Introduction
We Buy LCDs offers a full refurbishment service for LCD displays from most recent iPhone models. For full details, see our current refurbishment price list.
If you have a large number of otherwise working iPhone displays with broken glass, and you’d like to be able to use them again, why not send them to us for refurbishment? With the price and quality of the service we offer, it makes economic sense, and the end result is far superior to virtually any of the copy screens out there.
Our service rests on the fact that the original Apple screens use “in-cell” technology, meaning that the touch is embedded on the LCD itself, not the glass. Often when the screen gets broken, it’s only the outer glass that’s cracked, and the inner LCD and touch continue to function as normal. These original iPhone screens can therefore be refurbished by replacing the glass, meaning you can retain the higher quality of the original display.
It may be tempting to use Chinese copy screens in your repair. However, by refurbishing the original Apple iPhone LCD you can charge more, have fewer returns, and have more control over the quality of your repair. In addition, you don’t run the risk of an iOS update rendering your screen useless as has happened in the past.
Preparing and Sending Your Screens
Completing the Form
If you would like to send us iPhone LCD screens to be refurbished then we request that you complete this form. We can accept any iPhone LCD as long as the touch and LCD are working. (Our process is based exclusively upon changing the glass- therefore, if the LCD is broken or the touch isn’t working correctly, we will unfortunately have to reject it.)
Once your name and address details have been completed you can specify the quantity of each screen you are sending. If you would like your screens refurbished in specific colours then please include this information in the “Other” box at the end of the form.
Sending Your Screens to Us
Once the form has been completed and submitted, you will receive a copy by email. Please print this off and include it in your package before sending it to us. It is important that you package the screens correctly to ensure a high success rate. (When the glass is broken on the screen it makes the LCD weak and it is very easy for the LCD to get broken this way.)
From left; Example refurb form (see current version here to view up-to-date version and submit your details) and how to pack your screens (for more information, see the full packing guidelines).
After unpacking, iPhone screens for refurbishing are first counted and checked on a test unit.
When We Receive Your Screens
Initial Checks
When we receive your parcel, the first thing we do is to count your screens to make sure the quantity matches the number listed on the enclosed printout. Next, we test each screen and complete an intake form. When testing your screens the first thing we check is to make sure we haven’t been sent any copy LCDs. (These are manufactured differently and can’t be refurbished.)
After this, we test each LCD to make sure it isn’t broken, the touch is working correctly and that there are no damaged pixels or pressure marks visible on the screen. Pixel damage and pressure marks are the single most common issue missed by people sending screens to us. Often, if your customer has been using the screen for a long time while the glass has been cracked, the pressure will cause damage to the screen. Pressure damage normally shows itself as white, green, blue or red marks that are typically only noticeable on a dark screen. Often we will test an order with the lights off to make sure that we can see the marks properly.
Beginning the refurbishment process by separating the glass with a wire.
Removing the polarizer.
Cleaning the screen.
The Refurbishment Process
At this stage, if there are any issues with your order we would usually contact you. However, assuming everything is in order, then we would start the refurbishing process.
Removing the Glass and Polarizer
With Apple iPhone LCD displays we generally separate the screen using molybdenum cutting wire. This is so we can preserve the original backlight. Once the glass has been removed we also remove the polarizer. Some refurbishers will try to save the original polarizer by using thinner wire to separate the glass. However, we always replace the polarizer, as often it gets scratched when the glass is broken, when the glass is being removed or when we clean the screen.
Installing the Replacement Glass and Polarizer
Once the screen has been cleaned we get it ready for having the replacement glass installed. We only use as close to original parts as possible for this process. The replacement polarizer, frame, and glass are original quality and the frames are cold pressed so there is no risk of the screen lifting from the frame. The glass includes a rainbow tint on the camera lens and has an oleophobic (grease-resistant) coating.
Final Stages
Lastly, the iPhone LCD screen will move on to the final stages of refurbishment where it will receive the finishing touches. This part of the process varies depending on the model of the LCD screen but generally, the first thing we would do is check the home button is working.
On the iPhone 7, 7+ and all newer screens, we will screw on a new backplate to protect the flex cable from damage. On the 6S and later we include an adhesive seal. Our warranty sticker is applied along with backlight solder stickers, where required, and a new backlight protection sticker is fitted.
The screen is then tested a final time to make sure that it’s working, before being packaged in a bubble bag ready to be shipped to the customer.
From left to right- The LCD inside the mould for installation of the replacement glass, a closeup of the rainbow tint on the lens glass, and the oleophobic coating in action.
From left to right- Checking for touch issues, inspecting the backlight and looking for dust.
Checking the home button.
Screwing on the back plate.
Solder point sticker.
Attaching the warranty sticker.
Red sticker attachment.
The work completed, the display is now ready to be packed.
Completed screens ready to go into their bubble bags then boxed for safekeeping.
Once boxed, the screens go out complete with the adhesive seal.
