The display of your iPhone 12 mini is broken? The touchscreen no longer works properly?

Then a display replacement is the method of choice. In this detailed photo tutorial, we will show you step by step how to do it best.

Once you open your device, it is no longer 100 percent dust- and waterproof (IP68). If the glass of your display is cracked, you should secure it with parcel tape. This avoids potential injuries during the repair and prevents small glass particles from breaking off and falling into the device.

To avoid scratches on case and backcover, make sure your workspace is clean and level. Note that the True Tone function will be deactivated after the display replacement. Since the Face ID feature is paired with your iPhone, you will also need to transfer the earpiece unit to the replacement display. After the repair, your iPhone will also show you a warning message about the display's authenticity. If your phone works normally, you don't need to pay attention to this message though.

We wish you good luck with your repair!

Required tools

  • Tweezers

    Tweezers

    We recommend using tweezers to remove screws and various small parts from your device.

    on Amazon
  • Plastic prying tool

    Plastic prying tool

    You need a flat plastic prying tool to disconnect the various plugs and connectors.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Steel Laboratory Spatula

    Steel Laboratory Spatula

    You need a flat and sturdy prying tool to disconnect glued parts.

    on Amazon
  • Pentalobe PL1 screwdriver

    Pentalobe PL1 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing pentalobe PL1 screws.

    on Amazon
  • Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.

    from €10.84 on Amazon
  • Y-type Y000 screwdriver

    Y-type Y000 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing Y-type screws.

    on Amazon

Required replacement part

  • iPhone 12 mini Screen

    iPhone 12 mini Screen

    on Amazon
Show all replacement parts for the iPhone 12 mini 

Getting started with the repair of your iPhone 12 mini

If you get stuck or have questions, you can post a comment. We’d be happy to help.

24 steps
  1. Switching off your iPhone 12 mini

    iPhone 12 mini - Switching off your iPhone 12 mini 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Switching off your iPhone 12 mini 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Switching off your iPhone 12 mini 03

    Before starting your repair, we recommend that you use our checklist to test the basic functions of your iPhone 12 mini. This way you can check afterwards if your repair was successful.

    1. To switch off your iPhone, press and hold the side and volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds.
    2. Your phone will shut down completely within a few seconds after swiping the displayed slider from left to right.
  2. Removing the Pentalobe screws

    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the  Pentalobe screws 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the  Pentalobe screws 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Pentalobe Screwdriver PL1
    Magnetic Pad
    • 2 × 6.7 mm Pentalobe

    Use a screw storage to keep an overview during the repair and avoid losing anything. Use an old sewing box, for example; with our high-quality magnetic pad, you have the additional advantage that nothing slips.

    1. Loosen the two Pentalobe screws with a Pentalobe screwdriver.
    2. Then put them on your magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Pentalobe Screwdriver PL1
    Magnetic Pad
  3. Heating up the screen

    iPhone 12 mini - Heating up the screen 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Heating up the screen 02
    Used tools
    Heat gun

    The display edge is heavily glued. It is therefore essential to first heat it up sufficiently. Use a hot air device, such as a heat gun or an ordinary hair dryer.

    Be careful not to burn your fingers after heating. It is best to heat the display only to the point where you can still touch it.
    1. Heat the edge of the display by running the hot air device evenly over it.
    Used tools
  4. Lifting up the screen

    iPhone 12 mini - Lifting up the screen 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Lifting up the screen 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Lifting up the screen 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Lifting up the screen 04
    Used tools
    Flat Picks
    iFlex Opening Tool
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup

    To create a narrow gap between the display's edge and the case, you need a flat, stable tool. We recommend the iFlex for this, since it has particularly sharp edges that can be easily inserted.

    1. Attach a suction cup to the lower display edge and pull it upwards. At the same time, insert the iFlex between the edge of the display and the case.
    2. Insert a flat pick into a spot that has already been loosened so that the glue does not bond again.
    Used tools
    iFlex Opening Tool
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup
  5. Detaching the screen

    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen 03
    Used tools
    Heat gun
    Pick Set
    Flat Picks
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup

    To avoid damaging the edge of the case with the sharp edges of the iFlex when detaching the display, you should switch to a plastic tool as soon as possible. We recommend the hard plastic pick for this.

    1. Run the hard plastic pick all the way around the display edge. At the same time, push it upwards to loosen the display's hooked lugs from the casing's frame.
    Used tools
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup
  6. Unfolding the screen

    iPhone 12 mini - Unfolding the screen  01
    iPhone 12 mini - Unfolding the screen  02
    iPhone 12 mini - Unfolding the screen  03

    Never unfold the screen more than 180° while the sensitive screen cables are still connected. Otherwise, they could tear.

    1. Once the display is completely detached, you first have to remove all plastic picks.
    2. Then carefully open it towards the volume buttons. Lean it against a stable object to avoid overstretching the flex cables.
  7. Unscrewing the cover plates

    iPhone 12 mini - Unscrewing the cover plates 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Unscrewing the cover plates 02
    Used tools
    Magnetic Pad
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
    • 1 × 1.0 mm Y-Type
    • 5 × 1.2 mm Y-Type
    1. Remove the six Y-type screws from the two cover plates using a Y-type screwdriver.
    2. Then place them on the magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Magnetic Pad
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
  8. Removing the cover plates

    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the cover plates 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the cover plates 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the cover plates 03
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
    1. Remove the two cover plates from your device with a pair of tweezers.
    2. Then put them with the appropriate screws on your magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
  9. Detaching the battery connector

    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the battery connector 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the battery connector 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the battery connector 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector

    Always detach the battery connector as soon as possible to avoid a potential short circuit.
    When separating connectors, always start from the side where there are no small components on the logicboard. This way you avoid potential damage.

    1. Use a plastic lever tool to carefully slide under the battery connector and separate it from the board. We use a plastic spudger for this.
    Used tools
  10. Detaching the screen connectors

    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen connectors 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen connectors 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen connectors 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the screen connectors 04
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector

    The iPhone 12 mini has two display connectors. One of them connects the earpiece to the logicboard.

    1. Run the spudger underneath the two display connectors one after the other and carefully pry them off the logicboard.
    Used tools
  11. Removing the screen

    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the screen 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Removing the screen 02
    1. Once the display is completely detached, you can remove it and put it aside.
  12. Unscrewing the earpiece

    iPhone 12 mini - Unscrewing the earpiece 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Unscrewing the earpiece 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Unscrewing the earpiece 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Unscrewing the earpiece 04
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
    • 2 × 1.6 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 1.0 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1.8 mm Y-Type

    Various sensors are integrated on the earpiece via a flex cable. The entire unit is attached to the display's inside.

    1. Loosen the four screws that secure the earpiece.
    2. Then place it on the magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
  13. The right tools for your repair

    With the right tools, you will succeed in any repair. In our store you will find a large selection of professional quality tools.
    VIEW NOW
  14. Detaching the sensor cable

    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the sensor cable 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the sensor cable 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the sensor cable 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Detaching the sensor cable 04
    Used tools
    Steel Laboratory Spatula

    Be especially careful when detaching the sensitive sensors, as they can easily be damaged.

    1. Flip the earpiece around.
    2. Then carefully drive a flat, sturdy tool under the sensors to pry them out of their guides. We recommend the steel spatula in this case.
    3. Take the detached sensor cable including the earpiece and place it on the magnetic pad with the loosened screws. The component is transferred to the replacement display.
    Used tools
    Steel Laboratory Spatula
  15. Inserting the sensor cable

    iPhone 12 mini - Inserting the sensor cable 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Inserting the sensor cable 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Inserting the sensor cable 03

    Once you have removed all protective films and seals from your replacement display, you can insert your old sensor cable including earpiece at this point.

    1. Place the unfolded earpiece in its original position.
    2. Then press the sensors back into their guides on the upper edge of the display.
  16. Screwing the earpiece tight

    iPhone 12 mini - Screwing the earpiece tight 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Screwing the earpiece tight 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
    • 2 × 1.6 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 1.0 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1.8 mm Y-Type

    Be careful not to mix up the screws, Using a screw that is too long can potentially damage the case unit.

    1. Screw the earpiece with the two Phillips and Y-type each.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
  17. Installing a new adhesive frame (optional)

    iPhone 12 mini - Installing a new adhesive frame (optional) 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Installing a new adhesive frame (optional) 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Installing a new adhesive frame (optional) 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Installing a new adhesive frame (optional) 04
    iPhone 12 mini - Installing a new adhesive frame (optional) 05
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    iPhone 12 mini Adhesive Frame for Screen

    Attaching a new adhesive frame is optional. If it is still in good condition, you do not need to install a new one. However, if it has defects or no longer sticks properly, we recommend that you install a new adhesive frame.

    1. We show you how to apply a new adhesive frame in detail in our YouTube video.
    Used tools
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    iPhone 12 mini Adhesive Frame for Screen
  18. Putting on the screen

    iPhone 12 mini - Putting on the screen 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Putting on the screen 02
    1. Put the display back on the casing unit. For this, lean it against a stable object.
  19. Attaching the screen connectors

    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the screen connectors 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the screen connectors 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the screen connectors 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the screen connectors 04
    • Connector
    1. Attach the display connectors by carefully pressing them onto the board one after the other. They should click into place audibly and perceptibly.
  20. Attaching the battery connector

    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the battery connector 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the battery connector 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Attaching the battery connector 03
    • Connector

    Always connect the battery connector as late as possible to avoid a potential short circuit.

    1. Attach the battery connector by carefully pressing it onto the logicboard. You should hear and feel it click into place.

  21. Check your iPhone 12 mini

    iPhone 12 mini - Check your iPhone 12 mini  01
    iPhone 12 mini - Check your iPhone 12 mini  02
    iPhone 12 mini - Check your iPhone 12 mini  03
    iPhone 12 mini - Check your iPhone 12 mini  04

    Flip the display over to test your iPhone 12 mini after the repair. However, do not press it firmly into the case unit yet. This way, you can quickly open it again if necessary.

    If something doesn't work properly during testing, double-check that everything is installed and attached correctly.
    1. Turn on your iPhone and drag an app across the screen to test if the touch responds everywhere.
    2. Then test if Face ID still works after taking over the earpiece by going to the Face ID configuration.
    3. Afterwards, you can check other components for their functionality. Again, you can use our checklist as a guide.
  22. Aligning the cover plates

    iPhone 12 mini - Aligning the cover plates 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Aligning the cover plates 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Aligning the cover plates 03
    iPhone 12 mini - Aligning the cover plates 04
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
    1. Flip the display back open after the test run.
    2. Place the two cover plates over the battery and display connectors. Use the screw holes as a reference.
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
  23. Screwing the cover plates tight

    iPhone 12 mini - Screwing the cover plates tight 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Screwing the cover plates tight 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
    • 1 × 1.0 mm Y-Type
    • 5 × 1.2 mm Y-Type
    1. Then screw the two plates back onto the logicboard using the Y-type screws.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Y-Type Screwdriver Y000
  24. Inserting the display

    iPhone 12 mini - Inserting the display 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Inserting the display 02
    iPhone 12 mini - Inserting the display 03

    To ensure that the display bonds properly with the case unit again after insertion, you should heat the edge of the display with hot air. Afterwards, you can weigh down your iPhone with a few books for about half an hour or clamp it down.

    1. Carefully flip the display over and press it firmly into the case unit.
  25. Fastening the Pentalobe screws

    iPhone 12 mini - Fastening the Pentalobe screws 01
    iPhone 12 mini - Fastening the Pentalobe screws 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Pentalobe Screwdriver PL1
    • 2 × 6.7 mm Pentalobe

    At the end of the repair, fix the display in the case unit by fastening the Pentalobe screws.

    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Pentalobe Screwdriver PL1
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