You have problems with the your iPhone Xr, because your SIM card is not recognized or cannot be inserted?

In this repair guide, we'll show you how to replace a faulty SIM card reader on an iPhone Xr on your own.


Back up all your data before the repair, and touch something like a radiator to get rid of any static charges.

Required tools

  • Heat gun

    Heat gun

    You can use a heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove. In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.

    from €15.99 on Amazon
  • iFlex Opening Tool

    iFlex Opening Tool

    Opening your smartphone can be a very delicate operation, especially if the glue is very persistent. The blade of the flexible but sturdy iFlex measures just 0.15 mm, so it fits in even the smallest gaps, such as between the screen and the frame. The practical iFlex is made of stainless steel and sits comfortably in the hand. This makes it the perfect assistant for every smartphone repair.

    from €10.95 on Amazon
  • For storing screws

    For storing screws

    We recommend storing your screws so you don’t mix up the various screws and small parts.

    from €10.99 on Amazon
  • Tweezers

    Tweezers

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

    on Amazon
  • Pick Set

    Pick Set

    You need a flat but stable tool such as a pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

    from €14.99 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
  • 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 Xr Adhesive Frame for Screen

    iPhone Xr Adhesive Frame for Screen

    on Amazon
  • iPhone Xr SIM Card Reader

    iPhone Xr SIM Card Reader

    on Amazon
Show all replacement parts for the iPhone Xr 

Getting started with the repair of your iPhone Xr

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

13 steps
  1. Switching off your device

    iPhone Xr - Switching off your device 01
    iPhone Xr - Switching off your device 02
    iPhone Xr - Switching off your device 03
    iPhone Xr - Switching off your device 04
    1. Turn your iPhone off completely to avoid damaging it during the repair. Press and hold the Standby button and one of the two volume keys for three seconds, until the "Power off" slider appears.
    2. Swipe the slider from left to right. Now your iPhone will shut down completely, which can take about ten seconds.
  2. Removing the back cover screws

    iPhone Xr - Removing the back cover screws 01
    iPhone Xr - Removing the back cover screws 02
    iPhone Xr - Removing the back cover screws 03
    • 2 × 6,8 mm Pentalobe

    You need a pentalobe screwdriver (PL1) to open the iPhone Xr.

    1. Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the back cover. They’re to the right and left of the Lightning connector. Put the screws in the same field of your magnetic pad.

    After being opened, your iPhone Xr loses its guarantee for dust and water protection (IP 67 rating).

  3. Removing the display

    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 01
    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 02
    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 03
    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 04
    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 05
    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 06
    iPhone Xr - Removing the display 07
    1. Put your iPhone Xr on a soft, clean surface to avoid scratching the back.
    2. To lift the front panel, you need a suction cup, a hard plastic pick and a heat gun. If the screen is severely cracked, cover all of it with packing tape before you continue.
    3. The screen is glued to the frame. Use a heat gun to heat the outer edges of the display to about 60°C (140°F).
    4. Place the suction cup at the bottom of the display. While lifting the screen with the suction cup, insert the hard plastic pick between the frame and the display and press down the frame.
    Do not insert your tool more than 5 mm into the gap, so you don't damage small parts inside the iPhone.

    If you are using an iFlex, switch to a plastic pick as soon as possible to avoid scratching the frame.

    1. Because the display’s glued on, you have to slide the pick all around the iPhone between the aluminum frame and the display frame. Don’t stick the pick in too far on the side where the Sleep/Wake button is because that could damage the display flex cables.
    2. Now use the pick to push up the display so the tabs disengage from the steel frame. Then you can fold the display over to the side. Rest the display on a stable object to avoid straining the sensitive flex cables.

    Heat the outer edge of the frame several times if necessary.


  4. Disconnecting the battery

    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the battery 01
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the battery 02
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the battery 03
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the battery 04
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the battery 05
    • 3 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • Battery connector

    Before starting the repair, disconnect the battery contact to prevent short circuits and avoid accidentally turning on your device during the repair.

    1. Use a Y-Type screwdriver (Y000) to remove the Y-Type screws. Then take off the bracket plate. Put all the parts on the same field of your magnetic pad.
    2. Apple introduced Y-Type screws with the iPhone 7. They are often wrongly called Tri-Point or Tri-Wing. Use a matching Y-Type screwdriver for these screws so you don't strip the screw heads.

    3. Now very carefully pry off the battery contact by inserting a spudger under the connector.
  5. Disconnecting the display

    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 01
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 02
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 03
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 04
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 05
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 06
    iPhone Xr - Disconnecting the display 07
    • 2 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • Display connector
    • 3 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1,5 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 1,3 mm Phillips
    • Earpiece connector
    1. The display unit is connected to a total of three connectors which are located under two cover plates.
    2. Use a spudger to separate the connectors for display and earpiece one by one.
    Be very careful to prevent damaging anything when prying off the connectors using the spudger.
    Hold the display in place so it won't slip away when you disconnect the connectors.

    Once you've disconnected the two lower connectors, you can place the display flat next to the device because the earpiece cable is long enough.

    1. If all connectors are off, you can remove the display. There may still be glue residue on the frame and display.
  6. Removing the SIM card reader

    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 01
    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 02
    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 03
    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 04
    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 05
    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 06
    iPhone Xr - Removing the SIM card reader 07
    • 1 × 1,3 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 1,4 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 3,0 mm Standoff
    • SIM reader connector

    On the iPhone Xr, the SIM card reader is a separate module for the first time on an iPhone and can be replaced individually.

    1. First remove the SIM card holder from the device.
    2. Then carefully disconnect the contact with a spudger.
    3. Loosen the screws that hold the card reader in place. A small metal clip is attached with a screw. Use tweezers to hold it and remove the screw. Remember the alignment so that you can insert the clip correctly again later.
    4. Now you can remove the SIM card reader.
  7. 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
  8. Installing the SIM card reader

    iPhone Xr - Installing the SIM card reader 01
    iPhone Xr - Installing the SIM card reader 02
    iPhone Xr - Installing the SIM card reader 03
    iPhone Xr - Installing the SIM card reader 04
    iPhone Xr - Installing the SIM card reader 05
    • 1 × 1,3 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 1,4 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 3,0 mm Standoff
    • SIM reader connector
    1. Reinsert the SIM card reader and screw it in place.
    2. Make sure to insert the small metal clip the right way round.
    3. Plug in the connector of the card reader.
    4. Insert the SIM card holder. You shouldn't feel any strong resistance, otherwise the card reader is not sitting properly yet.
  9. Attaching a new frame sticker (optional)

    In the pictures you can see iPhone X. The iPhone Xr is built very similar and is re-glued in the same way.

    1. To make sure that the new frame sticker will really stick, remove all glue residue and dirt from the metal frame.
    2. Remove the first protective film layer of the frame sticker.
    3. Position the frame sticker carefully on one edge of the frame and attach it gradually. Make sure the frame sticker is positioned evenly and press it on. You can use the plastic spudger to press the adhesive on.
    4. Remove the next large protective film.
    5. You can leave the small protective films on for now and remove them when you've connected the display and attached the bracket plates. This prevents anything from sticking to the frame sticker before you install it. But you can also remove the films right away.

    Please make sure the frame sticker is positioned correctly. Each corner has a different shape, which you can use for orientation.An iPhone repaired with a frame sticker will be protected against dust and spray water, but it will not be 100% waterproof!

  10. Connecting the display

    iPhone Xr - Connecting the display 01
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the display 02
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the display 03
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the display 04
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the display 05
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the display 06
    • Earpiece connector
    • 3 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    • 1 × 1,5 mm Phillips
    • 1 × 1,3 mm Phillips
    • Display connector
    • 2 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    1. Put the display next to the device in place.

    When connecting the connectors, make sure the connectors are seated correctly and don't slide them over the sockets on the logic board to avoid damaging the contacts.

    1. Connect the earpiece connector, put the cover plate on and screw it on.

    To connect the other connectors, lean the display against a stable object. In this way you avoid stretching the sensitive flex cables too far.

    1. Connect the two display connectors.
    2. Put on the small cover plate and screw it on.
  11. Connecting the battery

    iPhone Xr - Connecting the battery 01
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the battery 02
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the battery 03
    iPhone Xr - Connecting the battery 04
    • Battery connector
    • 3 × 1,2 mm Y-Type
    1. Now you can connect the battery connector.
    2. Then insert the bracket plate and fasten it with the Y-Type screws.
  12. Testing the device

    iPhone Xr - Testing the device 01
    iPhone Xr - Testing the device 02
    iPhone Xr - Testing the device 03
    iPhone Xr - Testing the device 04
    iPhone Xr - Testing the device 05
    iPhone Xr - Testing the device 06

    Before you finally close the device, you should test it to make sure that all functions work.

    1. Test the brightness of the display.
    2. Test the touchscreen. Select an app and drag it all around the display. If the app follows your finger everywhere, the touchscreen is working correctly.
    3. You can use the voice memo app to test the microphone, speakers, earpiece and proximity sensor.
  13. Installing the display

    iPhone Xr - Installing the display 01
    iPhone Xr - Installing the display 02
    iPhone Xr - Installing the display 03
    iPhone Xr - Installing the display 04
    1. Take the display in both hands and slowly press it down.
    2. Make sure it sits properly everywhere in the frame and gradually press it down all over.

    In the pictures the iPhone X is shown again, but the procedure for the iPhone Xr is the same


  14. Fastening the back cover screws

    iPhone Xr - Fastening the back cover screws 01
    iPhone Xr - Fastening the back cover screws 02
    • 2 × 6,8 mm Pentalobe
    1. Screw the two pentalobe screws to the left and right of the Lightning connector into the enclosure.
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