How to Replace the Rear Glass Panel on the Apple Watch Series 10 (42 and 46mm, LTE and GPS) DIY Repair Guide

Does your Apple Watch Series 10 (model numbers A2997, A2999, A3001, and A3003) have a cracked rear glass? Do you experience unreliable heart rate monitoring, dust accumulating around the edges, or moisture spots inside the watch? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace the back cover.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the back cover on the Apple Watch Series 10 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 Series 10, 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 30-45 minutes to complete.

This repair involves dismantling the Apple Watch Series 10 with precision instruments without damaging delicate internal components, including the display, circuit board, battery, and connector ports. You don’t need technical skills or experience with repairing electronic gadgets to complete this repair. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the cracked or broken rear glass panel on the Apple Watch Series 10 at home.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the form, functionality, and comfort of your Apple Watch Series 10 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 10 42MM 46MM GPS LTE Back Glass Cover Replacement - Parts

Get an OEM replacement back glass for your Apple Watch Series 10 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 Series 10 back glass 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 Series 10 rear glass replacement at home.

• Joe’s 50-in-1 Screwdriver Set
• Nylon Spudger
• 0.1mm Thin Screen Pry Tool
• Heat Gun
• Joe’s Isopropyl Alcohol
• Joe’s Cold-press Lamination Adhesive
• Precision Tweezers (Curved)
• Soldering Iron
• Double-sided Tape
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat
• Plastic Spring Clamp/Rubber Band

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 Series 10 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 Series 10 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 from the Watch Body

1.1. Apply heat along the edges of the display to soften the adhesive with a heat gun or a hair dryer.

1.2. Insert a thin flexible pry tool into the seam where the display meets the watch body and gently work your way around the edges till the screen separates.

1.3. Apply some isopropyl alcohol as needed to dissolve the glue. This will make it easier for you to extract the screen.

1.4. Gently remove the tape securing the ribbon cable from the display to the main board.

1.5. Disconnect the ribbon connectors with a nylon spudger.

Step 2: Remove the Battery

2.1. Unfasten the top left screw, which secures the battery to the watch body.

2.2. Disconnect the battery with a nylon spudger.

2.3. Apply some isopropyl alcohol under the battery to soften the adhesive.

2.4. Insert a nylon spudger under the battery and gently pry it off the watch body.

Step 3: Remove the Taptic Engine

3.1. Unfasten the 3 screws securing the Taptic Engine.

3.2. Disconnect the Taptic Engine with a nylon spudger.

3.3. Insert a nylon spudger under the Taptic Engine and gently work your way around the edges to extract it from the watch body.

3.4. Pull the connector pin from under the Taptic Engine with precision tweezers and set it aside.

3.5. Disconnect all internal cables under the Taptic Engine with a nylon spudger.

Step 4: Remove the Black Shield Covering the Power Button

4.1. Unfasten the 2 small screws to remove the shield.

4.2. Disconnect the power button from the main board with a nylon spudger.

Step 5: Remove the Silver Shields from the Top and Bottom of the Watch

The two shields at the top and bottom of the watch are secured with 3 and 4 screws. Unfasten them to extract both shields, then set the hardware aside for later use.

Step 6: Extract the Main Board from the Watch Body

Insert a nylon spudger at the edge of the main board, then gently work your way around the power board to lift it from the watch body. Apply isopropyl alcohol to soften the underlying adhesive.

Step 7: Separate the Broken, Cracked, or Damaged Rear Glass Cover

7.1. Apply tape over the old rear glass panel before removing it. This helps contain any loose glass shards and reduces the risk of pieces scattering when you pry the panel off.

7.2. Flip the watch over and push on the ECG connector with your fingers till the broken rear panel comes off.

7.3. Scrape away any old glass shards with a nylon spudger or flathead screwdriver from Joe’s 50-in-1 screwdriver kit. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol.

Pro Repair Tip: While you’re at it, clean the adhesion surface on the display and the watch body with isopropyl alcohol. This will help ensure a tighter, contamination-free seal when reassembling the smartwatch.

Step 8: Install a New Rear Glass Cover

8.1. Apply fresh adhesive along the surface of the watch body where the new back glass cover will sit.

8.2. Align the connection points on the new back cover so they face the bottom of the watch.

8.3. Solder the connection point for a secure connection.

Step 9: Assemble the Apple Watch Series 10

9.1. Connect the heart rate sensor to the main board.

9.2. Push down on the main board with your fingers so that it adheres to the back cover.

9.3. Install the top and bottom shields. Fasten all 7 screws for a secure fit.

Repair Ninja’s Tip: The small golden tabs on the top shield face down toward the watch during reassembly.

9.4. Connect all the internal cables. Use precision tweezers and a nylon spudger as necessary.

9.5. Connect the power button to the main board and install the black shield over the connection port with 2 silver screws.

9.6. Connect the Taptic Engine to the circuit board.

9.7. Secure the Taptic Engine to the watch body with 3 screws. Remember to put all the hardware back in place before fastening the screws.

9.8. Cut a small piece of double-sided tape and place it underneath the battery for a secure grip.

9.9. Connect the battery ribbon to the main board.

9.10. Fasten the single screw over the battery connector.

9.11. Peel the tape off the ends of the display ribbon cables with precision tweezers or a nylon cable, revealing the connection points.

9.12. Connect the display to the main board, then roll the tape back over the connection points.

Pro Tip: Test if the watch is charging before sealing the display.

9.13. Apply fresh adhesive along the seam where the display sits on the watch body.

9.14. Secure the display with a plastic spring clamp and let the adhesive cure for 24 hours.

Congratulations! Your Apple Watch Series 10 is Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the damaged, cracked, or broken rear glass panel on the Apple Watch Series 10 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.