detaching its solder joint and separating it from the ribbon cable.
Should the plastic opening tool encounter resistance when attempting to slide beneath the contact points, reverse the tool's orientation and apply slight pressure to the right side of the contacts to release the adhesive bond, then resume the sliding motion.
Beginning with the right-hand side, proceed leftward, focusing on the ribbon cable section situated adjacent to the gold contacts.
To avoid damaging the ribbon cable—due to the strong adhesion of its contacts to the front panel—approach the disconnection from a right-to-left direction.
Applying force to either of the gold contacts risks detaching its solder joint and separating it from the ribbon cable.
Should the plastic opening tool encounter resistance when attempting to slide beneath the contact points, reverse the tool's orientation and apply slight pressure to the right side of the contacts to release the adhesive bond, then resume the sliding motion.
Step 25 | LCD and Digitizer
Carefully leverage a plastic opening tool beneath the home button to release it from the display assembly.
Step 26
Carefully detach the home button component from the display assembly.
Step 27
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the four 1.2 mm screws—two on each side—securing the LCD frame.
Step 28
Detach the LCD shield plate from the display assembly by unscrewing the fasteners—a 1.4 mm Phillips screw and a 2.6 mm Phillips screw—that hold it in place.
Step 29
Carefully detach the LCD shield plate from the display assembly.
Step 30
Only the display assembly, without any attached components, is now visible.
Carefully move the LCD shield, home button, front-facing camera assembly, front-facing camera lens bezel, and earpiece speaker to the replacement part during reassembly.
To avoid cracking the glass, do not force the replacement screen into the original frame; instead, begin insertion at the top with a 30° angle, carefully maneuvering the screen to position the three plastic brackets beneath the phone’s metal frame, then apply gentle pressure from the sides to facilitate movement towards the bottom.
Before installation, discard the packaging film covering both the front surface of the display assembly and the rear of the LCD.
If the display fails to activate after reassembly, attempt to resolve the issue by connecting the device to a power source and simultaneously pressing and maintaining pressure on both the power and home buttons for a duration of 20 seconds.
Carefully move the LCD shield, home button, front-facing camera assembly, front-facing camera lens bezel, and earpiece speaker to the replacement part during reassembly.
To avoid cracking the glass, do not force the replacement screen into the original frame; instead, begin insertion at the top with a 30° angle, carefully maneuvering the screen to position the three plastic brackets beneath the phone’s metal frame, then apply gentle pressure from the sides to facilitate movement towards the bottom.
Before installation, discard the packaging film covering both the front surface of the display assembly and the rear of the LCD.
If the display fails to activate after reassembly, attempt to resolve the issue by connecting the device to a power source and simultaneously pressing and maintaining pressure on both the power and home buttons for a duration of 20 seconds.