How to Replace a Damaged Screen and Housing on the 1st Gen Apple Watch Ultra (DIY Repair Guide)

Does your Apple Watch Ultra (model numbers: A2684, A2622, A2859) have a cracked or broken OLED screen? Does the screen stay dark even though the watch vibrates or makes sounds? Is the housing cracked, scratched, or discolored from regular use? Replacing the touchscreen and watch housing can restore your device’s form and functionality.

In this Apple Watch Ultra DIY screen and housing repair tutorial, we show you how to replace the old components with new OEM spares without technical skills or expertise. Find the tools and genuine replacement parts below.

Want your smartwatch repaired professionally? Send us your Apple Watch Ultra, and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. You don’t need to pay upfront. We only charge after your device has been repaired.

Fill out our repair form to receive your free prepaid shipping label, then send your device. We’ll take care of the rest.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 45-50 minutes to complete.

This repair involves carefully removing the fragile display from the Apple Watch Ultra while preserving the delicate internal cables and antennas. You don’t need prior experience or technical skills to complete this repair yourself. With the right tools, patience, and attention to detail, you can fix the smartwatch yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore your Apple Watch Ultra’s form and functionality with original replacement parts. Select OEM spares from the drop-down menu below to bring your device back to peak working condition.

• Apple Watch Ultra 1st Gen 49MM Screen Replacement Repair Kit – Parts

• Apple Watch Ultra 1st Gen 49MM (LTE) Titanium Repair Parts – Housing, Battery, Screen, Back Cover

• Apple Watch Ultra Back Cover + LCD Screen Fix Repair - Kit

Looking for another spare part? Browse the Joe’s GE Parts Catalog for the Apple Watch Ultra to find genuine replacement parts for your smartwatch.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start the Apple Watch Ultra screen and housing 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 fix at home.

• Joe’s 50-in-1 Precision Screwdriver Set
• Flexible Pry Tool
• Heat Gun
• Joe’s Isopropyl Alcohol
• Joe’s Cold Press Adhesive
• Precision Tweezers
• Nylon Spudger
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat

Don’t want to DIY? Let our certified techs handle the repair. Book your repair now.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Display Screen and Housing on the Apple Watch Ultra at Home

In this DIY repair guide, we will show you how to replace the damaged display screen and housing on the Apple Watch Ultra. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Separate the Damaged Display Screen from the Housing

1.1. Set the heat gun to approximately 170°C (338°F) and heat the edge of the screen for roughly a minute and a half.

1.2. Insert a flexible pry tool into the edge between the screen and the watch housing and gently pry upward from all four sides to separate the two parts. Dip the pry tool in isopropyl alcohol frequently to help dissolve the adhesive.

1.3. Lift the screen and slide it towards the button to reveal the ribbon cable underneath.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

2.1. Bend the small metal plate covering the screw with a nylon spudger.

2.2. Unfasten 4 screws securing the battery to the main board. Extract all the small metal plates and set them aside with the screws.

2.3. Disconnect the battery ribbon with a nylon spudger.

2.4. Extract the battery using a nylon spudger and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the Taptic Engine

3.1. Unfasten 2 screws attached to the Taptic Engine.

3.2. Disconnect the 2 ribbon cables attached to the ends of the Taptic Engine and the 3rd ribbon located under the module.

Step 4: Disconnect the Internal Cables

4.1. Unfasten 2 screws securing the screen to the watch housing and set the hardware aside.

4.2. Unfasten all the screws on the watch housing and extract the shields to reveal the ribbon connectors.

4.3. Disconnect all the ribbon cables attached to the main board. Use the heat gun to soften any adhesive that you may encounter.

Step 5: Remove the Back Cover

5.1. Flip the watch and unfasten the 4 screws securing the back glass cover using a 1.2mm Pentalobe screwdriver.

5.2. Insert a flexible metal pry tool into the seam between the back glass cover and the watch housing, then work the tool around the perimeter to extract the rear panel.

5.3. Extract the 2 band release buttons from the back cover, and store them carefully.

Step 6: Separate the Main Board from the Watch Housing

6.1. Unfasten 3 screws securing the main board to the watch housing, and set the hardware aside.

6.2. Push the main board out from the watch housing with your fingers.

Step 7: Reassemble Your Apple Watch Ultra

7.1. Grab a new watch housing, align the main board with the housing, and secure it with 3 screws and metal plates.

7.2. Reconnect the ribbon cables from the main board to the new watch housing.

7.3. Fasten the screws and metal plates to secure the ribbon connectors.

7.4. Install the band release buttons on the rear glass cover.

7.5. Apply a thin continuous line of adhesive around the perimeter of the watch housing, then align the rear glass panel with the housing and fasten 4 screws to secure the assembly. Clean the excess adhesive with a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

7.6. Install the ribbon cable connecting the back cover to the main board.

7.7. Connect the three ribbon cables from the main board to the Taptic Engine and fasten 2 screws to secure the component.

7.8. Grab a new screen and connect the ribbon to the main board. Secure the connector with the metal plate and 2 screws.

7.9. Reinstall the battery, connect the wire, and fasten 4 screws to secure the unit.

7.10. Place the metal piece back over the corner screw and bend it back into place.

7.11. Apply a thin line of cold-press adhesive around the perimeter of the watch housing, align the display with the housing, and press down with your fingers till the adhesive bonds. Wipe excess adhesive with a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

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

Congratulations! Your Apple Watch Ultra is Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the display and housing on the Apple Watch Ultra with original spare parts. Wait at least 24 hours for the glue to cure before using the device. Test the touchscreen’s responsiveness, Bluetooth pairing, and buttons to ensure the device is working properly.

If you found this guide helpful and want to repair gadgets yourself, 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 respond as soon as we can.