Any words of advice on replacing the display on an iPhone 5?
I've looked at the iFixit guide but if anyone has any real-world experience they'd like to pass on it would sure be appreciated.
If you can afford the screen replacement through Apple, that would be my first advice. When you select a screen you want to install, I recommend selecting one that comes with tools included. You'll definitely at least require the pentalobe screw driver. Hopefully the included kit comes with a 00 Philips and standard driver. They'll usually come with a couple of plastic pry tools, known popularly as "spudgers" if using iFixit's version, and a suction cup with key ring. Sometimes a guitar pick is included which helps in prying out bezels/displays without damaging the surface. I would also recommend keeping an Xacto know with exchangeable blades, or if you have access to disposable scalpels.
You can use the suction cup to remove the screen after removing the two screws at the bottom, flanking he Lightning port. The connectors are at the top of the phone, so I would work from the bottom side, near the Home button. If the screen is too damaged on this side, the suction cup may not be useful if it cannot retain a strong suction; I've usually pried from the plastic bezel carefully with a scalpel, or Xacto knife in this situation. On the iPhone 5/5c that I've worked with, the screen usually will not easily come off, and it will take some time, patience, and carefulness; just go easy with the display, and work it out.
Organization is also key; even if you think there aren't many parts to worry about, I've always found myself overwhelmed with how many parts I've set aside. It always helps to catalog what you remove so reassembling won't be such a pain. Anyways, good luck, and keep us in the loop!
Sent from my iPad.
