Opening Procedure

Written By: Dominik Schnabelrauch
  • Comments: 5
Opening Procedure

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

7

Time Required

30 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to open your Apple Watch Series 4 for repairs.

During the display opening procedure of the Apple Watch it is likely to damage the Force Touch gasket. If you separate the gasket layers or cut the cable, you'll also need to replace the Force Touch gasket itself.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

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    Hi. I changed the screen on an apple watch series 4, now the screen works, whcih is great, but when I charge it, the green snake comes on but never charges. It heats up the bottom, gets very warm. Could it be the battery itself? Maybe needs a new one? Is rthere anything else that woudl be causing the battery to not charge and or heat up on the bottom when chaging the screen?

    Derrick Brewer -

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    • Because the gap between the screen and watch body is so thin, a sharp blade is needed to separate the two. Read the following warnings carefully before proceeding.

    • Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the knife. If in doubt, protect your free hand with a heavy glove, such as a leather shop glove or gardening glove.

    • Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this might cause the knife to slip and cut you, or damage the watch.

    • Wear eye protection. The knife or glass may break, sending pieces flying.

    • Feel free to attach or remove the watch band as needed to provide more control as you make repairs.

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    • Prepare an iOpener (or use a hair dryer or heat gun) and heat the face of the watch to loosen the display adhesive.

    • Leave the iOpener on the watch for at least two minutes to fully heat the screen and soften the adhesive holding it to the case.

    • You may need to reheat the iOpener and repeat this procedure several times until the display adhesive gets loose enough.

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    • Place the edge of a curved blade into the thin gap between the display and the outer case. Start at the short side of the display, closest to the digital crown.

    • Press firmly straight down into the gap.

    • Once inserted, tilt the blade to pry the display open slightly.

    • Do not insert the knife more than 1/16th of an inch (~2 mm) to avoid damaging the Force Touch sensor.

    This part is REALLY hard! Even after using the iOpener to warm the watch I had to use A LOT of force to get the blade in between the glass and the case. Be very careful when prying the display. I applied way too much force and my blade shot into the case under the display. I don’t think I damaged anything, but I did replace the force touch gasket to be sure.

    mdhicksmdhicks -

    I have a stainless steel case, not sure if that makes a difference, and was unable to do this without breaking the screen. Be very careful. Followed instructions but could not get the screen to release no matter how hot I got the watch.

    Jason Michel -

    I am moderately experienced at opening Apple devices having replaced batteries in several iPhones, iPods, and an iPad. I could not get the watch open with the x-acto knife blade as shown. I found other sites showed using a 0.1mm thick tool. I bought one and found it relatively easy to open the watch. It has the advantage of going in horizontal rather than vertical so it went between the glass and the force sense gasket. Force sense gasket wasn't disturbed at all. iFixit should add this type of tool to their offering.

    Dan Kelly -

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    • Once you've opened a small gap with the curved blade, remove the blade and insert the thinner edge of an opening tool into the gap.

    • Push the opening tool into the gap, using your thumb as a pivot to lift the display open a bit farther.

    • Don't try to fully open or detach the display yet.

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    • It's likely that the Force Touch sensor will stick to the display frame instead to the watch's body. In this case, insert an opening pick under the display and carefully separate the Force Touch gasket from the display.

    • To preserve the Force Touch gasket, pry carefully under the edge of the display. If the Force Touch gasket splits when lifting the display, or if you separate the gasket layers, you'll also need to replace the Force Touch gasket itself.

    • Slide the pick around the display to separate the adhesive between the Force Touch gasket and the display.

    • Don't insert the opening pick deeper than 1/16th of an inch (~2 mm) to avoid damaging other components.

    This impossible for me. I just left the force touch gasket attached to the display side. I was able to bend the display back with the gasket still in place.

    mdhicksmdhicks -

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    • To avoid straining the display cables, don't open the display all the way yet.

    • Open the display at max. to an 45° angle, and use tweezers to peel off the adhesive between the display and the Force Touch gasket.

    • Thread the adhesive around and behind the display cables to get it off completely. Since the adhesive needs to be replaced anyway, you can cut it if that makes removal easier for you.

    • Make sure to return to this point during the reassembly of your watch and then continue with the Resealing Procedure.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

Author

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 23/11/16

224668 Reputation

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