Revitalizing a RED iPhone 12 – Back Glass & Screen Replacement Guide

---

OVERVIEW:

In this Tekdep Repair guide, we’ll walk you through a triple repair on the iPhone 12: replacing the screen, the back glass, and the battery. The unit featured in this video had a dead pixel on its soft OLED screen and previously replaced back glass. The customer also reported battery issues possibly caused during the earlier repair. We’ll show you how to safely complete these three delicate repairs without causing further damage, even with risks like punctured batteries and fragile displays. Let’s dive in and bring this iPhone 12 back to life.

See the official Apple specs for the RED iPhone 12

---

REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1.5 TO 2 HOURS to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring precise handling of delicate components and multiple component removals.

---

STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a heating mat set between 50 to 70 degrees Celsius, a suction cup, a plastic pry tool, a Phillips screwdriver, an X-Acto knife (#18), isopropyl alcohol, B-7000 glue, a steel brush, and safety goggles for protection.

---

Safety Precautions and Equipment Setup

• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes during back glass scraping.
• Prepare the work area by setting up the laser pod or mold machine for precise cuts.
• Ensure your tools are organized and ready for use to avoid delays mid-repair.

---

Scrape the Old Back Glass Surface Lightly

• Use the X-Acto knife to gently scrape any punctures on the previously replaced back glass.
• Avoid digging too deep into the material since it has already been worked on.
• This light scraping ensures an easier final replacement after internal repairs.

---

Set Aside Back Glass for Later

• Defer working on the back glass until battery and screen issues are resolved.
• This sequencing avoids compounding damage or errors during device reassembly.
• Prioritize functionality before aesthetics.

---

Remove Pentalobe Screws

• Power off the iPhone 12 completely before beginning.
• Use a pentalobe screwdriver to unscrew and remove the bottom screws.
• Place the screws in a magnetic mat or tray to prevent loss.

---

Loosen the Screen with Heat and Alcohol

• Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol around the screen edges.
• Heat the device on a heat mat set between 50–70°C to soften the adhesive.
• Gently insert a pry tool, while using a suction cup to lift the screen without stressing the OLED.

---

Delicately Open the Screen Assembly

• Begin prying along one edge, applying slight upward force while keeping the screen supported.
• Continue easing around the perimeter until the screen is separated.
• Ensure the flex cables remain intact during this stage.

---

Inspect the Battery

• Visually check the battery for flatness and signs of puncture or swelling.
• In this case, a previous attempt had damaged the battery.
• This confirms the necessity for battery replacement.

---

Disconnect the Battery

• Disconnect the battery connection first before touching other components.
• This prevents power from flowing while working on sensitive areas.
• Use a plastic spudger to pop off the connector safely.

---

Apply Isopropyl Alcohol to Loosen Battery Adhesive

• Drip isopropyl alcohol under the battery to weaken adhesive strips.
• Do not rely on the pull tabs; they are prone to breakage midway.
• Let the alcohol soak in for a minute before proceeding.

---

Heat the Battery Slightly and Use Air Blower

• Use low heat from the mat to further loosen the adhesive under the battery.
• Employ blowing air to remove small debris and adhesive residues.
• Clear the battery area thoroughly before placing the new one.

---

Insert and Align the New Battery

• Align the new battery in its correct placement spot without connecting it yet.
• Ensure there are no leftover particles or glue before proceeding.
• Gently press the battery into position.

---

Reinstall the Screen Before Connecting the Battery

• Attach the screen flex cables back to their respective sockets.
• Keep the battery unplugged while positioning the screen connectors.
• This prevents accidental shorts during alignment.

---

Connect the Battery and Secure Metal Tray

• Once the screen is fully connected, reattach the battery connector.
• Install the metal tray over the connectors to secure them.
• Recheck all connections to ensure they’re properly seated.

---

Test Power Functionality

• Press the power button to see if the phone boots up.
• If it doesn’t power on, plug the phone into a charger—it may be fully discharged.
• Ensure screen integrity; in this case, the black spot did not expand post-repair.

---

Polish the Back Housing

• Apply isopropyl alcohol and use a steel brush to clean the old glue off the back housing.
• Scrub gently but firmly to restore a flat, clean surface.
• Repeat as necessary for a smooth finish.

---

Use Chemical Compound for Residual Adhesive

• If isopropyl alcohol is not sufficient, apply a stronger chemical adhesive remover.
• This compound helps in removing stubborn glue residues left from earlier repair.
• Clean until the surface is completely smooth and ready for new glass.

---

Apply B7000 Glue Around Edges

• Carefully apply B7000 glue along the back housing edges.
• Avoid excess glue that may seep into the phone’s internals.
• Maintain an even and consistent line for a strong seal.

---

Install the New Back Glass

• Press the new back glass into position, aligning all corners correctly.
• Apply gentle pressure until the adhesive starts bonding.
• Let the glue cure as per recommended time before heavy usage.

---

CONCLUSION:

This iPhone 12 triple repair involved screen replacement, battery replacement, and back glass installation. Each part of the process required precision, especially due to previously attempted repairs and the risk of damaging the OLED screen. With careful application of heat, proper tools, and step-by-step disassembly, the phone was successfully restored. Whether you’re a seasoned tech or an ambitious DIYer, following this process closely will help ensure a smooth repair. Thanks for joining us for another in-depth teardown!

---

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

---

MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair

---

SHOP PARTS:

---

SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Proper equipment makes complex repairs more manageable.

---

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

---

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS: