Replacing LCD display on the iPhone 12

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

• Turn off iPhone
• Unscrew the two 6.75 mm long pentalob screws on the bottom edge of the iPhone using a Pentalobe screwdriver (Ph0001.2)

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.

Warming the bottom edge of iPhone helps soften the screen protector and make it easier to open.

• Using a hair dryer or heat gun, heat the bottom edge of iPhone for about 3 minutes to bring the temperature to about 80 ° C.
• Do not put iPhone in the microwave !!!

• Place the suction cups near the bottom edge of iPhone, one at the front and the other at the back, and gently push it into place.
• Hold your iPhone securely and use gentle suction cups to separate the screen from the back of the phone.
• After separating the display approx. 3 mm from the back, insert the Fixservis card into the gap.

The glue that holds the display in place is very strong, so creating this initial gap requires considerable force.  If you have difficulty, reheat the bottom edge and gently slide the screen up and down repeatedly to weaken the glue until you create a gap to insert the Fixservis card.

• After successfully releasing the adhesive from the edges, remove the suction cups.
• Open iPhone by turning the display to the left like a book.
• We recommend that you support the display so that you do not tear off the flat cable that holds the display from the system board.

For now, don't try to completely detach the display, as a few fragile flat cables still connect it to the iPhone's motherboard.

• Remove the two 1.1 mm long screws using a Pentalobe screwdriver (Y) securing the connector cover and remove at the same time.

Throughout the repair, follow each screw to make sure it returns exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

• Use the tip of the Spudger to disconnect the battery connector on the system board from the system board.
• Bend the connector slightly away from the system board to prevent accidental contact with the outlet and power to the phone during repair.

• Disconnect the OLED panel and digitizer cable connector using the Spudger.

• Using a Pentalobe screwdriver, remove the four screws that secure the front sensor connector cover:

- Three screws 1.1 mm long

- One 1.4 mm long screw

• Then remove the cover.

Throughout the repair, follow each screw to make sure it returns exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

• Disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector using the Spudger or nail.

• Remove the four screws using a Pentalobe screwdriver that secures the sensor speaker assembly to the back of the display:

- Two 1.4 mm long Phillips screws

- One Y000 screw with a length of 1.7 mm

- One 1.2 mm long Y000 screw

• The handset speaker is slightly stuck in place.
• Use the Spudger to gently pry the top edge of the speaker.
• Flip the speaker assembly down and out of the top edge of the display.

The speaker remains attached with a very thin flat cable.  Be careful not to strain or damage the cable.

• Use a hair dryer or heat gun on the top front of the display for 1-2 minutes to soften the sensor mounting glue.

• Use the Spudger to lift and separate the ambient light sensor from its notch on the front panel.
• Then remove it with tweezers.

Be careful not to damage the light sensor ribbon cables when prying.

• Install the speaker + front sensor assembly on the new LCD display.

To reinstall, follow these instructions in reverse order.