iPhone 5s LCD and Digitizer Replacement
Employing our repair kit and this streamlined procedure simplifies the complete replacement of your iPhone’s display assembly.
- Experienced users can utilize this guide to swap out the iPhone 5s LCD screen and digitizer assembly, commonly referred to as the front panel, but be aware that component relocation is essential; the front-facing camera, earpiece speaker, LCD shield plate, and home button assembly must be moved from the old screen to the replacement.
- To ensure Touch ID functionality after replacing the screen/display, carefully move the existing home button to the replacement display assembly.
This document also provides instructions for substituting these components.
Step 1 | Removing the Pentalobe screws
Begin by disconnecting the power source, ensuring the 120V AC supply is completely isolated, then carefully remove the retaining screws (size: M4 x 8mm) securing the fan assembly to the chassis, utilizing a Phillips head screwdriver; proceed with caution to avoid damaging the adjacent wiring harness.
To prevent potential fire or explosion hazards during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity prior to starting work; a fully charged battery poses a significant risk of combustion 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, each measuring 3.9 mm, located on the left and right sides of the Lightning connector.
To prevent potential fire or explosion hazards during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity prior to starting work; a fully charged battery poses a significant risk of combustion 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, each measuring 3.9 mm, located on the left and right sides of the Lightning connector.
Step 2 | Taping the display glass
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.2 Nm, ensuring you do not overtighten and damage the threads.
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while repairing a cracked display glass, secure it with tape.
Apply clear packing tape in successive layers across the iPhone screen, ensuring complete coverage of the display surface.
To prevent scattered fragments and maintain stability during the display separation process, ensure this step is performed carefully.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments that may detach during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while repairing a cracked display glass, secure it with tape.
Apply clear packing tape in successive layers across the iPhone screen, ensuring complete coverage of the display surface.
To prevent scattered fragments and maintain stability during the display separation process, ensure this step is performed carefully.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments that may detach during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
Step 3 | Display separation prevention
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw located on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring that you do not overtighten and potentially damage the threads.
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 employed tool.
When the glass and plastic layers detach, mirroring the visual in the initial image, use a plastic opening tool to insert it between the plastic frame and the phone’s metal chassis, carefully levering the metal clips away from the plastic housing.
To ensure proper closure during reassembly of a phone featuring a detached display bezel, apply a narrow adhesive strip positioned between the plastic bezel and the glass surface.
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 employed tool.
When the glass and plastic layers detach, mirroring the visual in the initial image, use a plastic opening tool to insert it between the plastic frame and the phone’s metal chassis, carefully levering the metal clips away from the plastic housing.
To ensure proper closure during reassembly of a phone featuring a detached display bezel, apply a narrow adhesive strip positioned between the plastic bezel and the glass surface.
Step 4 | Anti-Clamp instructions
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the set screw located on the motor shaft to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring the fan blade remains securely attached and avoiding 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 to find an alternative approach.
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 left or right side of the iPhone.
Using the provided suction cups, secure one to the front surface of the iPhone, close to the lower edge and directly over the home button, and attach the second suction cup to the rear surface in a similar location.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface needing treatment.
To enhance the Anti-Clamp's grip if the iPhone's exterior is excessively smooth, apply the provided adhesive pad to generate a more textured holding area.
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 to find an alternative approach.
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 left or right side of the iPhone.
Using the provided suction cups, secure one to the front surface of the iPhone, close to the lower edge and directly over the home button, and attach the second suction cup to the rear surface in a similar location.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface needing treatment.
To enhance the Anti-Clamp's grip if the iPhone's exterior is excessively smooth, apply the provided adhesive pad to generate a more textured holding area.
Step 5
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws securing the fan assembly to the motor housing, ensuring each is snug but not over-tightened to avoid damaging the threads; observe a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds per screw.
Moving the blue handle in a forward direction secures the locking arms.
Rotate the handle fully, completing a 360-degree turn, observing for the initial expansion of the cups.
Maintain proper positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction and readjust the arms.
Once sufficient space is created by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, adjust the handle's position by 90 degrees.
Apply adjustments in increments not exceeding 90 degrees, pausing briefly after each adjustment to allow the Anti-Clamp device and settling time to take effect.
Moving the blue handle in a forward direction secures the locking arms.
Rotate the handle fully, completing a 360-degree turn, observing for the initial expansion of the cups.
Maintain proper positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction and readjust the arms.
Once sufficient space is created by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, adjust the handle's position by 90 degrees.
Apply adjustments in increments not exceeding 90 degrees, pausing briefly after each adjustment to allow the Anti-Clamp device and settling time to take effect.
Step 6 | Manual Opening Procedure
Lacking an Anti-Clamp tool, secure the front panel with a single suction cup for lifting.
Securely affix a suction cup to the display surface, positioning it directly over the home button area.
Ensure the entire cup makes contact with the screen surface to guarantee a secure seal.
Securely affix a suction cup to the display surface, positioning it directly over the home button area.
Ensure the entire cup makes contact with the screen surface to guarantee a secure seal.
Step 7 | Start lifting the front panel assembly
Detach the front panel by releasing the retaining clips, then carefully separate the phone's housing just enough to access and disconnect the multiple ribbon cables; proceed with caution to prevent component damage.
Securely affix the suction cup to the front panel assembly, positioning it close to the home button.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to create a small gap between the front panel's home button area and the rear case.
Using a plastic opening tool, carefully separate the rear case from the front panel assembly by gently levering the edges, simultaneously lifting with a suction cup.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the front panel assembly, as its fit is significantly more snug than typical device constructions.
Securely affix the suction cup to the front panel assembly, positioning it close to the home button.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to create a small gap between the front panel's home button area and the rear case.
Using a plastic opening tool, carefully separate the rear case from the front panel assembly by gently levering the edges, simultaneously lifting with a suction cup.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the front panel assembly, as its fit is significantly more snug than typical device constructions.
Step 8
Disconnecting the front panel assembly from the rear case should be avoided; several fragile ribbon cables secure the two components together.
To detach the suction cup, depress the plastic projection to break the airtight connection.
Carefully detach the screen from the device by releasing the vacuum seal created by the suction cup.
To detach the suction cup, depress the plastic projection to break the airtight connection.
Carefully detach the screen from the device by releasing the vacuum seal created by the suction cup.
Step 9 | Removing the Touch ID cable bracket
Carefully separate the phone's casing to expose the metal bracket that secures the home button cable.
To prevent damage to the home button cable and its connector, avoid excessive separation of the phone's components; maintain slack in the cable, as overextension can cause harm.
The Touch ID feature is exclusive to the phone's factory-installed home button assembly; replacement with a non-original unit will result in standard home button operation, lacking Touch ID capabilities, and any damage to the cable during replacement will produce the same outcome.
Carefully leverage the bracket loose using a spudger tip, then grasp and detach it with tweezers.
For reassembly procedures, proceed with the following two steps later; if you are not currently reassembling, bypass them and move directly to Step 12.
To prevent damage to the home button cable and its connector, avoid excessive separation of the phone's components; maintain slack in the cable, as overextension can cause harm.
The Touch ID feature is exclusive to the phone's factory-installed home button assembly; replacement with a non-original unit will result in standard home button operation, lacking Touch ID capabilities, and any damage to the cable during replacement will produce the same outcome.
Carefully leverage the bracket loose using a spudger tip, then grasp and detach it with tweezers.
For reassembly procedures, proceed with the following two steps later; if you are not currently reassembling, bypass them and move directly to Step 12.
Step 10
To complete reassembly, secure the Touch ID cable bracket by guiding its upper edge between the battery and the Touch ID cable connector, positioning it ahead of the metal tab, then ensuring the bracket’s lower edge engages and locks over the connector.
Align the bracket's upper edge with the Touch ID cable connector and move it horizontally to the right.
Position the bracket so it covers the connector, ensuring the "leg" side creates a small incline and the opposing edge sits between the cable connector and the battery's adjacent metal tab. Using a spudger, apply light, even downward force to the bracket to secure both the rear and front clasps.
Align the bracket's upper edge with the Touch ID cable connector and move it horizontally to the right.
Position the bracket so it covers the connector, ensuring the "leg" side creates a small incline and the opposing edge sits between the cable connector and the battery's adjacent metal tab. Using a spudger, apply light, even downward force to the bracket to secure both the rear and front clasps.
Step 11
Carefully position the Touch ID cable bracket's front section over the cable connector, then secure it by pressing downwards with the flat edge of a spudger.
To ensure the bracket sits level against the surface, reposition it by sliding it back over the cable connector if it doesn't seat properly.
To ensure the bracket sits level against the surface, reposition it by sliding it back over the cable connector if it doesn't seat properly.
Step 12 | Disconnecting the home button cable connector
Carefully lift the home button cable connector from its socket using the pointed end of a spudger.
Carefully detach the cable connector from its receptacle; avoid lifting the receptacle itself, as it’s affixed to a separate, adhesive-backed cable that can be dislodged if undue force is applied.
Carefully detach the cable connector from its receptacle; avoid lifting the receptacle itself, as it’s affixed to a separate, adhesive-backed cable that can be dislodged if undue force is applied.
Step 13 | Opening up the phone
After disconnecting the connector, pivot the assembly, using the phone's upper edge as a fulcrum, to separate the home button end from the rear case.
Carefully position the display at a roughly 90-degree angle, then secure it in an upright position using a support to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure the display with a rubber band.
As a temporary substitute, an unused, sealed can of soda can be employed to secure the display in place.
Carefully position the display at a roughly 90-degree angle, then secure it in an upright position using a support to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure the display with a rubber band.
As a temporary substitute, an unused, sealed can of soda can be employed to secure the display in place.
Step 14
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the metal battery connector bracket from the logic board by unscrewing the two 1.6 mm screws that hold it in place.
Step 15
Detach the bracket securing the battery connector using a tri-point screwdriver, ensuring no damage occurs to surrounding components.
Step 16
Carefully lift the battery connector away from its corresponding socket on the logic board, utilizing the flat edge of a spudger to avoid damage.
Exercise extreme caution during the lifting process, ensuring force is applied solely to the battery connector; applying pressure to the logic board socket or the board itself risks socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.
Exercise extreme caution during the lifting process, ensuring force is applied solely to the battery connector; applying pressure to the logic board socket or the board itself risks socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.
Step 17
Detach the cable bracket that holds the front panel assembly wires from the logic board by unscrewing the screws listed below.
Carefully manage all screws during this procedure to ensure correct reassembly; improper placement, such as using a 1.3 mm or 1.7 mm screw in the bottom right hole, will critically damage the logic board and prevent the device from powering on.
Avoid applying excessive force or tightening the screws beyond their proper torque, as this could damage the components; if resistance is encountered during installation, verify that the screws are the correct size.
- A Phillips screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.7-millimeter screw.
- A Phillips screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.2-millimeter screw.
- A Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.3-millimeter screw.
- An additional screw, measuring 1.7 mm in width and utilizing a Phillips #000 head, is required.
Carefully manage all screws during this procedure to ensure correct reassembly; improper placement, such as using a 1.3 mm or 1.7 mm screw in the bottom right hole, will critically damage the logic board and prevent the device from powering on.
Avoid applying excessive force or tightening the screws beyond their proper torque, as this could damage the components; if resistance is encountered during installation, verify that the screws are the correct size.
Step 18
Detach the bracket securing the front panel assembly cable to the logic board.
Step 19
Carefully detach the front camera and sensor assembly's cable from its connector using a spudger or similar non-conductive tool.
Step 20
To prevent short circuits, detach the battery before proceeding with cable disconnection or reconnection.
Carefully detach the LCD cable connector.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, a blank screen or the appearance of white lines may occur upon powering on the device. To resolve this, reattach the cable and restart the phone; for a complete restart, disconnect and reconnect the battery.
Carefully detach the LCD cable connector.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, a blank screen or the appearance of white lines may occur upon powering on the device. To resolve this, reattach the cable and restart the phone; for a complete restart, disconnect and reconnect the battery.
Step 21
Carefully detach the digitizer cable connector.
Step 22
Detach the front panel assembly from the rear case.
Step 23 | Earpiece Speaker
Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the upper component bracket by unscrewing the two fasteners that hold it in place.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, with a shaft diameter of 4.0 millimeters.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, with a tip measuring 2.3 millimeters.
Using the incorrect screws can inflict serious damage to the LCD during reassembly; ensure each screw is properly aligned with its designated hole.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, with a shaft diameter of 4.0 millimeters.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, with a tip measuring 2.3 millimeters.
Using the incorrect screws can inflict serious damage to the LCD during reassembly; ensure each screw is properly aligned with its designated hole.
Step 24
Position the device so that the physical home button is situated at the uppermost point and the earpiece speaker faces downward, mirroring the illustrated orientation.
Using careful pressure, move the clip, located adjacent to the lower-left edge of the earpiece speaker bracket, away from its molded position within the front panel assembly.
Applying too much pressure when separating components risks damaging the earpiece speaker bracket due to its delicate and flexible nature.
Using tweezers, move the bracket laterally to the left until the clip releases.
Using careful pressure, move the clip, located adjacent to the lower-left edge of the earpiece speaker bracket, away from its molded position within the front panel assembly.
Applying too much pressure when separating components risks damaging the earpiece speaker bracket due to its delicate and flexible nature.
Using tweezers, move the bracket laterally to the left until the clip releases.
Step 25
Detach the display's bracket.
Step 26
Using tweezers, carefully detach the earpiece speaker.
To avoid compromising electrical connections, exercise extreme caution and prevent contact between your fingers and the gold-plated contacts located on the front panel. Finger oils can impede proper contact.
To avoid compromising electrical connections, exercise extreme caution and prevent contact between your fingers and the gold-plated contacts located on the front panel. Finger oils can impede proper contact.
Step 27
For earpiece speaker replacement, combine the speaker and its bracket as a single unit to simplify the installation process.
Align the speaker and its bracket, ensuring a secure and precise fit within the designated housing.
Position the bracket's left hook so it engages the notch located directly above the front-facing camera's upper left corner.
Position the bracket horizontally against the rear case, matching the screw holes. Secure the bracket by pressing it firmly, verifying that the right-side hook engages with the display.
Align the speaker and its bracket, ensuring a secure and precise fit within the designated housing.
Position the bracket's left hook so it engages the notch located directly above the front-facing camera's upper left corner.
Position the bracket horizontally against the rear case, matching the screw holes. Secure the bracket by pressing it firmly, verifying that the right-side hook engages with the display.
Step 28 | Front Facing Camera and Sensor Cable Assembly
Detach the front panel assembly's front-facing camera and its associated sensor cable.
A light adhesive secures the front camera and its associated cable to the display assembly.
Employing an iOpener to reduce the adhesive's bond strength facilitates safer removal; refer to the iOpener instructions for proper usage.
A light adhesive secures the front camera and its associated cable to the display assembly.
Employing an iOpener to reduce the adhesive's bond strength facilitates safer removal; refer to the iOpener instructions for proper usage.
Step 29
Carefully lift the earpiece speaker contact cable using the tip of tweezers or a metal spudger, releasing it from the underlying adhesive to detach the camera and sensor cable assembly.
To avoid damaging sensitive components like sensors and microchips, carefully apply prying force solely beneath the earpiece speaker contacts.
To avoid damaging sensitive components like sensors and microchips, carefully apply prying force solely beneath the earpiece speaker contacts.
Step 30
Carefully pry the ambient light sensor and proximity sensor from their molded slots within the display assembly using a spudger tip.
The proximity sensor's operation depends on a critical, small housing constructed from plastic and metal.
When substituting the proximity sensor, ensure the holder stays securely attached to the display's rear surface; should the holder detach with the old sensor, carefully separate it and apply a small amount of adhesive to resecure it to the display.
The proximity sensor's operation depends on a critical, small housing constructed from plastic and metal.
When substituting the proximity sensor, ensure the holder stays securely attached to the display's rear surface; should the holder detach with the old sensor, carefully separate it and apply a small amount of adhesive to resecure it to the display.
Step 31
Carefully separate the front-facing camera cable from the display assembly using the flat spudger, applying gentle pressure.
Step 32
When reusing a shield plate with a replacement display, proceed to the next instruction without repeating this one.
Detach the cable assembly from the LCD shield plate by gently separating them.
Avoid contact between your fingers and the digitizer cable during removal of the front-facing camera and sensor assembly.
Detach the cable assembly from the LCD shield plate by gently separating them.
Avoid contact between your fingers and the digitizer cable during removal of the front-facing camera and sensor assembly.
Step 33 | Home Button Assembly
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, release the home button cable by removing its single, retained screw.
To reattach the captive screw to the home button cable, position the spring contact so it faces toward the LCD, as it provides the necessary backing.
Ensure the new component includes the retaining screw and spring contact; if absent, carefully move these parts from the old cable to the replacement.
To reattach the captive screw to the home button cable, position the spring contact so it faces toward the LCD, as it provides the necessary backing.
Ensure the new component includes the retaining screw and spring contact; if absent, carefully move these parts from the old cable to the replacement.
Step 34
To allow for bracket installation, carefully maneuver the home button cable so it's positioned clear of the home button bracket.
Step 35
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the home button bracket by unscrewing the two screws, each measuring 1.4 mm.
Step 36
Detach the bracket securing the home button to the display assembly.
Step 37
Using a spudger, gently insert its tip between the home button cable assembly and its surrounding components.
A light adhesive secures the home button cable.
Using a spudger, carefully disengage the home button cable from the front panel assembly by sliding the tool beneath it.
Leave the home button in place for now; it remains connected to the front panel assembly.
A light adhesive secures the home button cable.
Using a spudger, carefully disengage the home button cable from the front panel assembly by sliding the tool beneath it.
Leave the home button in place for now; it remains connected to the front panel assembly.
Step 38
Carefully peel away any protective tape covering the home button located on the exterior surface of the damaged front panel assembly.
Using careful, even pressure, lift the upper-left portion of the home button, separating it from the display assembly.
To release the home button, avoid fully depressing it; instead, disengage just one corner, allowing for leverage with a spudger to separate it.
Due to its delicate nature, the membrane is susceptible to tearing; should you encounter resistance while handling it, gently warm the area and attempt the process once more.
Using careful, even pressure, lift the upper-left portion of the home button, separating it from the display assembly.
To release the home button, avoid fully depressing it; instead, disengage just one corner, allowing for leverage with a spudger to separate it.
Due to its delicate nature, the membrane is susceptible to tearing; should you encounter resistance while handling it, gently warm the area and attempt the process once more.
Step 39
Carefully use a spudger to detach the remaining adhesive securing the home button to the display, applying gentle pressure.
Step 40
Carefully detach the home button assembly from the front panel.
Step 41 | LCD and Digitizer
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the 2.7 mm screw located on the rear of the display assembly.
Step 42
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the four 1.2 mm screws—two on the left side and two on the right—that secure the LCD frame.
Before attempting removal, a slight initial loosening of each of the four screws is recommended to minimize the risk of damage to the screw head.
Before attempting removal, a slight initial loosening of each of the four screws is recommended to minimize the risk of damage to the screw head.
Step 43
Carefully detach the LCD shield plate from the display assembly.
The LCD panel and digitizer assembly are still attached.
The LCD panel and digitizer assembly are still attached.