How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS?

If you are certain that the glass cover, the digitizer (the layer that responds to touch), or the underlying LCD itself on your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS is broken, it will be necessary to replace parts.

For example, if the iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS has visibly cracked glass, is not responding correctly to touch, or a portion of the display does not "show up," these are all clear signs that broken hardware needs to be replaced. Note that the parts needed may be different depending on the symptoms, though.

Apple can fix any display problems for a cost of US$149 plus US$6.95 shipping (and applicable sales tax). Apple reports that this service takes three to five business days.

However, more affordable -- and often faster -- third-party services also are available.

If you are technically inclined and have the tools and time to do so, it additionally is entirely possible to replace the display in the iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS yourself, although hiring a professional is strongly recommended.

Identification Help

If you are not sure whether you have an iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS, these models can be identified externally by a unique Model Number toward the bottom of the back of the phone.

Specifically, the iPhone 3G is model number A1241 and the iPhone 3GS is A1303. The China-only iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS models that do not have Wi-Fi are model number A1324 and A1325, respectively. These models also can be differentiated by the serial number with EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup.

In addition to its serial number, EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature can identify each of these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" from within the iOS), too.

Different Display Parts & Options

Although the general procedure is the same to replace the display in the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS -- and replacing the display is much easier than replacing the battery in these models -- the display parts needed are different. Consequently, should you opt to replace the display and/or related parts yourself, be sure to purchase the precise display assembly for your iPhone.

In general, there are three different simple options for parts depending on the symptoms:

1. If the outer glass is cracked or shattered or the display is not responding properly to touch (but the underlying LCD image looks okay), it is best to purchase an entire front glass, frame, digitizer assembly, home button, and speaker as one part.
2. If the underlying LCD has signs of damage, like "lines" or "missing" areas or dead pixels, or it is blurry or wavy (but the outer glass is not damaged and touch function works properly), you can just purchase an LCD screen part and use your existing frame that holds the front glass, digitizer, home button, and speaker.
3. If the outer glass is cracked and/or the display is not responding properly to touch and the underlying LCD is damaged, it is best to purchase an entire complete frame, front glass, digitizer, home button, speaker, and LCD as a single part.

Although it is possible to purchase repair kits that involve removing shattered glass and attaching a new or existing digitizer layer with adhesive to a new glass panel and/or removing and installing the home button and speaker, these types of options significantly increase (1) the complexity of the repair, (2) the likelihood of cutting yourself with broken glass, and (3) the time involved. These efforts also save very little, if any, money.

For these reasons, EveryiPhone.com only suggests the three part options listed above. Also, remember that regardless of the repair performed, hiring a professional is strongly recommended.

In addition, be sure to purchase the parts from a company known for quality. There are aftermarket display assemblies and LCDs 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 Video Instructions

For tech savvy individuals, this video provides instructions to replace the glass cover and digitizer (which as noted above, are much simpler and safer to replace as a single part) as well as the underlying LCD in the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS:

From watching the video, you should be able to determine whether or not you feel comfortable replacing the glass panel, digitizer and/or display yourself or if you would instead prefer to hire a professional. Hiring a professional saves 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 (LCD screen) on the original iPhone (2G)?
• 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?
• How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s?