If your iPhone 13 screen is cracked, unresponsive to touch, or doesn’t display anything when you turn it on, you can use this repair guide to restore your iPhone to normal operation by replacing the screen (i.e., the display assembly).
Note: In iOS 17.6 and earlier, True Tone and Auto Brightness will be disabled after screen replacement, even with an original Apple screen. Face ID will also be disabled unless the iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later.
In iOS 18 and later, you can use Apple’s Repair Assistant to calibrate the new screen, restoring True Tone functionality on a genuine Apple-purchased screen.
Step 1ļ¼Pentalobe Screws
Note: Before proceeding, reduce your iPhone battery to below 25%. Accidental puncture could cause a charging lithium-ion battery to catch fire and/or explode.
Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
Remove the two 6.8mm long pentagonal P2 screws located on the bottom edge of your 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: Open iPhone
If you haven’t removed the suction cups yet, please do so immediately.
If you encounter problems separating the glue, reheat the left edge.
Open the phone from the right side upwards like turning the pages of a book.
Do not attempt to completely separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone’s motherboard.
While repairing the phone, support the screen against an object for stability.
Step 6: Unscrew the battery and the display screen.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 1.3mm screws securing the battery and display interface cover.
Throughout the repair process, trace each screw and ensure it is accurately returned to its original position to avoid damaging your iPhone.
During reassembly, this is a good time to open the iPhone and test all functions before sealing the display in place. Always completely power off the iPhone before continuing.
Step 7: Disconnect the battery
Use a pry bar or clean fingernail to pry the battery connector out of its socket on the motherboard.
Try not to damage the black silicone seals surrounding this connector and its connection to other circuit boards. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust.
Slightly bend the connector 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 in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins may bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 9: Unscrew the front sensor interface cover.
Remove the three screws securing the front sensor interface cover:
One 1.7 mm Phillips head screw
One 1.8 mm Y000 screw
One 1.3 mm Phillips head screw
Step 10: Disconnect the front sensor
Disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector using a pry bar or fingernail.
Step 11: Remove the screen
Remove the screen.
If you wish to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the monitor during reassembly, please pause here.
