How to Replace a Cracked Phone Screen: What You Actually Need
KifTechShare
Replacing a cracked phone screen yourself isn't as hard as it looks — but it does require the right tools and a bit of patience. Get the tools wrong and you'll crack the new screen putting it in. Get the part wrong and you'll spend time fixing a problem that doesn't improve anything. Here's how to do it properly.
First: is DIY actually worth it here?
DIY screen replacement makes sense when your phone is out of warranty and a repair shop wants more than the phone is worth. It doesn't make sense if your phone is still under warranty (self-repair voids it) or if it's insured (claim it instead).
The average saving over a repair shop is R800–R2,500 depending on the model. On older or mid-range phones, that saving is significant. On a recent flagship, factor in the cost of getting it wrong before deciding.
The tools you can't skip
You need at minimum: a precision screwdriver set that includes Pentalobe P2 (for the bottom screws on iPhones), Phillips PH000, and Tri-point Y000. A suction cup to lift the display. Plastic pry picks — not metal, ever, near the board. And anti-static tweezers for the ribbon cables.
For almost any phone made in the last six years, you also need a heat mat or a heat gun on a low setting. Modern phones use adhesive around the display perimeter and trying to pry a cold screen will crack it. 60–90 seconds of gentle heat (50–60°C) makes a huge difference.
A screw organiser sounds like overkill until you have 30 tiny screws of slightly different lengths in front of you. Use one.
OEM-grade vs. standard aftermarket screens
OEM-grade screens match the original's colour accuracy, brightness, and touch response. Worth it for a Samsung S series or iPhone 13+. Standard aftermarket screens are adequate for older or budget phones where perfect colour reproduction isn't the priority. The difference is visible on OLED displays.
If your phone has an OLED screen, the replacement must also be OLED — and it needs to match the panel type (soft OLED for curved phones, hard OLED for flat). Substituting an LCD for an OLED phone won't work correctly. The listing will tell you what you're getting.
Find your exact model number before ordering
Don't search by commercial name. Search by model number. On Android: Settings → About Phone. On iPhone: Settings → General → About. A Samsung Galaxy A55 sold in one region may have a different display connector than the same commercial name sold elsewhere. The model number (e.g. SM-A556B) removes that ambiguity.
The repair process in short
Power off fully. Heat the display perimeter. Suction cup + pry picks to open a gap, then work around the edges. Open the phone carefully — there are ribbon cables connecting the screen to the board. Disconnect the battery first, always. Swap the screen. Test everything before you apply any adhesive. Then seal.
Use iFixit for model-specific teardown guides. Their step-by-step photos are free and accurate.
What tools do I absolutely need?
Pentalobe, Phillips PH000, and Tri-point Y000 screwdrivers. A suction cup. Plastic pry picks. Anti-static tweezers. A heat mat or heat gun for any phone made in the last 6 years. A screw organiser. That's it.
Will it void my warranty?
Yes. Self-repair voids manufacturer warranties across all major brands. Only do this on out-of-warranty devices.
Does KifTech stock parts for my model?
Search your exact model number on our site. We carry parts for Samsung Galaxy, iPhone 7 through 16 series, Xiaomi Redmi and Note series, OPPO, Huawei, and more.