Don’t discard your Apple Watch when the screen stops working. Repairing your damaged Apple Watch display is simpler than you might imagine!
Breaking the screen of any device is certainly exasperating, but perhaps one of the most challenging screens to repair belongs to the Apple Watch. These watches are known for their complexity when it comes to repairs and maintenance. However, with the appropriate precautions, it is entirely feasible to mend a damaged Apple Watch screen in the comfort of your own home.
Repairing an Apple Watch Screen in Your Own Home
Assembling the Right Tools
If you’re contemplating how to repair your Apple Watch screen, you’ll be pleased to know that it only requires a few essential tools. The first and foremost item on your list should be to acquire a replacement Apple Watch screen that includes the OLED screen and the digitizer, appropriately sized for your model. Many of these replacement kits come complete with all the necessary tools. Nevertheless, below, we outline each tool you might require for your convenience:
1. A heat applicator, such as a heat gun or a hair dryer.
2. A sharp, precise blade, preferably with a curved edge, like an X-ACTO blade.
3. A delicate, precision tool like a 1mm flathead screwdriver.
4. Tweezers.
5. A Y000 driver, if you plan to reinstall the Force Touch sensor (which may be necessary if your watch struggles to register touch inputs correctly).
6. An electronics adhesive, such as E6000 adhesive.
Warming the Screen Adhesive
Once you’ve collected your tools and powered off your Apple Watch, it’s time to heat the adhesive securing the screen. Use your heat gun or hair dryer to gently apply heat to the Apple Watch screen. The goal is to heat it until it becomes slightly too hot to touch. This heating process makes it easier to detach the screen in the following step.
Carefully Detach the Screen
With the adhesive appropriately warmed, you can now proceed to remove the screen. Apply firm, downward pressure along the seam of the Apple Watch screen, using the curved edge of your blade. If you’re using a blade with a straight edge, take extra care to avoid unintentional scratches on the glass. After the glass starts to lift, slide an opening pick along every edge to completely separate it.
It’s crucial to slide the pick along the entire perimeter of the watch screen since any remaining adhesive might impede your efforts to remove the screen. Once you’ve completed this step, gently lift the screen’s bottom edge. Be extremely cautious, as the location may vary depending on your watch model, and there will be a cable or set of cables connected to the display. It’s essential not to damage any of these cables.
Place your Apple Watch on a raised surface, positioning it with the cable side parallel to the edge. Lift the screen and gently move it to the side without tilting it or attempting to disconnect the cable. Let the screen hang alongside the watch as you progress through the following steps.
Uninstall the Apple Watch Battery
Once you’ve successfully removed the screen, you’ll gain unrestricted access to the internal components of your Apple Watch. Depending on your specific model, you may have to disassemble a few internal components to facilitate the connection of the new display, starting with the battery. Carefully insert the opening pick into the gap between the watch and the right side of the battery, and gently pry it away from the casing.
For battery removal, rotate it counterclockwise (assuming the dial is on the right, turn it upwards) to reveal the connector underneath. To disconnect the battery from its connector, use a delicate tool like a plastic opening tool or a 1mm flathead screwdriver.
In certain instances, the battery removal step may not be required. For example, the Apple Watch Series 3 featured in this guide houses its display connector beneath the Taptic Engine cover instead of under the battery. Many early Apple Watch models have a similar internal structure.
Disconnect the Display and Digitizer Cables
With the battery removed, you can proceed to disconnect the display itself. Tilt the screen towards the dial, rotating it so that the lower surface of the glass display faces left. Employ a precise tool to carefully release the metal bracket securing the display and digitizer cables, lifting it toward the screen.
Maintain the bracket’s position with tweezers while using a miniature 1mm screwdriver to unfasten it. Pull the bracket’s cover toward the display using tweezers, and then gently detach the display and digitizer connectors.
Uninstall the Apple Watch Battery
Once you’ve successfully removed the screen, you’ll gain unrestricted access to the internal components of your Apple Watch. Depending on your specific model, you may have to disassemble a few internal components to facilitate the connection of the new display, starting with the battery. Carefully insert the opening pick into the gap between the watch and the right side of the battery, and gently pry it away from the casing.
For battery removal, rotate it counterclockwise (assuming the dial is on the right, turn it upwards) to reveal the connector underneath. To disconnect the battery from its connector, use a delicate tool like a plastic opening tool or a 1mm flathead screwdriver.
In certain instances, the battery removal step may not be required. For example, the Apple Watch Series 3 featured in this guide houses its display connector beneath the Taptic Engine cover instead of under the battery. Many early Apple Watch models have a similar internal structure.
Disconnect the Display and Digitizer Cables
With the battery removed, you can proceed to disconnect the display itself. Tilt the screen towards the dial, rotating it so that the lower surface of the glass display faces left. Employ a precise tool to carefully release the metal bracket securing the display and digitizer cables, lifting it toward the screen.
Maintain the bracket’s position with tweezers while using a miniature 1mm screwdriver to unfasten it. Pull the bracket’s cover toward the display using tweezers, and then gently detach the display and digitizer connectors.
Remove the Force Touch Sensor
At this stage, the force touch sensor should still be intact. However, if it has been inadvertently damaged, it must be entirely removed. Utilize a Y000 screwdriver to extract the screw keeping the force touch sensor connector in place. Subsequently, employ a delicate tool to carefully push the cable connector outward and disconnect it.
Loosen the adhesive securing the force touch sensor with heat and then gently employ your blade to separate the force touch sensor from the casing. Any residual adhesive can be removed by applying heat or by using a gentle cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
Install the New Force Touch Sensor
After successfully removing all the adhesive, you’re ready to install the new force touch sensor. Place the force touch sensor face down and use tweezers to peel away the protective liner. Align the force touch sensor meticulously with the case and apply it face down to ensure it adheres in perfect alignment with the watch.
Use a tool to apply pressure along the edge of the force touch sensor to ensure a perfect bond. Finally, gently insert the force touch sensor connector into place using tweezers. Secure it by carefully pressing it into the connection socket, and use the Y000 screwdriver to replace the screw designed to hold the connector in position.
At this stage, the force touch sensor should still be intact. However, if it has been inadvertently damaged, it must be entirely removed. Utilize a Y000 screwdriver to extract the screw keeping the force touch sensor connector in place. Subsequently, employ a delicate tool to carefully push the cable connector outward and disconnect it.
Loosen the adhesive securing the force touch sensor with heat and then gently employ your blade to separate the force touch sensor from the casing. Any residual adhesive can be removed by applying heat or by using a gentle cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
Install the New Force Touch Sensor
After successfully removing all the adhesive, you’re ready to install the new force touch sensor. Place the force touch sensor face down and use tweezers to peel away the protective liner. Align the force touch sensor meticulously with the case and apply it face down to ensure it adheres in perfect alignment with the watch.
Use a tool to apply pressure along the edge of the force touch sensor to ensure a perfect bond. Finally, gently insert the force touch sensor connector into place using tweezers. Secure it by carefully pressing it into the connection socket, and use the Y000 screwdriver to replace the screw designed to hold the connector in position.
Reconnect the Display and Digitizer Cables
Next, it’s time to install your new screen. Position the display over the watch with the lower face exposed so that the display and digitizer cables align directly with the connector socket. Gently press both connectors into place, then carefully tilt the bracket cover over them. Apply slight pressure to the top of the bracket until it securely clicks into position.
Reinstall the Apple Watch Battery
Similar to how the old screen was previously positioned, gently pivot the screen towards the left side of the Apple Watch, which is opposite the dial, and let it hang beside the watch as you proceed. Retrieve the Apple Watch battery and align its cable with the connector socket. Use tweezers to press the cable into position, then gently rotate the battery clockwise (toward yourself) to secure it in place.
Before moving forward, it’s essential to apply a gentle adhesive, such as an electronics adhesive tab, Tesa 61395, liquid E6000 adhesive, or a peel-n-stick adhesive. However, before doing so, you must confirm that the watch is functioning correctly. Attempt to power on the Apple Watch. If the display functions properly, you can proceed with the final steps. If not, you should inspect the cables and components to diagnose any issues with the display output or touch/crown input.
Apply the New Screen
Finally, you’re prepared to attach the new screen. Ensure that the display and digitizer cables are not strained or damaged as you position the screen. Once the screen is correctly centered, press down firmly until it is securely affixed. Use rubber bands to encircle the display in both directions, and allow the watch to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the adhesive to fully bond.
For additional Apple Watch repair guides, you can refer to resources like iFixit.
Enjoy Your Newly Repaired Apple Watch
If you’ve been wondering how to replace an Apple Watch screen or how much it costs to fix an Apple Watch screen, you may have been concerned about the complexity and cost of the process. Rest assured that by following the steps outlined above, you can restore your Apple Watch to full functionality in just a few hours.