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Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a broken, cracked, or defective screen on your Apple Watch Ultra.

Replacing the display can cause issues with Apple Pay. If possible, to reduce the likelihood of problems, delete all your Apple Pay account info before the replacement, and then re-enter it with the new display installed.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach the screen when reassembling the device. Your device will function normally, but will most likely lose its IP6X (Ingress Protection) rating.

What you need

  1. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Power down your watch: step 1, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Power down your watch: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Drain your watch battery below 25% before starting this repair. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged.

    • Take your watch off the charger and power it down.

    • If your touchscreen is broken and you can't power off the watch, use this alternate method to power it down.

    Edit

  2. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Safety details: step 2, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Safety details: step 2, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Safety details: step 2, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Safety Glasses
    $3.19
    Buy

    • Because the gap between the screen assembly and frame is so small, a thin metal tool is needed to pry the screen up. Read the following warnings before you start disassembly:

    • Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the front end of your tool. You can 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 iFlex to slip and cut you, or damage the watch.

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

    • Attach or remove the watch bands as needed to provide more control as you make repairs.

    Edit

  3. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Soften the screen adhesive: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the screen for two minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but be careful not to overheat the watch—the screen and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

    Edit

  4. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Insert the iFlex: step 4, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Insert the iFlex: step 4, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Insert the iFlex: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Place the tip of an iFlex along the edge opposite the Digital Crown and position it in the seam between the screen and the frame.

    • Press the iFlex firmly straight down into the gap.

    • The gap between the screen and the frame is very small, and it makes inserting the iFlex difficult. Don't force the iFlex in, or you risk damaging the screen. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.

    Edit

  5. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Pry up the screen: step 5, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Pry up the screen: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Use the iFlex to pry up the screen.

    • The adhesive requires time and constant force to loosen—it probably won't loosen from the initial pry. Reheat the screen and keep applying constant force until the adhesive loosens.

    Edit

  6. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick in the gap you created between the screen and the frame.

    • Remove the iFlex.

    Edit

  7. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the tip of the opening pick less than 2 mm to prevent damaging the antenna pin.

    • Slide the opening pick around the top left corner and along the top edge of the watch to slice the screen adhesive.

    Edit

  8. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the tip of the opening pick less than 2 mm to prevent damaging the antenna pin.

    • Slide the opening pick around the top right corner and stop just before the Digital Crown.

    Edit

  10. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening pick into the seam at the top left corner of the watch.

    • Slide the pick along the Action button edge to slice the adhesive.

    Edit

  11. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and along the bottom edge of the watch to slice the screen adhesive.

    Edit

  12. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and stop before you reach the side button.

    Edit

  13. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Lift the screen: step 12, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Lift the screen: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the opening pick between the screen and frame at the opposite edge of the Digital Crown.

    • Pry up the screen until you can get a good grip with your fingers.

    • Don't try to remove the screen all the way yet. It's still connected to the watch body.

    Edit

  14. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 13, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 13, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Be careful not to strain the screen cable when you swing open the screen.

    • Lift the screen up and carefully pull it towards the Digital Crown.

    • Swing the screen open to an upward position.

    Edit

  15. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the two connector bracket screws: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the two 2.3 mm‑long screws securing the metal connector bracket at the bottom edge of the watch.

    Edit

  16. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the bottom connector bracket: step 15, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the bottom connector bracket: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the bottom connector bracket.

    Edit

  17. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 16, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up the battery connector towards the battery.

    • During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your device and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your watch back down completely before you continue working.

    Edit

  18. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the upper battery screws: step 17, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the upper battery screws: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the 2.9 mm‑long screw securing the battery.

    • Use a Y000 driver to unscrew the 2.1 mm‑long screw that's sandwiched between the metal bracket.

    Edit

  19. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the metal bracket including the screw: step 18, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the metal bracket including the screw: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the bracket with the screw sandwiched between it.

    • Although the screw sits nicely in the bracket, it’s not captive and can fall out.

    Edit

  20. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the battery: step 19, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the battery: step 19, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the battery: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Use an opening pick to lift up the battery.

    • Remove the battery from the case.

    • Don't reinstall a damaged or deformed battery, as doing so is a potential safety hazard.

    Edit

  21. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Unfasten the display cable bracket screws: step 20, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Unfasten the display cable bracket screws: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Y000 screwdriver to remove the two 1 mm‑long screws securing the display cable bracket.

    Edit

  22. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 21, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the display cable bracket.

    Edit

  23. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 22, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry and disconnect the display cable from its socket.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

    Edit

  24. Apple Watch Ultra Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 23, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the screen.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your Apple Watch Ultra, follow these instructions in reverse order to reattach the screen and the battery.

Apply a little bit of high isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to a Q-tip or use a cleaning pad to gently remove the leftover adhesive on the edges of the watch case and the screen before installing new adhesive.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

2 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 3 other contributors

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/16

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3 Comments

Hi watch ultra 8 display replacement screen prince

Dani animta - Reply

Please Pakistan price

Dani animta - Reply

I removed the screen successfully. I did have to file down my Y000 bit for the hidden screw tho.

Have not found a replacement screen yet but my hopes are high

Rembert - Reply

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