Installing iPhone 3G Display Assembly

Replace your iPhone 3G's display assembly.

  • Author: steve
  • Time required: 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x
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Cracked both the LCD and Front Panel? This guide shows that replacing the display assembly can be done with ease.

Tools
Relevant parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Display Assembly  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips #00 screws from the dock-connector end of the iPhone.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Remove the metal handle from the suction cup. It's easier and safer to grip the suction cup's base instead of the metal handle.

  • Be very careful when opening the iPhone so that the cables under the display are not severed.

  • There is a rubber gasket between the silver front bezel and black display assembly. A bit of force is required in this step to separate the iPhone's display assembly.

  • Use a small suction cup near the Home button to gently pull up the bottom portion of the iPhone's display assembly.

  • If the display assembly is too damaged to allow the suction cup to adhere, tape with a strong adhesive such as duct tape maybe used.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • The display assembly is still connected to the iPhone by several cables, so don't try to remove it entirely just yet.

  • Rotate the display assembly up until it is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Continue to hold the display assembly with one hand, and use your other hand and a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "1."

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Rotate the display assembly up until it is roughly vertical. This will allow easier access for disconnecting the remaining cables.

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "2."

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to flip up the black plastic tab holding the remaining ribbon cable in place. The black will rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the ribbon cable.

  • The tab is very fragile, so be careful when flipping it up to unlock the cable and down to lock the cable.

  • The plastic tab may be white (instead of black) on some iPhone models.

  • Slide the ribbon cable out of its connector, and remove the display assembly from the iPhone.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the iPhone 3G device page.

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