Apple Watch 40mm SE model - back Glass Replacement

[SAMyMAS]

Hello All,



I just successfully replaced the back glass on my Apple Watch SE 40mm 2nd Gen. The original glass happens to be not as robust as I thought. It has cracked when I fell a few times while ice skating.



This process is easier than the full back assembly replacement, But only applicable if the sensor/charging is working.



The glass edge ~1.5mm is attached to the back cover with a strong adhesive. Its dome/top part is covering the charging coil/sensor. Which is attached to the glass with less adhesive, but still needs to be cautious removing it.

1. Removing

The difficult part is to disengage the glass from the cover/frame and the sensor. If your glass is smashed, you should be able to remove them piece by piece by utilising tweezers, prying tools. Note, the sensor attached to the mainboard with FPC connector from the upper/button side. Be careful, Do not Damage the sensor, if you did you will need to replace the assembly (glass + cover). It would require watch full disassembly. In my case the glass was just cracked slightly, so it took some time and patience removing it. I masked the frame with thermal film - koptan, to secure it from heat impact. Which was applied to soften/weaken glue along with alcohol. I used heat-gun with temperature 100C° and the lowest fan setting for a couple of minutes, continually touching the cover to make sure it’s not over heated.

1. Test

Clean the area from debris and residual glue. Before final assembling test that the watch is charging, prior its gluing.

1. Assembling

Apply a new glue to the cover/frame and the glass. Assemble them. I applied a little heat using thermal pack for a few minutes to ensure the glue good bonding. Tie with rubber band tightly and left for over 24 hours.

1. Clean

The excess glued is cleaned.



The prying/opening tools T-0.1mm and Jakemy were used:

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EuhC9kF

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EHXDt2f

The replacement glass is bought on Aliexpress, https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGj0dHl

costed less than €15.







Glue B7000 15ml ~€2, adhesive is waterproof

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJWDjOP

The video instruction is available here https://star.aliexpress.com/post/8000036317347497.html?type=102&detailStyle=17

 

[Bluejets]

One would naturally have to wonder how the "back" of the watch was broken.
Methinks some porkies here.........