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iPhone SE Screen Replacement Guide

Cracked your iPhone SE screen? Good news - the SE is one of the easier iPhones to repair, and replacement screens are affordable. This guide covers the iPhone SE 2022 (3rd gen) and SE 2020 (2nd gen).

⏱️ 30-60 min 💪 Moderate 🔧 29 steps
💡 Good News: iPhone SE uses LCD (not OLED), so replacement screens are much cheaper - typically $40-70 vs $150+ for newer iPhones. The design is also based on iPhone 8, making parts widely available.

🛠️ Tools Required

  • P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver
  • Suction Handle
  • Opening Picks
  • Y000 Tri-point Screwdriver
  • Phillips #000 Screwdriver
  • Spudger
  • Tweezers

Buy Tool Kit →

📦 Parts Needed

  • iPhone SE Replacement Screen (LCD)
  • Display Adhesive (optional but recommended)

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Power Off & Remove Bottom Screws

Power off your iPhone SE. Remove the two pentalobe screws on either side of the Lightning port.

Remove bottom screws

Image credit: iFixit (CC BY-NC-SA)

Step 2: Mark Your Opening Pick

Mark 3mm from the tip of your opening pick to prevent inserting too deep.

Mark opening pick

Image credit: iFixit (CC BY-NC-SA)

Step 3: Apply Suction Handle

Apply suction handle just above the Home button. Pull up firmly while pressing down on the phone to create a gap.

Apply suction

Image credit: iFixit (CC BY-NC-SA)

Step 4: Insert Opening Pick

Insert your marked pick into the gap and slide along the bottom edge.

Insert pick

Image credit: iFixit (CC BY-NC-SA)

Steps 5-10: Separate All Edges

  1. Slide pick around bottom corners
  2. Continue up both sides
  3. Separate the top edge last
  4. Leave picks in place to prevent re-sealing
⚠️ Home Button Cable: There's a fragile cable at the bottom right connecting the Home button. Don't open the phone too far or pull too hard - you could tear this cable and lose Touch ID.

Step 11: Open the Display

Open the display like a book, hinging from the top. Don't open more than 90 degrees - cables at the bottom are short.

Steps 12-20: Disconnect Components

  1. Remove battery connector bracket screws
  2. Disconnect battery
  3. Remove display cable bracket screws
  4. Disconnect LCD, digitizer, and front camera cables
  5. Remove Home button bracket and disconnect
  6. Remove screen from phone

Steps 21-25: Transfer Components

Move these from old screen to new:

  • Home button assembly (CRITICAL for Touch ID)
  • Earpiece speaker
  • Front camera/sensor assembly
  • LCD shield plate
⚠️ Touch ID: The Home button is paired to your iPhone's logic board. You MUST transfer your original Home button to keep Touch ID working. A replacement button will work for pressing but not fingerprint unlock.

Steps 26-29: Reassembly

  1. Position new screen and connect cables
  2. Test before sealing (quick power on)
  3. Reconnect battery
  4. Close screen and replace pentalobe screws

✅ Testing Your Repair

  • Display works with no dead pixels or lines
  • Touch responsive across entire screen
  • Home button clicks properly
  • Touch ID unlocks (if you transferred original button)
  • Front camera works
  • Earpiece speaker works during calls

Need Professional Help?

If you're not comfortable with this repair, we can connect you with certified technicians.

Get Pro Help →

Guide adapted from iFixit. Images under CC BY-NC-SA. Original guide.