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This guide shows how to remove and replace the LiDAR sensor in your iPhone 16 Pro Max. You'll need replacement back glass adhesive to complete this repair.
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iPhone 16 Pro Max LiDAR Sensor Replacement
This guide shows how to remove and replace the...
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Moderate
1 - 2 hours
Guide 178664
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.
Before you begin
Tape over any cracks
Remove the pentalobe screws
Mark your opening picks
Create a gap using a suction handle
Repair step
- Apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the back glass.
- Pull up on the handle with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back glass and the frame.
- Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.
Back glass information
- A delicate cable connecting the back glass to the iPhone, right next to the volume up button. Don't insert your pick here to avoid slicing the cable.
- Multiple spring contacts around the perimeter of the iPhone.
Separate the bottom edge adhesive
- Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to slice the adhesive.
- Leave the opening pick in the bottom-left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Heat the left edge
Separate the left adhesive
- Insert a second opening pick into the bottom-left corner, close to the existing pick.
- Slide your pick along the left edge to separate the adhesive and release the metal clips.
- Leave this pick inserted in the top-left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Heat the top edge and corner
Separate the top adhesive
- Insert a third opening pick into the top-left corner.
- Slide the opening pick along the top edge and around the top-right corner, stopping above the volume up button.
- Leave this pick inserted to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Heat the right edge
Separate the right adhesive
- Insert a fourth opening pick into the bottom-right corner.
- Slide the opening pick around the corner and up the right edge, stopping below the volume down button.
- Leave this pick inserted to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Reposition the back glass
- Swing open the back glass to the right of the iPhone to separate the remaining adhesive.
- Support the back glass with a clean, sturdy object.
Remove the battery connector cover
- Use a tri-point Y000 driver to remove the three screws securing the battery connector cover:
- Two 1.3 mm‑long screws
- One 1.0 mm‑long screw
Repair step
Disconnect the battery
Remove the back glass connector cover
- Use a tri-point Y000 driver to remove the four screws securing the back glass connector cover:
- Two 1.3 mm‑long screws
- Two 1.0 mm‑long screws
Repair step
Remove the back glass
Repair step
- Remove the back glass.
Remove the LiDAR sensor
Repair step
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the LiDAR sensor:
- One 1.6 mm‑long screw
- One 2.9 mm‑long screw
Repair step
Disassembly complete
Install the LiDAR sensor
- Lay the LiDAR sensor in its recess.
Repair step
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the two screws securing the LiDAR sensor:
- One 1.6 mm‑long screw
- One 2.9 mm‑long screw
Repair step
Remove the leftover adhesive
- Use blunt nose tweezers or your fingers to remove large pieces of adhesive from the frame perimeter.
- Use a spudger to scrape the adhesive residue off of the frame.
Clean the back glass
- If you're reusing your back glass, apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (over 90%) to a microfiber or lint-free cloth and wipe around the perimeter to prepare the surface for new adhesive.
Clean the frame
- Wrap a lint-free cloth or a coffee filter over the point of a spudger and apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (over 90%) to it.
- Wipe in one direction along the perimeter of the frame to clean the adhesive residue.
Apply the replacement adhesive
Repair step
- Grab the tab in the corner of the adhesive sheet and peel the liner to expose a third of the adhesive.
Repair step
- Carefully align the exposed edge of the adhesive strip with the corresponding edge of the iPhone's frame.
- When it's correctly aligned, gently press the exposed adhesive strip onto the frame.
Repair step
Repair step
Repair step
- Use a spudger or your fingers to lift the pull tab connected to the large front liner. The pull tab is often in a corner of the liner.
- Use the pull tab to peel off the large front liner from the adhesive.
Connect the back glass
- Prop up the back glass along the right edge of your iPhone.
Repair step
Connect the battery
Install the connector covers
Repair step
- Use a tri-point Y000 driver to install the four screws securing the back glass connector cover:
- Two 1.3 mm‑long screws
- Two 1.0 mm‑long screws
Repair step
Repair step
- Use a tri-point Y000 driver to install the three screws securing the battery connector cover:
- Two 1.3 mm‑long screws
- One 1.0 mm‑long screw
Remove the final adhesive liners
- Use your fingers or a spudger to peel away all perimeter liners, exposing the adhesive.
- Check the frame and back glass for any stray liners and remove them. There should be no liners remaining.
Install the back glass
- Lower the back glass onto the frame, beginning with the top edge.
- Press along the edges of the iPhone until the back glass sits flush against the frame.
Apply heat to the perimeter
Apply pressure to the perimeter
- Use your fingers to firmly squeeze around the perimeter of the iPhone.
Repair step
- Place your iPhone screen-side down on a clean, flat work surface.
- Lay a strip of tape around the perimeter of the back glass to protect the finish.
- Stack coins around the perimeter of the back glass until you create a wall that's as tall as the rear camera protrusions.
