If your iPhone 12 mini screen is cracked, not responding to touch, or not showing a picture when your phone is powered on, use this guide to restore your iPhone to working order with a new screen, a.k.a. display assembly.
The combined earpiece speaker + sensor assembly affixed to the back of the display is paired to your individual iPhone from the factory, so you must transfer it from your old display to your new one during any display replacement. It contains the flood illuminator, which is part of the biometric Face ID security feature. If it is damaged or replaced, Face ID will cease to function, so take extra care not to damage any of these components during this procedure. If damaged, only Apple or an Apple-authorized technician can restore Face ID function.
Note: On iOS 17.6 and earlier, True Tone functionality is disabled after a screen replacement, even when using an original Apple screen. On iOS 18 and newer, you can calibrate your new screen using Apple's [link|https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579|Repair Assistant|new_window=true] to restore True Tone functionality on genuine screens purchased from Apple.
You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.
Remove the pentalobe screws
Mark your opening picks
Tape over any cracks
Anti-Clamp instructions
Heat the bottom half of the phone
Apply a suction handle
Lift the screen slightly
Separate the bottom edge adhesive
Heat the right edge
Separate the screen adhesive
Heat the top half
Heat the left edge
Separate the left edge adhesive
Open the iPhone
Unscrew the battery and display connector cover
Remove the battery and display connector cover
Disconnect the battery
Disconnect the OLED display cable
Unscrew the front sensor assembly cover
Disconnect the front sensors
Remove the display assembly
Unscrew the front sensor and speaker assembly
Heat up the top edge of the display
Pry up the proximity sensor
Pry up the flood illuminator
Remove the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly
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%).
After your repair, depending on the replacement part, you may be able to [link|https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579|calibrate it using Apple's Repair Assistant|new_window=true], available as of iOS 18. Update your device, navigate to Settings → General ***→***About → Parts & Service History, tap Restart & Finish Repair, and follow the onscreen prompts.
Take your e-waste to an [[E-Waste|R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler|new_window=true]].
Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/Device/iPhone%2012%20mini|iPhone 12 mini Answers community] for troubleshooting help.