iPhone SE (2nd generation) Speaker Replacement Guide: Step-by-Step DIY Tutorial
Duration: 30 min.
Steps: 29 Steps
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of swapping out the faulty speaker in your iPhone SE, so you can enjoy that crystal-clear sound once more. You might notice that the phone in our pictures looks like an iPhone 8, and that’s totally okay! The iPhone SE (2nd generation) and the iPhone 8 are practically twins in terms of design, which is why we opted for the iPhone 8 manual photos. Don’t worry, all the repair steps are identical! We’re rooting for you, and we hope you have a blast with your smartphone repair adventure! For any extra help, feel free to schedule a repair!
Step 1
– First things first, let’s power down your iPhone SE (2nd generation) completely. This is super important to keep it safe while we work our magic! Just press and hold that standby button until you see the ‘Power off’ slider pop up.
– Now, slide that slider from left to right, and in about ten seconds, your iPhone will be completely off and ready for some TLC!
Step 2
– Using your trusty Pentalobe screwdriver, let’s tackle those two screws flanking the Lightning connector—one on the left and one on the right. Once you’ve got them out, be sure to pop those screws into your screw storage box so they don’t go wandering off!
2 × 3.4 mm Pentablobe
To keep track of those tiny screws and parts you just removed, we suggest using a screw storage box! An old sewing box can make a perfect home for them. We also love using a high-quality magnetic pad where you can lay out the components just like you found them in your phone. This way, you’ll know exactly where each screw belongs, making reassembly a breeze!
Step 3
When warming up your device, remember: it should be warm enough to help, but not so hot that you can’t touch it comfortably! Keep it cozy, not toasty!
– To kick things off, lay your iPhone SE on a soft, clean surface. We want to keep it scratch-free while we work our magic!
– Since the display is glued down tight, we need to warm it up a bit for an easier separation from the case. Grab a heat gun or a trusty hairdryer and gently wave it around the edges of the display from the outside. Just a little warmth will do the trick!
Tools Used
- heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove.
In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.” rel=”noopener”>Heat gun
Step 4
– Stick the suction cup right above the home button on the display and give it a gentle pull upwards. This little lift will create a slim gap between the aluminum and display frames, making it easier for us to work our magic.
Once you pop open your iPhone SE (2nd generation), the warranty that keeps it safe from dust and splashy water (IP67 rating) waves goodbye. So, let’s be careful and keep that in mind!
Tools Used
Step 5
Keep your display’s angle under 180° while it’s still connected! If you go beyond that, those flex cables might just wave goodbye. Let’s keep everything intact!
– Gently nudge the display upwards with your trusty plectrum, letting those lugs pop free from the aluminum frame like they’re ready for a dance party!
– Next, swing the display open towards the standby button. Make sure to prop it up against something sturdy, so those flexible cables don’t feel overstretched—let’s keep them happy!
Step 6
– Grab your Phillips screwdriver and let’s loosen those four screws on the contact cover. Once they’re nice and loose, gently lift it out of your device using your tweezers—easy peasy!
– Next up, it’s time to disconnect the battery contact! Slide a plastic spudger underneath the plug and lift it off with care. Remember, a plastic spudger is your best friend for this job!
2 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
Right at the start of your repair adventure, let’s disconnect that battery connector! This little step not only keeps pesky short circuits at bay, but it also ensures your phone doesn’t accidentally wake up and start a party while you’re working. Safety first, and let’s keep the surprises for later!
In this guide, we’re rocking some iPhone 8 photos! While the battery connector might have a slightly different look on the iPhone SE (2nd generation), rest assured it’s hanging out in the same spot. You’re all set to dive into this repair!
Step 7
– Using your trusty plastic spudger, give a little nudge to pop off the two connectors that are snugly attached to the display (that’s the display connector and the home button).
Tools Used
Step 8
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
– Grab your Phillips screwdriver (PH00) and gently loosen those three screws holding the cover over the FaceTime connector. You’ve got this!
– Now, take your trusty spudger and carefully pop the FaceTime connector off the board. Easy does it!
– And just like that, you can fully remove the display! You’re making great progress!
Step 9
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Standoff
Got a tricky internal thread screw to deal with? No worries! While there are special screwdrivers designed just for this job, a regular, slim slotted screwdriver will do the trick just fine. You’re all set to tackle this repair like a pro!
– Unscrew the two screws that hold the bracket plate of the iSight camera in place and set that plate aside for now.
Step 10
2 × 1.2 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
1 × 2.5 mm Phillips
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
One of the screws is nestled into the side of the back cover, just waiting to be unscrewed. Let’s get that little guy out!
– Alright, let’s get those four Phillips screws out from the plastic bracket so we can set it free! Unscrew them like a pro, and soon enough, that bracket will be ready to come off!
Step 11
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Phillips
– First, let’s tackle those Phillips screws holding the Wi-Fi antenna in place. Unscrew them like a champ!
– Next, gently pry the antenna connector off the board using a plastic spudger. Take your time, we want to keep everything safe and sound!
– If the antenna seems a bit stubborn, warm it up with some hot air and slide a flat, stable lever tool underneath it. A steel spatula works wonders here!
– Once everything feels loosey-goosey, you can go ahead and lift that antenna right out of your iPhone SE!
Step 12
– Grab a SIM tool or a paperclip and let’s get that SIM card tray out of your phone! Just press the tool into the little hole in the tray and give it a gentle push. Out it comes!
Tools Used
Step 13
– With a gentle touch, use your trusty spudger to unclip the three connectors from the logic board. You’re doing great!
Tools Used
Step 14
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
1 × 2.1 mm Standoff
1 × 1.6 mm Phillips
Just a heads up, that sneaky Phillips screw is hiding under a sticker! Check out our photo for a little peek.
– Loosen those three screws holding the logic board nice and easy!
– Once those screws are all relaxed, gently lift out the logic board. You’ll find a little plastic holder for a screw right next to the two holes for the iSight camera, and it’s just chilling above the logic board.
Step 15
1 × 1.2 mm Y-type
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 2.5 mm Phillips
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
1 × 2.1 mm Phillips
To tackle that Y-type screw, make sure you’ve got a trusty Y-type screwdriver by your side. It’s your secret weapon for this step!
– To get started, unscrew those three little screws holding the cover plate above the speaker’s flexible cable. Once they’re out, gently lift off that cover plate and voilà, you’re one step closer to a sound upgrade!
Step 16
– Start by giving the antenna a quick warm-up with some hot air—this will help it come off easier.
– Gently slide a steel spatula or tweezers beneath the antenna and work it loose bit by bit from the speaker.
– Once that’s done, stick the antenna back in its rightful spot on the new speaker with a little glue.
Tools Used
- heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove.
In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.” rel=”noopener”>Heat gun - Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
- Steel Laboratory Spatula
Step 17
1 × 2.1 mm Phillips
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Y-type
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 2.5 mm Phillips
Make sure to slot that flex cable right between the battery and speaker—it’s like finding the perfect spot for a cozy couch in your living room!
– Carefully place the speaker back in its cozy spot and give it a good press to ensure it’s snug as a bug!
Step 18
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
1 × 2.1 mm Standoff
1 × 1.6 mm Phillips
– Slide the logic board back into its original spot, making sure that the camera bracket is snugly resting above it.
– Tighten those screws on the logic board to keep everything secure!
Step 19
– First, line up those connectors with their cozy little sockets and give them a gentle press down with your finger. Just like tucking in a blanket, we want them to feel right at home!
Step 20
If your holder is giving you a bit of a hard time sliding in, take a moment to double-check the logic board’s position. It’s all about getting it just right!
– Slide that SIM card holder right back into its cozy little home on the device frame. You’ve got this!
Step 21
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Phillips
– First up, slide that Wi-Fi antenna back into your iPhone SE’s case like it never left!
– Next, grab your trusty screwdriver and secure the antenna mount to the case frame—let’s make it snug!
– Give it a gentle press to reattach that adhesive film. We want it to stick around!
– Finally, connect the antenna’s connector. You’re almost there!
Step 22
1 × 2.5 mm Phillips
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
2 × 1.2 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
– First, pop that little connector piece back into its cozy home and give it a nice, tight twist to secure it.
– Next up, slide in the plastic bracket and tighten those screws just as snugly. You’re doing great!
Step 23
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Standoff
– Carefully slide the camera back into its designated spot and give it a firm press to ensure it’s snug.
– Next, connect the camera connector like a pro!
– Finally, place the camera cover plate back on and tighten it securely with screws.
Step 24
– First, let’s tidy up that metal frame and display by removing any leftover adhesive residues. This will help the new adhesive frame fit like a glove! A pair of tweezers or a spudger will be your best buddies for this task.
– Now, take a moment to align the adhesive frame on the back cover of your iPhone SE. Getting that placement just right is key to a smooth finish!
Once you’ve popped open your iPhone SE (2nd generation) and attached that shiny new adhesive frame, it’s ready to fend off dust and splashes like a champ! Just a heads up though—it’s not quite 100% waterproof, so let’s keep it safe!
The corners of the adhesive frame are like little guides, helping you align the back cover just right. Think of them as your trusty sidekicks in this repair adventure!
Tools Used
Step 25
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
– Stand the display upright on the upper case frame and connect the FaceTime connector to the logic board. You’re doing great!
– Now, gently slide the display to the side on the case frame. Almost there!
– Place the bracket plate back over the FaceTime connector and secure it with those three Phillips screws. You’ve got this!
Step 26
– Let’s make those connections! Gently attach the connectors from the home button and the display to the logic board. Just like a cozy hug, we want everything to fit snugly!
Step 28
Wrong position
Right position
If that cable isn’t snug as a bug, you might see some funky spots on your display! So before you seal things up, double-check that the chip on the cable is sitting pretty in the right spot. Our photo will help you find that perfect position!
Step 29
2 × 3.4 Pentalobe
– Grab your Pentalobe screwdriver and let’s get those two screws on either side of the Lightning connector snugly secured back into the rear case of your iPhone SE! You’re doing awesome!
Tools Used
