iPhone SE (2020) – Replacing the Taptic Engine
Duration: 30 min.
Steps: 31 Steps
Welcome to our guide on reviving the vibration feature of your iPhone SE by swapping out the faulty Taptic Engine! In this step-by-step photo tutorial, we've borrowed some images from the iPhone 8 manual since these two devices are almost twins in design. The steps for replacing the Taptic Engine are identical too! We wish you all the best with your repair journey! If you find this guide helpful, we’d love to hear your thoughts! And remember, if you need a hand, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 1
- First things first, let's power down your iPhone SE (2nd generation) to keep it safe during the repair. Just hold down that standby button until the "Power off" slider pops up!
- Slide that little slider from left to right and watch your iPhone gracefully shut down in about ten seconds. Easy peasy!
Step 2
- Grab your trusty Pentalobe screwdriver and remove the two Pentalobe screws flanking the Lightning connector—one on the left and one on the right. Once you've got them out, toss those little guys into your screw storage box to keep them safe and sound!
2 × 3.4 mm Pentablobe
To keep track of all those tiny screws and parts you’re about to remove, we suggest using a screw storage box. Got an old sewing box? Perfect! Transform it into your new screw sanctuary. We also recommend a nifty magnetic pad where you can lay out all the components just like you found them in your phone. This way, you’ll know exactly where everything goes when it’s time to reassemble. Easy peasy, right?
Step 3
When it comes to warming things up, here's a handy tip: your device should feel warm, but not like a hot potato! You should be able to touch it comfortably while it gets cozy.
- First, set your iPhone SE down on a soft, clean surface to keep it scratch-free while you work on lifting that display.
- Since the display is glued around the edges, it’s time to warm things up a bit! Grab a heat gun or even a regular hairdryer and gently wave it over the edges of the display from the outside. This will make it much easier to detach from the rest of the case!
Tools Used
Step 4
Opening up your iPhone SE (2nd generation) will mean that the cool IP67 dust and splash protection warranty takes a little vacation. Just a heads up!
If your display screen is looking like it just survived a battle, don’t sweat it! Grab some parcel tape and stick it on before we dive in. It’ll help hold everything together while you work your magic!
- Place the suction cup above the home button on the display and gently pull it upwards. As you lift the display, you’ll create a slim gap between the aluminum and display frames, making it easier to work your magic!
Tools Used
Step 5
Keep your display's angle game strong! Don’t open it beyond 180° while still connected, or those flex cables might just decide to break up with you.
- Gently nudge the display upwards with your trusty plectrum to pop those lugs off the aluminum frame—you're doing great!
- Now, swing it open towards the standby button. Just lean the display against something sturdy to keep those flexible cables from overstretching. You've got this!
Step 6
- Grab your Phillips screwdriver and gently loosen those four screws on the contact cover. Then, with a steady hand, use tweezers to lift it out of your device—easy does it!
- Next up, it's time to disconnect the battery contact. Slide a plastic spudger under the plug and lift it off. We’re all about that plastic spudger life here!
2 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
Kick off your repair journey by disconnecting the battery connector right away! This nifty move not only keeps short circuits at bay but also makes sure your phone doesn’t accidentally power up while you’re working your magic.
In this guide, we're showcasing some snaps from the iPhone 8. Now, the battery connector on the iPhone SE (2nd generation) might have a bit of a different look, but don't fret—it's still hanging out in the same spot as in your device!
Step 7
- Grab your trusty plastic spudger and gently pry off those two connectors linked to the display (the display and home button). You're on your way to a successful repair!
Tools Used
Step 8
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver (PH00) and gently loosen those three screws that are keeping the FaceTime connector cover in place. Time to set it free!
- Now, take your spudger and carefully nudge the FaceTime connector away from the board. You've got this!
- With that done, it's time to completely liberate the display from your device. Almost there!
Step 9
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Standoff
While there are some specialized screwdrivers designed to tackle that internal thread screw, don't worry if you don't have one! A regular, thin slotted screwdriver will do the trick just fine. You've got this!
- Unscrew the two screws that hold the iSight camera's bracket plate in place and set the bracket plate aside like a pro.
Step 10
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
1 × 2.7 mm Phillips
- Start by unscrewing the screws on the bracket plate that’s hanging out above the connector for the standby and volume buttons. Time to set those screws free!
- Next, gently use your spudger to disconnect the connector from the logic board. Easy does it—you're doing great!
Step 11
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 snugly nestled into the side of the back cover, just waiting for your skilled hands to give it some attention!
- To kick things off, unscrew those four Phillips screws from the plastic bracket so you can easily pop that bracket off later.
Step 12
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Phillips
- First, grab your Phillips screwdriver and unscrew those little screws holding the Wi-Fi antenna in place. You got this!
- Next, with a gentle touch, use a plastic spudger to pop the antenna connector off the board. Be careful, we want to keep everything intact!
- If the antenna seems a bit stubborn, a little hot air can work wonders! Use a flat, stable lever tool—like a trusty steel spatula—to slide it under the antenna and loosen it up.
- Once everything feels loose and ready, go ahead and lift the antenna out of your iPhone SE like a pro!
Step 13
- Grab a trusty SIM tool or a paperclip and get ready to pop that SIM card tray out of your phone! Just press the tool into the tiny hole on the tray and watch it slide right out.
Tools Used
Step 14
- With a gentle touch, use your trusty spudger to carefully pry off those three connectors from the logic board. You're doing awesome!
Tools Used
Step 15
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
1 × 2.1 mm Standoff
1 × 1.6 mm Phillips
Just a quick heads-up: that sneaky Phillips screw is hiding under a sticker! Check out our photo to see what we mean.
- Loosen the three screws that secure the logic board in its cozy spot.
- Once those screws are loose, gently lift out the logic board. Just above the two holes for the iSight camera, you'll find a little plastic holder for a screw, resting comfortably above the logic board.
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, you'll want to grab yourself a Y-type screwdriver that fits just right. No need for fancy tools—just the right fit to get the job done smoothly!
- To kick things off, unscrew the three little screws from the cover plate that’s hanging out above the flexible cable of the speaker, and gently lift that cover plate off. You're making progress!
Step 17
1 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 2.0 mm Phillips
- First up, gently wiggle that little flex cable right above the Taptic Engine connector free. Be careful, it's a bit shy!
- Next, loosen those screws that are keeping the Taptic Engine snug in its spot. Give them a little twist!
- Now, grab your trusty spudger and carefully detach the Taptic Engine connector. Once that's done, you can lift the Taptic Engine out of your phone like a pro!
Step 18
1 × 2.0 mm Standoff
1 × 2.0 mm Phillips
Double-check that the screw holes for the Taptic Engine are lined up just right. We want everything to fit snugly!
- Nestle the Taptic Engine back in its cozy spot between the battery and Lightning connector. It's like tucking in a little friend!
Step 19
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 place that flex cable just right between the battery and speaker. We want everything snug and happy!
- Carefully place the speaker back where it belongs and give it a good press to make sure it's snug as a bug!
Step 20
1 × 2.4 mm Standoff
1 × 2.1 mm Standoff
1 × 1.6 mm Phillips
- Carefully place the logic board back in its cozy spot. Make sure that the camera bracket is sitting snugly above the board.
- Tighten those screws on the logic board like a pro!
Step 21
- Start by lining up those connectors with their cozy sockets, and then give them a gentle press down with your finger. You got this!
Step 22
If that holder is giving you a hard time sliding in, take a moment to double-check the logic board's position. A little adjustment might just do the trick!
- Slide that SIM card holder back into its cozy little home on the device frame. You got this!
Step 23
1 × 1.3 mm Phillips
1 × 1.2 mm Phillips
- Pop that Wi-Fi antenna back into your iPhone SE's cozy case!
- Secure the antenna mount to the case frame with a few screws.
- Give it a gentle press to reattach the adhesive film snugly.
- Now, connect the antenna's connector and you're all set!
Step 24
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 in its original spot and give it a good twist to secure it tight.
- Now, let’s slide in the plastic bracket and tighten it up just like we did with the connector!
Step 25
1 × 1.1 mm Phillips
1 × 2.7 mm Phillips
- Reconnect the standby and volume button connector like a champ!
- Pop the bracket plate back onto the connector and secure it with those screws. You've got this!
Step 26
1 × 2.9 mm Phillips
1 × 3.0 mm Standoff
- Gently slide the camera back into its cozy case opening and give it a firm press to settle it in.
- Next, connect the camera connector with care.
- Now, pop the cover plate back on the camera and tighten it up with some screws—nice and secure!
Step 27
3 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- First, set the display upright on the upper case frame and connect the FaceTime connector to the logic board. You're doing great!
- Next, gently lay the display aside on the case frame, just like a pro!
- Finally, place the bracket plate back over the FaceTime connector and secure it with those three Phillips screws. Almost there!
Step 28
- Let's get those connectors from the home button and display all snug and secure on the logic board! Just a gentle press, and you're golden!
Step 29
2 × 2.6 mm Phillips
2 × 1.0 mm Phillips
- Reconnect the battery connector like a pro!
- Now, grab that bracket plate and place it over the battery connector, securing it with the four Phillips screws. You've got this!
Step 30
Wrong position
Right position
Hey there! Just a quick reminder: if that cable isn’t snug in its seat, you might end up with some display drama like spots. So, before you seal things up, double-check that chip on the cable is in the right spot! Our handy photo will help you nail that position.
- First, let's get that display cozy on the side of the case frame and gently fold it onto your iPhone—like tucking in a blanket!
- Now, give the entire surface of the display a nice press into the case frame. You're doing awesome!
Step 31
2 × 3.4 Pentalobe
- Secure those two pentalobe screws on either side of the Lightning connector into the back of your iPhone SE. Tighten them up and you're one step closer to a fully functional device!
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