Replace a cracked or broken iPhone 5 screen

1Make sure your phone is powered off

2Remove the 2 screws on the bottom of the iPhone

Using the star screwdriver, remove both of the small screws. They are located on both sides of the charger port.

3Using the black pry tool, pry the screen away from the phone

The title makes this step seem easier than it actually is. You must be very careful not to damage any components as you’re trying to wedge the tool between the bottom edge of the screen and the phone. This step will take some time as you will need to apply a good bit of pressure to lift the screen. If necessary, you may use the suction cup provided to get a good grip on the screen. Since my screen is damaged, the suction cup was pretty much useless.

4Carefully lift the screen and keep hold of it

There are still cables attached so you will want to do this carefully. Also take this time to study the inside of the phone!

5Unscrew and remove the screen cable cover

There are three screws that must be removed to get to the ribbon cables. The cover can be removed by lifting the right side and sliding it left.

6Carefully remove the ribbon cables

I used the small flat head screwdriver to gently lift the edge of each ribbon cable. There are three different cables that must be removed in order to completely remove the broken screen. Once you’ve removed them, set the screen upside down. We will have to remove a few things from the broken screen.

7Remove the front facing camera assembly

There are three screws securing a protective shield over the back of the front facing camera that must be removed. Remove the cover and make sure to keep these pieces together.

8Remove the screws securing the metal plate behind the screen

9Set the plate and screws aside

10Remove the remainder of the camera assembly

This is a step where you will have to pay close attention to how this assembly is put together. You may have to use a flat head screw drive to help lift where parts are secured by adhesive. Once you’ve lifted the entire assembly including the plastic camera cover, set it aside.

11Remove the button assembly

There are two screws securing the plate behind the button. Once the plate is gone you will have to remove the piece to the right of the button secured by adhesive. You can use a flat head screwdriver if necessary. After removing these pieces the button should pop out the back. Set this entirely assembly aside.

12Replace the camera assembly on the new screen

You will have to be very cautious and precise to position the camera properly. Begin by placing the plastic cover followed by the camera. You can place the cover on now or wait until after you’ve positioned the metal plate behind the screen.

13Position the metal plate and screw it in

14Replace the button assembly

Place the button in position, place the adhesive strip back in place, then screw on the cover.

15Make sure you’ve properly placed and secured all covers

16Reattach the ribbon cables

This step will require some patience. Position the cables in place and then apply a little bit of pressure until you feel them snap into place. You shouldn’t have to press too hard, so move them around until they are in the right place.

17Place and secure the cable cover back over the ribbon cables

18Place the new screen back into place

You will have to apply a little bit of pressure and wiggle screen around a bit until it settles back into place.

19Finally screw in the remaining screws to secure the screen in place

20Rejoice!