iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a broken, cracked, or non‑responsive screen in your iPhone 16 Pro Max.

You'll need replacement screen adhesive to complete this repair.

Note: Since you can't disconnect the battery during this repair, be especially careful not to use metal prying tools or touch any exposed contacts in your iPhone.

After your repair, calibrate an authentic screen using Apple's Repair Assistant.

What you need

Step 1 Before you begin

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Allow your iPhone's battery to drain below 25%, as a charged lithium-ion battery is a potential safety hazard.
Unplug any cables from your iPhone.
Hold the power and either volume buttons, and slide to power off your iPhone.

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Step 2 Tape over any cracks

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 2, image 2 of 2

If your screen or back glass is badly cracked, lay overlapping strips of packing tape over the glass to protect yourself and make disassembly easier.
Make sure there's a smooth area near the bottom edge that's big enough for a suction cup to stick to.

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Step 3 Remove the pentalobe screws

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Remove the pentalobe screws: step 3, image 2 of 2

Use a P2 pentalobe driver to remove the two 7.4 mm-long screws on either side of the charge port.

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Step 4 Mark your opening picks

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 4, image 3 of 3

If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your device. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.
Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.
You can also mark the other corners of the pick with different measurements.
Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

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Step 5 Create a gap with a suction handle

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Create a gap with a suction handle: step 5, image 1 of 1

Tool used on this step:

iOpener

$12.99

Buy

The next two steps show how to create an initial gap using a suction handle.
Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the bottom edge of the screen until it's hot to the touch.
You can also use an iOpener to heat the screen. Follow these instructions to heat and apply the iOpener properly.

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Step 6

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the screen.
While supporting the frame with one hand, pull up on the handle with a strong, steady force to create a gap between the screen and the frame.
If you can't create a gap, apply more heat to the edge and try again.
Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

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Step 7 Screen information

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As you slice the adhesive securing the screen in the following steps, don't insert your pick deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the following areas:
Two delicate cables connecting the screen to the iPhone—one just above the Action button and the other about halfway along the left edge of the iPhone
Multiple spring contacts around the perimeter of the iPhone

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Step 8 Slice the bottom edge adhesive

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Slice the bottom edge adhesive: step 8, image 1 of 2

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Slice the bottom edge adhesive: step 8, image 2 of 2

Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to release the adhesive.
Don't insert the pick deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the spring contacts.
If the adhesive feels difficult to slice, reheat the edge for a minute.
Leave the opening pick in the bottom-left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 9 Heat the left edge

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Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the left edge of the screen until it's hot to the touch.

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Step 10 Separate the left adhesive

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Don't insert your pick deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the spring contacts and cables.
Insert a second opening pick in the bottom-left corner, close to the existing pick.
Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the screen to separate the adhesive and release the metal clips.
You'll hear and feel the metal clips release as you pass them.
Leave the opening pick in the top-left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 11 Separate the remaining adhesives

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Separate the remaining adhesives: step 11, image 3 of 3

Repeat the heating and slicing procedure along the remaining screen edges.

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Step 12 Swing open the screen

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 12, image 3 of 3

At this point, the screen should be free from the frame. If the screen feels stuck, go back around the perimeter with your pick and carefully check for missed sections of adhesive or stuck clips.
Carefully lift the screen upwards until the clips along the long edges clear the frame.
Swing open the screen over the left edge of the iPhone and lay it flat on your work surface.

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Step 13 Remove the connector covers

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Use a tri-point Y000 driver to remove the two 1.3 mm‑long screws securing the front sensor and display connector covers.

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Step 14

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Use tweezers to grasp the front sensor connector cover near the screw hole.
Lift and remove the cover.
Repeat the procedure to remove the display connector cover.

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Step 15 Disconnect the screen

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 15, image 3 of 3

Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display press connector.
Repeat for the front sensor press connector.

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Step 17 Disassembly complete

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 17, image 1 of 1

Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your iPhone.
Depending on your iPhone model, some reassembly photos may have minor visual discrepancies. The procedure, however, will be correct for your iPhone.

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Step 18 Remove the adhesive and its residue

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Remove the adhesive and its residue: step 18, image 2 of 2

Use a spudger or tweezers to remove the adhesive chunks from the iPhone's frame.
Work around the fragile grounding clips. If you bend one out of place, gently bend it back with your fingers or tweezers.

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Step 19

If you're reinstalling your existing screen, be sure to remove any remaining adhesive from the back of your screen as well.

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Step 20

Using a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) and some high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol, clean the areas of the frame and screen where you removed the old adhesive.
For best results, swipe your cleaning cloth in one direction, not back and forth.
Work around the fragile grounding clips. If you bend one out of place, gently bend it back with your fingers or tweezers.
Take your time doing this. A clean frame allows replacement adhesive to lay evenly, ensuring a better bond.

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Step 21 Apply the replacement adhesive

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Apply the replacement adhesive: step 21, image 1 of 1

Lay the adhesive sheet over the frame to determine its proper orientation.
Use features such as the camera cutout to visualize how the adhesive will lay in the frame.

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Step 22

Grasp the tab in the corner of the adhesive sheet and peel the liner to expose a third of the adhesive.
The exposed adhesive is very sticky. Don't let it touch anything until you're ready to apply it to the frame.
If your adhesive has multiple liners, peel the liner that exposes the side that sticks to the frame.

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Step 23

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Carefully align the exposed edge of the adhesive strip with the corresponding edge of your iPhone's frame.
Once the adhesive is pressed into place, you can't reposition it—you'll have to remove it and start over with new adhesive.
When it's correctly aligned, gently press the exposed adhesive strip into place.

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Step 24

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Continue peeling away the liner from the adhesive, gently pressing the adhesive into place.
If you've correctly aligned the adhesive, the edges will fall perfectly into place.
If your adhesive is slightly misaligned, pull the long edges into alignment with the frame.
If the adhesive begins to crease or wrinkle, remove it and start over with fresh adhesive.
If you don't have another set of adhesive strips handy, it's okay to temporarily put your iPhone back together and use it normally without any adhesive. Just keep in mind that your iPhone's water resistance will be compromised until you replace the adhesive.

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Step 25

Use a spudger to press the adhesive around the entire perimeter of your iPhone.
Work around the fragile grounding clips. If you bend one out of place, gently bend it back with your fingers or tweezers.
Don't press too hard, or you'll stretch and deform the adhesive.

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Step 26

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Use a spudger or your fingers to lift the pull tab connected to the large front liner—the pull tab is often in a corner of the liner.
Use the pull tab to peel off the large front liner from the adhesive.
At this point, you may still have liners covering the perimeter, which prevent the adhesive from accidentally sticking to anything while you're reassembling your iPhone. Don't remove these small release liners just yet.

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Step 27 Reconnect the screen

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Reconnect the screen: step 27, image 2 of 2

Use your finger to press down and connect the display connector.
To re-attach wide press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Press down and connect the front sensor connector.
Align the connector carefully over its socket and press down with your fingertip until it clicks into place. Don't try to force the connector into place. If you're having trouble, reposition it and try again.
This is a good time to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal it up. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue.
If your iPhone doesn't turn on, connect it to a power source and try again.

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Step 28 Install the connector covers

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Tuck the display connector cover's tab into its frame cutout and lay the cover in place.
Repeat with the front sensor connector cover.

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Step 29

Use a tri-point Y000 driver to install the two 1.3 mm‑long screws securing the two connector covers.

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Step 30 Remove the final liners

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While supporting the screen, use your fingers or a spudger to peel away all perimeter liners, exposing the adhesive.
Be careful not to touch the exposed adhesive.
Check the frame and screen for any stray liners and remove them. There should be no liners remaining.

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Step 31 Install the screen onto the frame

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Install the screen onto the frame: step 31, image 2 of 2

Carefully align the screen's top clips with their frame cutouts.

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Step 32

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Lower the screen onto the frame, beginning with the top edge.
If you feel resistance, a perimeter clip may have bent out of place and is being crushed by the frame. Look at the point of resistance and gently straighten any bent clips.
Make sure the screen edge isn't pinching any cables.

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Step 33 Apply heat to the perimeter

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Apply heat to the perimeter: step 33, image 1 of 1

Use a hair dryer, heat gun, or an iOpener to heat the screen perimeter until it's slightly too hot to touch.
The heat softens the adhesive and helps create a better bond.

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Step 34 Apply pressure to the perimeter

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Apply pressure to the perimeter: step 34, image 2 of 2

Use your fingers to firmly squeeze around the perimeter of the iPhone.

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Step 35

Place your iPhone screen-side down on a clean, flat work surface.
Lay a strip of tape around the perimeter of the back glass to protect the finish.
Stack coins around the perimeter of the back glass until you create a wall that's as tall as the rear camera protrusions.
Alternatively, you can use vise clamps around the perimeter of your device to set the new adhesive.

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Step 36

Place 3-4 heavy books squarely on top of your iPhone.
The coins may leave a slight impression on the bottom book cover, so don't use anything valuable.
Leave the books in place for about 30 minutes.
The pressure will help activate the adhesive.

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Step 37 Install the pentalobe screws

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iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Replacement, Install the pentalobe screws: step 37, image 2 of 2

Use a P2 pentalobe driver to install the two 7.4 mm-long screws on either side of the charge port.

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Conclusion

After your repair, calibrate a genuine replacement screen using Apple's Repair Assistant. Navigate to Settings → General → About → Parts & Service History, tap Restart & Finish Repair, and follow the onscreen prompts.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

One other person completed this guide.