By Erik Snyder • Difficulty: Very difficult
Things to know before you dive in:
- This repair is very challenging. Unless you are very confident in your DIY skills, it may be a better option to take it to a professional, or maybe even... Microsoft.
- Be sure to replace the screen with the correct version. Most devices are stock with the V1.1 screen/digitizer. If you are replacing the screen/digitizer with the wrong version, your results may vary.
- It is imperative to make sure the metal casing is not bent. If your metal casing is even slightly bent, your new screen will not fit because the tolerances are very tight. Carefully bend it back or take it to a professional.
- To remove the display, first soften the adhesive by applying heat. You can use a heat pad, heat gun, or iOpener. In a pinch, a hair dryer can also work.
- Steadily and evenly heat the perimeter of the display until it's too hot to touch, and try to maintain that temperature for several minutes.
- Use a suction cup or an iSclack to pull up on the glass and create a slight gap between the glass and the metal frame.
- Carefully insert an opening pick into the gap between the screen and the device to cut the adhesive.
- Slide the pick around the sides and bottom of the display to cut the adhesive. Apply more heat as needed.
- Continue to heat sections of the screen with the heat gun.
- As you make your way around the screen with the heat gun, use the plastic opening tool and the opening picks to pry the screen loose.
- Lift the screen up carefully so that no wires are torn.
- Remove the 3 mm T3 Torx screw securing the battery connector, and disconnect the battery connector.
- Remove the single 4 mm T3 Torx screw securing the display cable.
- Lift the connector to disconnect the cable.
- Grasp the orange cable connected to the silver connecter.
- Carefully lift the orange cable up until the connecter pops off.
- The screen will now be completely disconnected.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Once reassembled you may be required to do some additional steps such as updating firmware and drivers or even reverting your device to factory reset.