← Back to Guides iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max Back Glass Replacement

Cracked back glass on your iPhone 13 Pro Max? The back glass is fused to the frame, making this one of the most difficult iPhone repairs. Here are your options.

⚠️ Professional Repair Recommended πŸ’ͺ Expert Level πŸ’° $50-150 repair cost

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

⚑ Prevent Back Glass Cracks

A grippy case prevents drops in the first place.

Drop-Protective Case (iPhone 13)
Slim case that prevents back-glass cracks
Check Price →
Caseology / dbrand Grip Case
Texture grip prevents drops in the first place
Check Price →
Camera Lens Protector
Camera ring is most-dropped point β€” protect it
Check Price →
Iphone Cleaning Kit
Microfiber + brush + alcohol wipes
Check Price →
⚠️ Difficult Repair

iPhone 13 Pro Max back glass is permanently attached with strong adhesive. DIY replacement risks damaging internal components including wireless charging.

πŸ”§ Replacement Options

  • Laser removal ($50-100): Professional shops use laser machines to remove the glass without disassembly. Fastest and safest option.
  • Full housing swap ($80-150): Replace the entire back housing/frame assembly. All components must be transferred.
  • Apple repair ($169-349): Official repair, may replace entire device depending on damage.
  • Back glass protector: Cover the crack with a skin or protector if minor (temporary solution).
πŸ› οΈ Need the right tools? The iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit has everything for this repair. Check Price β†’

πŸ› οΈ Tools You'll Need

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

πŸ“‹ Difficulty & Time

⏱️ 10–20 min πŸ’ͺ Easy πŸ’° $0 fix saves $129+ in shop charges

πŸ”§ Diagnose & Fix Charging Issues: Step by Step

Step 1: Try a Different Cable AND Adapter

Cables fail more often than ports. Borrow a known-good cable from a friend, or grab a spare. Use a different wall adapter too β€” counterfeit chargers are a common silent killer.

Step 2: Inspect the Charging Port with a Flashlight

Hold the device under a bright light and look directly into the port. You're looking for:

  • Gray pocket lint compressed against the back wall (most common)
  • Bent or recessed pins (drop damage)
  • Green corrosion on the contacts (liquid damage)
  • Stuck-on residue from sticky drinks

Step 3: Clean the Port with a Plastic Pick

Power the device OFF first β€” this prevents short-circuits while you work. Then:

  • Insert a plastic precision pick at a slight downward angle
  • Work toward the back wall, then drag forward to pull lint OUT (never push deeper)
  • Repeat from different angles β€” port lint is layered
  • NEVER use metal β€” paperclips, needles, or pins will short the contacts

Step 4: Brush + Compressed Air

After picking visible debris, sweep the port with a soft anti-static brush, then short bursts (1 sec) of compressed air from 6 inches away. Keep the can upright to avoid propellant spray.

Step 5: Try Wireless Charging

If the device supports MagSafe/Qi: try wireless charging. If wireless works but wired doesn't, the port is dead β€” you need replacement (see escalation below). If wireless ALSO doesn't work, the issue is likely the battery or charging IC.

Step 6: Force Restart

Sometimes iOS/iPadOS gets stuck in a charging-block state. Force restart resets the power management chip:

  • iPhone 8 and later: press Vol Up, then Vol Down, then hold Side until Apple logo
  • iPad with no Home button: same as iPhone 8+
  • iPad with Home button: hold Top + Home until Apple logo

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pushing lint deeper instead of pulling it out
  • Using metal tools (instant short risk)
  • Skipping the cable test β€” cables fail more than ports
  • Cleaning while the device is powered on

πŸ₯ When to Call a Pro

If the port has bent pins, visible corrosion, or the contacts feel loose, you need a replacement (Apple: $129, third-party: $79–$99, AppleCare+: $99). Skip DIY for this β€” bent contacts can damage the logic board.

Ship It In for Repair →

πŸ“¦ Parts (If Attempting Housing Swap)

Shop Parts on Amazon β†’

⚑ Why Laser Removal Is Best

  • No disassembly required β€” phone stays intact
  • Takes 15-30 minutes
  • Lower risk of damaging wireless charging or cameras
  • New glass adheres directly to existing frame

πŸ› οΈ Housing Swap Overview (Advanced)

If doing a full housing replacement, you'll need to transfer all internal components including display, battery, logic board, cameras, charging port, speakers, and all flex cables. This takes 2-3 hours for experienced technicians.

πŸ“± Device & Component Specifications

  • Repair Type: Component replacement with full disassembly
  • Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes for experienced users
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  • Tools Required: Precision screwdrivers, heat source, opening tools
  • Parts Cost: $15-50 depending on component
  • Professional Service Cost: $80-200 including labor
  • Risk Level: Moderate (requires careful handling)

πŸ”§ Complete Tools & Equipment Needed

  • Pentalobe P2 Screwdriver β€” For bottom device screws
  • Tri-point Y000 Screwdriver β€” For internal bracket screws
  • Phillips Screwdrivers (#000 & #00) β€” Various internal screws
  • Suction Cup β€” For display separation
  • Plastic Opening Picks (3-4) β€” For safe prying
  • Plastic Spudger β€” For flex cable disconnection
  • Tweezers β€” For small connector handling
  • Heat Gun or iOpener β€” For adhesive softening
  • Flashlight or Headlamp β€” For internal visibility
  • Small Screw Container β€” For organizing fasteners
  • Isopropyl Alcohol 90%+ β€” For cleaning adhesive
  • Lint-Free Cloth β€” For sensitive component cleaning

πŸ“¦ Parts & Materials Required

  • Replacement Component: Purchase from reputable supplier with customer reviews
  • Adhesive Strips: Usually included with quality replacement parts
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: For removing old adhesive residue
  • Flex Cable Connectors (if needed): For replacement components with connectors

Find Replacement Parts on Amazon β†’

πŸ“‹ Basic Replacement Procedure

  1. Preparation: Power off completely, discharge to below 25% if applicable, organize workspace with all tools
  2. External disassembly: Remove pentalobe screws from bottom, separate display using heat and suction cup
  3. Battery disconnect: Locate battery connector and disconnect for safety
  4. Component access: Remove blocking components systematically, documenting positions with photos
  5. Remove damaged part: Disconnect all flex cables, remove mounting screws, lift out old component
  6. Cleaning: Remove all old adhesive residue with isopropyl alcohol and cloth
  7. Installation: Position new component, apply fresh adhesive strips, press firmly
  8. Reconnection: Reseat all flex cable connectors firmly until they click
  9. Testing: Power on and verify new component functionality before permanently sealing
  10. Reassembly: Apply fresh display adhesive, carefully lower display into place, press around edges
  11. External assembly: Replace pentalobe screws, final visual inspection
  12. Final testing: Complete functionality verification and setup

⚠️ Critical Repair Precautions

  • Never work on powered devices: Complete shutdown prevents accidental shorts
  • Always disconnect battery first: Safety-critical after opening the device
  • Don't force adhesive separation: Use heat and patience, forcing causes damage
  • Protect flex cables: Never fold, pinch, or yank themβ€”they tear easily
  • Document everything: Photos of component positions help during reassembly
  • Organize screws carefully: Wrong screw in wrong hole can crack logic board instantly
  • Test before sealing: Power on immediately after component installation to verify functionality
  • Quality parts matter: Cheap replacement parts fail quickly and require repeat disassembly

βœ… Complete Post-Repair Testing

  • ☐ Device powers on and operates normally
  • ☐ Replaced component functions correctly
  • ☐ No error messages or warnings displayed
  • ☐ All device buttons and controls respond properly
  • ☐ Display shows correct colors without artifacts
  • ☐ Touch response is accurate across full screen
  • ☐ Face ID (if applicable) recognizes and unlocks
  • ☐ Speakers and microphones function properly
  • ☐ No excessive heat during normal operation
  • ☐ Battery charges and holds charge normally
  • ☐ Display sits completely flush with frame
  • ☐ No light leaks around display edges

πŸ”§ Professional Repair Alternative

If you're uncomfortable with this repair, lack proper tools, or want warranty protection, professional service is available. Experienced technicians have the tools, parts, and expertise to complete this repair correctly with a quality guarantee.

πŸ”§ Get Professional Help

Back glass replacement is best left to professionals with laser equipment. Fast turnaround, quality results.

πŸ“ž Call: (856) 914-1074

🏒 PC Medics of NJ β€” Professional iPhone repairs

Get a Quote β†’

πŸ›‘οΈ Protect your screen after repair: Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit β€” foolproof install, 9H tempered glass. Check Price β†’

πŸ“¦ Mail-In Repair Service

Not comfortable doing this yourself? Send your device to a professional repair shop.

Ship It In for Repair β†’

πŸ›’ Recommended Products

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

Browse All Tools & Parts β†’ Β· Full Toolkit Comparison β†’

πŸ“– Related Buying Guides

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