How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s?

If you are certain that the display on your iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s is broken or damaged -- perhaps the glass is visibly cracked or shattered or the screen does not work properly when touched -- it will be necessary to effectively replace the entire front of the device.

The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s models both have the glass cover, the digitizer (the part of the display that responds to touch) and the underlying LCD all integrated as a single part. This allows for a thinner mobile, but it also means that repairs cannot be made as precisely (as sometimes a working part has to be discarded along with a broken one) and repairs are more expensive, too.

Apple offers to replace the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s screen in three to five business days for a cost of US$269 plus US$6.95 shipping (and applicable sales tax).

However, third-party repair services that are both faster and more affordable also are available.

For those with significant technical expertise, the proper tools -- including not only small screwdrivers and nylon pry tools, but even UV cured clear adhesive -- it is possible to replace the battery yourself, although professional installation is strongly recommended.

Identification Help

There are sixteen unique iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s models and EveryiPhone.com covers the differences in detail.

However, for the purpose of replacing the display, you only need to confirm that you have an iPhone 5c or an iPhone 5s rather than the specific iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s. All iPhone 5c models use the same type of display and all iPhone 5s models use the same type of display (but you cannot use an iPhone 5c display on an iPhone 5s or vice versa).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 5 - Left, iPhone 5c - Center, iPhone 5s - Right)

At the moment, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s are fairly easy to identify visually. The iPhone 5c is the only one with both a polycarbonate (plastic) back and a 4" display (center) and the iPhone 5s is the only model with an "iconless" Touch ID home button (right).

However, appearance is not a good long term method of identification, particularly when the devices are not side-by-side. Consequently, it is best to identify each iPhone with its unique Model Number listed on the back of the device toward the bottom.

Specifically, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s model numbers are:

iPhone Model	Model Numbers
iPhone 5c	A1456, A1507, A1516, A1526, A1529, A1532
iPhone 5s	A1453, A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530, A1533

The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s models also can be differentiated by the Serial Number and Order Number with EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup.

The serial number is not externally listed, but it is available when plugged into a computer on the "Summary" tab in iTunes and in the Nano SIM card tray. If the display works enough to use the screen, the Serial Number and Order Number also can be viewed under General > About within the iOS "Settings" app.

Different Display Parts

Although from a consumer-facing standpoint the display in the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s essentially are the same -- both have a 4" multi-touch IPS LED-backlit display with 1136x640 resolution at 326 ppi -- the LCD connectors are different.

Consequently, if you decide to replace the display on your own, be certain to purchase a display assembly that is for your iPhone and purchase it from a quality company. There are aftermarket displays that are not as high-quality as the original one and these lower quality parts may not only perform poorly but also may break more easily.

Display Replacement Caveats

If you have replaced the display in an iPhone before, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s process is similar to replacing the display in the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS as well as the iPhone 5.

However, the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS typically have replacement parts readily available with the glass, digitizer, frame, home button, and speaker all integrated as a single part for easier replacement.

iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s display parts, on the other hand, just like display parts for the iPhone 5, typically require one to glue the new display to the old frame and transfer the home button, front camera, earpiece and more from the old display assembly to the new one. On the iPhone 5s, it also is extremely easy to tear the ribbon cable that connects the "Touch ID" home button to the board when opening the device.

Delicately opening the iPhone 5s in particular and transferring small parts on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s alike is complicated and time consuming. It requires careful attention to detail, sharp eyes, and nimble fingers. If the old screen is badly shattered, having to remove small parts from it also substantially increases the risk of cut fingers and scattered shards of glass that you, children, or pets may uncomfortably discover later.

iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s display assemblies are available with the home button, front camera, and other parts pre-installed as a single piece, but if they are of quality, they typically cost about the same price as professional installation by a quality company of your choosing.

The vast majority of users definitely should hire a professional to replace the display on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s.

Display Replacement Video Instructions

As noted above, for reasons of complexity and cost alike, EveryiPhone.com strongly recommends hiring a professional to replace the display on your iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s.

Regardless, for those with technical skills and more time than money -- or who simply enjoy repairing their own devices -- the below videos from iCracked cover the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s display replacement process, respectively.

iPhone 5c Display Replacement Video

iPhone 5s Display Replacement Video

From watching the video for your iPhone, you should be able to determine whether or not you feel comfortable to replace the display yourself, or if you would rather hire a professional. Hiring a professional not only prevents potential problems, but it saves a great deal of time, too.

Be sure to purchase your repair service or parts from a trusted company with extensive experience repairing iPhone devices.

Also see:

• How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display on the original iPhone (2G)?
• How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS?
• How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S?
• How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 5?