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Add Note 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 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 Step 6

  • Some iPhone 3Gs may have the connector colors reversed (black plastic tab, white connector). Make sure you're flipping up the tab properly, otherwise you may damage the connector.

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

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

Add NoteNotes: Step 6

lolsen4's avatar
Flag Reply by lolsen4 Jul 13 @ 6:08 PM

On my 3G, the piece that flips up on the #3 connector was black and the connector itself was white, seemingly opposite of the pictures. I mistakenly tried to pry up the wrong piece, but fortunately didn't do too much damage before I realized this. My phone was replaced on warranty in February so this must be the case in some newer 3G's.

Miroslav Djuric's avatar

iFixit Staff

Flag Reply by Miroslav Djuric Jul 14 @ 9:50 AM

Quote from lolsen4:

On my 3G, the piece that flips up on the #3 connector was black and the connector itself was white, seemingly opposite of the pictures. I mistakenly tried to pry up the wrong piece, but fortunately didn't do too much damage before I realized this. My phone was replaced on warranty in February so this must be the case in some newer 3G's.

Thanks for the heads-up. I added a note so that people are aware that the colors may be reversed.

cliffcurtis's avatar
Flag Reply by cliffcurtis Aug 6 @ 9:55 PM

That flip tab on the #3 connector split in half and came off completely. Be careful. And if anyone knows where to buy a replacement flip tab, that'd be cool too :)

cliffcurtis's avatar
Flag Reply by cliffcurtis Aug 6 @ 10:05 PM

I should also note that I used a little flat head screwdriver when lifting the flip tab and the narrow pressure point is what cause it to split. Should of used a spudger.

kristymic's avatar
Flag Reply by kristymic Sep 2 @ 8:23 PM

I bought my black iPhone a full housing white cover off ebay. No phone shops seem to be able to change it for me.

If I follow this guide, will I be able to pull my phone apart, change the covers and put it back together?

That is, once I pull the phone apart, will it work properly once I put it back together again?

marmalade's avatar
Flag Reply by marmalade Oct 22 @ 8:11 PM

Quote from kristymic:

I bought my black iPhone a full housing white cover off ebay. No phone shops seem to be able to change it for me.

If I follow this guide, will I be able to pull my phone apart, change the covers and put it back together?

That is, once I pull the phone apart, will it work properly once I put it back together again?

Yes, if you take care and follow the instructions to the letter.