You've cracked your screen, and now you’re facing a choice: fork out for a new phone or tackle a screen replacement. If you’re ready to try and replace the screen on your iPhone X, you've come to the right place. But before you pick up a single tool, let’s talk about the most crucial step: getting the right parts. The entire success of your repair hinges on the quality of the screen and tools you choose.
Trying to fix an iPhone X with a cheap, flimsy display or the wrong screwdrivers is a recipe for disaster. This is the foundation of the repair, and getting it right determines whether your phone will feel brand new or become a daily frustration. Let's walk through how to get it done properly.
Alt text: Tools and three iPhones laid out for screen replacement, emphasising quality parts for an iPhone X repair.
Caption: A professional setup for an iPhone X screen replacement in Brisbane.
Understanding Screen Quality Differences
When you start looking for a replacement screen in Australia, you'll come across a few different quality grades. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon, but what really matters is how it affects your phone's performance.
- Service-Pack (or OEM): These are the absolute best screens you can get, identical to the one your iPhone X came with from the factory. They deliver perfect colour, brightness, and touch response.
- High-Quality Refurbished Original: This is often the sweet spot. These screens use a genuine Apple OLED panel that's been professionally fitted with new outer glass. You get the same stunning visual experience as an original because the core display tech is original.
- Premium Aftermarket: These are brand-new screens from third-party manufacturers. The best ones are designed to closely mimic original performance, offering a fantastic balance of quality and value.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your budget and what you expect from your phone. For most people, a high-quality refurbished original or a premium aftermarket screen from a trusted supplier is the smartest move. You'll get great performance without a noticeable difference in day-to-day use.
To make things clearer, here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
iPhone X Screen Quality Comparison
| Screen Type | Key Features | Best For | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service-Pack (OEM) | Identical to factory original; perfect colours and brightness. | The perfectionist who wants their phone exactly as it was brand new. | Highest |
| Refurbished Original | Genuine Apple OLED panel with new glass. Original display performance. | Those wanting original screen quality without the highest price tag. | Mid-to-High |
| Premium Aftermarket | High-quality third-party reproduction. Excellent value. | Budget-conscious DIYers who still want a reliable, good-looking display. | Lowest |
As you can see, you don't have to break the bank to get a great result. A good aftermarket or refurbished screen will serve you just as well for a fraction of the cost.
Essential Tools for a Successful Repair
Having the right tools is just as critical as the screen itself. A common mistake is trying to use the wrong screwdriver, which can easily strip the tiny pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone. Once that happens, you’ll have a much bigger problem on your hands.
A huge oversight we see in DIY repairs is people skipping the new adhesive seal. This seal isn't just for water resistance; it's your phone's main defence against dust and moisture getting inside and wrecking the internal components.
A quality DIY kit is a must-have. At a bare minimum, make sure your kit includes:
- Pentalobe (P2) screwdriver for the bottom screws.
- Tri-point (Y000) screwdriver for the internal brackets.
- A suction cup and plastic opening picks.
- Fine-tipped tweezers for handling tiny connectors.
- A new, pre-cut adhesive screen seal.
Investing in a proper kit from a supplier like Fixo saves you from these potential headaches and sets you up for a clean, professional-level repair. For a complete checklist, check out our guide on the necessary replacement parts for the iPhone X.
In Australia, cracked screens are easily the number one repair we see. It’s no surprise, given a recent survey found that Aussies have lost a staggering $755 million over five years to irreparable device damage. The good news? A third-party repair can be up to 80% cheaper than buying a new phone. This has been made possible by local suppliers providing access to high-quality parts, making DIY and independent repairs a smart and sustainable choice for everyone.
Cracking Open Your iPhone X Without Causing More Damage
Getting into the phone is often the most stressful part of any screen repair. Honestly, once you’re inside, it’s mostly just following the steps. But that initial entry, especially on an iPhone X with its notoriously strong factory adhesive, requires a steady hand and the right approach to avoid creating new problems.
Before a single screw comes out, you absolutely must do a full pre-repair check. This isn't just a formality; it's your baseline. You need to know exactly what’s working and what isn’t before you start. Power on the phone and test everything.
- Cameras: Snap a photo and a short video with both the front and rear cameras.
- Audio: Play some music to test the main speaker and make a quick call to check the earpiece. Record a voice memo for the microphones.
- Face ID: Make sure it unlocks the phone without any issues.
- Touch: Swipe through every home screen and open a few apps. Check for any dead spots on the screen.
Documenting all this ensures you don’t blame your repair for a problem that was already there. Once you’re happy, power the device down completely. Don’t just let the screen sleep—hold the side button and a volume button, then slide to power off.
Removing the Pentalobe Screws
With the iPhone X off, the first physical step is tackling the two tiny pentalobe screws flanking the charging port. These little guys are incredibly easy to strip if you use the wrong screwdriver or don't apply even pressure. A quality P2 Pentalobe driver isn't optional here; it's essential.
Apply firm, straight-down pressure and turn slowly. If you feel any significant resistance, stop. Re-seat the screwdriver and try again. Stripping these will instantly turn a straightforward job into a massive headache. If this is your first time, it's worth reading up on why using the correct pentalobe screwdrivers for iPhone repairs is so critical.
Applying Heat and Separating the Display
Now for the main event: breaking that waterproof seal. This adhesive is tough, and you simply can't muscle the screen open without damaging something. The trick is to apply gentle, consistent heat around the entire edge of the display. A heat gun on a low setting or a purpose-built tool like an iOpener is perfect for this.
Keep your heat source moving constantly. Never let it sit in one spot for more than a few seconds. You want to warm the frame enough to soften the glue—it should feel warm to the touch, but not so hot that you can't hold it. Overdo it, and you risk permanently damaging the OLED panel or other internal parts.
Once the adhesive feels pliable, stick a suction cup to the lower half of the screen, as close to the bottom edge as you can get it. Pull up with steady, firm pressure to create a tiny gap between the screen assembly and the phone's frame.
Pro Tip: Don't expect a huge gap to pop open. You're looking for an opening just big enough to slip the edge of a thin plastic opening pick into. Patience is your best friend here.
Slide that pick into the gap and gently run it along the bottom edge to slice through the adhesive. From there, work your way carefully up both sides of the phone. You can insert more picks as you go to keep the adhesive from re-sealing behind you. Be extremely careful not to push the pick in too deep, especially on the right-hand side, as you could easily sever the delicate display cables.
The iPhone X screen opens like a book, hinged on the left and swinging open to the right. Don't try to lift it straight up or pull it off from the top. Open it slowly and prop it up against something stable so you can move on to the most critical safety step.
The Most Important Safety Step of All
Before you touch another thing inside that phone, you must disconnect the battery. This is the golden rule of any electronics repair. Working on the internals with the battery still connected is a huge risk; one slip of a tool can short-circuit the logic board and cause irreparable damage.
The battery connector is hidden under a small metal bracket held in by several tri-point screws. Carefully remove those screws (and keep them organised!) and lift off the bracket. Now, using a plastic pry tool—never metal—gently pop the battery connector straight up off its socket. With the power safely cut, you're clear to proceed with the rest of the disassembly. This one simple action can be the difference between a successful repair and a dead phone.
The Delicate Process of Transferring Face ID Sensors
If there's one step in this entire guide that demands your full, undivided attention, this is it.
Successfully moving the front sensor assembly from the old screen to the new one is the difference between a perfectly working iPhone X and one that taunts you with the dreaded "Face ID is not available" error. There are no do-overs here. This part of the job is all about precision and patience.
That tiny, unassuming module is a whole lot more than just the earpiece speaker. It houses the flood illuminator and dot projector—the brains behind the TrueDepth camera system. The critical thing to understand is that this entire assembly is cryptographically paired to your specific phone's logic board right at the factory. If you damage it, tear a cable, or try to swap in one from another phone, Face ID is gone for good.
Why This Step Is So Critical
Apple designed this as a core security feature. By locking the sensor array to the logic board, they ensured only the original, authentic components could authorise your secure biometric data. When you take on a DIY project to replace the screen on an iPhone X, you aren't replacing these sensors; you're performing a delicate transplant.
Our professional technicians at our iPhone repairs Brisbane workshop see this as the number one point of failure in DIY repairs. The ribbon cables are paper-thin, and the screws are microscopic. One moment of impatience or a slip of the tweezers can turn into a very costly mistake. But with a steady hand and a careful approach, it's completely manageable.
The general workflow for opening up an iPhone X involves a few key stages, starting with powering it down and ending with safely disconnecting the battery before you even think about touching any components.
Alt text: Diagram showing the five key steps of iPhone disassembly: power down, remove pentalobe screws, apply heat to edge, lift screen with pick, and disconnect battery.
This visual guide shows the non-negotiable first steps. Disconnecting the battery is the ultimate safety precaution before you dive into intricate work like the sensor transfer.
Navigating the Sensor Assembly Removal
Before you even pick up a screwdriver, get your workspace organised. A magnetic screw mat is your best friend here, as you'll be dealing with at least three different types of impossibly small screws. Losing just one can derail the entire reassembly.
The front sensor assembly is held to the back of the old screen with a small metal bracket and some light adhesive. You'll need your tri-point (Y000) and Phillips (#000) screwdrivers for this part.
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Locate and Remove the Screws: You'll find a mix of tri-point and Phillips screws holding the speaker and sensor module in place. Carefully remove each one, placing them on your magnetic mat in the exact orientation you removed them. This is crucial—using a long screw in a short hole during reassembly can puncture and destroy your brand-new screen.
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Gently Heat the Area: A light adhesive secures the sensors and ribbon cable to the display. A few seconds of gentle heat from a heat gun on its lowest setting or a hairdryer held at a distance is all you need to soften the glue. Don't overdo it.
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Lift the Earpiece Speaker: With the screws out, the earpiece speaker can be carefully folded back. It’s still attached by an extremely fragile cable, so be gentle and avoid putting any strain on it whatsoever.
Rushing at this stage is the most common mistake we see people make. Taking an extra five minutes to be methodical here will save you hours of frustration later on.
Freeing the Ambient Light and Proximity Sensors
With the speaker folded out of the way, you can now get to the rest of the components. The ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, and flood illuminator are tucked into little pockets on the back of the screen assembly, held down by that same light adhesive.
The trick here is to pry from the right places. Never, ever pry directly against the components themselves. Instead, use a thin plastic spudger or your fine-tipped tweezers to gently get under the edge of the flexible ribbon cable.
Work slowly. Slide your tool underneath the cable, moving bit by bit to separate it from the old screen. You’ll feel the adhesive give way. Pay special attention to the microphone—it's a small golden square on the cable that loves to get stuck and is easily torn if you pull too hard.
Once the entire assembly is free, inspect it carefully under a bright light. Look for any signs of tears, nicks, or damage. If it looks pristine, you're ready to transfer it to your new screen. Installation is simply the reverse, just make sure everything sits perfectly in its new home before you replace the screws. Following these steps to the letter is your best shot at avoiding that Face ID error and finishing a successful repair.
Installing Your New Screen and Reassembling the Phone
You’re on the home stretch now. With the delicate sensor transplant complete, it’s time to breathe life back into your iPhone X. This final stage is all about connecting the new display, testing everything meticulously, and sealing it up for a clean, professional finish. It’s less about brute force and more about a gentle, methodical approach.
Alt text: A technician wearing gloves tests a new smartphone screen on a blue mat, with the disassembled iPhone X nearby.
Caption: Final testing of an iPhone X screen replacement.
First up, let's get the new screen's flex cables connected to the logic board. These connectors are tiny and snap into place like little Lego bricks. Never, ever force them. If a connector isn't aligning, lift it and try again. You should feel a soft but distinct click as each one seats correctly.
The All-Important Test Fit
Before you even think about applying a new adhesive seal, you have to do a 'test fit'. This is a non-negotiable step that can save you a world of pain later. With the new screen’s cables connected, gently reconnect the battery.
Now, power on the device. Don't worry about snapping the screen fully into the frame just yet. Let it boot up and then run a comprehensive check of all the critical functions.
- Touch Response: Open an app and drag an icon around the entire screen, from corner to corner. Watch for any lag, jitters, or unresponsive "dead zones".
- Display Quality: Look for any discoloured spots, dead pixels, or inconsistent backlighting. I like to view a bright white image and then a dark one to really spot any imperfections.
- Face ID: This is the big one. Attempt to unlock your phone using Face ID. If it works, you’ve successfully transferred the sensors. Pat yourself on the back.
If everything passes with flying colours, power the phone down completely and disconnect the battery one more time. This quick test confirms your new part is working and that all your previous work was successful. It's the final quality check before sealing the deal.
Applying the New Waterproof Adhesive
The original factory seal was destroyed the moment you opened the phone. To restore a good level of protection against dust and moisture, installing a new adhesive gasket is crucial. Any attempt to replace screen on iPhone X without this step is an incomplete job, plain and simple.
Start by meticulously cleaning the phone's frame. Grab a spudger and some isopropyl alcohol to remove every last trace of the old gunk. The surface must be perfectly clean for the new seal to bond correctly.
Peel the first backing layer from your new adhesive gasket and carefully align it onto the phone’s frame. Use tweezers for this part—it helps ensure the gasket sits perfectly around every corner and edge. For more tips on getting a perfect application, you can read Apple’s official documentation on repair processes and tools.
A classic rookie mistake is pressing the screen on before removing the final protective film from the adhesive. Always peel away that top layer just before you close the phone, exposing the fresh, tacky surface ready to bond with the new screen.
Closing Up and Final Reassembly
With the adhesive in place and ready to go, you’re clear to close up your iPhone X. The final reassembly is just the reverse order of how you took it apart.
First, reconnect the battery connector and secure its metal bracket with the corresponding tri-point screws. Do the same for the display connector bracket. This ensures all internal connections are safe and won't pop loose if the phone takes a tumble.
Now, it’s time to seat the screen. The top edge of the screen has a series of small clips that must hook into the phone's frame first. This is key.
Position the top of the screen slightly above the frame and slide it up until you feel the clips engage. Once the top is flush, gently press down along the sides of the screen, working your way towards the bottom. You’ll hear a series of satisfying clicks as the screen snaps securely into place.
Do not apply pressure to the centre of the OLED display itself—only press on the outer edges. Once it's fully seated, re-install the two final pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone. Power it on one last time, give it a final polish, and admire your handiwork. You've just completed a professional-level repair.
Final Checks and Troubleshooting Common Repair Issues
You've got the final screws in, but don't close up shop just yet. This last stage is all about verification and knowing how to handle any unexpected hiccups that might pop up. A thorough final check is what separates a good repair from a great one, preventing those frustrating "it was working a minute ago" moments.
Power the phone on and run through a full diagnostic checklist one more time. This will feel a lot like the pre-repair checks you did earlier, but now you’re confirming the new screen is performing exactly as it should.
- Test every inch of the display: Swipe through all your home screens and get the keyboard up in both portrait and landscape mode. Make sure every single keypress registers.
- Check display uniformity: Pull up a plain white image and then a plain black one. This is the best way to spot any discolouration, bright spots, or dead pixels.
- Verify True Tone: Jump into Settings > Display & Brightness. If you see that True Tone is missing or greyed out, it’s a big red flag that something went wrong with the ambient light sensor transfer.
- Confirm Face ID and cameras: Unlock the phone a few times with Face ID. Then, snap a few photos with both the front and rear cameras to ensure everything is sharp and clear.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Even the most careful technician runs into issues sometimes. Don't panic. The good news is that most problems are caused by a handful of common, fixable mistakes, not a faulty part.
Before you do anything else, power down the phone and safely disconnect the battery before re-opening it. This is non-negotiable.
The most frequent culprit behind a non-responsive screen or weird visual glitches is a poorly seated cable. Those tiny connectors need to be perfectly aligned to "click" into place. Gently disconnect and reconnect the display cables, making sure you feel that subtle, satisfying snap. Honestly, this simple action resolves the vast majority of post-repair screen issues.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
If re-seating the cables doesn't do the trick, here are a few other gremlins you might encounter when you replace the screen on an iPhone X and how to sort them out:
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Green lines or blank screen | A loose or damaged display flex cable. | Power off, disconnect the battery, and carefully reseat the display connectors. Take a moment to inspect the cables for any tears or damage. |
| Face ID not working | Incorrect sensor transfer or a damaged front sensor assembly. | Re-open the device and double-check that the sensor assembly is perfectly seated in the new screen. Look closely at the delicate ribbon cable for any tiny nicks. |
| Ghost touch or phantom inputs | Poor quality screen or a pinched flex cable. | Make sure the flex cables aren't being crushed or bent at sharp angles when you close the phone. If it persists, the screen itself may be defective. |
| Dim or discoloured patches | Uneven pressure during installation or a faulty display panel. | Try loosening and then re-tightening the bottom pentalobe screws. If the issue remains, it likely points to a defect in the new screen. |
When the iPhone X first came out, getting an official screen repair in Australia could set you back over $400. Thankfully, the repair world has changed a lot since then. Healthy competition and access to premium aftermarket parts from suppliers like Fixo have made professional-quality repairs much more affordable. This shift empowers independent repairers to offer fast, reliable services with warranties, saving customers a fortune and keeping perfectly good devices out of landfill. To see just how much prices have come down, you can find more information about current Australian repair costs.
Got Questions About Your iPhone X Screen Repair?
Taking on a DIY repair for your iPhone X screen is a great way to save money, but it's natural to have a few questions before you dive in. We get these all the time from our customers across Australia, so let's clear up some of the most common concerns.
Will I Lose Face ID If I Replace My iPhone X Screen?
This is the big one, and for good reason. The short answer is no, but you have to be careful. You will only lose Face ID if the front sensor assembly is damaged or you don't transfer it over correctly. This little module, which holds the earpiece speaker and some critical Face ID tech, is digitally tied to your specific iPhone’s logic board.
It's absolutely essential that this entire assembly is moved from your old, broken screen to the new one. Our guide walks you through this delicate process step-by-step, making sure you can keep this vital security feature working perfectly.
Is It Still Worth Repairing an iPhone X in Australia?
Absolutely. The iPhone X is still a fantastic, capable phone. Even a few years on from its release, it handles daily tasks, social media, and everything in between without breaking a sweat. A screen replacement is a far cheaper and more sustainable choice than buying a whole new device.
With high-quality parts from trusted Aussie suppliers like Fixo, you can get your phone looking and feeling brand new for a fraction of the cost. This repair easily adds a few more years to its life, which is a win for both your wallet and the environment.
What if My New Screen Has Green Lines or Is Unresponsive?
Panic stations, right? Seeing lines or getting no touch response from a brand-new screen is alarming, but it’s rarely a sign that the part is a dud. More often than not, this points to a simple connection issue between the screen and the logic board.
The first thing to do is power down the phone, disconnect the battery, and carefully reseat the display's flex cables. You want to hear and feel a definite "click" as they snap into place. In over 90% of cases we see, a loose connector is the culprit.
If the problem is still there after you've double-checked the connections, then you might have a faulty screen. Any reputable Australian supplier will have your back and offer support or a replacement for those rare instances.
Will My iPhone X Still Be Water Resistant After This Repair?
Once you open up the phone, the original factory water-resistant seal is broken. To get back a level of protection against day-to-day moisture and dust, you must install a new, custom-fit adhesive seal when you put it all back together. This is a non-negotiable step in any professional job, like the ones done by the team at Screen Fixed Brisbane.
While a new seal won't restore the phone's original IP67 rating (so definitely no more swimming with it!), it’s crucial for protecting the internals from splashes, humidity, and dust. It’s what makes sure your repair is built to last.
If the thought of doing it yourself is a bit much, or you just want a guaranteed professional result, there's no shame in letting the experts take over. The team at Screen Fixed Brisbane has all the right tools and experience to get your iPhone X back to its best, usually with a quick turnaround and a solid warranty.
Book your iPhone X screen repair with Screen Fixed today.
Disclaimer: iPhone, Apple, Face ID, and True Tone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Screen Fixed is an independent repair service and is not affiliated with Apple Inc.