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iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement

Prerequisite Only
This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

What you need

  1. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the pentalobe screws: step 1, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the pentalobe screws: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

    • Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

    • Remove the two 6.7 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    • Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.

  2. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • If your iPhone has a cracked screen, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping over the glass.

    • Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's screen until the whole face is covered.

    • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.

    • If you can't get the suction cup to stick in the next few steps, fold a strong piece of tape (such as duct tape) into a handle and lift the screen with that instead.

    • If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the screen.

  3. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next three steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down three steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Slide the arms over either the left or right edge of your iPhone.

    • Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the top, and one on the bottom.

    • Squeeze the cups together to apply suction to the desired area.

    • If you find that the surface of your iPhone is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use tape to create a grippier surface.

  4. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

  5. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Heat an iOpener and thread it through the arms of the Anti-Clamp.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but extreme heat can damage the display and/or internal battery, so proceed with care.

    • Fold the iOpener so it lays on the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap under the screen and the plastic bezel, not the screen itself.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle a quarter turn.

    • Don't crank more than a quarter turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next three steps.

  6. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Heat the lower edge of the phone: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Heating the lower edge of the iPhone helps soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

    • Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about a minute.

  7. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the curved portion of the glass.

  8. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Lift the display slightly: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Lift the display slightly: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Lift the display slightly: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap under the screen and the plastic bezelnot the screen itself.

    • The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you're having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

  9. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Separate the screen adhesive: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Separate the screen adhesive: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Separate the screen adhesive: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

    • Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage internal components.

  10. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Screen information: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • There are delicate cables along the right edge of your iPhone. Don't insert your pick here, as you may damage the cables.

  11. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.

    • Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage the display cables.

  12. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.

    • Gently pull the right edge of the display down slightly (in the direction of the Lightning port).

    • Insert your pick into the top-right corner of the phone.

  13. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Continue pulling the display down (toward the Lightning port) as needed in order to make a gap large enough for the pick.

    • Slide the pick to the top left corner and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

    • Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage the Face ID sensor array.

  14. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the suction cup: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Pull the small nub on the suction cup to detach it from the front panel.

  15. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Open the iPhone: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Open the iPhone: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Open the iPhone: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.

    • Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone's logic board.

    • Prop the display up against something sturdy.

    • During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn't click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren't bent.

  16. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Display Assembly: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Display Assembly: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • To access the screws in the following step, tilt the display by slightly lifting its lower edge.

    • Be careful not to strain or tear the display cables.

  17. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the battery connector cover: step 17, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the battery connector cover: step 17, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the three 1.1 mm-long screws securing the battery connector bracket.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    • During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.

  18. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the battery connector cover: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the bracket.

  19. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 19, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.

    • Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally contacting the socket.

  20. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the logic board cover screws: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the logic board cover screws: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the five 1.1 mm screws securing the logic board cover bracket.

  21. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the logic board cover bracket: step 21, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the bracket.

  22. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the display: step 22, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the display: step 22, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the display: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the LCD panel cable connector.

    • Disconnect the digitizer connector next to it.

  23. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the front sensors: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the front sensors: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector.

  24. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 24, image 1 of 1
  25. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the lower bracket screws: step 25, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the lower bracket screws: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Using a Phillips driver, remove the five screws securing the bracket below the Taptic engine and speaker:

    • Four 1.6 mm screws

    • One 1.3 mm screw

  26. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the lower bracket: step 26, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the lower bracket.

  27. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine connector tape: step 27, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine connector tape: step 27, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine connector tape: step 27, image 3 of 3
    • Use tweezers to lift and remove the black tape and rubber pad covering the Taptic Engine connector.

    • Use a little heat from a hair dryer or iOpener to make the tape easier to peel up and re-adhere later.

  28. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the lower speaker: step 28, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the lower speaker: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the five screws securing the speaker and brackets:

    • One 1.9 mm Phillips screw

    • One 2.3 mm Phillips screw

    • One 3.1 mm standoff screw

    • Two 1.6 mm Phillips screws

  29. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the grounding clip: step 29, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the grounding clip: step 29, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the small grounding clip on the top right corner of the speaker.

  30. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine connector cover: step 30, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the Taptic Engine connector cover.

  31. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the speaker standoff screw: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the speaker standoff screw: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the speaker standoff screw: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • Lift and push aside the small board covering the remaining speaker screw in the bottom right corner of the iPhone.

    • Remove the 2.4 mm standoff screw underneath.

  32. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Loosen the speaker: step 32, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Loosen the speaker: step 32, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a spudger under the top edge of the speaker, near the edge of the iPhone's case.

    • Gently pry up and lift the top edge of the speaker.

  33. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Hold the speaker by its side edges and rock it side-to-side, separating the adhesive securing it to the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    • Pull the speaker away from the bottom edge of the iPhone until the adhesive gasket separates.

  34. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the speaker: step 34, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the speaker: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the speaker.

    • Optionally, to help protect against water and dust intrusion, replace the speaker's adhesive gasket during reassembly:

    • Peel away any remaining adhesive with tweezers.

    • Prep the area underneath by cleaning it with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or coffee filter so that the gasket adheres properly.

    • Install a new gasket onto the speaker, and then install the speaker.

  35. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the Taptic Engine: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Unscrew the Taptic Engine: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the Taptic Engine.

  36. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the Taptic Engine: step 36, image 1 of 2 iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Disconnect the Taptic Engine: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the Taptic Engine flex cable by prying it straight up from its socket.

  37. iPhone 11 Taptic Engine Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine: step 37, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the Taptic Engine.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps 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 iPhone 11 Answers community for help.

Jeff Suovanen

Member since: 08/06/13

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