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iPhone 7 Screen Replacement

What you need

Video Overview

  1. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Pentalobe Screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • 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 3.4 mm pentalobe screws on 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 7 Screen Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your device. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.

    • Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.

    • You can also mark the other corners of the pick with different measurements.

    • Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

  3. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen 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 just above the home button—one on the front, and one on the back.

    • 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 7 Screen Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the blue handle forwards 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 7 Screen Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

    • 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 7 Screen Replacement, Heat the display: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • The next three steps show how to separate the screen using a suction cup.

    • Heating the lower edge of the iPhone will help soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

    • Use a hairdryer or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the phone for about 90 seconds in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

  7. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Separate the display: step 7, image 1 of 2 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Separate the display: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • Apply a suction cup to the lower half of the front panel, just above the home button.

    • Be sure the suction cup does not overlap with the home button, as this will prevent a seal from forming between the suction cup and front glass.

  8. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the screen and the frame.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

    • The watertight adhesive holding the screen 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 7 Screen Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick up the left edge of the phone starting at the lower edge and moving towards the volume control buttons and silent switch, breaking up the adhesive holding the display in place.

    • Stop near the top left corner of the display.

    • Do not try to pry the top edge of the display away from the rear case, as it is held in place by plastic clips that may break.

  10. iPhone 7 Screen 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 7 Screen Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert your tool at the lower right corner of the iPhone, and slide it around the corner and up the right side of the phone to separate the adhesive.

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

  12. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Gently pull up on the suction cup to lift up the bottom edge of the display.

    • Do not raise the display more than 15º or you'll risk straining or tearing the ribbon cables connecting the display.

    • Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

  13. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Slide an opening pick underneath the display around the top left corner and along the top edge of the phone to loosen the last of the adhesive.

  14. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the display assembly slightly down (away from the top edge of the phone) to disengage the clips holding it to the rear case.

  15. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: 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.

    • Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

  16. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 16, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Tri-point Y000 Screwdriver
    $5.99
    Buy
  17. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the lower connector bracket.

  18. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to lift the battery connector out of its socket on the logic board.

    • Bend the connector cable up slightly to prevent it from making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone.

  19. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Display Assembly: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Display Assembly: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Display Assembly: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Make sure the battery is disconnected before you disconnect or reconnect the cables in this step.

    • Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the two lower display connectors by prying them straight up from their sockets on the logic board.

    • To reconnect these cables, press down on one end until it clicks into place, then repeat on the opposite end. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is even slightly misaligned, the connector can bend, causing permanent damage.

    • If you have a blank screen, white lines on the display, or partial or complete lack of touch response after reassembling your phone, try disconnecting and carefully reconnecting both of these cables and make sure they are fully seated.

  20. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the two 1.3 mm Phillips #000 screws securing the bracket over the front panel sensor assembly connector.

    • Some phones could be Y000. Apple started using Y000 for these at some point in the middle of the product's lifecycle.

  21. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector from its socket on the logic board.

    • This press connector should also be reconnected one end at a time to minimize the risk of bending.

  22. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 1
  23. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement, Home/Touch ID Sensor: step 23, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the four Y000 screws securing the bracket over the home/Touch ID sensor:

    • One 1.1 mm screw

    • Three 1.3 mm screws

    • During reassembly, be careful not to overtighten these screws, or your home button may not work.

  24. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the bracket that secures the home/Touch ID sensor.

  25. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 25, image 3 of 3
  26. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully pry up the underlying connector and move it out of the way of the home/Touch ID cable.

    • It's very easy to damage your iPhone during this step. Work slowly and take care where you pry with your tool. If you damage the Touch ID hardware, it can only be replaced by Apple.

    • If the connector doesn't pry up easily, use a hair dryer or iOpener to heat and soften the adhesive securing the connector, and then try again.

    • Don't try to detach the connector completely—simply flip it up slightly so that the underlying home/Touch ID sensor cable can be removed.

  27. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Heating the area around the home/Touch ID sensor will help soften the adhesive holding its delicate cable in place, making it easier to remove safely.

    • Flip the display assembly over. Use a hairdryer or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the display for about 90 seconds in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

  28. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Use an opening pick to gently separate the adhesive holding the home/Touch ID sensor cable to the back side of the display panel.

  29. iPhone 7 Screen Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the home/Touch ID sensor assembly by lifting it through the front side of the display.

    • To reinstall, first feed the cable through the hole in the front of the display.

    • Your replacement part may come with an extra Y000 screw already installed right of the Home Button. Remove the unnecessary screw so that you can reinstall the home button bracket.

    • Follow this guide to install replacement display adhesive on your screen.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Don't forget to reapply the display adhesive before reinstalling the display.

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 7 Answers community for troubleshooting help.

916 other people completed this guide.

Evan Noronha

Member since: 02/05/15

223,163 Reputation

168 Guides authored

109 Comments

When putting the screen back on will the device loose it's water-resistant properties?

Joseph - Reply

Wondering this too.

Draydan -

It will for sure lose it's water-resistant properties. So, please replace the water-resistant adhesive before assembly.

Jojo -

Yes, but you can buy a new replacement seal for a few bucks. However, it is extremely thin and very sticky so its almost impossible to do it right the first time (imagine placing a needle thin sized rubber band covered in glue around the tiny ledge you phone screen sits on). I would suggest you buy two because it is likely you’ll need a second shot at it…because if any part gets misplaced and sticks to the wrong spot, it will not come off, and that “sticky rubber band” turns into this horrible stringy tar/chewing gum ring that is impossible to manipulate…fair warning… it will most likely be pretty water resistant even if you don’t add a new seal to it… its not a waterproof phone in the first place :)

jaicdc -

Yes it will lose the water-resistant abilities. It is very hard to seal it back to it's original state.

Alec - Reply

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