How To Replace A Cracked iPhone Screen

A broken iPhone screen is quite common. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy a new phone or live with a broken screen. An iPhone screen consists of 3 layers; glass, the LCD panel and the digitizer. In most cases, it’s just the glass layer that’s got damaged. However, if your screen is unresponsive, or the display looks skewed, the LCD or the digitizer may also be damaged.

Source:- http://www.telegraph.co.uk

The best way to deal with iPhone repairs is by taking it to a professional. You can let apple fix it or use a repair service. A repair service will be able to replace the screen without much problems and can save you a lot of anxiety. However, professional iPhone repairs can be quite expensive even if you’re dealing with Apple directly. This is because, being under warranty doesn’t necessarily mean the iPhone screen will repaired for free as the standard iPhone warranty provided on purchase doesn’t cover the handset for accidental damage.

If you don’t want to take your iPhone to a specialist, then you can do it yourself. If done carefully, fixing the screen yourself can be satisfying and you will save a lot of money. However, the process requires a lot of patience.

How To Replace A Cracked iPhone Screen

1. Start by purchasing a do-it-yourself kit. Such kits are available on many online stores and cost about $20-$50. These kits come with the replacement screen, paper clip, plastic pry tool, other tools and instructions to help you in this task. Make sure you buy your kit from a reputable place. A kit that comes with warranty is the best choice.
2. Once you have your tool kit, it’s time to start working. Insert the end of the paper clip into a small hole on the bottom of the iPhone. This will release a tray and your tiny SIM card will pop out. Remove the card and set it aside.
3. Turn your iPhone face down and run the pry tool along the side of the bottom piece of plastic. If your kit didn’t come with the pry tool, use a flat-head screwdriver or craft blade. The bottom plastic will slide off the device, revealing the compartment covered with a metal guard.
4. Using the Philips-head screwdriver or on newer models a 5 sized Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the 3 screws at the top of the metal guard.
5. Outside the edge of the case, you will see 10 more screws. Use your Philips-head screwdriver to remove all of them. After this, remove the 3 screws connecting the silver square-shaped mother board to the base of the iPhone.
6. Carefully lift the motherboard out of its compartment. The motherboard is connected to the battery by 4 wires. Gently remove the battery from its own compartment along with the motherboard.
7. Remove the metal frame from the screen and then pop the 3 clips on each side of the LCD with the Philips-head screw driver. The LCD is now free from the iPhone. Remove the LCD and set it aside.
8. Replace your old iPhone screen with the new one. Reassemble your device the same way you took it apart.

Important tips

When performing the iPhone repair yourself:

1. Keep track of all screws and all other small parts.
2. Store your screws in a small paper container or stick them to a tape so they don’t roll away.
3. Don’t pull or rip parts aggressively. Be gentle and on guard against over-stressing internal compartments.

Considering that iPhone screen repair can go up to $170 (iPhone Doctor price check) you should think twice before you decide to replace it yourself. In case you brake something or even if you don’t connect your screen perfectly you could pay even more.

So, if you are confident and with experience go for it, but, if you have doubts, I would recommend that you take it to specialized shop and let professionals do their magic. As a preventative measure you should also consider investing in a tempered glass protective screen that will help keep your phone safe.

Watch this Youtube Tutorial for a better insight into changing your screen. Youtube tutorial for iPhone 5S

This guest post was contributed by Kerry Blake, a keen writer and tech enthusiast.

Click to read more How to Guides.