Ultimate Repair Hub · DIY Guide
iPhone 16e Back Glass Replacement
On the iPhone 16e the back glass is a separate panel held by adhesive, so it can be replaced without a laser machine. Our replacement glass comes in every iPhone 16e color.
- Difficulty
- ●●●○○Moderate
- Time
- 45–60 min
- Steps
- 10
- Opens from
- Back glass
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
- Safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves if the glass is shattered
- Clamps or a screen press
Parts
- iPhone 16e back glass in your color
- Back glass adhesive
- Optional: 2 new bottom pentalobe screws if yours are stripped
Removal
Power off and remove the bottom screws
Power the phone off and remove the two P2 pentalobe screws on either side of the USB-C port. If the back glass is cracked, cover it with packing tape first so glass doesn’t flake off and the suction cup can grip.
Power off and remove the bottom screws1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Heat and cut the back glass adhesive
Warm the edges of the back glass evenly for 2–3 minutes. 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, stopping where you reach the antenna lines.
Slide the glass a millimeter or two toward the bottom of the phone to release the clips along the top, then run a pick across the top edge. Stay clear of the speaker grille. Don’t lift the bottom edge more than about 5°; the cables there are short.
Cut both long sides first, then slide the glass down slightly and cut the top. Open the back glass like a book
The back glass stays attached by a cable along one long edge, and that edge acts as the hinge. Lift the free edge and open it like a book. Open it and support it so the cable isn’t holding its weight. The back glass carries the wireless charging coil, so it is still attached by a cable. Cover the camera lenses with tape if you can, to keep dust off them.
Disconnect the battery first
Remove the two cowlings (middle and lower) held by 3 tri-point screws over the connectors and set the screws aside in order. Unplug the battery cable first, then the back glass cable. The battery cable has strong adhesive under it, so lift it gently rather than yanking it.
Disconnect the battery first1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Remove the old back glass
Hold the glass by its edges, set it aside, and wrap it in tape if it’s shattered. If glass shards fell inside the phone, put on safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves, pick them out with tweezers and wipe the frame edge with alcohol.
Remove the old back glass1 photo · Tap image to enlarge
Reassembly
Clean the frame
Lift the old adhesive off the frame with a spudger and pull it away with tweezers until the whole edge is bare, then wipe it with isopropyl alcohol. Don’t touch the camera lenses or the small grounding springs near the top.
Clean the frame1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Lay down the new adhesive
Peel the protective films from the new back glass. Line up the new adhesive on the frame, pull out the bottom liner while pressing it down, and run a spudger around the edge two or three times. Leave the top liner on for now.
Lay down the new adhesive1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Connect the new back glass
Hold the new glass beside the phone in its open position. Connect the back glass cable first, then the battery cable. Refit the connector covers and their tri-point screws.
Connect the new back glass1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Close and press
Peel the remaining adhesive liners, taking care where they pass under the cable. Check the glass and frame for loose screws. Lower the glass, press around the edges until it sits flush, and clamp it for several minutes. Reinstall the two P2 screws.
Close and press1 photo · Tap image to enlarge Test wireless charging
Power on and test wireless charging, the flashlight and the rear camera. If wireless charging is slow or doesn’t start, the back cable may not be fully seated.
Cracked back? We’ll swap it today.
Bring your iPhone 16e to our Tustin store for a same-day back glass replacement.
Facts checked against Apple’s iPhone 16e 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.