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).
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⚡ Protect Your Screen — Cheaper Than Repair
A quality case + screen protector is 5% the cost of one screen replacement.
Survives 6-foot concrete drops — saves you a $200+ screen bill
9H tempered glass — first line of defense against cracks
Microfiber + brush + alcohol wipes
64 bits, pro-grade — for serious DIY repair only
🛠️ Tools Required
- P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver
- Suction Handle
- Opening Picks
- Y000 Tri-point Screwdriver
- Phillips #000 Screwdriver
- Spudger
- Tweezers
📦 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.
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.
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.
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.
Image credit: iFixit (CC BY-NC-SA)
Steps 5-10: Separate All Edges
- Slide pick around bottom corners
- Continue up both sides
- Separate the top edge last
- Leave picks in place to prevent re-sealing
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
- Remove battery connector bracket screws
- Disconnect battery
- Remove display cable bracket screws
- Disconnect LCD, digitizer, and front camera cables
- Remove Home button bracket and disconnect
- 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
Steps 26-29: Reassembly
- Position new screen and connect cables
- Test before sealing (quick power on)
- Reconnect battery
- 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.
🛒 Recommended Products
The #1 repair kit — 64 bits, pro tools, lifetime warranty
EZ Fit tray — foolproof install, 9H tempered glass 2-pack
Charge iPhone, Watch & AirPods — one compact cube