iPhone 16 Pro Screen Refurbishment: A Step-by-Step Guide

iPhone 16 Pro screen refurbishment is a cost-effective and safer alternative to a full-screen replacement. While many technicians find front glass refurbishment is challenging, and time consuming. So REWA have developed a safer and more efficient method. This guide will walk you through each step of the refurbishment process, ensuring superior results.

Step 1: Verify Touch and Display Functions

Before starting the refurbishment, it’s essential to verify your iPhone 16 Pro’s touch and display functions.
This will help you identify any existing issues before beginning the repair.

Step 2: Disassemble the Screen

Carefully disassemble the screen using pentalobe screwdriver while ensuring that you cover the front cameras with a sticker to protect them from laser exposure.

Step 3: Use a UV Laser Machine

Start by treating the screen with a UV laser machine. In this tutorial we used DALI K300 UV Laser machine which can be found on REWA Shop. This tool softens the OCA and silk print, making glass separation much easier. Select the appropriate diagram to treat the entire screen, and verify the screen function after the laser treatment.

Step 4: Remove the Front Sensor Assembly

Remove the front sensor assembly carefully. The iPhone 15 and 16 series utilize injection molding to bond the frame bezel, making traditional removal methods risky due to potential flex damage. With laser treatment, frame removal becomes safer and easier.

Step 5: Remove the Frame

Next, use a soft pry knife to guide around the frame bezel, adding some alcohol along the way to ease the process. The laser treatment significantly reduces the risk of damage, especially near the flex cable.

Note: It is possible that you would like to know why we removed the frame. Based on our clients’ experiences, the screen may pop up some bubbles if we apply separation with the old frame. Therefore, the frame was removed to prevent this issue.

Step 6: Clean Adhesive Residue

After removing the frame, clean the adhesive residue thoroughly. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth installation of the new glass.

Step 7: Separate the Front Glass

Now, it’s time to separate the front glass. Instead of using cutting wire, we recommend using a protection film along with some alcohol. This method is not only easier but also eliminates the need for cutting wire.

Step 8: Clean OCA Residue

To clean the OCA residue, use an electric glue remover. This tool provides consistent pressure and steady movements, reducing the risk of damaging the OLED display.

Step 9: Install the New Front Glass

Install the new front glass using a dust-free hood to ensure a clean, particle-free environment. An alignment mold is essential here, as it guarantees precise alignment and reduces the risk of air bubbles caused by operational errors.

Step 10: Laminate the Screen

Place the screen into a laminating machine to laminate it, and then transfer it to a debubbling chamber to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during the process.

In this tutorial, we used the REFOX FM50 Screen Laminating Machine. It is available for purchase in the REWA Shop.

Step 11: Install the New Frame

When it comes to installing the new frame, use an automatic glue dispenser to apply adhesive precisely and evenly. This ensures consistent bonding and reduces manual errors.

Step 12: Heat Press the Frame

Finally, use a heat press machine to press and secure the frame. After pressing, check if the frame installation is secure enough.

Congratulations, your iPhone 16 Pro screen is fully restored!

Tips and Tricks

• Always verify the touch and display functions before starting the repair.
• Cover sensitive areas with stickers to prevent damage during the laser treatment.
• Using a UV laser machine can significantly ease the glass separation process.
• Utilize an alignment mold to ensure perfect alignment and reduce mistakes.
• Practice and skill are essential, but the right tools can greatly improve efficiency and quality.

By following these steps and using the right tools, you can refurbish your iPhone 16 Pro screen effectively and safely. For those who want to dive deeper into the screen refurbishment, consider enrolling in the Screen and Back Glass Refurbishing Course.