How to Fix a Broken Screen on an iPhone 5

Author: Mike Gee

To start off, we need the right tools. You will require special screwdrivers, the 5-point pentalobular and the double zero Philips standard. You will also require a metal spudger, a sharp blade, and preferably a suction cup to remove the broken glass. Finally, you will need to purchase the digitizer replacement for your iPhone 5 as well.

Once all the equipment is gathered, switch off the iPhone and unwind the 2 screws located at the either end of the Lightning port. Use the 5-point screw driver for this purpose. Once unscrewed, you can remove the broken display.

Place the suction cup on the home button while your other hand holds the phone. Pull the cup upwards, applying pressure gradually. Don't pull the screen off immediately as there are some cables attached to it, which can easily be damaged.

However, if the screen is cracked badly, the suction cup will not prove effective. You will need a blade or a pry tool in this case. Start from the bottom from any side of the home button and use your tool to create an opening between the screen and the frame.

Work your way throughout the body until the screen is separated. You also need to be careful while doing this in order to avoid any damage to the phone.

Next you will open the display board. The cables mentioned above are hidden from view because of a silver cover, which is held in place by 3 screws. Bring in your Phillips screwdriver to unwind them. Lift the shield and use a pry tool to detach the cables. Now you can completely remove the digitizer and LCD.

Do the same with the display shield by using the Philips screwdriver to remove the 8 screws and then a pry tool to lift the shield. Once the shield is off, you have to remove the earpiece assembly, the front camera, and the sensor cable. These can be removed by applying little pressure.

Next you have to remove the iPhone Home button shield. It has two screws on either side which can be unscrewed with the Philips screwdriver. Begin lifting up the button shield from the left side but don't detach completely, as you first have to remove some adhesive on the other side.

After the shield of your iPhone 5 is opened, it is easy to remove the home button simply by pushing it and then using a pry tool to make it loose from the back. Your iPhone 5 should now be completely dismembered!

You have to replace the broken screen with the new one. Once that is done, move in reverse order to step 1. Screw back the display assembly and finally screw in the lighting port to complete the process. Press the power button to turn your iPhone back on, it should work fine now.

Posted in: Gadgets and Gizmos