Introduction
This guide shows how to remove or transfer the front sensor assembly in your iPhone 13 mini. This assembly is affixed to the back of the display.
You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.
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Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
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Remove the two 6.8 mm-long pentalobe P2 screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.
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Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.
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If your display or back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may help the suction cups adhere.
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Press both suction cups firmly into place. Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to slightly separate the screen from the rear case of the phone.
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Insert an opening pick into the gap under the display on the lower edge of the iPhone.
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Skip the next two steps.
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If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, as close to the edge as possible.
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Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.
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Insert an opening pick into the gap.
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Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and along the right edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.
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Re-insert your pick at the bottom left corner of the iPhone.
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Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.
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Insert your pick into the right edge of the phone. Slide it around the top-right corner and across the top edge.
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Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.
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If you used an iSclack and it's still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.
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Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the right side, like the front cover of a book.
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Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.
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Remove the 1.2 mm-long Y000 screw securing the battery and display connector cover.
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Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.
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Use a spudger to pry the battery and OLED panel cable connectors up from their sockets on the logic board.
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Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.
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Remove the three screws (securing the front sensor assembly cover):
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One PH000 1.4 mm-long screw
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One Y000 1.8 mm-long screw
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One Y000 1.2 mm-long screw
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Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the top front of the display for 1-2 minutes, in order to soften the adhesive securing the sensors.
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Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry the proximity sensor and the microphone out of their recesses.
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Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it again to the top front of the display for 1-2 minutes, in order to soften the adhesive securing the sensors.
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Carefully slide an opening pick underneath the front sensor assembly cable to loosen the adhesive.
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Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.
To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order. Apply new adhesive where necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).
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 13 mini Answers community for help.
