Ultimate Repair Hub · DIY Guide
iPhone 12 Pro Max Screen Replacement
This guide covers the iPhone 12 Pro Max only. We sell two screen grades: an Incell LCD, the lowest-cost option, and a soft OLED that is the closer match to the original.
- Difficulty
- ●●●○○Moderate
- Time
- 45–75 min
- Steps
- 10
- Opens from
- Front (screen)
DIY guide — for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, and repairs are performed at your own risk. Ultimate Wireless Solutions is an independent repair provider and is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
Tools
- Pentalobe screwdriver P2
- Tri-point screwdriver Y000
- Heat pad, iOpener or heat gun on low
- Suction cup and thin plastic opening picks
- Nylon spudger and ESD-safe tweezers
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and lint-free wipes
- Clamps or a screen press
Parts
- iPhone 12 Pro Max screen with frame, Incell LCD or OLED (pre-cut display adhesive included)
Removal
Power off and remove the bottom screws
Back up and power the phone off. Remove the two P2 pentalobe screws on either side of the Lightning port. Tape over cracked glass first so it doesn’t flake and the suction cup can grip.
Power off and remove the bottom screws1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Soften the adhesive
Warm the edges of the screen evenly for 2–3 minutes. The glass should feel hot but still comfortable to hold.
Soften the adhesive1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Cut the adhesive around the sides and top
Lift near the bottom edge with a suction cup just enough for a hairline gap, slide a pick in and cut up both long sides. Keep the pick shallow so you don’t catch the cables or Face ID parts.
Slide the display a millimeter or two toward the bottom of the phone to release the top clips, then cut across the top. Don’t lift the bottom edge more than about 5°.
Cut the adhesive around the sides and top1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Open the display like a book
The display stays attached by short cables along one long edge, and that edge acts as the hinge. Lift the free edge, open it to about 90° and support it so the cables aren’t holding its weight.
Open the display like a book1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Disconnect the battery, then the display
Remove the 4 tri-point screws from the lower cover and lift it off. Remove 3 tri-point screws from the upper cover, then hold it while you remove the last one. The upper cover has a tab in a slot by the camera: tilt its outer edge up and slide it slightly toward the camera to free it.
Unplug the battery cable first, then the display cable and the earpiece cable.
Disconnect the battery, then the display3 photos · Tap image to enlarge Remove the display
Lift the display away and set it face down on a clean, soft surface.
Remove the display1 photo · Tap image to enlarge
Reassembly
Clean the frame
Pull the old adhesive off the frame with tweezers, then wipe it with isopropyl alcohol. Keep alcohol off the screen itself. Don’t touch the Face ID parts or the grounding springs near the top.
Remove the assembly fasteners1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Lay down the new adhesive
Peel the films from the new screen, line up the adhesive using the camera cutouts as a guide, pull the bottom liner while pressing it down and run a spudger around the edge two or three times.
Fold the earpiece back1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Connect the new display
Hold the new display in its open position and press each cable on evenly until it seats. Reconnect the battery last, then refit the covers and their screws in the same holes they came from. Power on briefly to check picture and touch, then power off.
Close, press and test
Peel the remaining liners, check for loose screws, close the display, press the corners and edges until it sits flush and clamp it for several minutes. Reinstall the bottom screws and test touch, Face ID, auto-brightness and the proximity sensor during a call.
Aftermarket screens show as an unknown part under Settings › General › About › Parts & Service History; that’s normal.
Release the light sensor1 photo · Tap image to enlarge
Rather not open your phone?
We replace iPhone 12 Pro Max screens same day at our Tustin shop, with a warranty on parts and labor.
Facts checked against Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max repair manual. These guides are for informational purposes and repairs are done at your own risk. Ultimate Wireless Solutions is an independent repair shop and is not affiliated with Apple Inc.