iPhone X Screen Replacement Guide
Replace your cracked iPhone X display. Apple's revolutionary first Face ID iPhone with edge-to-edge OLED - the phone that changed everything. This guide covers proper screen replacement while preserving Face ID.
Replacing the iPhone X screen is a moderate 35-45 minute repair that preserves Face ID. Crucially, the iPhone X opens from the RIGHT side because the display cables run along the left. Heat the edges, disconnect the battery first, then the OLED, digitizer, and front sensor cables, and transfer the Face ID module to the new screen. Test Face ID before sealing. OEM OLED screens run $100-150.
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📱 iPhone X Display Specifications
- Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED
- Resolution: 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi
- Features: HDR10, Dolby Vision, True Tone, Wide color (P3)
- Biometrics: First iPhone with Face ID (replaces Touch ID)
- Frame: Surgical-grade stainless steel
- Release: November 2017
🛠️ Tools Required
- Pentalobe P2 screwdriver
- Tri-point Y000 screwdriver
- Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Suction cup
- Plastic opening picks (6+)
- Spudger
- Fine-tip tweezers
- Heat gun or iOpener
📦 Parts Needed
- iPhone X OLED Replacement Screen
- Display adhesive strips
Screen Quality Options
- OEM/Refurbished OLED: $100-150 - Best quality, true blacks, HDR
- Aftermarket OLED: $70-100 - Good quality, slightly lower brightness
- LCD conversion: $40-60 - Cheapest but loses OLED benefits (NOT recommended)
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Power Off & Remove Bottom Screws
Power off your iPhone X completely. Remove the two pentalobe screws on either side of the Lightning port at the bottom.
Step 2: Heat the Edges
Use a heat gun or iOpener to heat the bottom edge for 1-2 minutes. The adhesive should be warm to touch but not hot enough to damage components (around 80°C/175°F).
Step 3: Create Opening Gap
Apply suction cup to the bottom portion of the screen. Pull up firmly while pressing down on the frame to create a small gap. Insert an opening pick into the gap.
Step 4: Separate Adhesive (Carefully!)
Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge, then up the RIGHT side. Heat and separate the top edge, then the left edge. Leave pick in each corner to prevent re-sealing.
Step 5: Open the iPhone
Swing the display open from the right side, like a book. Don't open more than 90 degrees - cables are still attached.
Step 6: Disconnect Battery
Remove the 3 tri-point screws from the battery connector bracket. Lift off the bracket and use a spudger to disconnect the battery. Always disconnect battery first!
Step 7: Disconnect Display Cables
Remove the 5 screws from the display cable bracket (3 tri-point, 2 Phillips). Disconnect the three display cables:
- OLED panel connector
- Digitizer (touch) connector
- Front sensor assembly connector
Step 8: Transfer Components to New Screen
Your new screen is likely bare - transfer these from old screen:
- Earpiece speaker/front sensor assembly (includes Face ID)
- Display shield plates
Step 9: Install New Screen
Position the new display and connect all cables. Reconnect battery. Test the screen before sealing - power on and verify Face ID works!
Step 10: Seal & Reassemble
If test passes, apply new display adhesive. Press screen firmly into place, starting from top. Replace bottom pentalobe screws.
✅ Testing Checklist
- ☐ Display shows image, no dead pixels or lines
- ☐ Touch works across entire screen
- ☐ Face ID recognizes you
- ☐ True Tone works (Settings → Display)
- ☐ Front camera and Portrait mode work
- ☐ Earpiece speaker works (make a call)
- ☐ Proximity sensor turns off screen during calls
- ☐ Ambient light sensor adjusts brightness
Need Professional Help?
iPhone X repairs require precision. Our technicians can complete this repair with quality parts and preserve your Face ID.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which side does the iPhone X open from?
The iPhone X opens from the RIGHT side, unlike newer models. Its display cables run along the LEFT edge, so open it like a book with the spine on the left. Inserting picks more than 3mm deep on the left side will slice through the display cables.
Will replacing the iPhone X screen break Face ID?
Not if done carefully. Face ID is preserved by transferring the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly from the old screen to the new one. The Face ID dot projector is cryptographically paired to your phone, so if it's damaged, only Apple can repair it.
How much does an iPhone X replacement screen cost?
OEM or refurbished OLED screens cost $100-150 with the best quality, aftermarket OLED runs $70-100, and LCD conversions are $40-60. LCD screens are not recommended because the iPhone X was designed for OLED and they look worse with no true black.
How long does an iPhone X screen replacement take?
About 35-45 minutes at a moderate difficulty level using standard tools, including a pentalobe P2, tri-point Y000, and Phillips #000 screwdriver, plus a suction cup, opening picks, spudger, and heat source.
What should I test after replacing the iPhone X screen?
Before sealing, power on and verify the display, touch across the whole screen, Face ID, True Tone, the front camera, the earpiece speaker, and the proximity and ambient light sensors. Only apply new adhesive once everything passes.