Replacing LCD display on the iPhone 12 Pro Max

Before starting, it is necessary to discharge the iPhone below 25% because a charged Li-ion battery can ignite or explode if accidentally cut.

• 1. Turn off the iPhone
• 2. On the bottom edge of the iPhone, unscrew two 6.7 mm long pentalobe screws using a Pentalobe PL1 (0.8 mm) screwdriver.

Opening iPhone will break its waterproof seal, so have a replacement seal ready before beginning this step. Without a new seal, your iPhone will not be waterproof.

A) Heating the phone

1. It is recommended to wear protective ESD gloves.

2. Using a heat gun or a hair dryer, heat entire bottom side of the iPhone for about 2 minutes to reach a temperature of approximately 80°C (176°F), or until it becomes difficult to keep your hand on the phone due to the high temperature.

Heating the phone up helps to soften the adhesive between the display and the phone frame, making it easier to open.

Note: There are two fragile cables linking the screen to the phone: one positioned slightly above the mute switch, and the other located approximately halfway between the volume down button and the bottom edge of the phone.

There are several spring contacts located around the phone's perimeter.

Exercise caution to avoid inserting your pick deeper than recommended in these areas to prevent bending these contacts.

B) Opening the display

The display can be opened in two different ways: The first method is using a suction cup, and the second method is using a securing tool, which is safer.

In this guide, we will proceed using a suction cup.

Placement of the suction cup

• Place the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone, one on the front and the other on the back, and gently press down on the spot.
• If using a single cup, attach it to the bottom edge of the phone, stay away from the edge of the glass.
• Securely hold your iPhone and with firm, steady pressure, pull on the suction cup to create a gap between the frame and the display.

After separating the display about 3 mm from the frame, insert a pick or card into the gap.

The adhesive holding the display in place is very strong. Therefore, creating this initial gap requires considerable force. If you encounter difficulty, reheat the bottom edge and gently slide the display up and down repeatedly to weaken the adhesive until you create a gap large enough to insert the card.

C) Heating the right edge

• Using a heat gun or a hair dryer, heat the right edge of the iPhone (the edge with the power button) for 90 seconds or until the display becomes too hot to touch.

D) Releasing the right clip and separating the adhesive (right side of the iPhone)

Avoid inserting your pick more than 5 mm deep along the right edge.

• Gently maneuver your opening tool around the lower right corner of the screen and toward the power button until you encounter resistance from a clip securing the screen.
• Adjust the orientation of your pick so that the flat edge is positioned beneath the screen.
• Rotate the pick to widen the space between the screen and the frame until the right clip disengages.
• Insert a second opening pick to the right of the initial one.
• Move the first pick back to the bottom right corner of the screen.
• Glide the second pick to the top right corner of the screen to loosen the adhesive.
• Leave these picks in place to prevent the adhesive from sealing again.

E) Heating up the top edge

• Using a heat gun or a hair dryer, heat the top edge of the iPhone for 90 seconds or until the screen becomes too hot to touch.

• Use the pick or card to separate the adhesive around the top right corner of the iPhone

Before proceeding, leave the pick or card in this corner.

F) Separating the adhesive and releasing the top left clip

• Insert a third opening pick in the top right corner, just above the previous pick.

Do not insert the pick or card more than 3 mm along the top edge, as you could damage internal components.

• Guide your pick around the upper right corner and along the top edge to disengage the two clips and adhesive holding it in place.
• Rotate your pick so its flat edge is under the screen.
• Twist your pick to release the top left screen clip.
• Slide your pick to the top left corner.

G) Heating up the left edge

• Using a heat gun or a hair dryer, heat the left edge of the iPhone for 90 seconds or until the display becomes too hot to touch.

H) Releasing the left clips and separating the adhesive (left side of the iPhone)

Exercise caution not to insert your pick more than 2 mm deep along the left edge to prevent damage to the two cables linking the screen to the phone.

Rotate your pick around the upper left corner of the screen.

Guide your pick toward the bottom left corner of the screen to loosen the adhesive.

• After successfully releasing the adhesive from the edges, remove the suction cup/s.
• Open the iPhone by flipping the display to the left side (like a book).

It is recommended to support the display to avoid tearing the flat flex cable that connects the display to the motherboard.

Do not attempt to fully detach the screen yet, as several fragile flat flex cables still connect it to the iPhone's motherboard.

Warning: If the battery is damaged stop the repair.

When reassembling the iPhone to its original state, place the display in position. Align the clips along the top edge and before snapping the rest of the display into place, gently press the top edge into position. If it doesn't snap into place easily, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the screen and ensure they are not bent.

Utilize a Y000 tri-point screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the battery cover in place:

- Four screws measuring 1.1 mm in lenght

Use tweezers to lift the cover and remove it.

Employ the pointed end of an spudger to lift and detach the battery press connector.

When reattaching a press connector, align it with its socket and carefully press down on one side until it clicks into position, then repeat the process for the other side. Ensure it sits flush, as the insulating rubber around the sockets may hinder a complete connection.

When reassembling phone this is a good time to test your new display if it works correctly before sealing the phone again.

• Utilize the sharp tip of a spudger to gently lift and disconnect press connector for display.

Unscrew the three screws securing the front sensor connector cover:

One 1.7 mm Phillips screw

One 1.3 mm Phillips screw

One 1.8 mm Y000 screw

Carefully remove the cover because there is a small clip by the edge that is under the flex cable.

• Disconnect the front sensor flex cable connector using a spudger tool.

• Remove the display assembly.

After removing the display, place it on a clean, straight surface.

Warning: Do not touch the TrueDepth camera, grounding springs or near parts.

Take out the four screws fastening the assembly to the rear of the display:

• Two Phillips screws (1.3 mm)
• One shouldered Y000 screw (1.8 mm)
• One Y000 screw (1.1 mm)

With tweezers flip the front sensor cover bracket

• The speaker is still connected by a delicate ribbon cable. Handle it with care to avoid putting stress on or damaging the cable.

• Use a heat gun or a hair dryer and apply it to the top edge of the old screen.

Be careful not to overheat the display. It is vulnerable to heat damage.

Place an opening pick between the proximity sensor and its slot on the screen.

Gently lift with the pick to detach the proximity sensor from the screen.

• Use the tip of a spudger to carefully pry the microphone out of its slot in the front panel

• Using the tip of a spudger, carefully pry the module out of its slot in the front panel.

Take out the earpiece speaker along with the front sensor assembly.

When reassembling, ensure the black plastic module housing the following components is correctly aligned:

• Proximity sensor
• Flood illuminator

Make sure the module is positioned in a way that these components remain unobstructed by any adhesive.

Use a wider end of spudger to lift the assembly away from the display.

If the adhesive has cooled, warm up the assembly with a heat gun or hair dryer for about one minute before proceeding.

Next, insert an opening pick under the left side of the front sensor assembly. Carefully slide the tool beneath the assembly to detach it from the frame.

Little bit of isopropyl alcohol under the assembly can help you unstick the adhesive.

Connect the sensors to their designated slots in the frame to assist in aligning the main section of the assembly.

Then, use double sided tape to re-affix any parts of the assembly that have lost their adhesive properties.

Put the bracket back in its place on the new display and screw back the screws that is holding it in place.

Using a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) with a bit of isopropyl alcohol, clean the areas of the case and rear display where you removed the old adhesive.

This will help remove any remaining adhesive residue and prep the surface for the new adhesive.

For best results, swipe your cleaning cloth in one direction, not back and forth.

Remove all the old screen adhesive around the perimeter of your iPhone's case using a spudger or tweezers.

Be sure to remove any remaining smaller bits of adhesive with the tip of your spudger

Be careful not to damage any of the spring contacts as you go around the frame.

Apply new adhesive around the edges of the iPhone.

Reconnect the battery through the reverse process.

The new adhesive will ensure the iPhone's resistance to water and dust.

Before placing the new display on the iPhone make sure to remove the protective foil.

Opening your iPhone will breach its water-resistant seal, so have a replacement seal ready before starting this step. Without a new seal, your iPhone will not be water-resistant, and there's a higher likelihood of dust or moisture ingress.

Check the phone for excess screws and small parts that may be stuck in the body of phone and remove them.

Install the new display on your phone.

When reassembling the iPhone back to its original state, follow these instructions in reverse order.

After reassembly, perform a forced restart. This may help prevent some issues.