Author Topic: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?  (Read 7449 times)

SilveradoBojangles

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DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« on: March 31, 2016, 11:39:39 AM »
Hi,

So I have an iphone 5 that I bought used a couple of years ago. I was out running recently and I tripped and fell and in the process I dropped my phone and the screen got smashed. I've dropped this phone a million times, but luck or my case always protected it. It's still functional, and I've slapped a tempered glass screen protector on it to keep the remaining glass in, but i can already tell this is not going to hold together much longer.

The phone works fine, so I really don't want to buy a new (used) one. I also wouldn't be interested in a used iphone 6 because they are too big (though I like the new iphone se they just released because its just like my 5 in terms of size). It's 120 to get the screen replaced by apple, which is a lot to spend on a 3.5 year old phone, and almost a third of the cost of the new iphone se. DIY screen replacement kits are ~70, so I've been googling and watching youtube videos to see if I can pull this off. The internet's response ranges from "Replace your screen in under 10 minutes" to "Do not attempt to do this - you will break your phone". I'm reasonably good at following directions, and I successfully replaced a screen in an old ipod (this was years ago, and the device was much simpler), so I'm thinking maybe I can do this?

Has anyone done this? How difficult is it? I guess my main worry is that I'll spend the money on the replacement phone and just end up needing to buy a new phone anyways. What say ye, forum?

PS- I'm not really interested in responses that tell me I shouldn't have an iphone. I have a super cheap pre-paid plan for it, and I use my phone all the time in numerous ways that make me happier. This is my only gadget vice, and I've made peace with it.

jacksonvasey

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2016, 02:12:27 PM »
I would say go for it. I did it myself once, and it really wasn't very hard.  Just make sure to get one with decent printed instructions and decent tools included.  The videos help, but it's also good to have a paper manual to go over, first.

It took me about an hour to do mine, but I was very careful and deliberately slow.  I ended up drawing 'zones' in the box lid from the screen, holding screws to go in different places, and that worked out nicely for me.

I got a kit from URepairIT on Amazon last year for $50 for an iPhone 5s, so definitely shop around before you buy.

haironfire

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2016, 04:32:47 AM »
Do it. get onto ifixit  https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+5+Front+Panel+Replacement/10906 and follow their guide. keep track of the screws they are a range of different sizes. Tape a piece of paper to the desk and draw a circle to put each screw in and label each step each screw removed is colour coded in the guide.

learn to do it on your own iphone then charge others to fix theirs its a handy little side gig.
« Last Edit: April 02, 2016, 05:26:10 AM by haironfire »

lthenderson

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2016, 10:59:51 AM »
I've never done it but for $50 to buy a replacement screen, I would certainly give it a try. Much cheaper than the $500+ for a new iphone and not much money you're out of if you end up screwing up the phone.

Syonyk

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2016, 03:04:54 PM »
The iPhone 5 screen replacement is not particularly difficult, but it is a bit tedious, and is much easier with a few specialized tools.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+5+Front+Panel+Replacement/10906 covers the process in great detail.

I do stuff like this all the time, so I'd certainly dive in, but it's not the easiest "starter repair" on the planet.

GoingConcern

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2016, 04:15:35 PM »
It's not particularly hard.  I have replaced many screens for Iphones and using ifixit as a guide is a good start.




SilveradoBojangles

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2016, 02:21:45 PM »
Thanks for everyone's input, and the links! I'm gonna go for it.

alsoknownasDean

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2016, 05:21:34 AM »
I'm tempted to do the same with my iPhone 5. The screen's gone all yellow and there's heaps of dust in the rear camera :)

LadyMuMu

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #8 on: April 07, 2016, 07:54:32 AM »
Thirding ifixit. I recently refurbished my 4s that had a cracked back screen and a dying battery. For $30 it was like new and ready to continue using on Ting. I figured even if I screwed up, it was a reasonable gamble.

alsoknownasDean

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #9 on: April 24, 2016, 01:10:14 AM »
I'm tempted to do the same with my iPhone 5. The screen's gone all yellow and there's heaps of dust in the rear camera :)

I replaced it a week or so ago, using this guide:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40Ph1J5ElpE

Aside from the fact that the aftermarket screen I used isn't quite as good as the original (and is a shade out of alignment) and the home button is a little loose, it works fine. I'll fix it so it's 100% when I get a chance.

MsPeacock

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Re: DIY Install a new screen on an iphone 5?
« Reply #10 on: April 25, 2016, 09:16:59 AM »
I replaced my iphone 5 screen myself. Ordered a kit off Amazon or something that came w/ all the tools. I found a video and ran it and stopped it as I did each step. The only thing I messed up was taking the home button off I sort of tore the cable/wire/plastic thingie. There was a work around for using the phone w/o the home button, but eventually I spent $35 at a phone store to have it repaired.

It took me a couple hours (because I am slow). Work on a tray and have some good magnifying glasses available if your eyesight isn't perfect for close up stuff.

I figured I was better off doing the replacement than spending money on a new phone. I did the repair about a year ago and the phone is still working just fine.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!