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Apple Watch Series 1 Force Touch Sensor Replacement

Written By: Tobias Isakeit (and one other contributor)
  • Comments: 100
  • Favorites: 4
  • Completions: 61

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

39

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Sections

3

Flags

0

Introduction

Unfortunately, opening up your Apple Watch may damage the Force Touch Sensor, which also serves as a gasketing seal. The sensor is made up of two layers, glued together. These layers may separate when you open your watch, compromising its seal after reassembly. If this happens, you'll need to repair or replace the sensor before reassembling your watch.

If your Force Touch gasket works correctly and you just need to replace the adhesive, follow our Apple Watch Adhesive Replacement guide instead.

  1. Before starting repairs, take your watch off the charger and power it down. If your touchscreen is broken and prevents powering off the watch, use this alternate method to power it down.
    Edit

  2. Prepare an iOpener (or grab a hair dryer or heat gun) and heat the face of the watch until it's slightly too hot to touch.

    • Prepare an iOpener (or grab a hair dryer or heat gun) and heat the face of the watch until it's slightly too hot to touch.

    • Leave the iOpener on the watch for at least a minute to fully heat the screen and soften the adhesive holding it to the case.

    • You may need to reheat the iOpener, or move it around on the screen as sections cool, to heat the screen enough to pry it off.

    Edit

  3. Because the gap between the screen and watch body is so thin, a sharp blade is required to separate the two. Read the following warnings carefully before proceeding. Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the knife. If in doubt, protect your free hand with a heavy glove, such as a leather shop glove or gardening glove.
    Tool used on this step:
    Safety Glasses
    $3.99

    • Because the gap between the screen and watch body is so thin, a sharp blade is required to separate the two. Read the following warnings carefully before proceeding.

    • Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the knife. If in doubt, protect your free hand with a heavy glove, such as a leather shop glove or gardening glove.

    • Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this might cause the knife to slip and cut you, or damage the watch.

    • Wear eye protection. The knife or glass may break, sending pieces flying.

    Edit

    In my instance, the problem started with the face/screen popping off because the battery swelled. So I didn’t need to heat the face and pry it off. I did heat it a bit in order to warm the residue adhesive on the edge of the face and the case frame and found it easier to scrap it off gently with the craft blade that came with the $39.21 battery replacement kit. If this is your issue, you can skip the prying up steps.

    jeb605 - Reply

  4. Using a curved blade minimizes the chance of scratching the case or cracking the glass. Only pry with the curved section of the blade, and not the tip or flat section. Place the curved section of the blade in the gap between the glass and case on the lower edge of the watch face, and press firmly straight down into the gap. Be very careful to maintain complete control over the knife—once the gap opens, if you're pressing too hard on the knife it may slip in and cut the battery.

    • Using a curved blade minimizes the chance of scratching the case or cracking the glass. Only pry with the curved section of the blade, and not the tip or flat section.

    • Place the curved section of the blade in the gap between the glass and case on the lower edge of the watch face, and press firmly straight down into the gap.

    • Be very careful to maintain complete control over the knife—once the gap opens, if you're pressing too hard on the knife it may slip in and cut the battery.

    • This should wedge the gap open and cause the glass to lift slightly up from the case.

    • When the glass has lifted, gently rotate the knife down, opening the gap more by pushing the glass up.

    Edit

    It is not possible to separate the screen from the casing? I have heated this thing numerous times and the opening is way too small to get any type of blade, knife or other tool in between. Any suggestions???

    Paul - Reply

    Using a curved blade like the guide recommends, angle the blade straight down between the glass and the edge of the frame, mid-way along the bottom edge of the case. The metal of the case will flex *just a little bit*, allowing you to slowly rotate the blade so the cutting edge is now pointing towards the center of the watch instead of down towards your work surface. You may need to rock the blade back and forth, sort of massaging the curve into the seam between the glass and the metal before it works. And like they mention above, lots of heat. I used the heatpack they sell, put it in my toaster oven on 200. I started at 130, and went up in 20 degree increments until it worked.

    Pete -

    I've tried everything, heating it up until it's too hot to touch, pressing the knife in the gap straight down, at an angle, nothing seems to work. I've tried using all my arm strength and it still doesn't even enter the gap. Is the iFixit Jimmy not thin enough for the job?

    Kenneth - Reply

    It’s not. The Jimmy’s a great pry tool, but not a cutting blade and not sharp enough for this particular job. You want a curved razor like the guide suggests.

    Jeff Suovanen -

    Just to emphasise after quite a struggle - the blade absolutely matters!! I tried about 5 and almost gave up before the last one lifted the glass quite easily. Obviously, you want a thin blade! No, thinner than that!

    Mark Moore - Reply

    Plenty of heat helps this part. Also PLEASE PLEASE wear a glove. Nearly lost a finger thinking I was careful enough…

    jake - Reply

    Apple Watch Ceramic Series 3… Unable to crack open even with curved razor. The tolerances are extremely tight. Does anyone have any tips? Being ceramic, there is no flex at all.

    kurt - Reply

  5. Once you've opened the gap enough, insert the tip of an opening pick under the glass. Slide the pick along the bottom edge to separate adhesive holding the screen to the case. Be careful not to insert the opening pick too far. Only about 1/8" ( about 3 mm) is necessary, any deeper and you may damage cables.

    • Once you've opened the gap enough, insert the tip of an opening pick under the glass.

    • Slide the pick along the bottom edge to separate adhesive holding the screen to the case.

    • Be careful not to insert the opening pick too far. Only about 1/8" ( about 3 mm) is necessary, any deeper and you may damage cables.

    Edit

  6. Roll the opening pick up the side of the button side of the watch, gently pushing in to separate the adhesive and widening the gap as you go. Remember not to push the pick in too far—it's easier to avoid this by rolling the pick, rather than dragging a tip along. Remember not to push the pick in too far—it's easier to avoid this by rolling the pick, rather than dragging a tip along.

    • Roll the opening pick up the side of the button side of the watch, gently pushing in to separate the adhesive and widening the gap as you go.

    • Remember not to push the pick in too far—it's easier to avoid this by rolling the pick, rather than dragging a tip along.

    Edit

  7. Work the pick around the top right corner, and roll it along the top edge of the screen. Work the pick around the top right corner, and roll it along the top edge of the screen. Work the pick around the top right corner, and roll it along the top edge of the screen.

    • Work the pick around the top right corner, and roll it along the top edge of the screen.

    Edit

  8. Continue working the pick around the perimeter of the screen, rolling down along the left side to cut the last of the adhesive. Leave the pick in place to keep the adhesive from resealing the screen in place. Leave the pick in place to keep the adhesive from resealing the screen in place.

    • Continue working the pick around the perimeter of the screen, rolling down along the left side to cut the last of the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick in place to keep the adhesive from resealing the screen in place.

    Edit

  9. While holding the first pick in place, use a second to check that all of the adhesive is separated around the entire perimeter of the screen. While holding the first pick in place, use a second to check that all of the adhesive is separated around the entire perimeter of the screen. While holding the first pick in place, use a second to check that all of the adhesive is separated around the entire perimeter of the screen.

    • While holding the first pick in place, use a second to check that all of the adhesive is separated around the entire perimeter of the screen.

    Edit

  10. There are two cables connecting the screen to the inside of the watch, near the top left corner. Be careful when prying or you may damage these cables. Pry slightly up on the right side of the screen, to free it from any remaining adhesive. Pry up on the left to free it as well—but do not attempt to remove the screen as it is still held in place by two cables.

    • There are two cables connecting the screen to the inside of the watch, near the top left corner. Be careful when prying or you may damage these cables.

    • Pry slightly up on the right side of the screen, to free it from any remaining adhesive.

    • Pry up on the left to free it as well—but do not attempt to remove the screen as it is still held in place by two cables.

    Edit

  11. If you can see the top layer of your Force Touch sensor among the display adhesive, it means the two layers of the sensor separated and you're going to need to replace or repair it. iFixit screen and battery repair kits come with a replacement Force Touch sensor, so if you got one of those, don't fret. The top layer of the sensor may be adhered to the back of the screen—if so, push it back down and separate it.

    • If you can see the top layer of your Force Touch sensor among the display adhesive, it means the two layers of the sensor separated and you're going to need to replace or repair it.

    • iFixit screen and battery repair kits come with a replacement Force Touch sensor, so if you got one of those, don't fret.

    • The top layer of the sensor may be adhered to the back of the screen—if so, push it back down and separate it.

    Edit

    Hi, thanks for the guide, nice work. I miss a picture of the natural opening of the screen, as the mentioned “Force Touch sensor slides” gets connected from the screen to the main body of the watch by a pair of very thin wires. None of these wires are seen in any of the pictures among this guide, which may lead novices to not pay enough attention to them, broke them accidentally, or not knowing what are them for. Picture on step 13 is absolutely impossible without removing the slides / thin wires of the force touch sensor in advance.

    Cheers

    Javier Enrique Díaz - Reply

  12. Lift the screen up and shift it to the left, minding the display data and digitizer cables. Lift the screen up and shift it to the left, minding the display data and digitizer cables. Lift the screen up and shift it to the left, minding the display data and digitizer cables.

    • Lift the screen up and shift it to the left, minding the display data and digitizer cables.

    Edit

    I have 2 other small cables which are missing in your photos. Can you also explain what to do with them? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_6ngMn9...

    Pavel Guzenko - Reply

    Looks like you forced touch sensor is still attached to the screen and not the body. I’ve got the same issues. I’m going to try to use the plastic tool and heat to gently remove it from the screen and return it down to the body. You can see it in their fix of it… Apple Watch Force Touch Sensor Replacement . Hope this helps.

    Andrew Marjamaa - Reply

  13. Place the watch on an elevated surface, at least 1/2" or 1 cm tall—a small box or the edge of a book will work great. This will allow the screen to hang down vertically and give better access to the battery.

    • Place the watch on an elevated surface, at least 1/2" or 1 cm tall—a small box or the edge of a book will work great. This will allow the screen to hang down vertically and give better access to the battery.

    • Be careful not to bump the screen or strain the cables while you work.

    Edit

    Your iFixit shipping box is a great size for this

    Joe Smith - Reply

    I would taped the watch to the elevated surface and rotated the surface around as I needed to

    Andy Campbell - Reply

    I could not get the face to swing out of the way as shown for fear of tearing the tab connectors. I let it “hang” as much as it would and had to work with it partly in the way through the entire process

    jeb605 - Reply

  15. Use scissors to cut one of your opening picks to about the width of the battery. Try not to leave any sharp corners. Insert the modified pick between the right side of the battery and the case. Use constant, steady pressure to slowly pry the battery up, separating it from the adhesive securing it to the system board.

    • Use scissors to cut one of your opening picks to about the width of the battery. Try not to leave any sharp corners.

    • Insert the modified pick between the right side of the battery and the case.

    • Use constant, steady pressure to slowly pry the battery up, separating it from the adhesive securing it to the system board.

    • Be careful not to deform or puncture the battery.

    • On the larger (42 mm) models, it's possible to accidentally pry at the system board underneath the battery. Insert the pick only far enough to get underneath the battery, not the system board.

    • If needed, apply a little high concentration isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) around and under the battery to help weaken the adhesive.

    • Do not attempt to remove the battery as it is still connected.

    Edit

    I tried removing the battery with the prying tool as instructed, but I think it may have slightly damaged the outer black plastic wrapping of the battery. Does this mean the battery is now damaged and needs to be replaced? Or is that just a cover around the battery and it doesn’t matter? I just don’t want any battery chemicals leaking out. Asking before I stick the screen back on the watch, I’ve done all the rest and it seems fine otherwise.

    Danae - Reply

    Hi Danae, the black plastic is technically just protective, but I would highly recommend replacing the battery. It’s possible there is additional unseen damage, and that plastic helps protect against swelling and normal wear of the battery inside the device.

    Sam Goldheart -

    I had to use the pry tool instead of the pick as the pick was not moving it. Was careful not to damage the battery but found it much easier to get movement and know exactly where I was prying with the pry tool.

    Joey Totherow - Reply

  16. Rotate the battery counterclockwise to expose its connector. Rotate the battery counterclockwise to expose its connector.

    • Rotate the battery counterclockwise to expose its connector.

    Edit

  17. Hold the battery up and out of the way, to expose the battery cable connector. Use a plastic opening tool, prying against the bottom of the case to separate the battery cable connector from the watch's battery cable. Remove the battery from the watch.

    • Hold the battery up and out of the way, to expose the battery cable connector.

    • Use a plastic opening tool, prying against the bottom of the case to separate the battery cable connector from the watch's battery cable.

    • Remove the battery from the watch.

    • If the battery is visibly dented or deformed, it should be replaced. For best results, replace with a new battery whenever it is removed.

    Edit

    Why should you remove the battery if you only need to replace the screen?...?

    Douglas Richey - Reply

    Douglas - this iFixit is for Apple Watch Battery Replacement - looks like you need to remove the screen to replace the battery...

    jimvaughn6 - Reply

    You will find that it is a good precautionary measure to disconnect the battery anytime you are repairing or replacing a screen as a short can occur when reconnecting the screen rendering it useless even if you have the unit turned off.

    Bryan Solo - Reply

    Great repair guide! You iFixit guys are awesome. Took me about 2 hours but then I am very careful and I replaced the touch sensor at the same time since I had it open anyway. Make sure you have at least 2, and better 3 adhesive gaskets. You need 2 and, well, it’s easy to mess one up while trying to place it.

    rbolling - Reply

    Will removing the battery reset my icloud info? I have a guy who says he can do this, but i dont want him to run off with my watch after he replaces the battery…

    dreadmusicreview - Reply

    I did not disconnect the battery first. After replacing the screen, it didn’t work. I have to assume I created a short. The watch will still turn on and haptics are evident, but the display doesn’t work. Are there any further repairs to save my watch at this point?

    Scotty Beauchamp - Reply

    Yeah, sounds like you shorted part of the board. If it’s a Series 0 you’re working with, just go get a new one. Not worth fixing.

    Thomas Gehman -

    How do I insert the new battery???

    WebPoppy8 - Reply

    After replacing the battery I tried to turn it on and was presented with the red snake, I let it go for about an hour. When I checked it the red snake was gone, when I tried to turn it on it showed the Apple logo for about 4 seconds then went away. Is this normal, and if not what should I do?

    Donald Goodman - Reply

    I'm having a similar issue, did you manage to resolve it?

    Craig Lyon -

    Did you calibrate the battery? You need to fill it up completely and let it continue to charge for a few hours first.

    Grant Glass -

    Is it possible to place a battery in and charge/start the watch without the screen plugged in? I want to check integrity of the battery. I was thinking to put it on charge in a closed clear plastic container without the new screen on to see if the battery is good. I ‘really’ do not want to wait another 20 days for a battery replacement and the battery has no visual punctures, front looks good and the back where the adhesive is (or were, rather) is deflated and slightly ‘knobby’. I do not know if it is damage or just how it generally looks like or maybe it looks like so because of the old adhesive. It is not inflated or abnormally expanded. Anyone who knows about this? I used a hair dryer directly on the watch opened to loosen up the adhesive, is that a no-no?

    Philip Bromander - Reply

    The battery swelled up and popped off the screen, so went directly to Step 12. Luckily the adhesive below the Force Touch sensor was intact. Was able to complete the fix using the Adhesive Strip after replacing the battery. Works again! Thanks!

    Alex Danci - Reply

    The apple logo keeps flashing on my series 1 watch, tried force restart with crown and side button but it still just keeps on flashing the apple logo, does anyone have any advise? Is the issue with the battery? Do I need to get a new battery? I change the screen as the screen was broken and used the existing battery.

    shafeeqrahaman - Reply

    yes the issue was with battery, swapped with a new battery and booted up fine.

    shafeeqrahaman -

    Having the same issue.good to hear it’s the battery and not me.

    Grant Glass -

    my watch was completely unloaded and stays in power saver mode when I charge. When I load in power saver mode the red light turns green for a few moments then switch back to red and no longer charge. When I remove the battery and put it back on the charger the charge starts again for a while and then stops. Do I need to change the battery? (apple watch serie 4 nike)

    IXO bf - Reply

    Where should I dispose of my old I watch battery?

    oconnor84 - Reply

    I replaced the screen and battery on mine. Now, it will not charge. Everything works fine, except charging. Any ideas why this may be?

    Donald Fournier - Reply

  18. Fold the screen up and over to the right, to expose the cables underneath. Fold the screen up and over to the right, to expose the cables underneath. Fold the screen up and over to the right, to expose the cables underneath.

    • Fold the screen up and over to the right, to expose the cables underneath.

    Edit

  19. The display and digitizer cable connectors are secured beneath a small metal bracket that is adhered to the speaker. Use a plastic opening tool to flip the bracket toward the display and up from the speaker. If you simply pry toward the watch band you may tear the cables.

    • The display and digitizer cable connectors are secured beneath a small metal bracket that is adhered to the speaker.

    • Use a plastic opening tool to flip the bracket toward the display and up from the speaker.

    • If you simply pry toward the watch band you may tear the cables.

    Edit

    I managed to replace the force touch sensor without removing the screen

    Andy Campbell - Reply

    Thanks, Andy. After reading your comment, and as I only needed to replace the battery since nothing was wrong with the screen, I too was able to remove the sensor without detaching the screen.

    jeb605 - Reply

  20. Steady the bracket from the left side using your fingers or tweezers. At the same time, insert a small (1 mm) flathead screwdriver under the tiny tab on the right. Finally, place one finger behind the tab, and pinch the bracket hard between your finger and the screwdriver to detach the cover.

    • Steady the bracket from the left side using your fingers or tweezers.

    • At the same time, insert a small (1 mm) flathead screwdriver under the tiny tab on the right.

    • Finally, place one finger behind the tab, and pinch the bracket hard between your finger and the screwdriver to detach the cover.

    • This releases two slotted tabs that hold the cover to the bracket, and should free the cover.

    • Prying the cover off can be challenging and may take more than one attempt. Be patient, and take care not to pull on the bracket or tear the attached cables.

    Edit

    Also agree: a little too much pressure and the ribbon cable tears at the point it enters the bracket. Take it SLOW and make sure you have really good light and vision. Orient yourself.

    Dave Varon - Reply

    And this is where things went south for me too. Ended up disconnecting from the rest of the watch and the Taptic Engine. I read through this and watched this portion of Ifixit’s YouTube video no less than 15 times, so confusing they way it’s worded and the pictures didn’t help. Now I’m out of luck and out of $190.

    Timothy Hipps - Reply

    Pas de problèmes me particulier à cette étape. Le fait de pousser très légèrement sur la petite languette qui dépasse a suffit, il n’y a vraiment pas besoin de forcer.

    Raphaël WOLFF - Reply

    If you lift out carefull the whole lit / coverbox of the screen connector between your thumb and your pointing finger.

    Then you can peel the cover easy up with your other pointing finger Nail.

    You can feel the smal clip with your nail and lift easy up.

    It works fine by me without any metal of plastic tool.

    Evert - Reply

    And if you do tear your cable? Do you have a video for replacing this?

    aalao - Reply

    I also tore the cable, I assume that once that happens I’m screwed? I have a battery and force touch sensor if anyone needs one for free let me know!

    Connor Bourque - Reply

    Evert is correct - this can be done with a fingernail and does not need to be hard. Seems much safer.

    sambrightman - Reply

    Evert is correct, using fingernail works.

    Thomas Rossano - Reply

    It is possible to replace the force touch sensor without removing the screen

    Andy Campbell - Reply

    There isn’t really a latch that goes with this. Just use the screwdriver to create a bit of space and it comes right off. I assume where most people go wrong is by pinching the case together as they try to separate it. Also, to reduce your chance of breaking it, There is no need to bring it to the nearly 90 degree angle as depicted and 50-60 degree angle allows it to pop back a bit without damaging anything.

    Jerrod Anderson - Reply

  21. Grab the cover with your tweezers and slide it toward the top of the watch to free the final slotted tab, and remove the cover. Grab the cover with your tweezers and slide it toward the top of the watch to free the final slotted tab, and remove the cover. Grab the cover with your tweezers and slide it toward the top of the watch to free the final slotted tab, and remove the cover.

    • Grab the cover with your tweezers and slide it toward the top of the watch to free the final slotted tab, and remove the cover.

    Edit

  22. Carefully pry up to disconnect the display data and digitizer cables. Be careful not to touch any of the exposed pins directly, as your finger oils may impede connectivity.

    • Carefully pry up to disconnect the display data and digitizer cables.

    • Be careful not to touch any of the exposed pins directly, as your finger oils may impede connectivity.

    • Remove the display.

    Edit

    So how do you get the display off the screen or did I already mess it up cause I just did it

    Jamie Groff - Reply

    Hello guys , appreciate the effort that u guys are doing , have one question though , I own a series 2 watch and I was thinking about changing my screen caz is cracked but I can't find that many lcd for 2 series , and now my question Would a 1 series lcd match my 2series watch? Keep on searching but no answers!!! Many thanks

    cris cri - Reply

    Great repair guide! You iFixit guys are awesome. Took me about 2 hours but then I am very careful and I replaced the touch sensor and the battery at the same time since I had it open anyway. Make sure you have at least 2, and better 3 adhesive gaskets. You need 2 and, well, it’s easy to mess one up while trying to place it.

    rbolling - Reply

    I followed the above instructions and successfully replaced the broken screen, however the new screen won’t pair to my iphone or fully boot up, only goes to a certain point (Pairing stage) and then starts over; any suggestions on what the problem could be?

    Gregg Hardy - Reply

    The display bracket that holds the 2 display connections is the most difficult part of this procedure. (Once you get the display off). A bit clearer explanation would be helpful (or a diagram of where you are actually putting the 1mm flathead and then twisting.

    jeff53 - Reply

    I agree with Jeff53, by far the retention clip bracket was the most nerve racking part on my first attempt. I found that inserting a sharp pointed exacto knife blade between the bracket and metal tops of the screen connectors along the edge that has the smaller clip (closest side to the battery connector) while it was still in a glued down position actually works easier than prying the entire connector up first as done in this guide and then trying to hold it with tweezer while inserting a flat tip screwdriver into that very tiny slit between the bracket and the top of the connectors. Once the excto blade is inserted, just a little twist of the blade pops the retention clip off easily.

    Chad McCollister - Reply

    One other suggestion is to plan on replacing the force touch pressure sensor gasket any time you pry a screen off one of these watches. They are very inexpensive now ($5 range) and easily damaged when prying up the screen or when trying to remove glass shards embedded along the edge of the screen. Replacing the gasket also assures new, fresh adhesive to hold the new screen onto the watch body properly and keeping water resistance intact. If you skip the gasket replacement, plan on a high likelihood of the new screen coming loose and having to take it all back apart again just to replace that $5 adhesive gasket down the road.

    Chad McCollister - Reply

    how do you put the screen back on

    Kristen Meggs - Reply

    hi, after some advice. After replacing the battery and force touch pressure sensor i have no touch control of the screen. i’ve redone the procedure several times and everything looks perfect. but no touch. touch was working before the battery repplacement. i see no tears in the cables and i havent forced anything.

    Kevin Rook - Reply

    It is possible to replace the force touch sensor without removing the screen

    Andy Campbell - Reply

  23. Use a Y000 driver to remove the single tri-point screw securing the Force Touch sensor connector cable. This screw is very small and strips easily. Keep your driver at the correct angle and push to apply pressure to the screw as you turn.

    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the single tri-point screw securing the Force Touch sensor connector cable.

    • This screw is very small and strips easily. Keep your driver at the correct angle and push to apply pressure to the screw as you turn.

    Edit

    Là je me suis senti un peu seul, car malgré le kit Iopener, la trousse à outils IFixit et une boite de tournevis en plus, aucun embout qui ne rentre dans cette empreinte. M’en suis sorti avec un tournevis plat de moins de 1 mm, issu d’une trousse de réparation d’horlogerie classique. En dehors de ce détail, plus d’encombre jusqu’à la fin du tuto.

    Raphaël WOLFF - Reply

    The description is misleading! Be careful with the driver. The link to the driver they suggesting isn’t the one you need. And it’s missing in any iFixit sets.

    Pavel Guzenko - Reply

    The driver is Y000 and it is a part of iFIXIT Essential Electronics Toolkit ;)

    flautash - Reply

  24. Use a plastic opening tool to flip the Force Touch sensor cable connector straight down, disconnecting it. Use a plastic opening tool to flip the Force Touch sensor cable connector straight down, disconnecting it.

    • Use a plastic opening tool to flip the Force Touch sensor cable connector straight down, disconnecting it.

    Edit

  25. Microwave your iOpener for another 30 seconds, and apply it to the front of the watch case to soften the adhesive securing the Force Touch sensor.

    • Microwave your iOpener for another 30 seconds, and apply it to the front of the watch case to soften the adhesive securing the Force Touch sensor.

    Edit

  26. Use a plastic opening pick and tweezers to remove the Force Touch sensor from the case. Use a plastic opening pick and tweezers to remove the Force Touch sensor from the case. Use a plastic opening pick and tweezers to remove the Force Touch sensor from the case.

    • Use a plastic opening pick and tweezers to remove the Force Touch sensor from the case.

    Edit

    I found it easier to use the craft blade that came with the kit.

    jeb605 - Reply

  27. Use tweezers to peel up any adhesive left behind on the lower case. Clean all traces of adhesive (and broken glass, if any) thoroughly from the case before re-sealing your watch. Scour the case using the tip of an opening tool or spudger wrapped in a lint-free cloth or coffee filter, along with a little isopropyl alcohol (90% concentration or greater).

    • Use tweezers to peel up any adhesive left behind on the lower case.

    • Clean all traces of adhesive (and broken glass, if any) thoroughly from the case before re-sealing your watch. Scour the case using the tip of an opening tool or spudger wrapped in a lint-free cloth or coffee filter, along with a little isopropyl alcohol (90% concentration or greater).

    • Don't rush this step. Even a small amount of residue can prevent your display from bonding to the case, causing it to come loose over time.

    Edit

  28. If you're re-using your existing screen, this is a good time to remove the old adhesive from there as well. (If you're installing a new screen, ignore this step.) Use a plastic opening tool to scrape off the old adhesive around the edge of the screen. If possible, peel off larger pieces using tweezers. Thoroughly clean the area under the adhesive with isopropyl alcohol.

    • If you're re-using your existing screen, this is a good time to remove the old adhesive from there as well. (If you're installing a new screen, ignore this step.)

    • Use a plastic opening tool to scrape off the old adhesive around the edge of the screen. If possible, peel off larger pieces using tweezers.

    • Thoroughly clean the area under the adhesive with isopropyl alcohol.

    Edit

  29. Set your new Force Touch sensor face-down (with the connector pins facing away from you).

    • Set your new Force Touch sensor face-down (with the connector pins facing away from you).

    • Peel off and discard the first protective liner, exposing the adhesive underneath.

    Edit

  30. With the exposed adhesive facing down, carefully align the Force Touch sensor and place it into the watch case. Be sure to properly orient it, with the connector in the lower left corner, facing up.

    • With the exposed adhesive facing down, carefully align the Force Touch sensor and place it into the watch case.

    • Be sure to properly orient it, with the connector in the lower left corner, facing up.

    Edit

  31. Gently but firmly press the Force Touch sensor into place all around the perimeter of the watch case. Gently but firmly press the Force Touch sensor into place all around the perimeter of the watch case. Gently but firmly press the Force Touch sensor into place all around the perimeter of the watch case.

    • Gently but firmly press the Force Touch sensor into place all around the perimeter of the watch case.

    Edit

  32. Use tweezers to fold the Force Touch sensor cable connector back up onto its socket. Then use a plastic opening tool to press the cable connector into the socket. Then use a plastic opening tool to press the cable connector into the socket.

    • Use tweezers to fold the Force Touch sensor cable connector back up onto its socket.

    • Then use a plastic opening tool to press the cable connector into the socket.

    Edit

  33. Replace the Y000 tri-point screw securing the Force Touch sensor connector cable.

    • Replace the Y000 tri-point screw securing the Force Touch sensor connector cable.

    Edit

    Replace the sensor gasket but force touch is still not working

    Judith williams - Reply

    Did you ever fix out what it was ?

    Kenny G Sullivan -

    Great repair guide! You iFixit guys are awesome. Took me about 2 hours but then I am very careful and I replaced the battery at the same time since I had it open anyway. Make sure you have at least 2, and better 3 adhesive gaskets. You need 2 and, well, it’s easy to mess one up while trying to place it.

    rbolling - Reply

    Great repair guide. I have replaced both the screen and battery using your guides. But after so much success I attempted to replace the source touch sensor and now the touch screen no longer works. Any suggestions? All the cables are undamaged and seemingly work fine.

    fixit - Reply

    do you need two adhesive strips, one for force sensor to case and another adhesive strip for screen? Or just one for force sensor?

    Angelo Mastrella - Reply

    I laid the Force Touch sensor down first, then one of the gaskets that came with it and the screen went on top. It fits very well and hasn’t come loose yet.

    Donald Fournier -

  34. Use a plastic opening tool to reconnect the display data and digitizer cable connectors. Be careful not to touch any of the exposed pins directly, as your finger oils may impede connectivity.

    • Use a plastic opening tool to reconnect the display data and digitizer cable connectors.

    • Be careful not to touch any of the exposed pins directly, as your finger oils may impede connectivity.

    Edit

    Pretty sure I did not touch the pins but… if I had, what should I use to get the oil of the pins?

    Knoxbox - Reply

    Have a very good light source. The screen blocks a good amount of light, and light is what you to line these two connectors up. Had my wife hold a flashlight ( or torch for those in the UK) for me.

    Michael Goebel - Reply

  35. Set the display connector bracket cover in place and slide it lengthwise to secure the large slotted tab at one end. Press down on the cover to click the two smaller tabs at the other end into place. Press down on the cover to click the two smaller tabs at the other end into place.

    • Set the display connector bracket cover in place and slide it lengthwise to secure the large slotted tab at one end.

    • Press down on the cover to click the two smaller tabs at the other end into place.

    Edit

  36. Line the battery connector up with its mate on the cable inside the watch body. Use tweezers to press the two connectors together. Use tweezers to press the two connectors together.

    • Line the battery connector up with its mate on the cable inside the watch body.

    • Use tweezers to press the two connectors together.

    Edit

    This is VERY DIFFICULT to do. Go easy. Be patient. If I can do it with these giant thumbs, you can.

    Donald Fournier - Reply

  37. If you're using a replacement battery that came with pre-installed adhesive, peel off the protective tab now, exposing the adhesive. If needed, try re-using the existing adhesive to secure the battery. Alternatively, try a small piece of double-sided tape such as Tesa 61395, or a dab of liquid adhesive such as E6000. Rotate the battery down into its slot, and press it into position.
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99

    • If you're using a replacement battery that came with pre-installed adhesive, peel off the protective tab now, exposing the adhesive.

    • If needed, try re-using the existing adhesive to secure the battery. Alternatively, try a small piece of double-sided tape such as Tesa 61395, or a dab of liquid adhesive such as E6000.

    • Rotate the battery down into its slot, and press it into position.

    • Press the battery down against the system board to re-adhere it in place.

    • Now is the best time to test powering on your watch and test the force touch function—if it doesn't turn on, double check all three connectors and try again.

    Edit

    Mine was not powering up at this point but I figured out I needed to charge the battery first. Was about to return the battery thinking it was defective.

    Joey Totherow - Reply

    Der im Reparatur-Kit mitgelieferte Akku war bei mir so leer das die Uhr zunächst kein Lebenszeichen von sich gab. Ich dachte schon ich hätte was beschädigt und war fast dabei alles wieder aus einander zu nehmen. Ein Versuch am Ladegerät zeigte immerhin am Bildschirm an das der Akku leer sein (und ja - ich sehe auch das der Kommentator vor mir das gleiche geschrieben hatte - habe ich übersehen).

    Micha - Reply

  38. Use tweezers to peel up the adhesive liner. Peel the liner up halfway, then snip it with scissors so you can peel the rest off without it snagging on the display. Peel the liner up halfway, then snip it with scissors so you can peel the rest off without it snagging on the display.

    • Use tweezers to peel up the adhesive liner.

    • Peel the liner up halfway, then snip it with scissors so you can peel the rest off without it snagging on the display.

    Edit

  39. Move the screen back to the right, folding the display data and digitizer cables neatly. Center the screen over the case and press it down firmly onto the adhesive. Center the screen over the case and press it down firmly onto the adhesive.

    • Move the screen back to the right, folding the display data and digitizer cables neatly.

    • Center the screen over the case and press it down firmly onto the adhesive.

    Edit

  40. For best results, detach the watch band and wrap a couple rubber bands around the Apple Watch's case to help the adhesive bond correctly.

    • For best results, detach the watch band and wrap a couple rubber bands around the Apple Watch's case to help the adhesive bond correctly.

    Edit

    For this step, I reheated the screen with the iopener before applying force to set the adhesive.

    breadandbits - Reply

    How long should I leave the rubber band ?

    Baebe.bleu - Reply

    for ever - adhesive doesn’t hold it and the display falls off

    neil.carter - Reply

    I removed all old adhesive and cleaned the watch and display very carefully with isopropanol but after one week the display came off. I switched the watch off, heated it with the iOpener and pressed the display with a strong clamp til it cooled down. It seems to hold now.

    Hans-Hermann Gessler - Reply

    I used the iOpener as suggested by breadandbits for 15 minutes then wrapped the watch with 7 rubber bands tightly for 29 hours. After two hours the screen started to come loose again.

    iFixit is going to send another gasket. I’m curious, can Hans-Hermann Gessler please update your comment as to what clamp you used and how long you allowed it set. iFixit won’t share the manufacturers curing time for the adhesive.

    Thank you.

    Michael Goebel - Reply

    This fix was one of the hardest I’ve done. I got through it, Though. Thanks for the great Guides!

    Donald Fournier - Reply

    The Force Touch sensor comes with 2 gaskets. Should one of those be used? It seems like it’d be too thick.

    Donald Fournier - Reply

    My adhesive let loose after a day. I heated it with the iOpener and wrapped with rubber bands. left to cool. The next day, the adhesive let loose. I thought back to the package arriving and noticing 2 mystery gaskets. These gaskets are never mentioned in any guide. I stuck one gasket over the Force Touch sensor and put the screen back. I think this will work just fine now. The screen seems to sit *just a little bit* high, but not really noticeable. I mean, not even enough to make any real difference at all.

    Donald Fournier - Reply

Conclusion

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or search our Answers forum for help.

61 other people completed this guide.

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Tobias Isakeit

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Add a comment

does the touch function need the force touch sensor? i am lost. i have replaced the sensor (which worked even if separated) put the thing together, have attached the force touch sensor and i just tried to test the watch. it turns on, but i have no touch. there was touch prior to the force touch replacing. does the touch work if the protective film is still on it?

palokiller - Reply

Hi palokiller, the force touch sensor is responsible for the force touch function (pressing on the display). The touch itself is handled by the display assembly, meaning the three cables at the back of the display. Check those cables and make sure they are seated deep enough and the ZIF flap is closed properly. The touch (and also the force touch) should work with a protective film still on.

Tobias Isakeit -

Hey,

I’m kind of facing the same problem of having not touch after assembly. Do you have find your problem, because I have no clue what I have done wrong.

Carl Schmidt -

Step 20 of this guide can and should be completely skipped. This is by far the most difficult part of the process. It requires excessive force on parts of a fragile cable that is prone to ripping. While it is easier to clean the edge of the display assembly with it removed, it is still possible to clean it while attached.

Yevgeniy Churinov - Reply

I did replace my display and it works super-fine (thanks to iFixit) but the issue am facing right now is glueing the Display+Force Touch Ring+Body. Am unable to keep hold of display to the body and it keeps removing even after several days of rubber banding and heat treatment.

Suraj Jorwekar - Reply

You could try and use this slightly stronger glue by carefully applying it instead of the adhesive gasket. E6000 Adhesive Glue

Tobias Isakeit -

Completed the assembly. First time ever doing something like this, but the directions were clear to follow and my display and force touch sensor worked just fine after finishing. Added extra heat and rubber banded the watch, but even after 45 minutes, the screen still came a little off the adhesive. Added more heat and extra weight to compress the screen overnight to see if that might make a difference.

Alyssa Simmons - Reply

This very last step needs removed! You should NOT add heat to the touch sensor gasket after replacement! This messes it up and keeps it from sticking!

if your having trouble with it sticking use some E6000 glue all the way around and it will fix the issue a seal it up better!

idk why this last step is still showing when ifixit there selves said to not add heat after the install when I ruined the first touch sensor on my first attempt using this step.

Ryan Fountain - Reply

Agreed. It is very difficult to get the screen back down. Not sure if that was (at least for me) a result of the force sensor not being installed correctly? That was the most difficult part was getting it to fit.

Grant Glass -

Does anyone else have an issue once the battery is replaced and recalibrated but still draining very quickly? Is there a way to “recalibrate“ the battery again?

Grant Glass - Reply

More of a question. I did everything just as shown for screen and touch sensor replacement . I put the watch on the charger and all that happens is the Apple logo comes on and then goes off about every 10 -15 sec and I can’t get it to do anything else?? Can you advise please?

Tom - Reply

I am having the same issue…the logo flashes…

Mark Tumblin -

Me too. Just going to leave it on charge over night to see if that makes a difference.

Tony Trollip -

If I did all this… the Apple came on… put everything back together and my watch still doesn’t work? It won’t take a charge, just sits there with the Apple popping on and off.

Tammy Eppley - Reply

I’m having the same issue where I replaced the battery reassembled and same issue apple logo just keeps flashing on the screen, I’m having a feeling this is apple preventing 3rd party repairs when detecting the display being removed or replaced…

Lenny Lewis - Reply

Have the same issue.

Have you found the solution?

Michael Posada -

Followed instructions 100% but adhesive does not hold it all together - this is not the same adhesive as the factory uses and doesn’t work!

neil.carter - Reply

After replacing the battery, screen and force touch sensor, I had the issue with the Apple logo coming on and then going off. After mentioning this to iFixit, they sent me another battery. Once I installed that one, the watch fired right up.

Scott Beattie - Reply

My watch battery managed to bloat up and popped the screen off, so that saved me a few steps :o)

The battery replacement guide seems incomplete, I feel that the kit has both the batter and the force sensor, so the guide should combine the two. If you follow just the battery replacement guide, you disassemble, with no way of being guided to assemble, that is where this guide really is more complete.

I too have the issue whereby the Apple logo will come on for 10 seconds or so and then go off. I will leave it on charge for a long while to see if this resolves the issue. I suspect that the shipped battery is just at a very low level.

The watch does get warm, indicating to me at least that the unit is on a charge cycle.

Did anyone else get too many adhesive strips, or a set of adhesive strips implying that more than the force sensor adhesive is needed??

I am worried I didn’t use everything. Although, the original had no additional gasket or force sensor.

Tony Trollip - Reply

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