Screen Removal

Written By: Dominik Schnabelrauch
  • Comments: 9
Screen Removal

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

20

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a broken, cracked, or defective display on your Apple Watch Series 4.

Make sure to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 5 or later (and the paired iPhone to iOS 12 or later) to avoid pairing issues after a display replacement.

Replacing the display can cause issues with Apple Pay. If possible, to reduce the likelihood of problems, delete all your Apple Pay account info before the replacement, and then re-enter it with the new display installed.

This guide shows the procedure on the standard, GPS-only version of the watch, but the cellular/LTE version is similar.

  1. TDmmj111IrE2meG4
    TDmmj111IrE2meG4
    Cpp6tfMVL2vSSYE5

    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 -

  2. dHFOZE3GFSGxBhhH
    dHFOZE3GFSGxBhhH
    NvPAbIu3kDqSQsda
    Ot2VBZWEmrXNxt3H

    • 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.

  3. NwJjsTnJXVlpRVDB

    • 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.

  4. k3IDd4hsbkDqtrmd
    k3IDd4hsbkDqtrmd
    S4R1wEIwOJQ4UviI
    YqAXTDrCDtvIkckK

    • 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 -

  5. KuNPi1Z2VHKphUto
    KuNPi1Z2VHKphUto
    5PKygwrOcmTYAmap

    • 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.

  6. jK3rFdOpwMSaI2xw
    jK3rFdOpwMSaI2xw
    IPWpgQVoSf3uuXPC
    L1HVgo24JpO2pwUi

    • 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 -

  7. bbxyCNV5BNVXKwXf
    bbxyCNV5BNVXKwXf
    ACKAUAw2LSxO66kG
    oIvY2Pr1WE5ZKKG6

    • 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.

  8. T5IFtANCaFRiUVYI
    T5IFtANCaFRiUVYI
    BK2wAaN2YsSvQ3Gd

    • Carefully fold the screen to the back until you get enough space to pry out the battery.

    • Avoid tensioning the display cables when folding the screen to the back.

    • Insert an opening pick between the battery and the Taptic Engine.

    • A regular opening pick works fine with the 44mm version of the Apple Watch Series 4. However if you own the 40mm version and don't have enough space you can customize your opening pick with scissors.

    If you are just replacing the screen then there is no need to remove battery.

    anonymous 1930 -

    When removing the screen I tore the two outer cables attached to the lcd screen. What are their purpose? I read somewhere they are just some sort of shield. Will my watch function normally without them?

    thanks

    Mike Bahlman -

  9. llONwk1nUgKFZnnM
    llONwk1nUgKFZnnM
    axbIaUl6OxxySNYE
    ZAn2JGQiaGGy5JBm

    • Slide the opening pick along the edge of the battery to loosen the adhesive.

    • The adhesive which holds the battery in place is soft. However, if you're struggling to pry out the battery you can place a heated iOpener on the rear side of the watch to loosen the adhesive. Apply the iOpener for at least two minutes.

    • Use constant, steady pressure to slowly pry the battery up, separating it from the adhesive securing it to the system board.

    • Mind the display cables and especially the Force Touch cable which covers the battery in one corner so you don't damage them when levering the battery out.

    • Make sure you don't puncture or deform the battery, as it can catch fire and/or explode if damaged.

    • Don't try to remove the battery all the way yet. It is still connected to the watch assembly.

  10. ALceSRAHdGngFTyL
    ALceSRAHdGngFTyL
    nAqFMHnFgCmFH5nS

    • Carefully lift the battery and bring it in a 75° angle.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel the black sticker off the metal plate which covers the battery connector.

    Nothing is said about replacing the black sticker over the connector. I set it aside and found its adhesive was good enough to stay in place and put it back on during reassembly.

    Dan Kelly -

  11. LKGMeHb4RbqTwZsm

    • Remove the Y000 screw (1.2 mm length).

  12. 6wAKJpuVmXmYqPWg
    6wAKJpuVmXmYqPWg
    MDQaLHLfD6B2TM4F

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the metal plate which covers the battery connector.

  13. 4GFQSOoiaEAYvpwO
    4GFQSOoiaEAYvpwO
    RYFJORynT6iX2hUQ

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery flex cable.

  14. rKtPysGpWHjSVRDm
    rKtPysGpWHjSVRDm
    bhPYhpOIvBFhOKsK

    • Remove the battery.

    • Be sure to remove the protective liner to expose the adhesive on your new battery before you set it in place.

    • Do not reinstall a damaged or deformed battery, as doing so is a potential safety hazard.

    • If you are reusing your old battery during reassembly, you can reuse the existing adhesive to secure the battery during reassembly. Alternatively, remove the old adhesive with high isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth and use a small piece of double-sided tape such as Tesa 61395, or a dab of liquid adhesive such as E6000.

    When installing the new battery be aware that the sidewall of the watch directly above the contacts and cover screw hole is magnetized. This was shock to me and a little frustrating. Every time I attempted to place the cover with a tweezers it was pulled toward the sidewall. I pushed the plate in place with a spudger, then attached the screw to the tip of the screwdriver. I was then able to insert the screw with minimal disturbance to cover plate.

    mdhicksmdhicks -

  15. VSlgxaPJnhAPatmF
    VSlgxaPJnhAPatmF
    U2SBrHXsea6qnRJc

    • The black foil which covers the display connectors is very fragile and likely to rip. To keep the tape intact while peeling it off, it's necessary to use high isopropyl alcohol or an iOpener.

    • Apply a little bit of high isopropyl alcohol (>99%) to a Q-tip and apply it to the black adhesive foil. Let it penetrate the adhesive for about two minutes.

    • Alternatively you can place an a heated iOpener on top of the screen to loosen the adhesive. Apply the iOpener at least for two minutes.

  16. 5fqSJ2qekPSpVOqV

    • Use a pair of tweezers to carefully peel off the tape covering the three display cable connectors.

  17. 16OXZKDugoxUvBdI
    16OXZKDugoxUvBdI
    22nZ4JLW5NcrmOwX
    psVHqZtqJnPAPF2p

    • Use one arm of a pair of tweezers to carfully open the three ZIF connectors on the rear side of the screen.

  18. wxOOPCPtjeSXReAo
    wxOOPCPtjeSXReAo
    j3bHnEM5aLPruGfb
    yIhZPmqXvLktGtJL

    • Use a pair of blunt nose tweezers to peel up the sides of the black foil which adheres the cable to the rear side of the screen.

  19. JS4TcTrPwGxeZNCQ
    JS4TcTrPwGxeZNCQ
    dDBhLRGF5vHcjJmi
    g6aLYfetWPZqkjyP

    • Lift the body of the watch up and carefully slide a spudger underneath the display flex cable to loosen remaining adhesive.

  20. VEAiBkCtQPiIuuJl
    VEAiBkCtQPiIuuJl
    WvPry21qcXaZNrQS
    EEjX5tmtTRy31BYg

    • Carefully pull the display flex cables out of their ZIF connectors.

    • Make sure to hold on to the display flex cable during this procedure and avoid pulling only on the body of the watch. Otherwise the display cable might rip.

    • Separate the watch assembly and the screen.

Conclusion

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

0 comments