Iphone 15 Screen Replacement

iPhone 15 Screen Replacement

Source: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+15+Screen+Replacement/165669
Category: Repairs
Type: External SOP

Summary

Step-by-step procedure for removing and replacing a broken or cracked screen on an iPhone 15. Includes display adhesive cutting, connector removal, ambient light sensor transfer, adhesive application, and reassembly.

Procedure

Preparation

  1. Drain battery below 25%. Unplug all cables. Power off the device (hold Power + Volume, then slide to power off).
  2. If screen is badly cracked, cover with overlapping strips of packing tape. Ensure a smooth area near the bottom edge for suction cup placement.
  3. Mark opening pick(s) at 3 mm from the tip using a permanent marker to prevent over-insertion.

Screen Removal

  1. Remove the two 7.7 mm P2 pentalobe screws on either side of the charging port.
  2. Heat the bottom edge with a heat gun or hair dryer until hot to the touch. Do not overheat — battery is heat-sensitive.
  3. Apply suction handle to the bottom edge. Pull up firmly to create a gap, then insert an opening pick.
  4. Cable/contact hazard: Two delicate cables run along the left edge (one near mute switch, one midway between volume down and bottom). Multiple spring contacts exist around the perimeter — do not exceed insertion depth limits.
  5. Slide pick along the bottom edge (max 3 mm deep). Leave pick in bottom right corner to prevent re-sealing.
  6. Heat the right edge. Slide pick around the bottom right corner toward the power button (max 5 mm deep) until hitting a clip. Rotate pick flat-side down and twist to release the clip.
  7. Insert a second pick to the right of the first. Slide first pick back to bottom right; slide second pick to top right to separate adhesive. Leave both picks inserted.
  8. Heat the top edge. Insert a third pick at the top right corner (max 3 mm deep). Slide along the top edge to the top left clip. Rotate flat-side down and twist to release. Slide to top left corner.
  9. Heat the left edge. Slide pick around the top left corner and along the left edge (max 3 mm deep) to release clips and adhesive.
  10. Gently swing the screen open over the left edge. If stuck, re-check for missed adhesive or clips.

Disconnecting the Screen

  1. Use a Y000 tri-point driver to remove the 0.9 mm screw on the front sensor connector cover. Use tweezers to lift to 90°, unhook from logic board, and remove.
  2. Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the front sensor press connector.
  3. Use Y000 driver to remove the 0.9 mm screw on the screen connector cover. Use tweezers to unlatch and remove the cover.
  4. Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the screen press connector.
  5. Remove the screen.

Pre-Reassembly Test

  1. Reconnect the screen temporarily, power on, and verify display function before sealing. Power back off before continuing.

Frame Cleaning

  1. Use a spudger and tweezers to remove all adhesive from the frame perimeter. Apply heat if adhesive is difficult to remove. Avoid spring contacts.
  2. Wrap a spudger tip in a lint-free cloth, apply >90% isopropyl alcohol, and wipe the frame in one direction. Wait for full evaporation before proceeding.

Ambient Light Sensor Transfer

(Skip if replacement screen includes sensor pre-installed.)

  1. Remove the 1.3 mm Phillips screw securing the ambient light sensor bracket. Lift and remove the bracket.
  2. Heat the sensor area to soften adhesive. Use a spudger to pry up the sensor.
  3. Slide an opening pick under the sensor cable from the sensor toward the opposite corner to peel it free.
  4. Use tweezers to lift the sensor off the screen.
  5. Reposition or replace adhesive around the sensor (use 1 mm double-sided tape if damaged). Align sensor into its recess on the new screen and press into place.
  6. Warm the sensor area gently. Press down the cable; use small pieces of Tesa tape if cable won’t adhere.
  7. Hook the sensor bracket into place and reinstall the 1.3 mm Phillips screw.

Adhesive Application

  1. Lay the new adhesive next to the phone and verify orientation using spring contact cutouts and camera cutout.
  2. Peel back the liner partially from the bottom. Align the bottom edge of adhesive to the frame bottom edge and press firmly with a spudger or finger.
  3. Continue peeling liner while pressing adhesive along all edges. If misaligned, remove and restart with new adhesive.
  4. Verify all spring contacts and the front camera fall within their cutouts. Press adhesive firmly around the full perimeter. Do not press on