Apple Watch Series 2 Screen Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 15 Steps
Got a cracked or wonky display on your Apple Watch Series 2? No worries—this guide walks you through replacing it with a friendly, straightforward approach. Just a heads-up: make sure your watch is running watchOS 5 or newer and your iPhone is on iOS 12 or later to keep everything syncing smoothly afterward. A quick note—changing the display can sometimes mess with Apple Pay, so it’s a good idea to remove your Apple Pay info before swapping the screen, then add it back once everything’s set up again. If you need a hand during the process, schedule a repair with Salvation Repair for expert help.
Step 1
If your touchscreen is out of commission and you're stuck trying to turn off your watch, don't worry! Try this alternate method to power it down.
- First things first, let's give your watch a little break! Unplug it from the charger and power it down before we dive into the repairs.
Step 2
If certain spots cool down and get stubborn, just give your iOpener another warm-up or scoot it over to heat up those chilly sections so the screen comes off easier.
- Get ready to loosen things up! Use an iOpener (or grab a hair dryer or heat gun) to warm up the watch face until it's just a bit too hot to touch.
- Keep the iOpener on the watch for about a minute. This will help the screen and the adhesive that holds it to the case get nice and toasty, making the next steps a breeze.
Tools Used
Step 3
Watch your fingers—keep them far away from the blade. If you're not sure, throw on a sturdy glove like something you'd wear for yard work or heavy chores.
Go easy on the pressure. Pressing too hard might launch the knife or leave you with a nasty cut—or even scratch up your watch.
Pop on some eye protection. You never know if the blade or glass will break and send bits flying.
Since the gap between the screen and the watch body is super slim, you'll want to grab a sharp blade to gently pry them apart. Make sure to read the warnings carefully before you start. To get better control during the process, feel free to attach or remove the watch band as needed. If you run into any trouble, remember you can always schedule a repair with Salvation Repair to help out.
Step 4
Keep that knife just a hair's breadth away—no more than 1/16th of an inch (~2 mm). Safety first, friend!
- Let's get this repair started! Carefully insert the curved blade into the slim gap between the display and the outer case, beginning at the shorter side of the display, closest to the digital crown.
- Now, press down firmly into the gap to get a good grip.
- Once the blade is in place, gently tilt it to pry the display open just a bit. You're making great progress!
Step 5
Hold your horses! Don't rush to completely open or remove the display just yet.
- Pop that blade into the tiny gap you just made, then swap it out for the slimmer edge of your opening tool.
- Wiggle the opening tool into the space, and use your thumb as a lever to nudge the display open a little more.
Step 6
If you want to keep that Force Touch gasket in one piece, work your way under the display with some gentle prying. If the gasket splits or you end up pulling apart its layers, you’ll need to swap it for a new one.
Keep your opening pick super shallow—don’t go deeper than 1/16th of an inch (about 2 mm).
iFixit’s replacement kits come with a new Force Touch gasket, so if yours gets a little worn or damaged, no worries—you're covered. Just swap it out, and you're good to go.
- Let's get this repair started! Begin by sliding an opening pick under the display and gently prying the Force Touch gasket away from the display.
- Now, work your way around the display with the pick to loosen the adhesive holding the Force Touch gasket in place. Take your time and be careful not to apply too much pressure.
Step 7
Hey there! Just a friendly reminder: to keep those display cables happy, hold off on opening the display all the way for now.
- Gently open the display at a cozy 45° angle, then grab your trusty tweezers and start peeling off that pesky adhesive between the display and the Force Touch gasket like a pro.
- Now, carefully thread the adhesive around and behind the display cables to completely bid it farewell.
Tools Used
Step 8
- Grab your trusty Y000 driver and twist out that Tri-point screw holding the metal battery connector cover in place. You've got this!
- Now, gently lift off the cover and reveal the magic inside.
Step 9
- Let's get started by disconnecting the battery - simply use the edge of a pry tool to gently lift its connector straight up.
- To avoid any accidental connections, give the connector a slight bend upwards. You're making great progress!
Step 10
The tape can be pretty clingy, so go easy—pull too hard and you might yank the cables underneath. If it’s being extra stubborn, a little heat or a dab of isopropyl alcohol can help loosen that adhesive. Take your time, and if you need a hand, you can always schedule a repair.
- Grab your trusty tweezers and gently lift off the tape that's covering those display cable connectors. You've got this!
- Starting from the bottom right corner of the tape, take your time and work your way towards the connector in the middle. Precision is key!
Tools Used
Step 11
Heads up: the connector on the far left has a strip of conductive foil attached, and it can be a bit dramatic—sometimes it tears when you peel up the tape.
- If you see a tear, gently pull from the bottom left to take it off completely. This way, the matching foil underneath (on the display) stays safe and sound!
Step 12
- Gently grab a pry tool or your trusty clean fingernail and get ready to unlock the first of the three ZIF connectors! Just lift that little black locking flap on the opposite side of the cable with care, and you're on your way.
Step 13
- Lift the locking tabs on the remaining two ZIF connectors—think of them as the gatekeepers for your cables. Usually, replacement screens come with these tabs closed tight. Before you slide in those cables during reassembly, make sure the tabs are flipped open; otherwise, you might end up damaging your watch. Need a hand? You can always schedule a repair with the pros.
Step 14
If those cables are being a little stubborn, gently wiggle them out by walking them from side to side with a light pull. Patience is key—slow and steady wins the race. If you hit a stubborn spot, take a deep breath, and keep at it. And if you need a hand, you can always schedule a repair.
- Grab your tweezers and carefully wiggle those display flex cables free. Nice and easy does it—no need to rush!
Tools Used
Step 15
- Pop that screen off like a pro—easy does it!
- When it’s time to put everything back together, peep the reassembly guide tucked at the end for the full rundown on the Force Touch gasket and sticky stuff. You’ve got this!
