The screen is broken or remains black.

In this detailed repair guide, we'll show you how to replace the defective display unit on your iPhone X yourself. This repair will help you if the glass is cracked, the 3D Touch no longer responds, or the OLED remains black or flickers.

Secure all data and touch something made of metal, such as the heater, to dissipate static charges before repairing.

Take extra care not to damage small parts. Some of them can't be replaced, so that your phone could lose some important functions such as Face ID. One extra sensitive part is the earpiece/sensor flex cable.

Required tools

  • Heat gun

    Heat gun

    You can use a heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove. In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.

    from €15.99 on Amazon
  • iFlex Opening Tool

    iFlex Opening Tool

    Opening your smartphone can be a very delicate operation, especially if the glue is very persistent. The blade of the flexible but sturdy iFlex measures just 0.15 mm, so it fits in even the smallest gaps, such as between the screen and the frame. The practical iFlex is made of stainless steel and sits comfortably in the hand. This makes it the perfect assistant for every smartphone repair.

    from €10.95 on Amazon
  • For storing screws

    For storing screws

    We recommend storing your screws so you don’t mix up the various screws and small parts.

    from €10.99 on Amazon
  • Tweezers

    Tweezers

    We recommend using tweezers to remove screws and various small parts from your device.

    on Amazon
  • Pick Set

    Pick Set

    You need a flat but stable tool such as a pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Plastic prying tool

    Plastic prying tool

    You need a flat plastic prying tool to disconnect the various plugs and connectors.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Pentalobe PL1 screwdriver

    Pentalobe PL1 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing pentalobe PL1 screws.

    on Amazon
  • Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.

    from €10.84 on Amazon
  • Y-type Y000 screwdriver

    Y-type Y000 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing Y-type screws.

    on Amazon

Required replacement part

  • iPhone Xs (OLED) Screen

    iPhone Xs (OLED) Screen

    on Amazon
Show all replacement parts for the iPhone Xs 

Getting started with the repair of your iPhone Xs

If you get stuck or have questions, you can post a comment. We’d be happy to help.

16 steps
  1. Switching off your device

    iPhone Xs - Switching off your device 01
    iPhone Xs - Switching off your device 02
    iPhone Xs - Switching off your device 03
    1. Turn your iPhone off completely to avoid damaging it during the repair. Press and hold the Standby button and one of the two volume keys for three seconds, until the "Power off" slider appears.
    2. Swipe the slider from left to right. Now your iPhone will shut down completely, which can take about ten seconds.
  2. Removing the back cover screws

    iPhone Xs - Removing the back cover screws 01
    iPhone Xs - Removing the back cover screws 02
    • 2 × 6,8 mm Pentalobe

    You need a pentalobe screwdriver (PL1) to open the iPhone Xs.

    1. Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the back cover. They’re to the right and left of the Lightning connector. Put the screws in the same box of your magnetic pad.
    2. Put your iPhone Xs on a soft, clean surface to avoid scratching the back.
    After being opened, your iPhone Xs loses its guarantee for dust and spray water protection (IP 68 rating).
  3. Removing the display

    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 01
    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 02
    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 03
    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 04
    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 05
    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 06
    iPhone Xs - Removing the display 07
    1. To lift the front panel, you need a suction cup, a hard plastic pick and a heat gun. If the screen is severely cracked, cover all of it with packing tape before you continue.
    2. The screen is glued to the frame. Use a heat gun to heat the outer edges of the display to about 60°C (140°F).
    3. Place the suction cup over the Home button (if possible) or next to it. While lifting the screen with the suction cup, insert the hard plastic pick between the steel frame and the display frame and press down the steel frame.
    Do not insert your tool more than 5 mm into the gap, so you don't damage small parts inside the iPhone.

    If you can't get a plectrum into the gap, you can use an iFlex. But change to a hard plastic plectrum as soon as possible to avoid scratches on the frame.

    1. Because the display’s glued on all sides, you have to slide the pick all around the iPhone between the steelframe and the display frame. Don’t stick the pick in too far on the side where the Sleep/Wake button is because that could damage the display flex cables.
    2. Now use the pick to push up the display so the tabs disengage from the steel frame. Then you can fold the display over to the side. Rest the display on a stable object to avoid straining the sensitive flex cables.

    Heat the outer edge of the frame several times if necessary.

  4. Disconnecting the battery

    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the battery 01
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the battery 02
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the battery 03
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the battery 04
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the battery 05
    • 1 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • 3 × 1,0 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 3,7 mm Phillips
    • Battery Connector

    Before starting the repair, disconnect the battery contact to prevent short circuits and avoid accidentally turning on your device during the repair.

    1. Use a Y-Type and Phillips screwdriver (Y000/PH00) to remove the screws. Then take off the bracket plate. Put all the parts in the same box of your magnetic pad.
    2. Note that the screws have different lengths

      Apple introduced Y-Type screws with the iPhone 7. They are often wrongly called Tri-Point or Tri-Wing. Use a matching Y-Type screwdriver for these screws so you don't strip the screw heads.

    3. Now very carefully pry off the battery contact by inserting a spudger under the connector.
  5. Disconnecting the display

    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the display 01
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the display 02
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the display 03
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the display 04
    iPhone Xs - Disconnecting the display 05
    • Display Connector
    • Earpiece connector
    1. The display unit is connected by three flexible cables.
    2. Use a spudger to separate the connectors for the display and the earpiece one by one.
    3. Be very careful when prying off the connectors using the spudger to prevent damaging anything.
    4. The flex cable of the earpiece is still slightly glued to the cable underneath. Loosen it by carefully pulling it off. Use hot air to help yourself if the adhesive doesn't come off.
    Be especially careful with the cable as there may be problems with FaceID if it gets damaged.
    1. If all connectors are off, you can remove the display. There may still be glue residue on the frame and display.
  6. Unscrewing the earpiece

    iPhone Xs - Unscrewing the earpiece 01
    iPhone Xs - Unscrewing the earpiece 02
    iPhone Xs - Unscrewing the earpiece 03
    iPhone Xs - Unscrewing the earpiece 04
    • 1 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1,8 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1,3 mm Y-Type

    When removing the earpiece, take care not to damage the sensitive flex cable connecting the earpiece and the sensors. Be very careful, because there are no working spare parts. If the flex cable is damaged, there may be problems with the FaceID function.

    1. Unscrew and remove the three Y-Type screws securing the earpiece.
    2. One of the screws is covered with black tape.

    3. If all three screws are off, you can fold the earpiece to the side. It is slightly glued.
  7. Removing the sensor cable

    iPhone Xs - Removing the sensor cable 01
    iPhone Xs - Removing the sensor cable 02
    iPhone Xs - Removing the sensor cable 03
    iPhone Xs - Removing the sensor cable 04
    iPhone Xs - Removing the sensor cable 05

    The flex cable of the earpiece contains several sensors which go through various holes in the display. For example the proximity sensor is right under the earpiece. This sensor switches off the display when you hold it to your ear to talk.

    1. The flex cable is slightly glued. Use a heat gun or a regular blowdryer to soften the glue.
    2. Slide a flat, strong tool like a steel spatula or tweezers under the flex cable. Be careful!
    3. Carefully pry the different sensors from their openings.
    4. Be extra careful when removing these parts. The flex cable is very easy to damage.
    5. If all parts are off, you can remove the flex cable.
  8. Preparing the new display unit

    iPhone Xs - Preparing the new display unit 01
    iPhone Xs - Preparing the new display unit 02
    • Plastic guide
    1. Not all available displays have the same features. If necessary, you’ll have to take some of the following plastic parts from your old display before installing the new screen (they are slightly glued on):
      • Front camera holder
      • Infrared camera holder
      • Sensor holder
    2. Peel the protective film off the new display and remove the seals.
  9. The right tools for your repair

    With the right tools, you will succeed in any repair. In our store you will find a large selection of professional quality tools.
    VIEW NOW
  10. Installing the sensor cable

    iPhone Xs - Installing the sensor cable 01
    iPhone Xs - Installing the sensor cable 02
    iPhone Xs - Installing the sensor cable 03
    iPhone Xs - Installing the sensor cable 04
    • Plastic guides

    Check whether the plastic guides are in the correct positions.

    1. Take the flex cable with the earpiece and the sensors.
    2. Stick the sensors through their openings in the display.
    3. Press the sensors in a little to seat them properly.
  11. Installing the earpiece

    iPhone Xs - Installing the earpiece 01
    iPhone Xs - Installing the earpiece 02
    iPhone Xs - Installing the earpiece 03
    iPhone Xs - Installing the earpiece 04
    • 1 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1,8 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1,3 mm Y-Type
    1. Fold down the earpiece and position the screw holes so they sit over the threads of the display.
    2. Use the three Y-Type screws to fasten the earpiece.
  12. Attaching a new frame sticker (optional)

    In the pictures you can see iPhone X. The iPhone Xs is built in the same way and is re-glued in the same way.

    1. To make sure that the new frame sticker will really stick, remove all glue residue and dirt from the metal frame.
    2. Remove the first protective film layer of the frame sticker.
    3. Position the frame sticker carefully on one edge of the frame and attach it gradually. Make sure the frame sticker is positioned evenly and press it on. You can use the plastic spudger to press the adhesive on.
    4. Remove the next large protective film.
    5. You can leave the small protective films on for now and remove them when you've connected the display and attached the bracket plates. This prevents anything from sticking to the frame sticker before you install it. But you can also remove the films right away.

    Please make sure the frame sticker is positioned correctly. Each corner has a different shape, which you can use for orientation.An iPhone repaired with a frame sticker will be protected against dust and spray water, but it will not be 100% waterproof!

  13. Connecting the display

    iPhone Xs - Connecting the display 01
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the display 02
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the display 03
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the display 04
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the display 05
    • Display Connector
    • Earpiece Connector
    1. Place the display unit on the edge of the frame and rest it against a stable object, in order not to overstretch the sensitive flex cables. Make sure your device doesn't slide away.
    2. Connect the two display connectors.
    3. You might need to press down the lower of the two connectors with a spudger to make it sit properly.
    4. Make sure the connectors attach properly. Don't slip and bend the socket contacts on the logic board.
    5. Use tweezers to position the earpiece connector over its socket on the logic board.
    6. Carefully press to attach the connector to its socket.
  14. Connecting the battery

    iPhone Xs - Connecting the battery 01
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the battery 02
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the battery 03
    iPhone Xs - Connecting the battery 04
    • Battery Connector
    • 1 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • 3 × 1,0 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 3,7 mm Phillips
    1. Now you can connect the battery connector.
    2. Then insert the bracket plate and fasten with the various screws.
  15. Testing the display

    iPhone Xs - Testing the display 01
    iPhone Xs - Testing the display 02
    iPhone Xs - Testing the display 03
    iPhone Xs - Testing the display 04
    1. Fold the display down but don't press it into place yet.
    2. Turn on the iPhone and check the brightness of the display.
    3. Test the touchscreen. Select an app and drag it all around the display. If the app follows your finger everywhere, the display’s working.
  16. Installing the display

    iPhone Xs - Installing the display 01
    iPhone Xs - Installing the display 02
    iPhone Xs - Installing the display 03
    iPhone Xs - Installing the display 04
    1. Take the display in both hands and slowly press it down.
    2. Make sure it sits properly everywhere in the frame and gradually press it down all over.

  17. Fastening the back cover screws

    iPhone Xs - Fastening the back cover screws 01
    iPhone Xs - Fastening the back cover screws 02
    • 2 × 6,8 mm Pentalobe
    1. Screw the two pentalobe screws to the left and right of the Lightning connector into the enclosure.
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