Introduction
Use this guide to replace a cracked or shattered back glass on the iPhone 14. The glass is bonded to the frame, so you need a way to separate it safely and a clean surface to bond the new one. Written for repair shops, with an illustration and the safety notes for every step.
What you need
Parts
Trade prices, ex VAT.
Tools
Step 1Power down and discharge
- Power the iPhone 14 off. If it still turns on, let the charge drop below 25% before you open it.
- Work on a clean, non-flammable surface with good light.
Step 2Set up a screw tray
- Every screw in this phone has a place, so lay out a tray or mat and put each screw down in the order it came out.
Step 3Tape over cracked glass
- Cover the back with overlapping strips of clear packing tape to hold the shards together.
- Wear eye protection if the glass is shattered.
Step 4Check what is under the damage
- Look at the camera ring, the frame edges and the wireless charging area for cracks or bends.
- If the frame is bent or the camera lenses are broken, quote for those repairs as well.
Step 5Warm the back glass
- On the iPhone 14 the back glass is designed to come off first, so you do not need to open the front.
- Warm the edges of the back glass for about a minute. Keep it around 60 to 80 °C.
Step 6Attach the suction cup
- Press a suction cup onto the middle of the back glass, clear of any cracks, then pull gently to open a small gap.
Step 7Cut the adhesive
- Slide a plastic pick into the gap and work it round the edges to cut the adhesive.
- Re-warm the edge if it resists. Do not force it.
Step 8Lift the back glass away
- Lift the glass slowly and check for any cable still connecting it to the frame. If there is one, disconnect it with a spudger.
- Put the old glass aside, face down.
Step 9Clean the frame
- Remove all old adhesive and glass from the frame with isopropyl alcohol and a plastic scraper.
- Let it dry completely.
Step 10Move across parts that stay
- Move the camera lens frames, any retaining brackets and the wireless charging parts to the new glass if they are not already fitted.
- Check each one is seated flat and clean.
Step 11Fit the new back glass
- Apply the new adhesive to the frame, then lay the new glass on it, lining up the camera cut-out first.
- Press it down evenly and hold it in a clamp or press for the time the adhesive maker recommends.
Step 12Test before you finish
- Check the cameras, flash and wireless charging, then power the phone on and run a normal check.
Step 13Final checks
- Check the glass sits flat all round with an even gap, then wipe it clean.
- Tell the customer the water resistance may not be as good as new.
Conclusion
Check the new glass sits flat with an even gap all round, then test the cameras and wireless charging. Recycle the old glass carefully, as the edges are sharp.
Common questions
Do I need a laser machine?
A laser machine is the safest way to separate the glass from the frame on most models. You can use heat and a thin tool instead, but there is a higher risk of bending the frame.
Will wireless charging still work?
Yes, as long as the wireless charging parts are moved across or included and seated flat. Test it before you finish.
Do I need a new camera ring or lenses?
Often the lens glass is already in the new back glass. Check what your part includes and compare it with the original.
Will this affect water resistance?
Replacing the back glass breaks the factory seal on the iPhone 14. New adhesive restores a lot of protection but not all of it, so don't promise the original rating.
More iPhone 14 guides
Screen replacement Battery replacement Charging port replacement All iPhone 14 guides