How to Replace an iPhone 13 Screen: OLED and INCELL Guide for Repair Shops
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The iPhone 13 is now a staple of the repair counter, and a cracked screen is still the number one job. This guide covers a clean replacement for both soft OLED and INCELL LCD parts, with extra tips for handling OLED panels safely.
Time needed: 40 to 60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate to advanced (OLED edges, the Face ID components and the tight adhesive seal need care)
Tools you will need
- Pentalobe (P2) screwdriver for the two bottom screws
- Small Phillips and tri-point (Y-type) drivers, matched to your bracket screws
- Suction handle and thin opening picks
- Heat mat or heat gun on a low setting
- Tweezers and a plastic spudger
- Screw mat or tray to keep screws in order
- Replacement screen and a fresh waterproof adhesive gasket
- Anti-static mat or wrist strap
Before you start
- Test the new screen first. Connect it before sealing anything and check touch, brightness, colour and Face ID.
- Check the phone for existing faults. Record battery health, camera and Face ID status before you begin.
- Choose the right part for the customer. Soft OLED looks and feels closest to the original. INCELL LCD is a cheaper option for high-volume or budget repairs. Not sure which grade suits the job? See how to choose a screen grade for each repair.
Step-by-step replacement
1. Power off and remove the bottom screws
Turn the phone fully off and remove the two pentalobe screws beside the charging port.
2. Soften the adhesive and open the screen
Apply gentle heat to the edges for a minute or so. Use the suction handle to create a small gap, then work picks around the sides. Open the screen like a book and do not exceed about 90 degrees. The display cables are short and tear easily.
OLED tip: heat the glass gently and evenly. Concentrated heat can leave marks or damage the panel.
3. Disconnect the battery first
Remove the battery connector cover and disconnect the battery connector before touching other parts.
4. Disconnect the display cables
Remove the display connector cover and disconnect the display and touch cables, then lift the old screen away.
5. Transfer the earpiece and Face ID components
Remove the bracket holding the earpiece speaker and the front sensor assembly. Move these parts carefully onto the new screen.
- Handle the Face ID flex cable with great care. If it tears, Face ID will stop working and is very hard to restore.
- Keep screws from this assembly apart, because they differ in length.
6. Clean the frame and fit the new gasket
Remove old adhesive from the frame with tweezers and a little isopropyl alcohol. Fit the new gasket evenly so it does not lift at the corners.
7. Reconnect and test before final closing
Reconnect the display cables first, then the battery. Power on and test:
- Touch across the whole screen, including corners and edges
- Brightness and auto-brightness
- Earpiece, proximity sensor and a test call
- Front camera and Face ID
- Colour check on a white and a black screen to spot lines or tint
8. Close up
Reinstall the covers, press the screen down evenly around the edges (avoid pressing hard on the OLED centre), and refit the bottom screws. Leave the phone under light pressure for a few minutes.
OLED versus INCELL: what to tell the customer
| Soft OLED | INCELL LCD | |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Closest to the original | Good, with small differences in blacks and contrast |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Customers who want an original-like result | Budget and high-volume repairs |
| Handling | Edges and corners are more fragile | More forgiving to handle |
Common mistakes that cause comebacks
| Problem | Likely cause | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Green or pink line on an OLED | Panel pressed or flexed during the repair | Handle by the frame, avoid pressing the panel |
| Touch fails on part of the screen | Connector not fully seated | Reseat connectors and recheck cover screws |
| Face ID fails after repair | Flex torn or component damaged during transfer | Transfer slowly and test before sealing |
| Screen lifts at the edge | Old adhesive left, or no pressure applied | Clean fully and apply even pressure |
| Phone will not power on | Battery connector not seated | Reconnect and check for pinched cables |
Things to tell the customer
- True Tone and display messages: aftermarket screens may not carry over True Tone, and iOS can show a notice about the display. These are cosmetic, but customers should hear it from you first.
- Water resistance: a repaired phone is not guaranteed to keep its original water resistance, even with a new gasket.
- Touch or fingerprint accuracy: if the customer reports issues, see our guide on pixel and fingerprint calibration after screen replacement.
Where to buy iPhone 13 screens in Australia
We stock both grades for wholesale and repair shop customers. See our Brisbane mobile phone screen supplier page, or order the iPhone 13 soft OLED screen or the iPhone 13 INCELL LCD screen from our catalogue.
Parts are available for pickup in store or delivery across Australia.
FAQ
How long does an iPhone 13 screen replacement take?
An experienced technician typically takes 40 to 60 minutes, plus a few minutes for the adhesive to set.
Is OLED worth the extra cost over INCELL?
If the customer wants a result closest to the original, yes. For budget repairs, INCELL is a solid choice.
Will Face ID still work after the repair?
Yes, if the Face ID components are transferred without damage. Test before sealing the phone.
Will the phone still be waterproof?
Not guaranteed. A fresh gasket helps, but the original factory seal cannot be fully restored.
