Apple Watch Ultra Sensor Assembly Replacement

Written By: Dominik Schnabelrauch
  • Comments: 2
Apple Watch Ultra Sensor Assembly Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

14

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace a broken sensor assembly in your Apple Watch Ultra.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach the screen when reassembling the device. Your device will function normally, but will most likely lose its IP6X (Ingress Protection) rating.

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    • Because the gap between the screen/sensor assembly and watch body is so thin, a thin metal tool is needed to separate the two. Read the following warnings carefully before proceeding.

    • Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the front end of your tool. 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. The glass may break, sending pieces flying.

    • Attach or remove the watch band as needed to provide more control as you make repairs.

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    • Use a Pentalobe P5 screwdriver to remove the four 2.2 mm-long screws securing the sensor assembly.

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    • Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the sensor assembly 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 sensors and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

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    • Insert an iFlex in the seam between the watch frame and the top edge of the sensor assembly to create a gap.

    • Carefully twist the iFlex to widen the gap.

    • Don't apply too much force, or you'll cause the sensor assembly to pop off and tear the sensor assembly cables.

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    • Insert an opening pick into the gap you created.

    • Do not insert the opening pick deeper than ~3 mm to avoid tearing the sensor assembly cables.

    • Remove the iFlex.

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    • Slide the opening pick around the top right corner of the sensor assembly and along the right edge to slice its adhesive.

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    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and along the bottom edge to slice the rear assembly adhesive.

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    • Slide the opening around the bottom left corner and along the left edge to slice the remaining adhesive.

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    • During the following steps it easily happens that the band release buttons of the Apple Watch Ultra fall out or the springs become displaced. During reassembly make sure to bring the buttons back in their original position.

    • The band release buttons are equipped with a tiny spring on each end. These springs are very easy to lose but mandatory for the buttons functionality.

    • If a band release button falls out and the springs aren't on the button, they may have gotten stuck in the watch during disassembly. Use a pair of tweezers to remove them from the watch and place them upright into their recess on the button for reassembly.

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    • The sensor assembly is connected to the watch body with two cables. One of the cables is extremely short and its connector will automatically disconnect when lifting the sensor assembly.

    • Carefully lift the top edge of the sensor assembly with your opening pick until you can get a good grip.

    • Don't try to remove the sensor assembly all the way yet. It's still connected to the watch body.

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    • Be careful not to strain the sensor assembly cable when you fold the assembly up.

    • Lift the sensor assembly and carefully pull it towards the bottom edge of the watch.

    • Swing the sensor assembly open to an upward position.

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    • The band release button near the sensor assembly cable is equipped with a tiny spring on each end. Be careful not to lose the button or its springs.

    • Use a spudger to pry and disconnect the sensor assembly cable from its socket.

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    • Remove the sensor assembly.

Conclusion

To reassemble your Apple Watch Ultra follow these instructions in reverse order to reattach the screen and the battery.

Apply a little bit of high isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to a Q-tip or use a cleaning pad to gently remove the leftover adhesive on the edges of the watch case and the screen before installing new adhesive.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

Author

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 23/11/16

167396 Reputation

2 comments

The back of the apple watch not the sensor what is that material.i know the sensors are ceramic coated but what about the surrounding area of the watch in which the screws go in ??

HUNTER - -

Woher bekomme ich diesen Bauteil?

Mein Sensor Glas ist defekt, habe in Euren Store nichts gefunden

Danke Lg

Ge Zw -