iPhone SE 1st Gen screen replacement / digitizer glass and LCD re-installation instructions by LaptopScreen.com

Tools

For the reinstallation process, we will need the following tools: Pentalobe screwdriver,
Suction cup, Plastic pick, Phillips screwdriver.
The front assembly contains the frame, the glass digitizer, and the LCD screen. You will
need to replace the entire front assembly if any of these components are broken.

Open the iPhone

Turn the phone off by holding the power button and confirming the shutdown on screen.
Remove two screws on the bottom of the phone with a pentalobe screwdriver. Set the
screws aside. Place a suction cup just above the home button. Pull on the suction cup and
insert a plastic pick between the front assembly and the main body. Gently move the plastic
pick along the bottom edge, separating the front assembly off the main body. Once separation
is achieved, open the screen to about 30 degrees.

Disconnect the display assembly

The home button fingerprint sensor connector needs to be undone before the phone can be
opened fully. Using a plastic pick, open the securing bracket over the connector and
disconnect the fingerprint sensor.

For a safe reinstallation process, we need to disconnect the battery. The battery
connector is located under a small metal shield. Hold the front assembly vertically and
remove the two Phillips screws holding the shield in place. Remove the metal shield and
disconnect the battery.

In order to separate the front assembly from the main body, we need to gain access to
its connectors under an EM shield. Remove the four Phillips screws while holding the
front assembly at a right angle to the main body. Remove the EM shield and set it aside.
Next step is to open the three small connectors. Use a plastic pick and gently open the
connectors one by one. Separate the front assembly and place it on the desk.

Salvage the components

Some components need to be transferred from the original part onto the new assembly,
namely: the big metal shield, home button, front camera with light sensor, and speaker.

We will start with the home button. Remove three Phillips screws—one on the home button
cable and two more on the home button bracket. Set the bracket aside.

Using a plastic pick, carefully separate the home button cable off its adhesive pad.
Pick up the assembly and apply some pressure to the home button from the front. Use a
plastic pick to help separate the rubber gasket, then set the home button aside.

Remove three Phillips screws holding the speaker bracket at the top. Pick open the
bracket together with the speaker and set it aside.

Proceed with removing the big metal shield. Remove two Phillips screws on the right
side, then two more on the left side.

Pick up the metal shield from the bottom and carefully lift it up. The sensors are
grounded to the metal shield with conductive tape. Pick off the sensors from the
adhesive pad near the speaker contacts and carefully lift the metal shield together
with the sensors, then set them aside.

Transfer components to the new display assembly

Place the new screen on the desk and replace the big metal shield. Carefully guide all
the sensors into their appropriate positions. Secure the metal shield with two Phillips
screws on one side and two more on the other side. Replace the speaker. Clip in the
speaker bracket on the left side, then push down on the right side. Replace three
Phillips screws; the longest one goes at the top of the speaker.

Replace the home button onto the new display assembly. Cover the home button with the
metal shield and secure it with two Phillips screws. There is a tiny contact pad that is
mounted on the third Phillips screw that was left on the home button cable. It needs to
be positioned underneath the cable on reassembly and secured with a Phillips screw.

Connect the display assembly

Now we can connect the front assembly to the main body. Position the front assembly at a
right angle to the main body, aligning it to the top edge of the phone. Hold the
assembly vertically and gently snap in all three connectors.
CAUTION! It is very important not to force any of the connectors. All connectors are
very fragile.

Test the display assembly

At this point, we can test the device. Reconnect the battery and turn the phone on. If
the startup graphics appear, the replacement part is installed correctly. Hold the power
button to turn the phone off and confirm the shutdown on screen.

Close the iPhone

Replace the EM shield and secure it with four Phillips screws. Replace the other small
metal shield covering the battery connector; secure it with two Phillips screws
Reconnect the fingerprint sensor. Replace the small connector bracket over top.
Close the phone starting at the top and gently squeeze around the perimeter until the
front assembly snaps in place. Replace two Pentalobe screws at the bottom.
and we are done!