Can you fix an I watch screen

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Apple Watch Screen Replacement

Cracked the glass on your Apple Watch? Time to get that fixed up. Follow this guide to replace the screenwhich includes the OLED display and fused glass digitizer (touchscreen).

As a precaution against damaging your device, this guide starts by disconnecting the battery, in the only way you canby removing it.

Video Overview

Learn how to repair your Apple Watch with this video overview.

Prepare an iOpener (or grab a hair dryer or heat gun) and heat the face of the watch until it's slightly too hot to touch.
Leave the iOpener on the watch for at least a minute to fully heat the screen and soften the adhesive holding it to the case.
You may need to reheat the iOpener, or move it around on the screen as sections cool, to heat the screen enough to pry it off.

Tool used on this step:

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Because the gap between the screen and watch body is so thin, a sharp blade is required to separate the two. Read the following warnings carefully before proceeding.
Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the knife. If in doubt, protect your free hand with a heavy glove, such as a leather shop glove or gardening glove.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this might cause the knife to slip and cut you, or damage the watch.
Wear eye protection. The knife or glass may break, sending pieces flying.

Using a curved blade minimizes the chance of scratching the case or cracking the glass. Only pry with the curved section of the blade, and not the tip or flat section.
Place the curved section of the blade in the gap between the glass and case on the lower edge of the watch face, and press firmly straight down into the gap.
Be very careful to maintain complete control over the knifeonce the gap opens, if you're pressing too hard on the knife it may slip in and cut the battery.
This should wedge the gap open and cause the glass to lift slightly up from the case.
When the glass has lifted, gently rotate the knife down, opening the gap more by pushing the glass up.

Once you've opened the gap enough, insert the tip of an opening pick under the glass.
Slide the pick along the bottom edge to separate adhesive holding the screen to the case.
Be careful not to insert the opening pick too far. Only about 1/8" ( about 3 mm) is necessary, any deeper and you may damage cables.

Roll the opening pick up the side of the button side of the watch, gently pushing in to separate the adhesive and widening the gap as you go.
Remember not to push the pick in too farit's easier to avoid this by rolling the pick, rather than dragging a tip along.

Continue working the pick around the perimeter of the screen, rolling down along the left side to cut the last of the adhesive.
Leave the pick in place to keep the adhesive from resealing the screen in place.

There are two cables connecting the screen to the inside of the watch, near the top left corner. Be careful when prying or you may damage these cables.
Pry slightly up on the right side of the screen, to free it from any remaining adhesive.
Pry up on the left to free it as wellbut do not attempt to remove the screen as it is still held in place by two cables.

If you can see the top layer of your Force Touch sensor among the display adhesive, it means the two layers of the sensor separated and you're going to need to replace or repair it.
iFixit screen and battery repair kits come with a replacement Force Touch sensor, so if you got one of those, don't fret.
The top layer of the sensor may be adhered to the back of the screenif so, push it back down and separate it.

Place the watch on an elevated surface, at least 1/2" or 1 cm talla small box or the edge of a book will work great. This will allow the screen to hang down vertically and give better access to the battery.
Be careful not to bump the screen or strain the cables while you work.

Use scissors to cut one of your opening picks to about the width of the battery. Try not to leave any sharp corners.
Insert the modified pick between the right side of the battery and the case.
Use constant, steady pressure to slowly pry the battery up, separating it from the adhesive securing it to the system board.
Be careful not to deform or puncture the battery.
On the larger (42 mm) models, it's possible to accidentally pry at the system board underneath the battery. Insert the pick only far enough to get underneath the battery, not the system board.
If needed, apply a little high concentration isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) around and under the battery to help weaken the adhesive.
Do not attempt to remove the battery as it is still connected.

Hold the battery up and out of the way, to expose the battery cable connector.
Use a plastic opening tool, prying against the bottom of the case to separate the battery cable connector from the watch's battery cable.
Remove the battery from the watch.
If the battery is visibly dented or deformed, it should be replaced. For best results, replace with a new battery whenever it is removed.

The display and digitizer cable connectors are secured beneath a small metal bracket that is adhered to the speaker.
Use a plastic opening tool to flip the bracket toward the display and up from the speaker.
If you simply pry toward the watch band you may tear the cables.

Steady the bracket from the left side using your fingers or tweezers.
At the same time, insert a small (1 mm) flathead screwdriver under the tiny tab on the right.
Finally, place one finger behind the tab, and pinch the bracket hard between your finger and the screwdriver to detach the cover.
This releases two slotted tabs that hold the cover to the bracket, and should free the cover.
Prying the cover off can be challenging and may take more than one attempt. Be patient, and take care not to pull on the bracket or tear the attached cables.

Carefully pry up to disconnect the display data and digitizer cables.
Be careful not to touch any of the exposed pins directly, as your finger oils may impede connectivity.
Remove the display.

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Apple Watch Service and Repair

Make an appointment at an Apple Authorised Service Provider or Apple Store

Arrange to send your product directly to Apple

Talk to an Apple Support Advisor

We can service the battery in your Apple Watch for a fee. Our warranty doesnt cover batteries that wear down from normal use.

Your product is eligible for battery service at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your products battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.

If the glass on your Apple Watch gets damaged, we can service it for a fee. Accidental damage isnt covered by the Apple warranty.

Damaged glass is eligible for applicable cover for accidental damage from handling with your AppleCare+ plan.

Use our Get an Estimate tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. If you go to another service provider, they can set their own fees, so ask them for an estimate. For service covered by AppleCare+, your fee per incident will be the same regardless of which service provider you choose. Well inspect your product when we receive it. If additional damage is found, you could pay an additional fee.

Hardware service may no longer be available for some older products.

See obsolete and vintage products

All fees are in British pound sterling and include VAT. A delivery fee will be added if we need to send your Apple Watch.

Your country or region offers AppleCare+ for this product. All AppleCare plans include battery service cover, which means your battery can be replaced at no charge if we test your product and its battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity.

AppleCare+ also provides cover for accidental damage from handling, and each incident is subject to an excess fee. Your AppleCare+ benefits also include Express Replacement Service.

The Apple Limited Warranty covers your Apple Watch and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with your product against manufacturing issues from the date you bought them. The warranty period varies by model. Apple-branded accessories purchased separately are covered by the Apple Limited Warranty for Accessories. This includes additional bands, chargers or adapters. Our warranty is in addition to rights provided by consumer law.

Depending on the issue, you may have cover with the applicable Apple warranty, AppleCare+ or consumer law.

If your situation isnt covered, youll pay a fee. If the issue with your Apple Watch is ineligible for service, you may pay the full replacement value.

We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare plan, whichever is longer. This is in addition to your rights provided by consumer law.

Replacement equipment that Apple provides as part of the repair or replacement service may contain new or previously used genuine Apple parts that have been tested and pass Apple functional requirements.

Apple Watch Service and Repair

Make an appointment at an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store

Arrange to mail your product directly to Apple

Talk to an Apple Support Advisor

We can service the battery in your Apple Watch for a fee. Our warranty doesnt cover batteries that wear down from normal use.

Your product is eligible for battery service at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.

If the glass on your Apple Watch gets damaged, we can service it for a fee. Accidental damage isn't covered by the Apple warranty.

Damaged glass is eligible for applicable coverage for accidental damage from handling with your AppleCare+ plan.

If you have Apple Watch Ultra and want to check that its depth gauge and seals are working properly, you can get a Depth and Water Seal Test from Apple for a fee.

Well charge the test fee if the device is not covered by the Limited Warranty or any applicable consumer protection laws or regulations.

Use our Get an Estimate tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. If you go to another service provider, they can set their own fees, so ask them for an estimate. For service covered by AppleCare+, your fee per incident will be the same regardless of which service provider you choose. We'll inspect your product when we receive it. If additional damage is found, you could pay an additional fee.

Hardware service may no longer be available for some older products.

See obsolete and vintage products

All fees are in US dollars and are subject to tax. A shipping fee will be added if we need to ship your Apple Watch.

Your country or region offers AppleCare+ for this product. All AppleCare+ plans include battery service coverage, which means your battery can be replaced at no charge if we test your product and its battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity.

AppleCare+ also provides coverage for accidental damage from handling, and each incident is subject to a service fee. Your AppleCare+ also offers Express Replacement Service.

The Apple Limited Warranty covers your Apple Watch and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with your product against manufacturing issues from the date you bought them. The warranty period varies by model. Apple-branded accessories purchased separately are covered by the Apple Limited Warranty for Accessories. This includes additional bands, chargers, or adapters. Our warranty is in addition to rights provided by consumer law.

Depending on the issue, you might have coverage with the applicable Apple warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law.

If your situation isnt covered, youll pay a fee. If the issue with your Apple Watch is ineligible for service, you might pay the full replacement value.