โ† Back to Guides iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro Max Screen Replacement

Replace your cracked iPhone 12 Pro Max display. The largest iPhone 12 model with a massive 6.7" Super Retina XDR display.

โฑ๏ธ 45-60 min ๐Ÿ’ช Moderate ๐Ÿ”ง Special tools required

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free.

โšก Protect Your Screen โ€” Cheaper Than Repair

A quality case + screen protector is 5% the cost of one screen replacement.

Drop-Protective Case for iPhone 12
Survives 6-foot concrete drops โ€” saves you a $200+ screen bill
Check Price →
Tempered Glass Screen Protector (iPhone 12)
9H tempered glass โ€” first line of defense against cracks
Check Price →
Iphone Cleaning Kit
Microfiber + brush + alcohol wipes
Check Price →
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
64 bits, pro-grade โ€” for serious DIY repair only
Check Price →

iPhone 12 Pro Max Display Specs

  • Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
  • Resolution: 2778 x 1284 pixels, 458 ppi
  • Refresh rate: 60Hz
  • Protection: Ceramic Shield front
  • Features: HDR, True Tone, Wide color (P3)
  • Frame: Stainless steel (scratch-prone)
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Need the right tools? The iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit has everything for this repair. Check Price โ†’

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Tools You'll Need

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

๐Ÿ“‹ Difficulty & Time

โฑ๏ธ 45โ€“90 min ๐Ÿ’ช Intermediate-Advanced ๐Ÿ’ฐ Save $100โ€“$200 vs Apple

๐Ÿ”ง Replace the Screen: Step by Step

Step 1: Power Off & Prepare Workspace

Power the iPhone off completely. Set up a clean, well-lit workspace on a non-static surface (a microfiber cloth on a desk works). Have screw organizers ready.

Step 2: Remove Bottom Pentalobe Screws

Two pentalobe P2 screws at the bottom edge, one on each side of the Lightning/USB-C port. Keep these in a labeled section โ€” they're essential for water resistance.

Step 3: Apply Heat Around the Screen Edges

Use a heat gun (low setting) or hair dryer to warm the perimeter for 1โ€“2 minutes per side. The display adhesive is strong โ€” heat softens it.

Step 4: Create Initial Gap with Suction Cup

Apply suction cup to the bottom-center of the screen. Pull upward steadily while pressing down on the aluminum frame. Listen for the adhesive to release.

Step 5: Insert Picks โ€” Bottom and LEFT Side Only

Slide thin plastic picks into the gap. Work along the bottom and LEFT side. The RIGHT side has display ribbon cables โ€” DO NOT pry there or you'll damage them.

Step 6: Lift Screen Like a Book

Open the screen upward at 90ยฐ. The ribbon cables are still attached โ€” do not pull harder.

Step 7: Disconnect the Battery FIRST

Remove the bracket over the battery connector (2โ€“3 tri-point Y000 screws), then gently lift the connector with a spudger. This prevents short-circuits when you disconnect the screen.

Step 8: Disconnect the Display Ribbon Cables

Remove the bracket over the display connectors at the top. Carefully lift each ribbon cable with a plastic spudger. Note the order โ€” there are usually 3 (front sensors, OLED panel, digitizer).

Step 9: Transfer Components from Old Screen

Front camera assembly, earpiece speaker, and (on Face ID phones) the True Depth camera have to move from the old screen to the new one. Failing to transfer the original IC chip = Face ID stops working forever.

Step 10: Install New Screen + Reconnect

Reverse: connect display ribbons โ†’ bracket โ†’ battery connector โ†’ bracket. Test BEFORE sealing โ€” boot the device and verify touch + display work.

Step 11: Apply New Adhesive + Seal

Most replacement kits include adhesive strips. Apply along the perimeter, then close the screen by aligning the top hinge edge first, then pressing the bottom shut. Re-install pentalobe screws.

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Prying on the right side and tearing display ribbon cables (you've broken the new screen)
  • Forgetting to disconnect the battery first (short-circuits the logic board)
  • Not transferring the True Depth camera (kills Face ID permanently)
  • Using too much heat (warps the OLED at temps over 150ยฐF)
  • Sealing without testing (have to redo everything if something doesn't work)

๐Ÿฅ When to Call a Pro

If you damage a ribbon cable, snap a screw, or the new screen has dead pixels: stop. Apple charges $129โ€“$429 depending on model. Third-party shops typically charge $179โ€“$279 with a 90-day warranty. Mail-in services are available at iphoneipadfix.com/mail-in-repair.html.

Ship It In for Repair →

๐Ÿšจ Pro Max Specific Considerations:
  • Larger display = longer adhesive heating time
  • Heavier display - support carefully during repair
  • More surface area for potential cracks
  • Replacement screens are more expensive

Tools Required

  • Pentalobe screwdriver (P2)
  • Tri-point Y000 screwdriver
  • Phillips #000 screwdriver
  • Large suction cup
  • Plastic pry tools / spudger
  • Tweezers
  • Heat gun or iOpener
  • Magnetic mat
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max replacement screen

Replacement Process

The process is similar to iPhone 12 Pro:

  1. Power off and remove bottom pentalobe screws
  2. Heat all edges thoroughly (larger display needs more time)
  3. Open from left side using suction cup and pick
  4. Support the heavier display at 90ยฐ
  5. Disconnect battery first
  6. Remove and disconnect display cables
  7. Transfer Face ID/earpiece assembly
  8. Install new display and reconnect
  9. Test before applying new adhesive

Larger Display Tips

๐Ÿ’ก Working with the 6.7" display:
  • Use a larger suction cup for better grip
  • Heat edges for at least 2-3 minutes
  • Have a display stand or prop ready
  • Work slowly - more surface area to damage

Get Professional Service

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a premium device. Let our experienced technicians handle your repair.

Get Pro Help โ†’
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Protect your screen after repair: Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit โ€” foolproof install, 9H tempered glass. Check Price โ†’

๐Ÿ“ฆ Parts

Shop Parts on Amazon โ†’

๐Ÿ›’ Recommended Products

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
The #1 repair kit โ€” 64 bits, pro tools, lifetime warranty
Check Price โ†’
Spigen GlasTR Screen Protector
EZ Fit tray โ€” foolproof install, 9H tempered glass 2-pack
Check Price โ†’
Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger
Charge iPhone, Watch & AirPods โ€” one compact cube
Check Price โ†’

Browse All Tools & Parts โ†’ ยท Full Toolkit Comparison โ†’

๐Ÿ“– Related Buying Guides

๐Ÿ“ฆ Too Complicated? We Can Fix It!

Screen repairs have a 70% DIY failure rate. Let our professionals handle it:

Get Repair Quote โ†’
Can't fix it yourself? Get a Mail-In Repair Quote โ†’ ๐Ÿ“ž (856) 914-1074