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iPhone 5s screen replacement (by myself)

ionjohn

ionjohn

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 5, 2013
1,185
10
Canada
Hey guys

I just bought a used iphone 5s, there were no pictures showing the device and I haven't received it yet but the description said deep scratches on screen, so yeah I guess the screen is pretty messed up and I'm gonna have to change it. Now I can't go to apple 'cause it's too expensive and it would actually cost me more than buying a brand new iphone 5s from apple. I've had iphones since the 3G but never ever opened it or anything to change the screen. The thing is, I've seen 5S screen replacement at like $120+ and some really cheap like 20 bucks. What the hell? Can anybody clear things up a bit?

Thanks!
 
The part for the 5S does not exist yet - hence why you can't do it at Apple. If you knowingly replace the display with something 3rd party, be prepared to void your coverage and service at any Apple retail store. 3rd party display anyways come with different cables, stickers or QR codes.

If you're prepared to completely void service - go ahead and change it. Otherwise I'd stay shell out the cost at Apple because you don't know what issues you'll encounter in the future that could possibly be covered under warranty - only to be denied service because of a 3rd party display.

This is why you always get Applecare+
 
Opening the 5s is tricky because the of finger print sensor cable connection. There's videos showing this and someone invented a tool designed specifically for opening it. It's sold on ifixit. I forget what it's called. Looks like a clamp with two suction cups. Your bigger obstacle is availability of parts. If you can find a shop that can separate the LCD display from the glass, you could potentially spend less than $100, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Separating the display and regluing onto new glass requires specialized tools that are necessary for a quality job. Wait to see the phone and determine how bad the scratches really are. They might be bearable.
 
7thson said:
Opening the 5s is tricky because the of finger print sensor cable connection. There's videos showing this and someone invented a tool designed specifically for opening it. It's sold on ifixit. I forget what it's called. Looks like a clamp with two suction cups. Your bigger obstacle is availability of parts. If you can find a shop that can separate the LCD display from the glass, you could potentially spend less than $100, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Separating the display and regluing onto new glass requires specialized tools that are necessary for a quality job. Wait to see the phone and determine how bad the scratches really are. They might be bearable.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'll wait to see how bad it is and if it's worth keeping, I'll post some pictures here.
 
Aftermarket screen have many issues wrong colors dead pixels that show up later on not properly glued etc.

Removing clip on 5s home button connector is very easy it just pops up with a flat screwdriver
 
nox5 said:
Aftermarket screen have many issues wrong colors dead pixels that show up later on not properly glued etc.

Removing clip on 5s home button connector is very easy it just pops up with a flat screwdriver
Click to expand...

So you saying I should pay a premium price?
 
ionjohn said:
So you saying I should pay a premium price?
Click to expand...

No matter what, you'll have those saying to have repairs done by Apple or through another source that is cheaper.

If you want a quality repair that will last in the long run, do a repair through Apple.

If you don't want to spend nearly as much, do a repair through a cheaper source or purchase 3rd party parts and do it yourself. However, as others mentioned, issues can arise through 3rd party parts (not saying parts from Apple won't have a problem).

There are pros and cons to both sides... Nothing beats having a repair by the original company.
 
Just remember:

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Click to expand...

Not saying you can't get decent quality third party parts, but the reduced price has inherent costs in terms of the risks and the time/effort to identify a good quality third party supplier vs. the others. You'll need to decide which is best for you, and that depends on how much you value the price difference.
 
deeddawg said:
Just remember:

​

Not saying you can't get decent quality third party parts, but the reduced price has inherent costs in terms of the risks and the time/effort to identify a good quality third party supplier vs. the others. You'll need to decide which is best for you, and that depends on how much you value the price difference.
Click to expand...

I paid $500 for the phone and a screen replacement is 270$ so yeah Going to apple is not even an option
 
ionjohn said:
I paid $500 for the phone and a screen replacement is 270$ so yeah Going to apple is not even an option
Click to expand...

In that case, return the phone and void the transaction if you can.

If you can't, then the $500 is a sunk cost and is therefore irrelevant. You own a phone that needs a screen replacement. Do you spend $270 for Apple to do it and retain the warranty, or do you go with an alternate less expensive option.

Your best bet for useful feedback would be to provide the specific parts suppliers or repair options you're considering and get people's feedback on those particular options. Given such a vague question you'll not likely get actionable guidance.
 
Last edited:
Go to apple
If you haven't replaced a screen before now isn't a good place to start.
Think how bad you'll feel if you break it
 
Applejuiced said:
Yeah, you overpaid.
And who buys a device without even looking at it and with not even pictures to get an idea what he's paying for?
Next time be smarter about it...
Click to expand...

Yeah i know that was dumb of me, I'll post pictures when I get it (monday) and I'll decide what I do then

----------
localboy28 said:
Go to apple
If you haven't replaced a screen before now isn't a good place to start.
Think how bad you'll feel if you break it
Click to expand...

Maybe I can try to get them to replace the phone for another reason than the screen
 
$500 for a phone with a very damaged screen wow, someones laughing all the way to the bank.
 
Alright guys, I got the phone, I'll post some pictures later, I'm currently downloading iOS 7.1, it looks almost new, there's like 1 noticeable scratch on the screen, at the left bottom so it's nothing worth changing a screen for.

I'm kinda pissed though, it said I'd get earpods but there's nothing in the box besides the phone and the wall adapter
 
ionjohn said:
Alright guys, I got the phone, I'll post some pictures later, I'm currently downloading iOS 7.1, it looks almost new, there's like 1 noticeable scratch on the screen, at the left bottom so it's nothing worth changing a screen for.

I'm kinda pissed though, it said I'd get earpods but there's nothing in the box besides the phone and the wall adapter
Click to expand...

hey, I would gladly take the phone in better condition than you were expecting.
 
Likely a small scratch like that will be overlooked by a genius if you ever have to get your phone replaced for another reason.
 
That's the one noticeable scratch! You can see the second one near the home button
 

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Pfft! Those scratches are nothing! In fact, they give the phone character. Like battle scars. Like how an X Wing looks better with blast marks. Congrats!
 
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