iPhone SE (2020) – Replacing the back cover
Duration: 120 min.
Steps: 51 Steps
In this photo guide, we’ll walk you through the process of swapping out the back cover of your iPhone SE, giving it a fresh look and a new lease on life! The images used in this guide are from the iPhone 8, which is nearly identical to the iPhone SE (2nd generation), so we thought it made sense to borrow them. Rest assured, all the steps are the same. Best of luck with your back cover replacement, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on our guide! If you need a little help, feel free to schedule a repair!
Step 1
- Turn off your iPhone SE (2nd generation) completely in the first step, to protect it from potential damage during repair.To do so, keep the standby button pressed until the "Power off" slider appears.
- Wipe the slider from left to right. Your iPhone will shut down completely in about ten seconds.
Step 2
- Unscrew the two Pentalobe screws located on either side of the Lightning connector using your trusty Pentalobe screwdriver. Once you've got them out, toss those little guys into your screw storage box to keep them safe!
2 × 3.4 mm Pentablobe
To keep track of all those tiny parts and screws you've removed, we suggest using a nifty screw storage box. Got an old sewing box lying around? Perfect! You can repurpose it for this task. We also recommend a high-quality magnetic pad where you can neatly arrange the components just as you found them in your phone. This way, you’ll always know where each screw belongs, making reassembly a breeze!
Step 3
When it comes to warming things up, think of it this way: your device should feel cozy, not like it's auditioning for a sauna! Keep your touch comfortable, and you'll be golden.
- To kick things off, lay your iPhone SE on a nice, cushy surface to keep it safe from scratches while you lift off the display.
- Since the display is glued down tight, you'll want to warm it up a bit to help it come off without a fuss. Grab a heat gun or a trusty hairdryer, and gently wave it over the edges of the display from the outside. This will make the detaching process a whole lot smoother!
Tools Used
Step 4
- Stick that suction cup right above the home button on your display and give it a gentle pull upwards. Lifting the display screen just a smidge creates a tiny gap between the aluminum and display frames, making the next steps a whole lot easier!
Opening up your iPhone SE (2nd generation) means that the warranty for dust and splash protection (IP67) will be waving goodbye. So, keep that in mind as you embark on your repair adventure!
If your display screen is looking a bit worse for wear, don't fret! Just grab some parcel tape and give it a good wrap before you dive in. It’ll help keep things in check while you work your magic!
Tools Used
Step 5
Keep your display angle under 180° while it's still connected, or those delicate flex cables might just say "adios"!
- Now, gently nudge the display upwards with your plectrum to pop those lugs off the aluminum frame. You're doing great!
- Next, swing it open towards the standby button. Lean the display against something sturdy to keep those flexible cables from overstretching. You've got this!
Step 6
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and loosen those four screws holding down the contact cover. Once they’re all set free, gently lift it out of your device using some tweezers. You've got this!
- Next up, it's time to disconnect the battery contact. Carefully slide a plastic spudger under the plug and give it a little lift. Remember, a plastic spudger is your best friend for this task!
2 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
Right off the bat, let's disconnect that battery connector! This little move is your best buddy in avoiding short circuits and making sure your phone doesn’t accidentally wake up while you're in repair mode. Safety first, right?
In this guide, we're rocking some iPhone 8 photos. While the battery connector might have a slightly different look in the iPhone SE (2nd generation), don't sweat it! It's hanging out in the same spot on your device.
Step 7
- Grab your trusty plastic spudger and gently pry off the two connectors linked to the display (that's the display and the home button). You've got this!
Tools Used
Step 8
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver (PH00) and give those three screws a little twist to release the cover over the FaceTime connector. You're almost there!
- Next, take your spudger and gently pry the FaceTime connector away from the board. Easy does it!
- And just like that, the display is ready to be completely removed! You've got this!
Step 9
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Standoff
While there are fancy screwdrivers designed for those tricky internal thread screws, a regular, slender slotted screwdriver will do the trick just fine! So, grab what you have and let’s get to work!
- Unscrew the two screws that hold the bracket plate of the iSight camera in place, and then set that plate aside for now. You're doing great!
Step 10
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
1 × 2.7 mm Phillips
- First, let's get those screws off that bracket plate hanging out above the standby and volume button connector. You got this!
- Next, gently coax the connector away from the logic board using your trusty spudger. Easy does it!
Step 11
2 × 1.2 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
1 × 2.5 mm Phillips
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
One of those sneaky screws is cozying up to the side of the back cover. Don't worry, it's just trying to make itself at home!
- To kick things off, unscrew those four Phillips screws from the plastic bracket. Once they're out, you'll be all set to remove that bracket like a pro!
Step 12
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Phillips
- First, let's unscrew those Phillips screws that are holding the Wi-Fi antenna in place. Easy peasy!
- Next up, gently use your plastic spudger to pop that antenna connector off the board. You're doing great!
- If the antenna is feeling a bit stubborn, warm it up with some hot air and slide a flat, sturdy tool underneath to help it along. A steel spatula works wonders here!
- Once everything is nice and loose, go ahead and lift that antenna right off your iPhone SE. You've got this!
Step 13
- Grab a SIM tool or a trusty paperclip to pop out the SIM card tray from your phone. Just press that SIM tool into the tiny hole on the tray and voilà, you're on your way!
Tools Used
Step 14
- Gently pry off the three connectors from the logic board using your trusty spudger. You've got this!
Tools Used
Step 15
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 behind a sticker (check out our photo for a peek!).
- Loosen the three screws that keep the logic board snug and secure.
- Once those screws are loosened, gently lift out the logic board. You'll notice a handy little plastic holder for a screw right next to the two holes for the iSight camera. This holder sits just above the logic board, ready to assist you!
Step 16
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 have the right Y-type screwdriver in hand. It's your trusty sidekick for this step!
- First, let's tackle those three screws holding the cover plate snugly above the speaker's flexible cable. Unscrew them and gently lift off the cover plate. You've got this!
Step 17
1 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 2.0 mm Phillips
- First, gently disconnect the tiny flex cable that's hanging out above the Taptic Engine connector. It's like giving it a little hug!
- Next, loosen those screws that are keeping the Taptic Engine snug as a bug. We want it to feel free!
- Now, grab your trusty spudger and carefully pry off the Taptic Engine connector. It's time for it to take a little vacation from your phone!
Step 18
- Grab those tweezers or a spatula and gently peel off the black tabs – they’re just hiding the white adhesive strips underneath, waiting for their moment to shine!
- Now, take your time and slowly pull out those adhesive strips. Keep them nice and flat, just like your iPhone, for a smooth exit!
- Once you've successfully freed all the adhesive strips, it's time to say goodbye to the battery. You've got this!
Hold onto that battery and your iPhone like they're your favorite snack while you gently pull out the last adhesive strip. We don't want that battery taking a tumble out of your device!
If one of those adhesive strips decides to play hard to get and tears, no worries! Just use a battery spudger to gently pry out the battery. Remember, the key here is to keep the bending to a minimum – treat that battery like a delicate piece of art!
Tools Used
Step 19
1 × 1.7 mm Phillips
1 × 1.9 mm Phillips
- First, let's get those two Phillips screws out of the barometric vent. Unscrew them like a pro!
- Now, with your trusty tweezers, gently lift the glued barometric vent from the bottom of the back cover. It’s like a little treasure hunt!
Step 20
2 × 2.1 mm Phillips
3 × 1.2 mm Phillips
Two sneaky screws are cozily tucked away on the sides of the back cover, each playing hide-and-seek under a piece of black tape. Time to uncover them!
- Now it's time to tackle those five Phillips screws holding the Lightning connector in place. Carefully remove them and set them down in a tidy spot on your magnetic pad. You've got this!
Step 21
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
2 × 1.6 mm Phillips
1 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 2.3 mm Phillips
Give that flex cable a little warm-up with some hot air! It'll make sliding it off the back cover a whole lot easier. Just a quick heat session, and you'll be ready to go!
- First, let's loosen that standoff screw holding down the cover plate over the flash. Once it's loose, pop it out of your device with ease!
- Next up, it's time to tackle those five Phillips screws that are keeping the flex cable for the standby and volume button in place. You've got this!
Step 22
6 × 1.6 mm Phillips
- Unscrew the two Phillips screws that secure the three mounting clamps on the back cover. Place those little screws on your magnetic mat so they don’t go on a wild adventure!
- Oh, and don’t forget to peel off the stickers from two of those clamps. They’re just hanging out, waiting for you to take them off!
Step 23
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
- Unscrew the Phillips screw that holds the guide rail snugly against the back cover's edge. You've got this!
- Now, take your trusty flat tool, like a steel spatula, and gently nudge the rail loose before lifting it out. Easy peasy!
Step 24
- Using tweezers, gently coax the brackets of the sleep/wake button out of the back cover frame. Take your time, you got this!
- Next, press the key holder upwards from one side and carefully detach it from the back cover frame. You're doing great!
- Now, you can easily press the button from inside the frame. Go ahead and give it a little push!
- Repeat the same process for the volume buttons. Keep up the awesome work!
Tools Used
Step 25
If you're feeling like it's time to retire that old back cover, a flat metal tool can come to your rescue! But if you want to keep things gentle and scratch-free, we recommend reaching for a plastic tool to help loosen that loading coil. Your back cover will thank you for it!
- First, give the edge of that loading coil a warm hug with some hot air. This will help loosen up the glue keeping it snug against the back cover.
- Next, grab a flat and stable tool and gently slide it under the edge of the coil to help free it from the back cover. You're doing great!
Tools Used
Step 26
Plastikführung
Dichtungen
Don't forget to pop that little plastic SIM pen into your shiny new back cover! It's a small but mighty step in making sure your phone is ready to roll.
- Take off any leftover bits and bobs from the old back cover that aren’t making the move to the new one, like those pesky stickers or the plastic frame.
Step 27
- Carefully place the loading coil into the new back cover. Make sure it’s as flat as a pancake for the best connection.
- Get that contact positioned just right, so it can easily connect to the logic board later on.
- If the adhesive is feeling a bit lazy, warm it up with some hot air and give it a good press to make sure it sticks!
Step 28
- Reinsert the sleep/wake button by gently pressing it back into the frame of the back cover from the outside.
- Start by placing the key holder vertically inside the back cover frame, then give it a little twist to lay it horizontally.
- Now, with a bit of finesse, use your tweezers to hook the sleep/wake button's brackets into the key bracket. A little skill goes a long way here!
- Repeat the same steps for the volume buttons—you're on a roll!
Tools Used
Step 29
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
- Reinstall the rail just like it was before and secure it with that trusty Phillips screw. You're almost there!
Step 30
6 × 1.6 mm Phillips
- Align those fixing clamps just right in their original spots, and secure each one with a pair of Phillips screws. You're doing awesome!
Step 31
2 × 1.6 mm Phillips
1 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 2.3 mm Phillips
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
When you're sliding in that flex cable, just give it a little love and make sure it’s lying flat like it’s sunbathing on a beach. No bending allowed!
- Slide that flex cable for the standby and volume button back into the back cover and secure it with those five Phillips screws. You're doing great!
- After tightening them, check how the keys feel—if they’re not quite right, just readjust them using the screws. You've got this!
- Give a firm press to the entire cable, including the microphone and flashlight, making sure it sits snugly in the housing.
- Lastly, attach the flashlight cover with the stand-off screw. You're almost at the finish line!
Step 32
2 × 2.1 mm Phillips
3 × 1.2 mm Phillips
- Carefully place the flex cable of the Lightning connector back where it belongs and give it a firm press against the back cover to keep it nice and flat.
- Gently press the two microphones, which are part of the flex cable, into their designated spots in the back cover frame.
- Now, let's secure the Lightning connector by tightening all those screws you loosened earlier. You're almost there!
Step 33
1 × 1.7 mm Phillips
1 × 1.9 mm Phillips
- Pop that barometric vent back into its cozy spot on the back cover.
- Secure it tight with the two Phillips screws, and you're all set!
Step 34
- Peel off the big blue protective foil from the adhesive strip and stick it right in the center of the battery's underside. You're setting the stage for a smooth operation!
Keep an eye on those adhesive strips! Make sure they're lined up just right by giving them a test fit in your device. A little alignment goes a long way!
To get that battery snug as a bug, you have a couple of options! You can either reinstall all the components except for the logic board, or you can give the logic board a little vacation in the back cover for a bit. Either way, you’re on the right track!
Step 35
- Pop that battery back into your iPhone SE! Just follow the battery connector as your trusty guide to get it snugly in place.
Make sure to keep a friendly gap around the new battery, the frame, and all those other components. They need their personal space to work together smoothly!
After you’ve snugged that battery into place, it’s time to give the logic board a little vacation. This will help you position the battery just right, ensuring everything fits together like a well-rehearsed dance!
Step 36
1 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 2.0 mm Phillips
Ensure the screw holes for the Taptic Engine align perfectly. It's like making sure your shoes fit just right before you head out! A snug fit means everything will work smoothly.
- Nestle that Taptic Engine right back in its cozy spot between the battery and the Lightning connector. It's like tucking in a little buddy for a nap!
Step 37
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 that flex cable is snugly nestled between the battery and the speaker, like it’s finding its perfect little spot to chill out!
- Carefully place the speaker back in its cozy little home and give it a solid press to make sure it feels right at home!
Step 38
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
1 × 2.1 mm Standoff
1 × 1.6 mm Phillips
- Carefully place the logic board back in its original home, making sure that the camera bracket is snugly resting above it. It's like tucking it in for a cozy nap!
- Now, give those screws a nice twist to secure the logic board tightly. You've got this!
Step 39
- First, line those connectors up over their sockets and give them a gentle press down with your finger. It's like giving them a little high-five to make sure they’re snug!
Step 40
If your holder is playing hard to get, it might be time for a little logic board adjustment. Just check its position again and give it another go!
- Slide that SIM card holder back into its cozy little spot on the device frame. It’s like tucking it in for a good night’s sleep!
Step 41
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Phillips
- First, slide the Wi-Fi antenna back into its cozy spot inside your iPhone SE's case.
- Next, grab your trusty screwdriver and fasten the antenna mount to the case frame.
- Give it a gentle press to make sure the adhesive film sticks back in place.
- Finally, connect the antenna's connector, and you're all set!
Step 42
1 × 2.5 mm Phillips
1 × 1.4 mm Phillips
2 × 1.2 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- Place that little connector piece back where it belongs and give it a good twist to secure it tightly.
- Next up, slide in the plastic bracket and screw it down snugly as well.
Step 43
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
1 × 2.7 mm Phillips
- Reconnect the standby and volume button connector, making sure it’s snug as a bug!
- Pop the bracket plate back over that connector and secure it with the screws. You're almost done!
Step 44
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Standoff
- Gently slide the camera back into its cozy little spot and give it a firm press to settle in.
- Next, connect the camera connector to make sure everything's linked up nicely.
- Finally, place the camera cover plate back on and tighten those screws to secure everything in place.
Step 45
Once you've popped on that shiny new adhesive frame, your iPhone will be ready to fend off dust and splashes like a champ! Just remember, it’s not quite a submarine—so keep it away from deep water!
The unique corners of the adhesive frame are your best buddies for lining up the back cover just right. Trust them to guide you to that perfect fit!
- To start off, make sure to wipe away any leftover adhesive gunk from the metal frame and display. This way, your new adhesive frame will fit like a glove! Grab some tweezers or a spudger to lend you a hand.
- Next, give the adhesive frame a little test run on the back cover of your iPhone SE. This will help you get it just right for a perfect fit!
Tools Used
Step 46
- First, peel off that initial protective film from the adhesive frame. You're doing great!
- Next, position the adhesive frame on one side of the unit and gently press it against the edge, taking your time to ensure a good fit.
- Now, remove the large central portion of the protective film from the adhesive frame, leaving just a thin strip of protective film at the edge.
- Finally, peel away the remaining protective film from the edge of the device to reveal the transparent adhesive film on the edge of your iPhone. You're almost there!
Step 47
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- First, stand the display upright on the upper case frame and connect the FaceTime connector to the logic board. You've got this!
- Next, gently lay the display aside on the case frame—it's taking a little break!
- Finally, place the bracket plate back over the FaceTime connector and secure it with those three Phillips screws. You're almost there!
Step 48
- Connect the home button and display connectors to the logic board. It's like giving them a little handshake to make sure they’re ready to work together!
Step 49
2 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- Reconnect the battery connector like a pro!
- Next, place the bracket plate over that battery connector and secure it with the four Phillips screws. You've got this!
Step 50
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 the deal, double-check that the chip on the cable is in the right spot. Our handy photo will show you exactly where it needs to be!
- Gently place the display alongside the case frame and fold it over your iPhone with care. It's like tucking in a cozy blanket!
- Next, give the entire surface of the display a firm press into the case frame to ensure it’s snug and secure. You're doing great!
Step 51
2 × 3.4 Pentalobe
- Grab your trusty Pentalobe screwdriver and get ready to secure those two little pentalobe screws snugly into the rear case of your iPhone SE, right next to the Lightning connector. You've got this!
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