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Prerequisite-only guide for removing the Taptic Engine assembly in order to access other components.
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iPhone XS Max Taptic Engine Assembly Replacement
Prerequisite-only guide for removing the Taptic...
Apple iPhone XS Max
Moderate
No estimate
Guide 117153
Licensed iFixit integration
This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.
Repair step
- Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
- Remove the two 6.9 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.
- Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.
Tape over any cracks
- Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's screen until the whole face is covered.
- If you can't get the suction cup to stick in the next few steps, fold a strong piece of tape (such as duct tape) into a handle and lift the screen with that instead.
Screen damage warning
- To avoid damaging your screen in the next step, note the following:
- There's a plastic bezel on the underside of the screen. Your opening pick will go underneath this bezel.
- There's a seam between the plastic bezel and the display panel. Don't insert your pick here or you'll damage the screen.
Anti-Clamp instructions
- Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.
- Slide the arms over either the left or right edge of your iPhone.
- Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.
- Squeeze the cups together to apply suction to the desired area.
Repair step
- Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.
- Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.
- Make sure the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.
Repair step
- Heat an iOpener and thread it through the arms of the Anti-Clamp.
- Fold the iOpener so it lays on the bottom edge of the iPhone.
- Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.
- Insert an opening pick into the gap under the screen and the plastic bezel, not the screen itself.
- Skip the next three steps.
Repair step
- Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about a minute in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.
Repair step
Repair step
- Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.
- Insert an opening pick into the gap under the screen and the plastic bezel, not the screen itself.
Repair step
- Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.
Screen information
Repair step
Repair step
- Slide the opening pick around the top corner of the display, while gently pulling or wiggling the display down in the direction of the Lightning port.
- Slide the pick to the opposite corner and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.
Repair step
Repair step
- Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.
- Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.
Repair step
- Remove four Y000 screws securing the logic board cover bracket, of the following lengths:
- Two 1.1 mm screws
- One 1.5 mm screw
- One 3.7 mm screw
Repair step
- Remove the bracket.
Repair step
- Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.
- Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.
Repair step
Repair step
- Remove the bracket.
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
- Gently lift to unstick and remove the bracket, being careful not to bend it.
- If necessary, apply a little heat with a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive. (Putting an iOpener on the bracket is not recommended, as this may bend the spring contacts along the top.)
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
- Remove the three screws securing the speaker:
- One 2.7 mm Phillips screw
- One 2.9 mm standoff screw
- One 3.1 mm standoff screw
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
- Hold the speaker by its side edges and rock it side-to-side, separating the adhesive securing it to the bottom edge of the iPhone.
- Pull the speaker away from the bottom edge of the iPhone until the adhesive gasket separates.
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
- Remove the Taptic Engine assembly.