Introduction
Use this guide to replace a cracked, broken, or non-responsive screen on your Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatch. This guide works for either size (41mm or 45mm).
You'll need replacement screen adhesive to complete this repair.
Replacing the screen can cause issues with Apple Pay. To reduce the possibility of problems, delete all your Apple Pay account info before the replacement, and re-enter it with the new display installed.
What you need
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Attach and remove the watch bands as needed to get a better grip or stabilize your watch.
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To remove a band, firmly press in the small, oval button on the underside of the watch and slide the band out of its groove.
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Consider placing your watch on something soft like a clean cloth to help stabilize it and prevent damage.
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Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.
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Heat an iOpener and lay it on the screen for two minutes to soften its adhesive.
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Insert the iFlex at a downward angle between the bottom edge of the screen and frame.
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With one hand, push down firmly on the watch's frame to secure it in place.
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With your free hand, hold the iFlex and push the edges up to make it more rigid.
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Pry up the screen enough for the iFlex to lay flat on its own.
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Leave the iFlex inserted under the screen.
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Keep the iFlex flat to maintain a gap between the screen and frame while inserting an opening pick.
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Insert an opening pick between the screen and iFlex.
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Remove the iFlex.
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Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive securing it.
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Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and up the left edge to separate the adhesive.
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Slide the opening pick around the top left corner and along the top edge to separate the adhesive.
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Slide the opening pick around the top right corner and stop at the top of the side button.
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Insert the long edge of an opening pick between the left edge of the screen and frame.
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Twist the pick to lift the screen and separate any remaining adhesive.
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Pull the right edge of the screen over the digital crown.
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Swing up the left edge of the screen so it's upright. The screen should be to the right of the digital crown.
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This is a good point to plug in your watch and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power it back down completely before you continue working.
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Follow this guide to apply new screen adhesive and reseal your watch.
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Flip your watch so the screen is on your workspace and the frame is upright.
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Keep the screen secured and the frame supported upright for the remaining steps.
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Use tweezers to peel up the tape covering the two screen cable ZIF connectors.
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Use the tip of an opening pick to pry up the small, hinged locking flaps on both screen cable ZIF connectors.
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Heat an iOpener and lay it on the screen cables for two minutes to soften the adhesive.
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Slide an opening pick under the lower screen cable to begin separating it from the screen.
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Use tweezers to grip both cables and pull them out of their sockets at the same time.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.
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