iPhone 16 Pro Screen Removal

Written By: Nick Schultz

Comments: 1

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace a broken, cracked, or non‑responsive screen on your iPhone 16 Pro.

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

Note: Since you can't disconnect the battery during this repair, be especially careful not to use metal prying tools or touch any exposed contacts in your iPhone.

After your repair, calibrate an authentic screen using Apple's Repair Assistant.

Tools

Step 1

Allow the phone's battery to drain below 25%, as a charged lithium-ion battery is a potential safety hazard.
Unplug any cables from the phone.
Hold the power and either volume buttons and slide to power off the phone.

Wilson Demosthène

Demosthène Wilson -

Step 2

If the screen or back glass is badly cracked, lay overlapping strips of packing tape over the glass to protect yourself and make disassembly easier.
Make sure there's a smooth area near the bottom edge that's big enough for a suction cup to stick to.

Step 3

If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your device. 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.
You can also mark the other corners of the pick with different measurements.
Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

Step 4

Use a P2 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two 7.4 mm‑long screws on either side of the USB-C port.

Step 5

The next two steps show how to create an initial gap using a suction handle.
Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the bottom edge of the screen until it's hot to the touch.
You can also use an iOpener to heat the screen. Follow these instructions to heat and apply the iOpener properly.

Step 6

Apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the screen.
Pull up on the handle with a strong, steady force to create a gap between the screen and the frame.
If you can't create a gap, apply more heat to the edge and try again.
Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

Step 7

As you slice the adhesive securing the screen in the following steps, don't insert your pick deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the following areas:
Two delicate cables connecting the screen to the iPhone—one just above the Action button and the other about halfway along the left edge of the iPhone
Multiple spring contacts around the perimeter of the iPhone

Step 8

Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to release the adhesive.
Don't insert the pick deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the spring contacts.
If the adhesive feels difficult to slice, reheat the edge for a minute.
Leave the opening pick in the bottom-left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 9

Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the left edge of the screen until it's hot to the touch.

Step 10

Don't insert your pick deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the spring contacts and cables.
Insert a second opening pick in the bottom-left corner, close to the existing pick.
Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the screen to separate the adhesive and release the metal clips.
You'll hear and feel the metal clips release as you pass them.
Leave the opening pick in the top-left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 11

Repeat the heating and slicing procedure along the remaining screen edges.

Step 12

At this point, the screen should be free from the frame. If the screen feels stuck, go back around the perimeter with your pick and carefully check for missed sections of adhesive or stuck clips.
Carefully lift the screen upwards until the clips along the long edges clear the frame.
Swing open the screen over the left edge of the iPhone and lay it flat on your work surface.
During reassembly, use this guide to reapply adhesive and install your new screen.
Be careful not to damage any of the spring contacts as you clean the frame.

Step 13

Use a tri-point Y000 driver to remove the two 1.3 mm‑long screws securing the front sensor and display connector covers.

Step 14

Use tweezers to grasp the front sensor connector cover near the screw hole.
Lift and remove the cover.

Step 15

Repeat this process for the other cover.
During reassembly, tuck each cover's tab under its frame cutout, then attach the screw to secure the cover.

Step 16

Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display press connector.

Step 17

Repeat this process for the front sensor press connector.
During reassembly, align the connector carefully over its socket and press down with your fingertip—first on one side, then the other—until it clicks into place. Don't try to force the connector into place. If you're having trouble, reposition it and try again.

Step 18

Remove the screen.

Conclusion

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

After your repair, calibrate a genuine replacement screen using Apple's Repair Assistant. Navigate to Settings → General → About → Parts & Service History, tap Restart & Finish Repair, and follow the onscreen prompts.

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 16 Pro Answers community for help.

Author

Nick Schultz

Member since: 24/03/24

20083 Reputation

iPhone 16 Pro Screen Removal

Introduction

Tools

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