This article describes how to remove the display of an iPhone 6S or 7, in order to expose the internal components of the phone. Keep in mind that this invalidates the Apple warranty.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare to Open the iPhone
Step 1. Turn off the iPhone
Press and hold the power button on your phone, then swipe right on the "Slide to Power Off" button that appears on the screen. The mobile phone will turn off, thus minimizing the risk of electrocution.
Step 2. Remove the SIM card
You will see a small hole on the right side of the phone, slightly below the Power button; insert a thin object, such as a straightened paper clip or pin, into the hole to eject the SIM drawer. Once this comes out, take the SIM and put the drawer back in place.
Make sure you keep the SIM card in a dry and clean place. If you have a small plastic bag or container, these are ideal solutions
Step 3. Prepare a work surface
You have to remove the phone display on a clean, well-lit and even floor. It will also be useful to have a soft object, such as a clean microfiber cloth, on which to lay the screen face down.
You can wipe the surface with a wet rag, then let it dry before you start working on the iPhone. This will remove dust and other small debris
Step 4. Collect the tools
You will need the following tools to open an iPhone 7 or 6S:
- P2 pentalobe screwdriver - this screwdriver is used for most iPhone repairs.
- # 000 Phillips screwdriver (iPhone 6 only) - make sure it has a star head and not a flat head.
- Y000 three-pointed screwdriver (iPhone 7 only) - this tool is used for some of the iPhone 7's unique screws.
- Plastic pin - this small plastic pin is used to pry the screen and connectors off. You can use any thin, small object, such as a guitar pick.
- Heat source - various versions of the same product are available in electronics stores, i.e. a bag full of sand or gel to be heated in the microwave, which must then be applied to the iPhone, in order to dissolve the adhesive that holds the screen in place.
- Sucker - you need to pull off the phone screen.
- Plastic bag - put inside all the screws and components you remove. If you prefer, you can also use bowls or plastic containers.
Step 5. Get down on the ground
Static electricity can be fatal to the dozens of exposed circuits inside the phone, so ground yourself before you even pick up the screwdriver. Once you are prepared and grounded, you can start opening your iPhone 7 or iPhone 6S.
Method 2 of 3: Open an iPhone 7
Step 1. Remove the two pentalobe screws on the bottom of the iPhone
They are located on the sides of the loading door. As with any screws you'll remove in the process, be sure to put them in a bag or bowl when you're done.
Step 2. Prepare the heat source
If you are using a bag of gel or similar product, reheat it in the microwave according to the instructions.
Avoid using a hair dryer when opening the iPhone
Step 3. Put the heat source on the bottom of the phone
You should cover the Home button and the lower section of the screen.
Step 4. Wait at least five minutes
The heat will weaken the adhesive holding the screen in place, so you'll have a chance to lift it.
The adhesive holding the iPhone 7 screen in place is extremely strong, so you may need to heat the product more than once
Step 5. Attach the suction cup to the bottom of the screen
Make sure it is secure before continuing.
The suction cup must not cover the Home button
Step 6. Pull the screen up
Raise it high enough to create a gap between the screen and the rest of the phone.
Step 7. Insert the flat plastic tool into the gap between the screen and the case
Step 8. Slide the tool along the left side of the iPhone
For best results, rotate it from left to right as you slide it to separate the screen from the case.
Step 9. Slide the tool along the right side of the phone
Be very careful at this stage, as there are many ribbon connectors on this side.
Step 10. Use a credit card or similar object to separate the top edge of the screen
There are plastic clips that hold the top of the display in place, so make sure you insert the card just enough to snap them.
Do not lift the top of the screen
Step 11. Pull the display down slightly
Just move it 1-2 cm to disconnect the clips that hold it in place at the top.
Step 12. Open the iPhone screen to the right
Do it as if it were a book. This is to avoid damaging the connecting cables located on the right side of the phone.
Step 13. Remove the L connector
It is located at the bottom right inside the phone. Unscrew the four three-point screws you see.
Step 14. Pry out the battery and display connectors
You will see three rectangular boxes attached to the tapes in the section that was covered by the L-connector; to continue you have to lift them using the flat plastic tool.
Step 15. Remove the thin and wide cover located in the upper right corner of the phone
This piece covers the last connector that holds the screen in place. You have to unscrew two three-point screws to lift it.
Step 16. Pry out the last battery connector
It is located under the cover you just removed.
Step 17. Remove the screen
It should be completely disconnected, so you can remove it and continue the repair. Your iPhone 7 is open and ready to be studied!
Method 3 of 3: Open an iPhone 6S
Step 1. Remove the two pentalobe screws on the bottom of the iPhone
They are located on the sides of the loading door. As with any screws you'll remove in the process, be sure to put them in a bag or bowl when you're done.
Step 2. Prepare the heat source
If you are using a bag of gel or similar product, reheat it in the microwave according to the instructions.
Avoid using a hair dryer when opening the iPhone
Step 3. Put the heat source on the bottom of the phone
You should cover the Home button and the lower section of the screen.
Step 4. Wait at least five minutes
The heat will weaken the adhesive holding the screen in place, so you will have a chance to lift it.
Step 5. Attach the suction cup to the bottom of the screen
Make sure it is secure before continuing.
The suction cup must not cover the Home button
Step 6. Pull the screen up
Raise it high enough to create a gap between the screen and the rest of the phone.
Step 7. Insert the flat plastic tool into the gap between the screen and the case
Step 8. Slide the tool along the left side of the iPhone
For best results, rotate it from left to right as you slide it to separate the screen from the case.
Step 9. Slide the tool along the right side of the phone
You will hear many clips detaching in the course of the operation.
Step 10. Rotate the screen up
The upper part of the display will act as a hinge. Make sure you don't exceed 90 °.
If you have a book or other sturdy object handy, attach it to the screen with a rubber band or tape to secure it at 90 degrees before continuing
Step 11. Lever out the battery connector
Unscrew the two Phillips screws on the gray cover located in the lower right corner of the battery, then pull it up.
Step 12. Disconnect the battery
You will find a rectangular box next to the battery, in the section that was hidden by the cover. Use the flat plastic tool to pry the connector up.
Make sure the battery connector is almost 90 degrees to the battery to prevent accidental connections
Step 13. Remove the display cable cover
This silver piece is located in the upper right corner of the iPhone case. To remove it you have to unscrew four star screws.
Step 14. Disconnect the camera and display connectors
You will see three ribbon cables under the silver piece: one for the camera and two for the display. They are connected to the iPhone case with connectors similar to the one you just unplugged for the battery. Disconnect them with the flat plastic tool.
Step 15. Remove the screen
Now that you have unplugged the display, you need to remove it and put it in a safe place. You are now ready to examine your iPhone 6S!
Advice
Once the iPhone is open, you can replace the battery or change the sticker
Warnings
- You should open the iPhone with extreme care; the phone contains many delicate and expensive electronic components, which are very easy to inadvertently damage.
- Opening the iPhone voids its warranty.
- Proceed with caution when applying pressure to open the phone. With too much force you could scratch, damage, crack or even break components critical to the operation of the device.
