iPhone 7 Plus – Replacing the back cover
Duration: 90 min.
Steps: 41 Steps
In this guide, we’re diving into the world of DIY repairs to show you how to swap out that old, worn-out back cover on your iPhone 7 Plus. Whether your current cover is looking a bit worse for wear with scratches or warps, or you're just in the mood for a fresh color, we've got you covered! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and give your iPhone a makeover!
Step 1
- First things first, let's give your iPhone a little break! Power it down completely to keep it safe during the repair. Just press that Sleep/Wake button for about three seconds until you see the 'power off' slider pop up.
- Now, swipe that slider from left to right. Your iPhone will take about ten seconds to shut down completely. Easy peasy!
Step 2
2 × 3,3 mm Pentalobe
- Grab your trusty pentalobe screwdriver (PL1) because we're about to dive into the iPhone 7 Plus! It's time to get that back cover off.
- Carefully unscrew the two pentalobe screws located at the bottom of the enclosure, right next to the Lightning connector. Remember to keep those screws safe on your magnetic pad!
Step 3
If needed, give the outer edges of the display a little warmth a few times. Just a friendly reminder: the display's flex cables hang out on the side with the Sleep/Wake button. And don't forget, the display is also snugly attached at the edge of the earpiece!
- Keep your iPhone 7 safe from scratches by laying it down on a soft, clean surface. Your phone will thank you!
- To lift the front screen, grab a suction cup, a hard plastic plectrum, and a heat gun. If the screen is shattered, don’t worry! Just cover it with some package tape first.
- The screen is stuck on tight! Use your heat gun to warm up the edges of the display to about 60°C for easier removal.
- Place the suction cup over the Home button (if you can) or right next to it. While you gently pull the screen up with the suction cup, slide the hard plastic pick between the aluminum frame and the display. Press down on the aluminum frame as you go. The display is glued on, so you'll need to slide that pick all around the iPhone. Just a heads up: don’t push the pick too deep near the Sleep/Wake button side, as you could damage those delicate display cables.
- Now, use the pick to nudge the display toward the Lightning connector until the tabs pop out of the aluminum frame.
- Rest the display on the aluminum frame to avoid stretching the flex cables too much. You're doing great!
Step 4
1 × 2,4 mm Y-Type
3 × 1,1 mm Y-Type
Battery Connector
Before you dive into this repair, make sure to disconnect the battery contact! This little step helps you avoid any short circuits and keeps your device from accidentally powering on while you’re working your magic.
- Start by removing those three Y-Type screws using your trusty Y-Type screwdriver (Y000). Once they're out, gently lift off that bracket plate and remember to keep all the parts cozy in the same box on your magnetic pad.
- Next up, it's time to carefully pry off the battery connector. You can do this by sliding a spudger underneath it. If a spudger isn't at hand, your fingernail will do the trick too!
Step 5
Display Connector
Home Button Connector
- Use the spudger to disconnect the display and Home button cables.
Step 6
1 × 1,3 mm Y-Type
2 × 1,0 mm Y-Type
Facetime Connector
- Start by removing those three Y-Type screws with your trusty Y-Type screwdriver (Y000). Once they're out, gently lift off the cover. Keep everything nice and organized in the same box on your magnetic pad!
- Next, grab a spudger and carefully disconnect the FaceTime connector from the circuit board. You're doing great so far!
- Now, it's time to take off the display completely. You're almost there!
Step 7
1 × 2,9 mm Phillips
1 × 2,1 mm Phillips
3 × 1,5 mm Phillips
- Unscrew the two Phillips screws from the plastic bracket using your trusty Phillips screwdriver (PH00).
- Grab a spudger and gently disconnect the Taptic Engine connector.
- Next, use that same Phillips screwdriver (PH00) to remove the three Phillips screws keeping the Taptic Engine snug in its spot.
- And now, it's time to lift out the Taptic Engine!
Step 8
- Grab those tweezers or a spatula and gently peel off the black tabs. Underneath, you'll find the white adhesive strips waiting for you!
- Now, take your time and slowly pull out those adhesive strips. Keep them nice and flat, right at the level of your iPhone—no need for any dramatic lifts!
- Once all those adhesive strips are off, you can finally say goodbye to the battery. It's time for a fresh start!
Hold onto that battery and your iPhone like a pro while you gently pull out the last adhesive strip. We don't want that battery making an unexpected exit!
If one of those pesky adhesive strips decides to tear, don't fret! Just gently coax the battery out using a wide spudger. Remember, the goal is to keep that battery as straight as possible—no need for any dramatic bends!
Step 9
1 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
The standoff screw isn't magnetic, so it won't be sticking around for any spontaneous dance parties! Just keep that in mind as you tackle this step.
- Unscrew the two screws from the camera bracket and gently lift it away. It's like unwrapping a present!
- Using a spudger, carefully slide under the camera connectors and pry them off. Take it slow and steady, you're doing great!
- Now, use that spudger to nudge the camera unit out of its cozy little spot and lift it out. You've got this!
Step 10
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
- First, let's tackle that Phillips screw that's nestled sideways into the back cover. Give it a gentle twist and watch it come loose!
- Next up, it's time to disconnect the connector from the board. Just a little tug and you're on your way!
- The antenna is playing hard to get, but no worries! A bit of hot air will help loosen it up, or you can carefully slide a steel spatula under the cable to disconnect it. Just be gentle!
- Now, go ahead and lift out that antenna. You're doing awesome!
Step 11
3 × 1.1 mm Phillips
1 × 1.0 mm Phillips
If you find one of those sneaky screws has decided to take a sideways approach into the back cover, don’t worry! Just gently twist it back into place. You're doing great!
- First, let's tackle those Phillips screws holding the antenna bracket in place. Make sure to keep them cozy in the same box so they don't wander off!
- Next, gently lift off the bracket and say goodbye to it!
Step 12
2 × 1.1 mm Phillips
- Underneath the antenna bracket, you'll find two sneaky Phillips screws keeping a connection piece snug and secure. Go ahead and unscrew them!
- Now it's time to gently lift out that connection piece. You're almost there!
Step 13
2 × 1.1 mm Phillips
Conncetor
Antenna Connector
- First, let's tackle those two screws holding the bracket plate over the connector at the top end of the logic board. Time to get our screwdriver ready!
- Next up, grab your trusty spudger and gently disconnect that connector. You're doing awesome!
- Now, it's time to disconnect the broad connector on the side of the logic board along with those two tiny antenna cable plugs. Keep it steady!
Step 14
2 × 1.8 mm Standoff
4 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
Right next to those two little holes for the iSight camera, you'll find a plastic screw holder chillin' on top of the logic board. It's like a cozy little home for a screw!
- First, let's kick things off by popping out that SIM card tray!
- Next up, grab your trusty screwdriver and unscrew all the screws that are keeping the logic board snug as a bug. You can use a special screwdriver or a regular thin slotted one—whatever floats your boat!
- Now, it’s time to gently lift out the logic board by hand. If it’s feeling a bit stubborn, don’t hesitate to use a spudger to help it along. You’ve got this!
Step 15
2 × 1.2 mm Phillips
1 × 2.2 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Phillips
- First, let’s unscrew those four screws holding the speaker in place. You got this!
- Next, gently detach the two antenna cables from their snug little homes.
- Finally, lift out the speaker along with the antenna cable. You're doing awesome!
Step 16
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
2 × 1.6 mm Phillips
1 × 2.8 mm Phillips
1 × 2.6 mm Phillips
The ribbon cable for the Lightning connector is really stuck down tight. But don't worry, with a little care and patience, you can get it loose! Just take your time and follow the steps carefully.
- First, let's tackle those Phillips screws holding the Lightning connector in place. Organize those little guys in separate boxes so you can easily find them later—no one likes a screw mix-up!
- Warm up the ribbon cable a bit and then gently coax it away from the frame using the flat end of your trusty spatula. You've got this!
- Use that spatula or spudger to loosen the Lightning connector and the two shiny gold microphones. Just a little nudge is all it takes!
- Now, carefully remove the ribbon cable using your fingers or tweezers. You're almost there!
Step 17
3 × 1.8 mm Phillips
3 × 2.0 mm Phillips
If one of those sneaky adhesive strips decides to tear, no worries! Just gently coax the battery out with a wide spudger. Keep it straight and avoid any dramatic bends—let's keep it cool!
- Let's get those brackets unscrewed! There are two of them holding the flex cable snugly to the frame, and each one has three screws. Time to break out that screwdriver!
- Next, give the flex cable a little warmth to help it detach from the frame. Use the flat end of your spatula to gently coax it loose.
- Now, it's time to carefully pull the flex cable out using your fingers or some tweezers. If you need a little extra help, slide the spatula or spudger under the flash LED and the golden ambient microphone to loosen them up.
Step 18
10 × 1.5 mm Phillips
- Each of those five retaining brackets is held in place by two Phillips screws, so let’s get those little guys out! Just remove them and stash the screws in the same box for safekeeping.
Step 19
Buttons
- Grab those tweezers and gently slide out the bracket fasteners to the side like a pro.
- Now, give that bracket a little nudge upward on one side and a gentle push sideways on the other. You're doing great!
- Finally, press out those buttons from inside. You've got this!
Step 20
foam rubber spacers
- First, let's get that new back cover ready! Attach all the necessary parts, like those stickers or plastic holders, to it.
- Next up, it’s time to say goodbye to the speaker cover. Give it a little heat to loosen that stubborn glue, and then gently pry it off the back cover using a flat tool. You've got this!
Step 21
- Gently press those buttons in from the outer edges of the frame. You've got this!
- Start by sliding the button bracket in from the side, then give it a little twist to secure it.
- Grab your tweezers and carefully place the bracket for the buttons. It's a bit of a dance, but you can do it!
Step 22
10 × 1.5 mm Phillips
- Time to get those five retaining brackets for the display installed! Each bracket needs two Phillips screws to keep it snug and secure. Just make sure those brackets are facing the right way—no one likes a mix-up!
Step 23
Be sure to lay that cable down smooth and straight—no bends allowed! We want everything to look sharp and work just right.
If you've decided to jazz up your back cover with a new color, don't forget to swap out the aluminum rocker switch too! It's attached to the button, so give it some love while you're at it.
- Alright, let's get that standby/volume control cable installed in its cozy little spot! Don't forget to double-check that the microphone and flash LED are snugly fitted. Secure everything with those Phillips screws.
- Give the entire cable a good press onto the frame to ensure it sticks like it means it!
- After you've tightened those screws, give the buttons a little test to see how sensitive they are to pressure. Adjust the screws as needed to make sure everything feels just right.
Step 24
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
1 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 1.6 mm Phillips
1 × 2.8 mm Phillips
- Time to get that Lightning connector's flex cable back in its cozy spot! Just press it down onto the back cover until it's lying flat and happy.
- Now, let’s make sure both microphones are snug as a bug in their frame. Press them back into place!
- Finally, grab your trusty screwdriver and fasten all those screws that keep the Lightning connector secure. You’re almost there!
Step 25
2 × 1.2 mm Phillips
1 × 2.2 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Phillips
- Pop that speaker back into its cozy spot, giving it a gentle nudge toward the lower edge of your iPhone.
- Now, grab those Phillips screws and secure the speaker in place. You're doing great!
- Click the antenna cables back into their little home on the bracket. Almost there!
Step 26
2 × 1.8 mm Standoff
4 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
- Carefully slide the logic board back into its original spot, making sure that the camera bracket is resting comfortably on top of it.
- Secure the logic board in place with those handy screws.
- Don’t forget to pop the SIM card tray back in!
Step 27
2 × 1,1 mm Phillips
- Gently connect those antenna cable plugs like you're placing the final piece of a puzzle—just line them up with their sockets and give them a little push!
- Next, it's time to plug those two connectors into the logic board. You've got this!
- Wrap things up by fastening the bracket plate with those trusty Phillips screws. Easy as pie!
Step 28
2 × 1.1 mm Phillips
- Secure the small connection piece in place using those Phillips screws. You've got this!
Step 29
3 × 1.1 mm Phillips
1 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- First, pop that antenna cover back in and give it a little press to secure it.
- Now, grab your Phillips screwdriver and tighten those screws, including the one that's sideways. You've got this!
Step 30
1 × 1,1 mm Phillips
- First up, let's place that Wi-Fi antenna back in its original home!
- Next, secure it with a Phillips screw to keep it snug.
- Now, it's time to connect the connector—let's make that connection!
- Finally, give a gentle press on the flex cable so the glue can do its thing and stick like it means it.
Step 31
1 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
- Pop that camera unit back into its cozy holder and give it a little press to set it in place.
- Connect the two connectors for the camera—just like plugging in a friend for a power-up!
- Now, let's reattach that camera bracket plate and screw it in tight. You’re almost there!
Step 32
- Start by peeling off that big blue protective film and sticking those adhesive strips to the bottom of the battery. Make sure they’re nice and straight!
- Now flip the battery over and take off the little blue protective film on the tabs.
- Fold those tabs over and stick them to the top of the battery like a pro.
- Finally, remove the large pink protective films from the tabs. You're almost there!
Get those adhesive strips ready to rock! Place them in your device with the protective films still on, making sure they're pointing the right way. You're doing great!
When you're putting those adhesive strips in place, make sure to leave a little wiggle room on both sides for the tabs to fold over. We want it snug but not too tight—just like a good pair of jeans!
Step 33
Make sure to give your battery a little breathing room! Leave some space between the frame and other parts all around the battery—it's like giving it a comfy hug.
- Alright, it's time to tuck that battery back into its cozy home! Just check the battery connector to make sure everything's lined up perfectly.
Step 34
3 × 1,5 mm Phillips
1 × 2,9 mm Phillips
1 × 2,1 mm Phillips
- Nestle the Taptic Engine snugly back between the battery and the Lightning connector.
- Secure the Taptic Engine in place with the three Phillips screws—let's make it feel right at home!
- Connect the Taptic Engine's cable to the Lightning connector; it's like giving it a little handshake.
- Pop the plastic bracket back into the iPhone and fasten it down with the two Phillips screws. You're almost there!
Step 35
Just a heads up: even with a brand new frame sticker, your iPhone's water resistance might not be quite as awesome as it used to be!
Keep an eye on how you place that frame sticker! The corners are uniquely shaped to guide you, so make sure to align it just right!
- To ensure that the new frame sticker adheres properly, start by giving your device a good clean! Wipe away any old glue and dirt for a fresh start.
- Next, peel off the first backing film.
- Carefully position the sticker on one side and gently press it down.
- Now, go ahead and remove the second piece of film.
Step 36
Facetime Connector
2 × 1,0 mm Y-Type
1 × 1,3 mm Y-Type
- Stand tall with the display and give that FaceTime connector a warm hug to the logic board!
- Now, let that display rest easy on the right edge of the frame. It's like a cozy nap!
- Time to bring back the bracket plate for the FaceTime connector! Secure it with those three Phillips screws and let it know it's home.
Step 37
Display Connector
Home Button Connector
- Use your trusty spudger to disconnect the display and Home button cables from the logic board.
Step 38
Battery Connector
3 × 1,1 mm Y-Type
1 × 2,4 mm Y-Type
- Reconnect that battery cable like a pro!
- Now, pop the bracket plate back onto your iPhone and secure it with those four Y-type screws. You've got this!
Step 39
Heads up! Your phone's water protection has taken a vacation. To bring it back, you'll need to reglue the display and seal the deal!
- First, let’s get that display cozy on the right edge of the frame and gently fold it onto your iPhone like a warm hug.
- Next, slide that display towards the standby button until those tabs click into place—just like magic!
- Finally, give the display a little love tap all around the frame to lock it in securely. You've got this!
Step 40
2 × 3,3 mm Pentalobe
- Screw the two pentalobe screws to the left and right of the Lightning connector into the case.
Step 41
Hey there! Just a quick heads-up: when you take out the battery, your iPhone might decide to throw it back to 1:00 a.m. on 1/1/1970. If you don't set the time, you might run into some hiccups connecting to the cellular network. So, let's get that time sorted out!
- Synchronize your iPhone with iTunes or connect to a WiFi network and wait until the time is set.
- The time won’t be set automatically, unless you enable this feature in the settings.
- Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically
- Remove the SIM tray with the SIM card and reinsert it.
- Activate airplane mode on the device and then deactivate airplane mode.
- Settings > Airplane Mode
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