If your iPhone 12 Pro Max screen is cracked, unresponsive to touch, or doesn’t display a picture when you power on your phone, use this guide to get your iPhone working again by replacing the screen (also known as the display assembly). This guide only covers the steps for replacing the entire display assembly with the pre-installed shielding.
The combined earpiece speaker + sensor assembly, mounted on the back of the display, is factory-paired with your individual iPhone, so it must be transferred from the old display to the new one when you replace any display. It contains a flood illuminator, which is part of the biometric Face ID security feature.
If it is damaged or replaced, Face ID will stop working, so be extremely careful not to damage any of these components during this process. If damaged, only Apple or an Apple-authorized technician can restore Face ID functionality.
Note: In iOS 17.6 and earlier, True Tone display will be disabled after screen replacement, even if a genuine Apple screen is used. In iOS 18 and later, you can use Apple’s Repair Assistant to calibrate your new screen to restore True Tone display on genuine screens purchased from Apple.
Step 1ļ¼Pentalobe Screws
Note: Before proceeding, discharge your iPhone battery to below 25%. Accidental puncture of a charged lithium-ion battery may cause it to catch fire and/or explode.
Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
Remove the two 6.7 mm long pentagram screws on the bottom edge of the iPhone.
Opening the iPhone display will compromise its water seal. Have a spare seal prepared before performing this step, or if reassembling the iPhone without replacing the seal, take care to avoid liquid exposure.
Step 2: Gently lift the screen
Continue pulling the suction cup with force to create a slight gap between the screen and the bezel.
Insert the pry tool into the gap between the screen and the bezel.
The waterproof adhesive between the screen and the bezel is very sticky and requires considerable force to pry open even slightly. If you have difficulty opening the gap, continue heating and gently shake the screen up and down to soften the adhesive strip until a sufficient gap is created to insert the tool.
Step 3: Separate the adhesive on the right.
Slide the triangular pry tool across the bottom right corner of the iPhone to loosen the adhesive.
Continue sliding upwards along the right edge of the iPhone until you reach the top right corner.
Do not insert the pry tool more than 3 mm, as this may damage internal components.
Leave the pry tool in the top right corner before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Separate the adhesive on the left side
Insert the second open plastic triangular piece into the bottom left corner of the iPhone.
Twist both pry tools simultaneously until the left-side latch releases.
Apply torque gradually.
If you have difficulty separating the adhesive, reheat the left edge.
Step 5: Separate the adhesive on the left side.
Rotate your iPhone so that the right edge faces you.
Rotate the display upwards from the right, like a book cover, to open the iPhone.
Do not attempt to completely detach the display, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone’s motherboard.
While working on the phone, lean the display against something for support.
Step 6: Unscrew the battery and the display screen.
Remove the two 1.1mm Y000 screws to secure the battery and display interface cover.
Throughout the repair process, pay close attention to each screw and ensure it is accurately returned to its original position to avoid damaging your iPhone.
This is a good time to open the iPhone and test all functions during reassembly before resealing the display. Make sure the iPhone is completely powered off before continuing.
Step 7: Disconnect the battery
Use a pry bar or clean fingernail to pry the battery connector upwards from the slot on the motherboard.
Try not to damage the black silicone seals around this circuit board and other circuit board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust.
Bend the connector slightly away from the motherboard to prevent it from accidentally contacting the socket and powering the phone during repairs.
Step 8: Disconnect the display cable
Disconnect the display cable connector using a pry bar or your fingernail.
To reconnect such a crimp connector, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins will bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 9: Remove the display assembly
Remove the display unit.
If you need to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the display during reassembly, please pause here.
