How to Replace the Back Glass Cover on the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (DIY Repair Tutorial)

Does your 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE GPS or Cellular (model numbers: A2722, A2723, A2726, and A2727) smartwatch have a broken, cracked, or damaged back glass cover? Have you noticed unreliable heart rate readings, dust buildup around the edges, or signs of moisture inside the watch?

A damaged back cover can compromise the watch’s sensors and protective seal, potentially leading to further internal damage. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to replace the rear glass panel on your Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen).

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the back cover on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) with new OEM spares without technical skills or expertise. You will find all the tools required for this repair and original replacement parts below.

Want to get your smartwatch repaired by a professional? Send us the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), and our repair ninjas will restore it to peak working condition. Follow the link, select the issues you’re experiencing, click Continue, enter your email ID, and click Get My Estimate to view the repair cost instantly.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 40-55 minutes to complete.

This repair involves carefully disassembling the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) with precision tools, avoiding damage to delicate internal components such as the display, logic board, battery, and connector ports. No prior technical experience or electronics repair skills are required to complete this repair. With the proper tools, patience, and careful attention to detail, you can successfully replace a cracked or damaged rear glass panel on your Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) at home.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the form, functionality, and comfort of your Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) with original replacement parts. Select the OEM spares from the drop-down menu below and bring your device back to peak working condition.

• Apple Watch Series SE (2nd Generation) 40MM 44MM Repair Replacement Spare - Parts

Get an OEM replacement back glass for your Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) smartwatch today. Click the link to visit our store, then scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to purchase the original replacement part and the tools you’ll need for this repair at a discount.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) back cover replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) rear glass panel replacement at home.

• 0.6mm Y Screwdriver
• 1.5mm Flathead Screwdriver
• Nylon Spudger
• 0.1mm Thin Screen Pry Tool
• Heat Gun
• Joe’s Isopropyl Alcohol
• Joe’s Cold-press Lamination Adhesive
• Double-sided Tape
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat
• Plastic Spring Clamp/Rubber Band
• Scissors
• Paper Towel

Not ready to invest in tools yet? Find your device in our repair catalog, select the issues it’s experiencing, and send it to us. Our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Rear Glass Cover Panel on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the cracked, broken, or damaged back glass cover on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) yourself. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Separate the Display

1.1. Heat the edges of the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) using a heat gun (200°C/392°F) to soften the adhesive.

1.2. Insert a thin flexible pry tool into the seam between the display and the watch body and slowly work your way around the smartwatch till the screen comes off. Apply isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the adhesive quickly.

1.3. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the display with a nylon spudger, then set the screen aside.

Step 2: Remove the Battery

2.1. Insert a nylon spudger under the battery and gently pry up to remove it from the watch body. Apply isopropyl alcohol to the spudger to soften the glue.

2.2. Disconnect the battery ribbon from the main board with a nylon spudger.

2.3. Peel away the old adhesive from the battery.

Step 3: Disassemble the Internal Connections from the Main Board

3.1. Disconnect the two ribbon cables from the main board.

3.2. Unfasten the 3 screws securing the Taptic Engine to the watch body.

3.3. Disconnect the Taptic Engine ribbon and set the assembly aside. Be careful not to tear the cable.

3.4. Unfasten the 4 screws securing the main board and the back cover to the watch body and set the hardware aside.

3.5. Unfasten the 2 screws on the side of the watch covering the power button cable.

3.6. Unplug the power button cable from the main wire using a nylon spudger.

3.7. Using a flathead screwdriver, push down on the edge of the back glass to separate it from the watch body. Do not press down on the motherboard.

3.8. Disconnect the heart rate sensor from the main board.

Step 4: Install a New Back Glass Cover

4.1. Transplant the band release buttons from the old to the new back cover. Make sure they are flush with the surface.

4.2. Install the springs on the band release button.

4.3. Connect the main board to the sensors. Press down with your fingers to ensure a secure connection.

Step 5: Reassemble the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

5.1. Align the power button connector on the watch body with that on the main board, then press and hold the two parts together.

5.2. Install the metal plate over one side and fasten the 2 screws to secure the two halves in place.

Ninja Tip: Press the 2 band release buttons to test whether the springs are working properly.

5.3. Connect the power button ribbon cable to the main board with a nylon spudger.

5.4. Connect all the remaining internal ribbon cables.

5.5. Install the cover for the power button and fasten the 2 screws.

5.6. Fasten the 3 screws on the Taptic Engine to secure the assembly in place.

5.7.  Connect the Taptic Engine ribbon to the main board with a nylon spudger.

5.8. Insert the small metal clamp over the Taptic Engine connector and fasten the screw for a secure fit.

5.9. Connect the battery to the main board.

5.10. Cut a small piece of double-sided tape and place it where the battery sits on the watch body, then press the battery for a secure fit.

5.11. Clean the adhesion surface where the display sits on the watch body with isopropyl alcohol.

5.12. Reconnect the display to the main board.

5.13. Test whether the watch is powering on.

5.14. Apply fresh adhesive along the edge of the watch body where the display will sit.

5.15. Use a plastic spring clamp or rubber band to apply pressure on the watch as the adhesive cures for 24 hours. Wipe the excess glue using a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

Congratulations! Your Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the damaged, cracked, or broken rear glass panel on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) with original replacement parts. Remember to test the buttons, Bluetooth pairing, and heart rate monitoring to ensure the smartwatch is working properly.

If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, visit our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home DIY smartwatch repair guides for other popular brands, including Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and Samsung.

Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll reply shortly.