Unless you have an AppleCare+ plan, iPhone screen repair can be rather costly. If your iPhone has a cracked screen or broken glass and you’re unable to use it, you might be thinking about replacing it. It’s important to note that Apple does not offer official iphone screen repair services for their devices unless you purchase their plan for that specific device. However, many independent repair shops will service your device and help you save money on the replacement parts and labor costs. But what if you don’t feel like spending the money or waiting for a service appointment? Luckily, there are some alternative DIY methods you can try to replace your iPhone screen on your own at home. You don’t need any special skills or tools either!

How to Replace an iPhone Screen in 6 Steps

Start by turning off your iPhone, which will prevent you from accidentally pressing the power button and draining the battery while opening your device. Then, use a spudger to carefully pry open the frame that holds your screen and other parts of your device. Next, remove the screen and use a suction cup to carefully lift your new screen (make sure it’s the same size). Place the new screen over the circuitry and re-seal the device. Then, test the new screen to make sure it’s working properly. If so, put your device back together and voila! You’ve now replaced your iPhone screen.

Using a suction cup to extract the screen

This method is recommended for people who are unfamiliar with opening up devices. First, use your spudger to pry open the frame of your device. Then, use the suction cup to gently lift the screen and place it on the table. Once your screen is out, you can press down on the new screen and make sure it’s the right size. Once you’re done, just place it back over the circuitry, re-seal the device, and test it to make sure it’s working properly. If so, you’ve successfully replaced your iPhone screen.

Using a hammer to break the screen and extract it

This method is recommended for more experienced repair people since it does involve the use of a hammer and smashing your screen to break it. First, use your spudger to pry open the frame of your device. Then, place your screen down on the table and use a hammer to break your old screen, making sure not to break or damage the circuitry inside. Once you’ve broken the screen, use your suction cup to carefully lift your new screen and place it on the table. Next, press down on the screen to make sure it’s the right size. Once you’re sure it fits, use your spudger to place the new screen back over the circuitry, re-seal the device, and test it to make sure it’s operating properly. If so, you’ve successfully replaced your iPhone screen.

Using a repair kit to replace the screen

This method is recommended for more experienced repair people since it does involve more steps and precision than the other methods listed here. First, use your spudger to pry open the frame of your device. Next, carefully remove the old screen and place it on the table. Then, use the repair kit to place the new screen over the circuitry and re-seal the device. Test it to make sure it’s working properly and then put your device back together. You’ve now successfully replaced your iPhone screen using a repair kit.

By using a razor to slice off the screen

This method is recommended for more advanced repair people since it does involve some cutting and slicing. You can also use a box cutter or a utility knife if you have one. First, use your spudger to pry open the frame of your device. Then, use the razor to slice off the top of your old screen, carefully slicing away the black portion of your screen as well. Next, carefully place the new screen over the circuitry and re-seal the device. Test it to make sure it’s working properly and then put your device back together. You’ve now successfully replaced your iPhone screen using a razor.

By using hot glue to heat up the screen

This method is recommended for more advanced repair people since it requires the use of a soldering iron. First, use your spudger to pry open the frame of your device. Then, use your soldering iron to heat up the screen of your device, carefully heating up the black portion of your screen. Once the screen is warm enough, use your spudger to carefully pry open your device and remove the old screen. Next, use the soldering iron to heat up the new screen and press it down against the circuitry. Once the new screen is warm enough, use your spudger to place the new screen over the circuitry, re-seal the device, and test it to make sure it’s working properly. If so, you’ve successfully replaced your iPhone screen using a soldering iron.

Conclusion

While we recommend getting your device repaired through an official repair shop and not trying to do it yourself, sometimes it’s easier and cheaper to attempt a DIY method. We recommend trying these methods in order as they require different skill sets and experience levels. Replacing your screen with one of these methods is a great way to save money and fix your device yourself, especially if you don’t have insurance. But remember, you can only replace the screen of your device, which is the most common part of the device to break. You can’t replace the battery, motherboard, or other internal parts of your device, so if those are broken, you’ll have to replace your phone entirely.