Apple Watch - Series 10 (46mm) Screen Replacement

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

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Apple Watch - Series 10 (46mm) Screen Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a cracked, broken, or non-responsive screen on your Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) smartwatch. Look on the bottom of your watch to see what size you have.

Replacing the screen can cause issues with Apple Pay. To reduce the possibility of problems, delete all your Apple Pay account info before the replacement, and re-enter it with the new display installed.

You'll need replacement screen adhesive to complete this repair.

Tools

Step 1

Before starting this repair, remove your watch from the charger and let its battery drain completely—the watch should shut down from low battery. A charged lithium‑ion battery may catch fire if damaged.
Letting the battery drain completely also prevents accidentally turning your watch back on when gripping it during repair.

Step 2

Throughout the rest of your repair:
Attach and remove the watch bands as needed to get a better grip or stabilize your watch.
To remove a band, firmly press in the small, oval button on the underside of the watch and slide the band out of its groove.
Consider placing your watch on something soft like a clean cloth to help stabilize it and prevent damage.

Step 3

If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your watch. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.
Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.
Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

Step 4

Strong adhesive secures the perimeter of the screen to the frame. Heating the screen softens the adhesive, making it easier to separate.
Heat an iOpener and lay it on the screen for two minutes to soften its adhesive.
Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun—but be careful as extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.

Step 5

The gap between the screen and frame is extremely small. You'll need a thin tool such as an iFlex to create an initial gap.
Don't grip the iFlex or similar metal tools by the edges—they're very sharp. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.
Insert the iFlex at a downward angle between the bottom edge of the screen and frame.

Step 6

Prying up the screen may take multiple attempts. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.
With one hand, push down firmly on the watch's frame to secure it in place.
With your free hand, hold the iFlex and push the edges up to make it more rigid.
The iFlex should be slightly "U" shaped.
Pry up the screen enough for the iFlex to lay flat on its own.
The iFlex doesn't need to be inserted far, as it can easily damage the screen cables near the bottom right corner of the watch.
Leave the iFlex inserted under the screen.

Step 7

Do not insert your opening pick more than 3 mm under the screen when separating the adhesive, as you risk damaging your watches internals.
Keep the iFlex flat to maintain a gap between the screen and frame while inserting an opening pick.
Insert an opening pick between the screen and iFlex.
Remove the iFlex.

Step 8

Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and up the left edge.

Step 9

Continue sliding your pick along the top edge and around the top right corner, stopping just after the digital crown.
Don't slide your pick past the digital crown—you risk damage to the screen cables.

Step 10

Insert the long edge of an opening pick between the left edge of the screen and frame.
Twist the pick to lift the screen and separate any remaining adhesive.

Step 11

Pull the right edge of the screen over the digital crown.
If the screen feels stuck, go back around it with an opening pick to separate any adhesive.
Swing up the left edge of the screen so it's upright. The screen should be to the right of the digital crown.
During reassembly:
This is a good point to plug in your watch and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power it back down completely before you continue working.
Follow this guide to apply new screen adhesive and reseal your watch.

Step 12

Flip your watch so the screen is on your workspace and the frame is upright.
Keep the screen secured and the frame supported upright for the remaining steps.

Step 13

Use tweezers to peel up the tape covering the two screen cable ZIF connectors.

Step 14

Use the tip of an opening pick to pry up the small, hinged locking flaps on both screen cable ZIF connectors.

Step 15

Strong adhesive secures the screen cables. Heating the cables softens the adhesive, making them easier to separate.
Heat an iOpener and lay it on the screen cables for two minutes to soften the adhesive.
Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun—but be careful as extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.

Step 16

Slide an opening pick under the screen cables to separate it from the screen.
If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again. Don't use excessive force.