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iFixit Posts Apple Watch Repair Manuals for Battery, Screen and More

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iFixit has released Apple Watch repair manuals for various components of the device, including the battery, screen, adhesive, and NFC antenna. The guides provide step-by-step instructions on how to replace the Apple Watch's OLED display and battery, alongside additional steps for repairing the adhesive and NFC antenna that can be damaged as a result of opening the casing.

iFixit-Apple-Watch-Display-Repair.jpg
The steps required to replace the OLED display and fused glass digitizer, in simplified terms, include separating the screen from the watch body with a sharp, curved knife and opening pick, prying and removing the internal battery, disconnecting the display data and digitizer cables, and removing the screen. The steps to replace the battery are nearly identical.

Replacing the Apple Watch's adhesive involves laying the backed adhesive tape down on the NFC antenna, around the edge of the case where the screen rests, using a plastic opening tool to reconnect the display data and digitizer cable connectors, reinstalling the metal bracket, pressing the battery back into its position, and pressing the casing down firmly on the new adhesive.

iFixit-Apple-Watch-Adhesive-Repair.jpg
While many of the tools used in the repair guides are available for purchase, iFixit has not yet stocked the necessary Apple Watch replacement parts needed to make these repairs. Given that the Apple Watch has only been available for one week, it could be some time before the website makes replacement batteries, screens, adhesive and NFC antennas available through it online store.

Article Link: iFixit Posts Apple Watch Repair Manuals for Battery, Screen and More
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/05/01/ifixit-apple-watch-repair-manuals/
A DIY article

Finally an article I can make use of in the event I break something. Though I doubt I will considering I have the sturdy SS with Sapphire. I'm always the DIY type. :D
 
Quality guide as always from iFixIt. The steps for the screen removal seemed a little excessive, but better too thorough than not enough. I wouldn't recommend holding out on them to stock the glass/digitizer/LCD though. Their parts pricing are pretty intense, although they do have great customer service.

If you need a glass/digitizer replacement right now hit up aliexpress. As of now the going rate is about $53 USD.
 
This would be useful when we are at apple watch 3rd gen.
And the 1st gen apple watch need repairs.
 
ozziegn said:
iFixit doesn't have any repair parts because there aren't any reliable parts available. lol
Click to expand...

The digitizers available do work. I can't speak for LCDs though, because I haven't gotten my hands on one yet.

Whether you order from iFixIt, GadgetFix, or another American business, it's all manufactured by the same handful of manufacturers. The price you pay is for customer service. You'll have an easier time (usually) getting a refund/replacement from iFixIt if your part were to be faulty, as compared to the direct Chinese suppliers.
 
Sure, I repair the watch myself - and next time I wash my hands the water flows in!:mad:
 
through its online store.

Edit: In my attempt to correct a grammatical mistake, I made one myself. How embarrassing.
 
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Cyberpower678 said:
Finally an article I can make use of in the event I break something. Though I doubt I will considering I have the sturdy SS with Sapphire. I'm always the DIY type. :D
Click to expand...

Synthetic sapphire is less scratch-prone, but is is more likely to crack upon impact.
 
I really do like the idea, but I'm not too keen on messing around with a (water resistant) watch.
It probably wouldn't be too water resistent after I got done with it!
 
PabloGS said:
You are aware, that the saphire glass breaks more easily than the ion x glass? ;)
Click to expand...

Yes, but the biggest problem with watches is the scratches as the watch face is exposed and always buming into stuff. Most good watches use sapphire to protect against this. Also if you hit the watch hard enough to break the face while it is on your wrist, you will probably need a doctor.
 
Cuban Missles said:
Yes, but the biggest problem with watches is the scratches as the watch face is exposed and always buming into stuff. Most good watches use sapphire to protect against this. Also if you hit the watch hard enough to break the face while it is on your wrist, you will probably need a doctor.
Click to expand...

LOL how true. My dad has owned his watch for 20+ years, without as much as a scratch or nick. Sapphire and incredibly accurate mechanics. Never once needed a repair.
 
How does iFixit get the necessary replacement parts? Where from? Do they call Foxconn and say "hey I know Apple won't let you, but do you have some spare iPhone screens we can buy?" or what?
 
gyang333 said:
Synthetic sapphire is less scratch-prone, but is is more likely to crack upon impact.
Click to expand...

A sapphire screen Apple Watch fell from about 3 feet at the Apple Store here in Utah the other day and shattered like a wine glass. Scratch resistant, but far from shatter proof.
 
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