iPhone XS Max Taptic Engine Replacement

Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

Remove the two 6.9 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.

Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about a minute in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

If the plastic depth gauge is attached at the center of the iSclack, remove it now—it's not needed for larger iPhones like the XS Max.

Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.

Press both suction cups firmly into place.

Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to slightly separate the screen from the rear case of the phone.

Insert an opening pick into the gap under the display on the lower edge of the iPhone.

Skip the next two steps.

If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the curved portion of the glass.

Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.

Slide the opening pick around the top corner of the display, while gently pulling or wiggling the display down in the direction of the Lightning port.

Slide the pick to the opposite corner and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

If you used an iSclack and it's still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.

Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.

Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

Remove four Y000 screws securing the logic board cover bracket, of the following lengths:

Two 1.1 mm screws

One 1.5 mm screw

One 3.7 mm screw

Remove the bracket.

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.

Remove the three Y000 screws securing the display connector bracket:

Two 1.1 mm screws

One 1.5 mm screw

Remove the bracket.

Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector.

Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the OLED panel cable connector.

Use a spudger or fingernail to pry the digitizer cable connector up from its socket.

Carefully lift the cable until the adhesive separates.

Remove the display assembly.

Remove the five 1.4 mm tri-point Y000 screws securing the bracket below the Taptic Engine and main speaker.

Gently lift to unstick and remove the bracket, being careful not to bend it.

If necessary, apply a little heat with a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive. (Putting an iOpener on the bracket is not recommended, as this may bend the spring contacts along the top.)

Remove the 1.3 mm tri-point Y000 screw securing the speaker connector cover.

Push the speaker connector cover towards the battery, and then lift to unclip and remove it.

Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the speaker connector.

Remove the three screws securing the speaker:

One 2.7 mm Phillips screw

One 2.9 mm standoff screw

One 3.1 mm standoff screw

Insert a spudger under the top edge of the speaker, near the edge of the iPhone's case.

Gently pry up and lift the top edge of the speaker slightly.

While prying up the speaker, use tweezers to peel away the plastic bumper strip from the top edge of the speaker.

Hold the speaker by its side edges and rock it side-to-side, separating the adhesive securing it to the bottom edge of the iPhone.

Pull the speaker away from the bottom edge of the iPhone until the adhesive gasket separates.

Remove the speaker.

Use a spudger to disconnect the Taptic Engine flex cable by prying it straight up from its socket.

Remove the two 1.9 mm Phillips screws securing the Taptic Engine.

Grasp the plastic bumper strip and carefully lift it over the speaker connector.

Remove the Taptic Engine assembly.

Peel up and remove the plastic bumper strip from the Taptic Engine.