Opening Procedure

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Use this guide to open your Apple Watch Series 7 for repairs.

Note: The opening procedure for the 41 mm and the 45 mm Apple Watch series 7 is the same. You can use this guide for both models.

This guide shows the procedure on the cellular/LTE version of the watch, but the GPS-only version is similar.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

Before starting repairs, take your watch off the charger and power it down.
If your touchscreen is broken and you can't power off the watch, use this alternate method to power it down.

Because the gap between the screen and watch body is so thin, an iFlex is needed to separate the two.
Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the iFlex edge. If in doubt, protect your free hand with a heavy glove, such as a leather shop glove or gardening glove.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this might cause the iFlex to slip and cut you, or damage the watch.
Wear eye protection. If the opening procedure is performed incorrectly or with too much pressure, the glass could crack, sending small glass shards flying.
Attach or remove the watch band as needed to provide more control as you make repairs.

Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the screen for at least two minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the watch—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.
You may need to reheat the iOpener and repeat this procedure several times until the display adhesive softens.

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Don't grip the iFlex or similar metal tools by the edges—they're very sharp. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.
Insert the iFlex at a downward angle between the bottom edge of the screen and frame.
The Apple Watch Series 7 display is equipped with a plastic bezel on its rear side. If you want to reuse your display, avoid using too much pressure with the iFlex or you may separate the bezel from the screen.

Prying up the screen may take multiple attempts. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.
With one hand, push down firmly on the watch's frame to secure it in place.
With your free hand, hold the iFlex and push the edges up to make it more rigid.
The iFlex should be slightly "U" shaped.
Pry up the screen enough for the iFlex to lay flat on its own.
The iFlex doesn't need to be inserted far, as it can easily damage the screen cables near the bottom right corner of the watch.
Leave the iFlex inserted under the screen.

Do not insert your opening pick more than 3 mm under the screen when separating the adhesive, as you risk damaging your watches internals.
Keep the iFlex flat to maintain a gap between the screen and frame while inserting an opening pick.
Insert an opening pick between the screen and iFlex.
Remove the iFlex.

Slide the opening pick around the corner and along the long edge on the opposite side of the watch crown to slice the display adhesive.

Slide the opening pick around the corner to slice the remaining adhesive on the short edge of the watch next to the watch crown.
Don't try to remove the display. It is still connected to the watch assembly.

Be careful not to strain the display cables when you fold the display to the side.
Lift the display and carefully pull it towards the watch crown.
Swing the display open to an upward position.