iPhone X Front Camera Assembly Replacement

Step 1

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #000 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.
• Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
• Remove the two 6.9 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.
• If the screws are stripped or damaged, replace the screws.
• 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.

Step 2

Mark your opening picks

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your device. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.
• Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.
• You can also mark the other corners of the pick with different measurements.
• Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

Step 3

Tape over any cracks

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Suction Handle Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• If your iPhone has a cracked screen, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping over the glass.
• Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's screen until the whole face is covered.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.
• 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.
• If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the screen.

Step 4

Screen damage warning

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• 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.
• Sometimes the display panel separates from the bezel before you even get a chance to insert a pick. This may be unavoidable depending on the condition of the adhesive. In this case, you’ll most likely need to replace your entire screen.

Step 5

Anti-Clamp instructions

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Suction Handle Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The next three steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down three steps for an alternate method.
• For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.
• 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.
• If you find that the surface of your iPhone is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use tape to create a grippier surface.

Step 6

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Suction Handle Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• 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.

Step 7

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iOpener Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Heat an iOpener and thread it through the arms of the Anti-Clamp.
• You can also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but extreme heat can damage the display and/or internal battery, so proceed with care.
• 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 under the screen and the plastic bezel, not the screen itself.
• If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle a quarter turn.
• Don't crank more than a quarter turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.
• Skip the next three steps.

Step 8

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iOpener Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Heating the lower edge of the iPhone will help soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.
• 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.
• If you use a hairdryer or heat gun, do not heat to much because that can result in damaging the screen.

Step 9

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Suction Handle Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• If using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the curved portion of the glass.

Step 10

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Suction Handle Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the screen and the frame.
• Insert an opening pick into the gap under the screen's plastic bezel, not the screen itself.
• The watertight adhesive holding the screen in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you're having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

Step 11

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• 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.
• Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage internal components.

Step 12

Screen information

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• There are delicate cables along the right edge of your iPhone. Don't insert your pick here, as you may damage the cables.

Step 13

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.
• Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage the display cables.

Step 14

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.
• 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.
• The clips will break if you use too much force. Work carefully and be patient.
• Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage the front panel sensor array.
• Slide the pick to the opposite corner and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

Step 15

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Suction Handle Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

Step 16

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.
• Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone's logic board.
• As pictured, make sure the frame comes off with display and doesn't get stuck in the device.
• Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.
• During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn't click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren't bent.

Step 17

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #000 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Remove five Y000 screws securing the logic board connector bracket, of the following lengths:
• Three 1.1 mm screws
• One 3.1 mm screw
• One 3.7 mm screw
• Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

Step 18

Repair step

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• Remove the bracket.
• The bracket may be lightly adhered in place. Lift gently but firmly to separate it.
• During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.

Step 19

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.
• Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.
• 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.

Step 20

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector.

Step 21

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the OLED panel cable connector.
• To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Step 22

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Use the point of a spudger to pry the digitizer cable connector up from its socket.
• This connector's recessed location makes it tricky to reconnect. Take your time and align it carefully, then gently press it into place with your fingertip—first one side, then the other. You should feel it click into place.
• If any part of your screen doesn't respond to touch after your repair, disconnect the battery and then re-seat this connector, making sure it clicks fully into place and that there's no dust or other obstruction in the socket.

Step 23

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The front panel sensor assembly flex cable is lightly adhered in place.
• Carefully lift the cable until the adhesive separates.

Step 24

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Remove the display assembly.
• During reassembly, pause here if you wish to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the display.

Step 25

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #000 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Be careful not to touch the three rows of grounding pads near the bottom of the iPhone.
• Remove the seven screws securing the bracket below the Taptic Engine and speaker:
• Two Y000 1.9 mm screws
• One Y000 1.2 mm screw
• One Y000 1.6 mm screw
• One Phillips 2.4 mm screw
• One Phillips 1.7 mm screw
• One Phillips 1.5 mm screw

Step 26

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Lift the bracket from the edge nearest the battery. Don't try to remove it fully, as it's still connected via a small flex cable.

Step 27

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• While holding the bracket out of the way, use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flex cable underneath.

Step 28

Repair step

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• Remove the bracket.

Step 29

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #000 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Remove the 2.1 mm Y000 screw securing the speaker connector cover.

Step 30

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Remove the speaker connector cover.

Step 31

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the speaker connector.

Step 32

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• When prying up the speaker, take care not to damage the flex cable you just disconnected. If necessary, hold it to one side so the speaker has room to come out.
• Insert a spudger under the top edge of the speaker near the edge of the iPhone's case.
• Gently pry up and lift the top edge of the speaker.
• When reinstalling the speaker, check the position of the flex cable and make sure it doesn't get trapped underneath the speaker.

Step 33

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• 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.

Step 34

Repair step

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• Remove the speaker.

Step 35

Replace the speaker gasket

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The speaker's gasket is not reusable. During reassembly, follow this step to replace the gasket.
• Use tweezers to peel off and remove all the old gasket from the frame and speaker.
• Use a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol to clean all the gasket's adhesive residue from the frame and speaker.
• Before installing the speaker gasket, find its proper orientation on the bottom of the speaker—the large cutout on the gasket should go around the speaker grille mesh.
• Remove the larger, clear liner from the gasket and use tweezers to carefully put the gasket into place on the bottom of the speaker.
• To avoid touching the exposed adhesive, only grip the gasket by the outer edges of the liner.
• Use your fingers or a spudger to firmly press the gasket into place to secure it with the adhesive.
• Remove the remaining liner and put the speaker into place, making sure the speaker connector doesn't get stuck underneath.

Step 36

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #000 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Remove the 2.3 mm Phillips screw securing the Taptic Engine.

Step 37

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Use a spudger to disconnect the Taptic Engine flex cable by prying it straight up from its socket.

Step 38

Repair step

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• Remove the Taptic Engine.

Step 39

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The iPhone X's battery is secured to the rear case by four pieces of stretch-release adhesive—one on the top cell, and three on the bottom.
• Each piece of adhesive has a black pull-tab at the end, which is lightly adhered to the side edge of the battery.

Step 40

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Separate the first battery adhesive tab from the bottom edge of the battery.
• Each tab has a small loop in the center; insert a tool through the loop if you're having trouble grabbing hold of the tab.
• Don't jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

Step 41

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Repeat the above step to separate the remaining two adhesive tabs from the bottom edge of the battery.
• Take care not to damage the speaker cable connector just below the center adhesive tab.

Step 42

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• In the following steps, you'll pull each tab to slowly stretch out the adhesive underneath the battery. This special stretch-release adhesive loses its tack when stretched and then comes out in your hand, allowing you to lift out the battery with ease.
• If the strips break, don't panic! They don't always work as intended. Keep reading for some additional steps for removing broken strips.
• To increase your odds of success:
• Don't press down on the battery. Hold the iPhone firmly by its sides.
• Keep the strips flat and unwrinkled as you pull.
• Pull very slowly, giving the strip time to stretch and separate. It takes around 15-30 seconds of stretching to remove each strip.
• Pull at a low angle so the strip doesn't snag along the bottom edge of the battery.
• If a strip does break off underneath the battery and cannot be retrieved, move on to the other strips and then continue with the additional steps below.

Step 43

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Grab one of the outer battery adhesive tabs and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.
• Pull steadily, maintaining constant tension on the strip until it slips out from between the battery and the rear case.
• The strip will stretch to many times its original length. Continue pulling and re-grab the strip near the battery if necessary.
• If the battery adhesive tabs break during the removal process, use your fingers or blunt tweezers to retrieve the remaining length of adhesive, and continue pulling.
• If any of the adhesive strips break underneath the battery and cannot be retrieved, try to remove the remaining strips, and then proceed as instructed below.

Step 44

Repair step

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• Repeat the previous step to remove the strip on the opposite side, leaving the center strip for last.

Step 45

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Remove the center strip, being careful not to snag it on the speaker flex cable.

Step 46

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The final pull tab lies very close to the Face ID hardware. If damaged, Face ID can only be repaired by Apple, so work with care.
• Peel and separate the pull tab on the final adhesive strip, on the top edge of the upper battery cell.

Step 47

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Pull and remove the final adhesive strip.
• The strip may fling the battery when it separates from the iPhone, so hold your hand over the battery to secure it—but don't press down on the battery itself, or the added pressure may cause the adhesive strip to break off underneath the battery.
• If you removed all four adhesive strips successfully, skip the next step.
• If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, apply a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery in the area of the broken adhesive strip(s).
• Wait about one minute for the alcohol solution to weaken the adhesive. Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the battery.
• Don't try to forcefully lever the battery out. If needed, apply a few more drops of alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.
• Be careful not to damage the ribbon cables or the wireless charging coil directly underneath the battery.
• For alternative methods to unstick the battery from the case, continue to the next step below.

Step 48

Alternative method to unstick the battery from the case

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iOpener Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• If any of the adhesive strips broke off and the battery remains stuck to the rear case, prepare an iOpener or use a hair dryer to heat the rear case directly behind the battery.
• Heat the iPhone until the rear case is slightly too hot to comfortably touch. Don't overheat the iPhone, or you may accidentally ignite the battery.
• Flip the iPhone back over and thread a strong piece of string (such as dental floss or a length of thin guitar string) underneath the battery.
• Wrap the ends of the string around a cloth (or wear gloves) to protect your fingers.
• Pull the string from side to side in a sawing motion all along the length of the battery to separate the adhesive. This can take some time since the adhesive is slow to deform, but with patience it will come free. Do not deform or damage the battery.
• If you choose to use pry tools to lift the battery out of the iPhone, use extreme caution or you may damage the ribbon cables or the wireless charging coil directly underneath the battery.

Step 49

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Grasp the battery from the bottom edge and remove it from the iPhone.
• If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.
• Reinstall the Taptic Engine and speaker before installing a new battery. This helps keep the battery aligned correctly during installation.
• Before you adhere the replacement battery, temporarily reconnect the battery connector to the logic board socket. This ensures that the battery is properly aligned in its recess.
• Adhere the battery, disconnect it, and continue reassembling your device.
• If your new battery does not come with adhesive preinstalled, refer to this guide for help replacing the adhesive strips.
• Perform a force restart after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

Step 50

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Using the flat end of a spudger, disconnect the three front camera assembly cables:
• The dot projector.
• The front camera.
• The infrared camera.

Step 51

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• The camera cables are lightly adhered to the midframe.
• Using the tip of a spudger, start at the connector and slide the spudger between the IR camera cable and the case to separate the cable from the case.
• Repeat for the front camera cable.

Step 52

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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• Apply heat to loosen the adhesive on the front camera assembly.

Step 53

Repair step

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• Remove the front camera assembly.