Hi everyone, welcome to HowFixit. In this video guide,
I'll show you how to replace the Taptic Engine in Apple Watch Series 5
To disassemble Apple Watch 5, you'll need the following tools:
Screwdriver set with tri-wing 0.8mm screwdriver Tweezers
Plastic tools Adhesive Sticker
Glue - I will use B7000 glue due to its high elasticity,
anti-vibration, and water resistance properties. Screen Disassembly Tool - This tool has a very
thin curved metal blade for opening electronic devices with a screen that is difficult to pry
with a common plastic tool. I think this is a must-have tool for disassembling an Apple
Watch all series because the gap between the screen and the watch body is so thin.
I recommend using a magnetic mat during the repair process, which is especially
useful in the case of the Apple Watch Series 5. Throughout this disassembly, keep track of
each screw and part so you can put them back in the right places - this will help successfully
reassemble your Apple Watch 5. And don't worry about losing any screws and small parts, all of
them will definitely remain on the magnetic mat. I left links where to buy all the necessary
tools in the description. During the display opening process of the
Apple Watch Series 5, you might damage the Force Touch gasket. If you separate the gasket layers
or cut the cable, you'll also need to replace the Force Touch cable itself. But don't worry,
this cable costs around five dollars and is easy to replace if damaged.
This video guide shows the repair process on the LTE version of the Apple Watch Series 5, but the
GPS-only version has a similar repair process. Before you start, turn off the Apple Watch 5.
Insert the edge of the curved blade into the thin gap between the display
and the watch case. From this position, gradually begin to separate the display.
For a more successful opening of the watch case,
warm up the surface of the display with a regular hair dryer.
To avoid damaging internal components, try not to push the blade deep inside the watch.
Carefully fold the screen to the back.
Use a plastic tool to open the locking tabs on the display.
Now, using tweezers, carefully peel off the black tape covering the three display ribbon cables.
Don't worry if you tear off that part of the black foil,
this doesn't apply to the mainboard ribbon cable.
The two sides of the black tape peeled off,
now carefully pull the display ribbon cables out of their connectors.
If the Force Touch gasket is damaged,
remove the remaining layers from the display frame and the apple watch housing.
The Apple Watch battery is glued to the watch body,
you can use isopropyl alcohol to safely remove the battery.
Add some isopropyl alcohol under the battery and wait a bit.
Use a plastic tool to pry out the battery.
Remove one screw and disconnect the battery cable.
Disconnect the cable and remove the vibration module.
In the description, I left a link where to buy the Taptic Engine for Apple Watch Series 5
Let's start reassembling the Apple Watch.
Use double-sided adhesive tape to re-glued the battery to the watch body.
Before gluing the display to the main housing, test the watch and check all functions.
It looks like the watch is working fine, now you can proceed to the final part of the assembly.
Let's move on to gluing the display with the housing, this will restore protection from water
and dust. You can use a special adhesive sticker for your Apple Watch or silicone glue.
In my opinion, for protection against water and dust, glue is more effective.
In my case, the Force Touch gasket was damaged and I will glue the new gasket on both sides.
If your gasket is fine and holds well on the main housing, you can glue it on one side.
The B7000 glue dries completely after 24 hours, but the minimum surface drying time
is 6 minutes. So, I recommend waiting at least 45 minutes, after which you can remove excess glue.
To fix the display and the main housing, you can use clips or rubber bands.
This repair is complete, you were on HowFixit, and see you next time!