How to DIY Replace your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus Screen ?

If the screen on your Apple iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is broken, it can be quite frustrating. While there are plenty of options to get it repaired, they can be expensive and inconvenient. If you go to Apple to get the phone repaired, you have to pay a considerable cost despite having the warranty intact as accidental damage is not covered. If you are lucky enough to have the AppleCare+, then you can save a little on the expenses. You can also go to a high street retailer or online repair shop.

If for some reason, none of the above methods is suitable for you, then you can always replace the broken screen by yourself.

DIY Method of Replacing Broken Screen for iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

You need the following parts and tools:

  • Apple iPhone 7 or 7 Plus LCD Assembly
  • Philips head screwdriver
  • Tri-point screwdriver
  • Pentalobe screwdriver
  • Spudger
  • Metal spudger
  • Heat gun, heat mat, or dehydrator

Here is how to fix the broken screen:

  • Switch off the phone
  • Heat the device to loosen the interior adhesive strips. Twenty minutes with a dehydrator or 20 seconds with a heat gun on low setting
  • Remove the pentalobe screws on the bottom of the phone. Starting at the bottom of the phone, use a spudger to gently separate the screen from the body. The phone will open up like a book and the flex cable between the screen and battery will still be attached so be careful
  • Undo the silver EMI shield on the mid-right side of the phone. You will have to remove the four tri-point screws. Next, disconnect the battery from the logic board using a spudger. Do the same with display connector flex cable
  • Remove the two Philips head screws on the shield that is over the front panel sensor assembly connector. This shield will have a flex cable coming out from below
  • Separate the black front panel sensor assembly connector cable from the logic board using a spudger. This cable connects the screen to the phone’s body
  • You will now be able to separate the LCD assembly from the body
  • Remove the silver bracket on the top of the assembly by unscrewing the five Philips head screws. Remove the front camera gently with a spudger or tweezers. Also, remove the earpiece speaker. Carefully remove the light and proximity sensor cable
  • Remove the pentalobe screws to separate the touch ID and home button bracket
  • Unscrew all the screws around the LCD’s sides. Pull the LCD shield from the screen. You will find a flex cable passing through an opening on one side. Disconnect the home button cable connector using a spudger. Next, disconnect the underlying connection
  • Remove the adhesive holding the touch ID and home button to the digitizer’s back and push the home button forward through the front of the screen
  • Place the home button on the new screen from the front. Reconnect its flex cable and pass it through the LCD shield. Place the LCD shield over the screen
  • Connect the shield and screen together by screwing back all the screws. Place back the home button bracket. Press the sensors back into place and reinstall the camera, earpiece speaker, and bracket over the camera. Similarly, one by one, reconnect all the removed components
  • Fold the screen over the body. Insert it back from the top
  • Finally, screw back the bottom pentalobe screens

Buy the LCD assembly from Resun.