How to Replace a Cracked, Broken, or Damaged Back Cover Glass on the Apple Series 7 (DIY Repair Guide)

Does your Apple Watch Series 7 (model numbers: A2473, A2474, A2475, and A2477) deliver unreliable heart rate readings? Do you notice unreliable heart rate monitoring, dust accumulating around the edges, or moisture spots inside the watch? If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace the back cover on your Apple Watch Series 7.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the back cover on the Apple Watch Series 7 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 Apple Watch Series 7 repaired by a professional? Send us the smartwatch, and our repair ninjas will restore it to peak working condition. Follow the link, select all the issues that you’re experiencing, and click See Estimated Total to view the total repair cost instantly.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 20-30 minutes to complete.

This repair requires carefully removing the worn-out back cover without damaging the delicate ribbon cable and handling a heat gun. You don’t need prior experience or technical skills to complete the repair. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can replace the back cover on the Apple Watch Series 7 yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the form and functionality of your Apple Watch Series 7 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 7 41MM 45MM Repair Replacement Spare - Parts

• Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, SE, SE 2nd, 6, 7, 8, 9 Back Cover + Screen Fix Repair – Kit

Get an OEM replacement back cover for your Apple Watch Series 7 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 7 back cover replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully, without damaging delicate internal components, including cables, circuit boards, and connector ports. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY Apple Watch Series 7 back cover glass replacement at home.

• Screen Removal Flexible Pry Tool
• Nylon Spudger
• 1.5mm Flathead Screwdriver
• 2.0mm Y Screwdriver
• Heat Gun
• Joe’s Isopropyl Alcohol
• Joe’s RTV Silicone Glue
• Precision Tweezers
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat
• Microfibre Cloth
• Rubberband/Plastic Spring Clamp

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 Back Cover on the Apple Watch Series 7 at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the worn-out back cover on the Apple Watch Series 7 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 Screen

1.1. Set the heat gun to 170°C (337°F) at 60 air speed and heat the edge of the screen uniformly for approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds.

1.2. Insert the flexible screen pry tool in the seam between the display and the watch body, then gently rock up and down from all 4 sides to extract the damaged screen in one piece. Dip the pry tool in isopropyl alcohol frequently to help dissolve the adhesive.

1.3. Using a nylon spudger dipped in isopropyl alcohol, separate the tape covering the ribbon cable.

1.4. Disconnect the 2 ribbon cables using a nylon spudger, then gently pull the cable off the port. Set aside the display screen for later use.

Step 2: Remove the Battery

2.1. Apply isopropyl alcohol underneath the battery using a nylon spudger. This will help dissolve the glue securing the battery in place.

2.2. Insert a flathead screwdriver at the corner of the battery where there is a lip and gently pry up. Apply pressure uniformly till you feel the adhesive peel away. Don’t apply too much force, as the battery can easily deform and will need to be replaced.

2.3. Disconnect the battery cable using a plastic spudger, then slide it out from the groove. Place the battery aside safely.

Step 3: Disconnect the Taptic Engine

3.1. Unfasten the 3 Y screws holding the Taptic engine, using a 2.0mm Y screwdriver.

3.2. Disconnect the connector under the Taptic engine with a nylon spudger. Don’t pull it out. Safely set the Taptic engine aside.

3.3. Disconnect the other cables to make room for replacing the back cover glass without damaging the wires.

3.4. Unfasten the 4 small screws at the corners, holding the motherboard in place. Store the 4 screws and the 2 brackets safely.

3.5. Loosen the main cable attached to the motherboard. Creating slack will prevent the cable from getting damaged when you replace the back glass cover.

Step 4: Extract The Damaged Rear Glass Cover

4.1. Apply heat to the damaged, cracked, or broken glass back cover using a heat gun set to 170°C (337°F) at 60 air speed for about 60 seconds to loosen up the adhesive.

4.2. Using a 1.5mm flathead screwdriver, push the 4 corners to extract the back cover from the watch body. Push on the metal parts and not the motherboard.

4.3. Once you feel the back cover moving, take a sharp nylon spudger, dip it in some isopropyl alcohol, insert it into the edge between the back cover and the watch body, and slowly work your way from all four sides. Apply gentle, uniform pressure until the back cover separates from the watch body.

4.4. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard using a nylon spudger.

4.5. Make sure the waterproof gasket is not damaged. If the gasket is damaged, you need to create your own using Joe’s Silicone RTV adhesive available in our store.

4.6. Clean the surface using isopropyl alcohol before installing a new back cover glass.

Step 5: Install a New Back Cover Glass

5.1. Align the springs on the new back glass cover using a 1.5mm flat head screwdriver.

5.2. Connect the ribbon cable to the new back cover glass using the flathead screwdriver.

Step 6: Assemble the Apple Watch Series 7

6.1. Fasten the 4 screws and the 2 brackets to secure the motherboard to the watch body.

6.2. Reconnect all the internal cables.

6.3. Connect the Taptic engine.

6.4. Connect the 3 small screws for the Taptic engine.

6.5. Reconnect the battery.

6.6. Press the battery into the groove in the watch body. If you messed up the adhesive while removing the battery, apply fresh adhesive to secure the battery in place.

6.7. Clean the surface of the watch body where the screen will sit, using isopropyl alcohol.

6.8. Peel the tape off the 2 connection points on the ribbon cable using precision tweezers.

6.9. Connect the 2 ribbon cables, flip the seal to secure the connectors, then pull the tape over them.

6.10. Push the tape over the new back cover glass to secure the ribbon connector.

6.11. Apply fresh adhesive on the edge of the watch body where the screen will sit.

6.12. Align the screen with the watch body, then press them together for a proper fit.

6.13. Wipe off the excess adhesive using isopropyl alcohol.

6.14. Test whether the watch is charging and whether the heart rate sensor works before the adhesive cures.

6.15. Apply uniform pressure on the screen while it’s adhering using a rubber band or a plastic spring clamp.

Congratulations! Your Apple Watch Series 7 is Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the worn-out back glass cover on the Apple Watch Series 7 with original replacement parts. Let the adhesive cure for 24 hours for a waterproof seal. 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.