Broken iPhone back glass: why we replace it with a laser

Since the iPhone 8 the back is glass, bonded to the frame with a very strong adhesive. Apple doesn't offer to replace this glass alone: with them it is the complete frame, at a price to match. At the workshop we use another method.

The laser

A fibre laser machine sweeps the shattered glass and burns the adhesive through it, without touching the metal or the components. The glass then comes away in small pieces, the residue is cleaned off, and a new back is bonded with quality adhesive. On models with a raised camera bump we replace the glass around the bump, or the bump itself if it is cracked.

What it involves

Usually a one-day turnaround while the adhesive cures, and a repair that touches neither the screen nor the logic board: your data isn't involved. Wireless charging, which works through the glass, is tested before return.

Should you do it?

Yes if shards are coming off (cuts, glass in your pocket), if wireless charging no longer works, or if you intend to sell the phone. A cracked back also lets moisture in, which ends up on the logic board.

Prices per model are on the prices page. Count also the camera lens replacement, often broken at the same time, which is changed separately and cheaply.