Is your iPhone's back glass damaged by an unsightly crack? Not only do the shattered pieces ruin the sleek look of your device, but they may also leave you worried about further damage. The good news is that replacing a cracked iPhone Back Glass doesn't have to be a daunting task. In this article, we'll walk you through the process step by step, making it easy for you to restore your iPhone's original look. So, let's get started with fixing your cracked iPhone back glass and restore your phone to its former glory.
Is it really that difficult to replace the back glass of an iPhone?
Replacing the back glass of an iPhone is not just about aesthetics, it is actually a technical job that requires precision and expertise. As Apple continues to launch new models, the back glass has become more and more integrated with the internal components of the device, becoming an integral part of the overall structure of the phone. This integration greatly complicates the repair process, so when replacing it, you must use specialized tools and professional techniques to ensure a seamless replacement and restore the phone to its original state.
Necessary tools and replacement parts to replace the iPhone back cover glass:
Pentalobe screwdriver: This is a must-have tool for removing the screws that secure the iPhone shell. Apple devices use a unique Pentalobe screw design, which highlights the importance of having a dedicated Pentalobe Screwdriver. Using other incompatible tools may cause the screws to strip or break, affecting subsequent repair operations.
Suction cup and plastic pry tool: Play a key role in the process of safely lifting the screen while avoiding damage to internal components. The Suction Cup provides a stable grip to gently lift the screen, while the plastic pry tool can be used to gently separate the screen and the body along the gap. Since the plastic material is relatively soft, it can effectively prevent scratches on the delicate parts inside the phone.
Hot air gun or hair dryer: Mainly used to soften the adhesive between the back glass and the body of the phone, so that the back glass can be removed smoothly without damaging the device. During use, it is extremely important to accurately control the application of heat, because the iPhone contains many temperature-sensitive components. Once overheated, it may cause short circuits, component damage and other problems, which will affect the normal function of the device.
Precision tweezers and pry bars: Indispensable when handling small parts inside the phone. Tweezers can accurately grasp tiny components, and pry bars can be used to carefully pry and separate some tightly connected parts. These tools make the operation process more delicate, effectively reducing the risk of accidental damage to delicate parts and ensuring the smooth progress of repair work.
Laser separator: For the precise and safe removal of the iPhone back glass, the laser separator is a highly recommended tool. It uses a high-energy laser beam to accurately cut the adhesive between the rear glass and the body without contacting the internal components, ensuring that during the glass removal process, the circuit boards, chips and other precision components inside the phone will not be affected by any external force or other forms of impact, greatly improving the safety and success rate of repairs.
Replacement Parts
iPhone Back Glass: Must be the correct model and specification to match the specific iPhone model. There are different versions for different iPhone series and generations, so make sure you choose the right one.
Adhesive Tape: iPhone Back Glass Special Tape is required to ensure a strong bond between the new back glass and the phone body. Some replacement back glass kits come with pre-applied adhesive, while others may require the adhesive to be purchased and applied separately.
Step-by-step guide to replace your iPhone's cracked rear glass
DIY Hand Tools:
1. Power off iPhone
Always power off your iPhone before starting any repair work. This helps prevent any shorts or damage to internal components during the replacement process.
2. Remove bottom screws
Using a pentalobe screwdriver, carefully unscrew the two screws on the bottom of the iPhone. Set these screws aside in a safe place as you will need them to reassemble the device later.
3. Heat to soften the adhesive
Hold a heat source (Hot Air Gun or hair dryer) about 3-4 inches away from the back glass. Move it slowly and evenly over the surface for about 30 - 60 seconds. The heat will soften the adhesive that bonds the back glass to the frame of the phone. Be careful not to overheat the device as this may damage the internal components.
4. Use suction cup and plastic opening tool
Attach the suction cup to the center of the back glass. Apply gentle but firm pulling force to slightly lift the back glass. Once a small gap appears, insert the plastic opening tool into the gap. Slowly and carefully pry the edges of the back glass apart from the frame. Work your way around the phone, being careful not to insert the tool too deeply as this could damage internal components.
5. Remove the Old Back Glass
Once the back glass is completely separated from the frame, gently lift it up. Be aware that there may still be some adhesive left on the frame.
6. Clean the Frame
Use a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the frame where the back glass is attached. Remove all old adhesive as well as any dust or debris. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
7. Prepare the New Back Glass
If your new back glass came with pre-applied adhesive, make sure the protective film is still in place. If not, you may need to apply a new layer of adhesive according to the instructions included with your replacement part.
8. Install the New Back Glass
Align the new back glass with the frame of your iPhone. Press down firmly, starting in the center and working outward to ensure a good bond. Make sure the glass is evenly seated and that there are no bubbles between the glass and the frame.
9. Reinstall the Bottom Screws
Use the Pentalobe screwdriver to screw the two bottom screws back into place. Make sure they are tightened properly, but be careful not to overtighten as this may strip the threads.
10. Turn on your iPhone
Once you have reassembled your device, power on your iPhone to check that everything is working properly. The rear glass should be securely attached and there should be no issues with the device's functionality.
Laser iPhone Back Glass Separator
Ⅰ. Safety Precautions
Turn off your iPhone: Before starting any repair work, make sure your iPhone is turned off. This helps prevent any electrical shorts from occurring during the replacement process.
Eye Protection: Always wear Goggles when operating a laser separator. The laser beam can be harmful to your eyes, so wearing goggles is essential to avoid any potential damage.
Work in a well-ventilated area: Laser operations can produce fumes from melted adhesive. Working in a well-ventilated space ensures that you do not breathe in any hazardous materials.
When you are ready to use the laser machine to remove the iPhone back cover, all you need to do is repeat the previous DIY manual work steps 1 and 2. Then you can follow the guide below to complete the repair here.
Ⅱ. Using the Laser iPhone Back Glass Separator
Step 1: Position your iPhone
Place your powered-off iPhone on the laser separator's work surface. Most separators have a designated area or fixture to hold the iPhone. Make sure the iPhone is centered and aligned properly. Some advanced separators may have an automatic centering mechanism. For example, if your separator has a camera-based centering system, it will detect the edges of the iPhone and adjust its position to ensure perfect alignment in a matter of seconds.
Step 2: Adjust laser settings
Turn on the laser separator. On the control panel, set the laser power, speed, and focus. The appropriate settings depend on your iPhone model and the type of adhesive used. Manufacturers usually provide recommended settings for different generations of iPhones. For example, for an iPhone 12, you may need to set the laser power to a specific wattage and adjust the speed to ensure that the laser cuts the adhesive without damaging internal components. You can use a knob or digital control to adjust the focus. Some separators have an autofocus feature. If your phone has a back glass, activate this feature and the separator will automatically adjust the focus to precisely target the back glass.
Step 3: Start the laser process
After adjusting the settings, start the laser operation. The laser beam will aim at the back glass, and as it moves across the surface, it will break down the adhesive that bonds the glass to the frame of the phone. You'll see small sparks or lines engraved as the laser works. The process usually takes several minutes, depending on the size of your iPhone and the thickness of the adhesive. Do not touch the iPhone or the separator during this time to avoid any misalignment or accidents.
Step 4: Remove the old back glass
After the laser has finished its work, carefully use tweezers to lift the old back glass up. There may still be some weak adhesive residue. Use a Lint-free Cleaning Cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the frame where the back glass is attached. Gently wipe off all the old adhesive and any dust or debris. Make sure the area is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Install the new back glass
Step 1: Prepare the new back glass
If the new back glass came with pre-applied adhesive, carefully remove the protective film before installing it. If not, apply a new coat of adhesive following the instructions included with your replacement part. Make sure the adhesive is evenly distributed on the back of the glass.
Step 6: Align and install
Align the new back glass with the frame of your iPhone. Start by aligning the edges and the cutouts for the iPhone Camera, flash, and other components. Press down firmly on the new back glass, starting in the center and pressing outward. This helps to create a good bond and expel any bubbles between the glass and the frame.
Step 7: Reinstall the bottom screws
Use a Pentalobe screwdriver to screw the two bottom screws back into place. Tighten them appropriately, but be careful not to overtighten as this may strip the threads.
Step 8: Power on and check
Power on your iPhone and check that everything is working properly. The back glass should be securely attached, and there should be no issues with device functionality, such as camera, Wireless Charging (if applicable), or signal reception.
This tutorial details the complete process of DIY manual replacement and replacement of cracked rear glass using a laser iPhone rear glass separator, from full preparation before the operation, to precise steps for using the separator, to the perfect installation method of the new rear glass. Next, we present you with an intuitive and wonderful practical video of iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 14Pro Max rear cover glass separation, so that you can understand the whole process more clearly and help you easily handle the rear glass replacement problem.
In the video, you can clearly witness the entire process of DIY precise operation of the laser iPhone back cover glass separator on iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max. When using this tool to manually replace the back cover glass, starting from the initial steps, the old glass is methodically and perfectly separated from the body step by step. The whole process is smooth and efficient without any obstruction.
In fact, it is not difficult to replace the back cover glass of the iPhone. The key is patience and carefulness. Strictly follow the steps during the operation, and take the details such as tightening screws, heating and softening glue, and installing new glass seriously. You can't be careless. As long as you do this, you will definitely master this skill. If you need tools to repair the back cover glass of your iPhone, or have other iPhone repair work, you might as well go to Phonefix. The Professional Repair Tools here are rich and high-quality, from screwdriver sets to laser separators, which can meet various repair scenarios, help you start iPhone repairs, and make your beloved machine shine again.
