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Use this guide to replace a cracked or broken back glass (aka back cover) on an iPhone Air.
The back glass includes the flash unit and wireless charging coil. These parts come as one unit, which is uniquely paired to the logic board. Replacing it means you'll need to complete the repair using Apple's Repair Assistant to avoid issues with wireless charging or using the camera's flash.
You'll need replacement back glass adhesive to complete this repair.
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Unplug any cables from your phone.
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Hold the power and either volume button and slide to power off your phone.
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Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.
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Apply packing tape to the cracked glass until it's completely covered—this will help keep the glass contained and allow the suction cup to stick.
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Use a P2 pentalobe driver to remove the two 4.9 mm-long screws on either side of the USB-C port.
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Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the back glass for two minutes.
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Apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the back glass, as close to the edge as possible.
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Pull up on the handle with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back glass and the frame.
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Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.
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There's a delicate cable connecting the back glass to the phone, right next to the volume up button.
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There are multiple spring contacts along the top edge of the phone. Be extra careful not to insert your pick deeper than instructed in each step to avoid bending these contacts.
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Slide your pick back and forth along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive.
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Leave your pick inserted in the bottom left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the back glass for two minutes.
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Insert a second opening pick to the left of the original.
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Slide the second pick around the bottom left corner and along the left edge of the back glass to separate the adhesive and release the metal clip.
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Leave this pick inserted at the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the back glass for two minutes.
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Insert a third opening pick to the right of the original at the bottom edge.
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Slide this pick around the bottom right corner and along the right edge of the back glass to separate the adhesive and release the metal clip.
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Leave this pick inserted at the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Repeat the heating and sliding process along the top edge of the back glass to separate the adhesive and release the metal clips.
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Gently lift the back glass and swing it open towards the volume buttons.
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Support the back glass with a clean, sturdy object like a small box to avoid straining the cable.
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Set a piece of polyimide tape over the rear camera lens.
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Remove the three screws securing the left connector cover, located below the rear camera:
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One 1.1 mm-long tri-point Y000 screw
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One 1.0 mm-long tri-point Y000 screw
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One 3.2 mm-long JIS 00 screw
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Use tweezers or your fingers to lift the cover to release its hook and remove it.
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Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector.
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Remove the three screws securing the right connector cover:
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Two 1.1 mm-long tri-point Y000 screws
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One 2.8 mm-long JIS 00 screw
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Use tweezers or your fingers to lift the cover to release its hook and remove it.
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Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flash and wireless charging coil press connector.
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Remove the back glass.
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To reassemble your iPhone, follow this guide to reapply adhesive and install the back glass.
After your repair, calibrate a genuine replacement back glass 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 iPhone Air Answers Community for help.
To reassemble your iPhone, follow this guide to reapply adhesive and install the back glass.
After your repair, calibrate a genuine replacement back glass 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 iPhone Air Answers Community for help.
