If you saw my broken iPhone post a while ago, you may have realized that scotch tape isn’t exactly the best way to fix a cracked screen. Fortunately, with the help of a few YouTube tutorials, I was able to fix the screen using tools and replacement parts that I bought on eBay for about $18.

This is the most helpful tutorial I found:

Materials Used:

  • Magnetic screwdriver
  • Paper clip or sim card tool
  • Suction cup
  • Spudger
  • Adhesive strips
  • Replacement iPhone 3G OEM Glass Digitizer Screen
  • Hairdryer or Heat Gun

Personal notes:

  • When using the suction cup to separate the glass from the housing, you need to pull very firmly. However, do not pull too far open because the digitizer is still attached by three cables.
  • When separating the frame from the LCD, be very careful when prying. Only pry from the sides and that one corner mentioned in the video.
  • If you’re using a hairdryer, you need to heat the glass for NO LESS than 5 minutes. Use a rag or pot holder when peeling the glass off the frame because it gets very hot. Make sure not to warp the shape of the frame.

Before

After