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How to Fix an iPhone 3G Screen
Date: 05-15-2011 Click: 88651 Backup your iPhone! Connect it to your computer, browse to your iPhone in iTunes, and click "Sync."
2Gather all of the tools you will need. All these materials can be bought online in packages. A simple Google search, "iPhone screen repair kit", will produce you many results to choose from. Also, stores such as Zellers and Wal-Mart carry all the materials except for the screen. Ordering the materials offline will ensure that you get the correct size and type if you are uncertain. Here is what you need:
- A replacement glass. though it's coming from Hong Kong so it can take a week or two if you don't live in Asia
- A #00 Phillips screwdriver
- A razor blade, or other wedging and scraping tool
- Rubbing alcohol and Q-tips, and/or a hair dryer or heat gun
- Double-sided tape and scissors, or superglue
- Optional: A small suction cup
- Optional: Tweezers
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- Use a wedging or scraping tool. A razor blade works well. Put the razor blade between the rubber and metal and lift the screen. The screen will still be attached to the iPhone so be sure to read the next step to be prepared.
- Use a suction cup. Instead of using a scraper tool or a screwdriver which can damage the rubber surround, use a small suction cup. Place the suction cup right above the home button and gently pull up. The glass will pull right out with no damage to the surrounding rubber gasket (assuming the glass is not broken too badly to get a seal).
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Clean the metal frame from the broken glass. This step is the hardest part and will take a while, but make sure it is done well so the new screen fits snug. The specific approach to take will depend on how the glass broke, but don’t be scared to use force as long as you are not greatly bending the metal/plastic frame because you will reuse it. Use your razor blade or other wedging device to scrap away stuck pieces of glass and leftover residue of the former adhesive. Some people recommend using a heat gun or hair dryer, but be careful as this can deform the frame if it is torqued while applying heat. In that case you will have to heat it again to reform it. The adhesive does dissolve with rubbing alcohol, so try swabbing that on with a Q-tip and then working at it with the razor blade.- Be careful not to cut yourself! And if you get any tiny glass shards in your fingers or skin, read How to Remove a Splinter.
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Prepare your new screen. If you have double sided tape, make sure it is cut out correctly. If you have super glue, make sure when applying it that you do not apply too close to the home button. Only apply adhesive, whichever one it may be, to the wide black plastic on the bottom or top, staying away from the middle. You don’t want to glue the home button or the listening piece on the top. Let adhesive set for a few minutes to make sure it is set. If you use double-sided tape, consider using tweezers to manipulate it so that you don't get your finger oils all over it, diminishing its stickiness. Be sure to remove the protective plastic on the new glass where it will touch the tape.
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Put the 6 screws back that we took out before.
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Slide the #3 cable back into the clamp, making sure the clamp is open. This step is easier if you push the #3 down to straighten it out a bit, then hold the #2 and #1 cable with your thumb. Once you have the #3 cable reinserted, press down the black clamp.
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Put the #2 and #1 cables back on by simply pressing them onto the connector. Don’t worry about using a little bit of force or missing the connector a few times as it is bound to happen.
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Put the screen back onto the phone. Start by inserting the top, the side with the connectors, then place the bottom in. It should fit in nicely, avoid using force. After the screen and LCD are nice and snug, put the last 2 screws into their places on either side of the USB.
