How to Replace a Cracked or Unresponsive Screen (45mm Display) on the Apple Watch Series 9 (DIY Repair Guide)

Does your Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm) have a cracked screen, black spots on the display, or colored lines? Does the display feel unresponsive, flicker frequently, register ghost touches, or stay black even though the watch vibrates or makes sounds? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace the worn-out display.

In this Apple Watch Series 9 DIY screen replacement guide, we show you how to replace the old display 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 device repaired by a professional? Send us your Apple Watch Series 9, and our repair ninjas will restore it to peak working condition. Follow the link, select all the issues you’re experiencing, and click See Estimated Total to view the total repair cost instantly.

Repair Difficulty

Easy / Requires 10-15 minutes to complete.

This repair requires carefully removing the old display 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 Apple Watch Series 9 screen yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the form and functionality of your Apple Watch Series 9 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 9 41MM 45MM Repair Replacement Spare - Part

• 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 screen for your Apple Watch Series 9 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 display screen replacement on the Apple Watch Series 9, gather the following tools. Using the correct tools will help you complete the repair successfully, without damaging delicate internal components, including cables and ports. We used the following tools and recommend them for safe, professional-quality DIY back cover replacement at home.

• Nylon Spudger
• Flexible Pry Tool
• Heat Gun
• Joe’s Isopropyl Alcohol
• Joe’s Cold-press Glue
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat
• Rubber Band/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 Screen on the Apple Watch Series 9 at Home

In this detailed DIY Apple Watch Series 9 touchscreen repair guide, we show you how to replace the damaged display yourself. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Remove the Damaged Display

1.1. Apply heat uniformly along the seam of the display using a heat gun. We set the temperature at 190°C (374°F) and heated the seam for 30 seconds.

1.2. Dip a flexible pry tool in 99% isopropyl alcohol and wedge it in the seam between the screen and the watch body. Apply gentle inward pressure as you nudge the pry tool up and down.

1.3. Slowly wedge the flexible pry tool between the screen and the watch body from all 4 sides and separate the two parts.

1.4. Wedge your fingers under the tape securing the ribbon cable and slowly roll upward till the tape is off.

1.5. Once you roll the tape off halfway, use a plastic spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable from the circuit board.

Step 2: Clean the Old Adhesive Spots

2.1. Clean the old adhesive from the edge of the watch with isopropyl alcohol.

2.2 Peel the tape from the 2 ribbon cables using the nylon spudger to ensure proper connection.

Step 3: Install the New Screen

3.1. Grab the new screen, align the ribbon connectors with the circuit board, then slide them into place to form a secure connection using a nylon spudger.

3.2. Close the clamps on the two connectors and pull the tape over the connection points.

3.3. Stick the rest of the tape back onto the new screen.

3.4. Turn on the Apple Watch Series 9 and test the display to make sure the touch works, there are no lines on the screen, and everything is working perfectly.

3.5. Apply fresh adhesive along the seam of the screen on the watch body.

3.6. Align the display with the watch body and press down to ensure a flush fit.

3.7. Wipe off the excess adhesive with a paper towel.

3.8. Secure the watch with a rubber band or a plastic spring clamp and wait 24 hours for the adhesive to cure.

Congratulations! Your Apple Watch Series 9 Screen Repair is Complete

You have successfully replaced the damaged display on the Apple Watch Series 9 with original spare parts. Before using the device, wait at least 24 hours for the glue to cure. Remember to test the buttons, Bluetooth pairing, and touch actions 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.