How to replace an iPhone 11 screen

GUEST POST: JEFF FROM IFIXIT

Jeff Suovanen from iFixit

Meet Jeff Suovanen

He's the Senior Technical Editor at iFixit. Jeff "takes stuff apart and writes about it", so we can all be empowered to put our stuff back together again. Hooray for Jeff and the iFixit team! 🙌

Scroll below and follow Jeff's step-by-step guide to replace your iPhone 11 screen.👇

Introduction from iFixit:

If your iPhone 11 screen is cracked, not responding to touch, or not showing a picture when powered on, use this guide to get your iPhone working again with a new screen, a.k.a. display assembly.

If the back of your new screen already includes a thin metal LCD shield plate, follow this shorter guide instead for an easier repair. But if the plate is missing, keep reading—this guide will show you how to replace your screen and keep your old LCD shield plate.

The combined earpiece speaker + sensor assembly affixed to the back of the screen is paired to your individual iPhone from the factory, so you must use the instructions below to transfer it from your old screen to your new one. It contains the flood illuminator, which is part of the biometric Face ID security feature. If it is damaged or replaced, Face ID won’t work, so take extra care not to damage any of these components during this procedure. If damaged, only Apple’s “authorised” technicians can restore Face ID function.

Note: True Tone functionality won’t work after a screen replacement, even when using an original Apple screen.

Grab your tools

You'll need:

  • P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone
  • iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6)
  • Suction Handle
  • Tri-point Y000 Screwdriver
  • Phillips #000 Screwdriver
  • Spudger
  • Tweezers

All available in the iFixit store.

You'll also need:

iPhone 11 Screen (not available in the kit)

Optional extras that are helpful for this guide:

  • iSclack (optional)
  • iOpener (optional)

How to fix an iPhone 11 screen

Step 1 - Remove the pentalobe screws

⚠ Warning: Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

• Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

• Remove the two 6.7 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

ℹ Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.


Step 2 - Tape over any cracks


• If your iPhone has a cracked screen, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping over the glass.

• Lay overlapping strips of packing tape over the iPhone's display until the whole face is covered.

ℹ This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

⚠ Warning: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.


• If the broken glass makes it difficult to get a suction cup to stick in the next few steps, try folding a strong piece of tape (such as duct tape) into a handle and lifting the display with that instead.


Step 3 - Heat the lower edge of the phone

ℹ Heating the lower edge of the iPhone helps soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

• Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about a minute.


Step 4 - Apply suction cup(s)

ℹ The next two steps demonstrate the iSclack, a handy tool that we recommend for anyone doing frequent repairs. If you aren't using the iSclack, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

• If the plastic depth gauge is attached at the center of the iSclack, remove it now—it's not needed for larger iPhones like the iPhone 11.

• Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.

• Press both suction cups firmly into place.

ℹIf your display or back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may help the suction cups adhere. The iSclack also includes two pieces of tape for this purpose.


Step 5

 

 

• Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to slightly separate the screen from the rear case of the phone.

 

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to completely separate the screen; a small opening along the bottom edge is all you need.


• Insert an opening pick into the gap under the display on the lower edge of the iPhone.

• Skip the next two steps.


Step 6

• If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the curved portion of the glass.

ℹIf your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may help the suction cup to stick. Alternatively, you can use very sticky tape instead of the suction cup. Or if all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.


Step 7 - Lift the display slightly


• Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.


• Insert an opening pick into the gap.

ℹ The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you're having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.


Step 8 - Separate the screen adhesive

• Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

⚠️ Warning: Don't insert the opening pick too far into the iPhone, or you may cause damage to internal components.


Step 9

• Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.

⚠️ Warning: Don't insert the pick very far, or you may damage the display cables along this side of the iPhone. Insert it only a few millimetres, or about the width of the display bezel.


Step 10

ℹ The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.

• Gently pull the right edge of the display down slightly (in the direction of the Lightning port).

• Insert your pick into the top-right corner of the phone.


Step 11

• Continue pulling the display down (toward the Lightning port) as needed in order to make a gap large enough for the pick.

• Slide the pick to the top left corner and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

⚠️ Warning: Again, don't insert the pick more than a few millimetres—about the width of the display bezel—or you may damage the Face ID sensor array.


Step 12 - Remove the suction cup(s)

• Pull the small nub on the suction cup to detach it from the front panel.

• If you used an iSclack and it's still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.


Step 13 - Open the iPhone

• Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone's logic board.

• Prop the display up against something sturdy.

📌 During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn't click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren't bent.


Step 14 - Display Assembly

• To access the screws in the following step, tilt the display by slightly lifting its lower edge.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful not to strain or tear the display cables.


Step 15 - Unscrew the battery connector cover

• Use a Y000 driver to remove the three 1.1 mm-long screws securing the battery connector bracket.

ℹ Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

📌 During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.


Step 16 Remove the battery connector cover


• Remove the bracket.


Step 17 - Disconnect the battery

• Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

ℹ Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.

• Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally contacting the socket.


Step 18 - Unscrew the logic board cover screws

• Use a Y000 driver to remove the five 1.1 mm screws securing the logic board cover bracket.


Step 19 - Remove the logic board cover bracket

• Remove the bracket.


Step 20 - Disconnect the display

• Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the LCD panel cable connector.

• Disconnect the digitizer connector next to it.


Step 21 - Disconnect the front sensors

• Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector.


Step 22 - Remove the display assembly

• Remove the display assembly.

📌 During reassembly, pause here if you wish to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the display.


Step 23 - Unscrew the front assembly

• Remove four screws securing the speaker/sensor assembly:

🔴 Highlighted red: Three 1.6 mm Phillips screws 

🟠 Highlighted orange: One 1.3 mm Y000 screw


Step 24 - Flip the speaker assembly over

• Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up the top edge of the speaker.


• Flip the speaker assembly over—down and away from the top edge of the display.

⚠️ Warning: The speaker remains attached via very thin ribbon cables. Be careful not to strain or damage the cables.


Step 25 - Heat up the top edge of the display

• Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the top front of the display for 1-2 minutes, in order to soften the adhesive securing the sensors.


Step 26 - Pry up the microphone

• Carefully slide the edge of your opening pick underneath the flex cable below the microphone.

• Twist gently to separate the microphone, while being careful not to strain or damage the flex cable.

If needed, use the point of the spudger to finish separating the microphone from its notch in the front panel.


Step 27 - Remove the ambient light sensor bracket

• Use tweezers to slide the small bracket straight up and off of the ambient light sensor.


Step 28 - Loosen the ambient light sensor

• Use tweezers to wiggle the ambient light sensor and lift it from its notch in the display.

ℹ If the sensor does not wiggle free after a few seconds, apply more heat and try again.

⚠️ Warning: The sensor remains attached to the rest of the sensor assembly via a very thin flex cable. Be careful not to strain or damage the cable.


Step 29

• Working left to right, slide an opening pick beneath the flex cable and underneath the proximity sensor + flood illuminator module.

• Gently wiggle and lift to separate the module from its notch in the front panel.

ℹ It's helpful to lift and hold the speaker out of the way for access. Just be careful not to pull on the thin flex cable while you work.


Step 30 - Remove the speaker + front sensors

• Remove the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly.

📌 During reassembly, check the position of the black plastic module containing these components:

🔴 Highlighted red: Proximity sensor

🟠 Highlighted orange: Flood illuminator

🟡 Highlighted yellow: The module must be positioned so that these components are not obstructed by any adhesive.

Step 31 - Unscrew the LCD shield plate

• Use a Y000 driver to remove the 1.1 mm screws securing the LCD shield:

🔴 Three screws on the side nearest the display cables

🟠 Two more screws on the opposite side

ℹ Press your driver firmly into the screw while turning it. If needed, you can use your spudger to brace each screw from behind, in order to apply more pressure to the screws without bending the shield.


Step 32

• Remove the remaining 1.1 mm Y000 screws from the top and bottom edges of the LCD shield:

🔴 Highlighted red: Two screws near the camera cutouts

🟠 Highlighted orange: Two screws at the bottom corners


Step 33 - Add a little heat


• Apply a little heat from an iOpener (or hair dryer / heat gun) to the back of the display, in order to soften the adhesive securing the display cables to the LCD shield.


Step 34 -  Unstick the display cables

• Insert an opening pick between the display cables and LCD shield.

• Slide it toward the bottom edge of the display to begin separating the cables.

• Stop when you reach the end of the first cable.


Step 35 - Separate the two cables

•  Re-insert your opening pick, this time between the two cables.

• Slide the pick to the bottom edge of the display to separate the cables from each other.


Step 36 

• Grab each cable near its 90° bend, and peel them apart.


Step 37 

• Peel the entire digitizer cable away from the LCD shield, and fold it aside.


Step 38 - Lift the shield plate

• Insert an opening pick under the top edge of the LCD shield, and twist to separate it from the display.


Step 39

• Grab the LCD shield by its top edge and swing it upward a few degrees.

• Using your spudger, press gently on the lower part of the display cable, pushing it through the cutout in the LCD shield.


Step 40

• Raise the top edge of the LCD shield a bit higher, and feed the rest of the display cable through the cutout in the shield.


Step 41 - Separate the display cable

• Raise the LCD shield up at a higher angle, until you can see the rest of the display cable stuck to the back.

• Slide a spudger between the LCD shield and the display cable, and separate them completely.


Step 42 - Check the EMI fingers

• As you lift the LCD shield, note the metal prongs on the bottom edge.

📌 During reassembly, make sure these prongs (a.k.a. EMI fingers) are correctly inserted into the LCD frame as shown.


Step 43 - Remove the shield

• Remove the LCD shield.


Step 44

Only the LCD and digitizer remains.


Step 45 - Reassembling your phone

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our iPhone 11 Answers community for help.