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Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement

What you need

  1. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Power off your Apple Watch: step 1, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Power off your Apple Watch: step 1, image 2 of 2
  2. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Apply heat: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Prepare an iOpener (or grab a hair dryer or heat gun) and heat the face of the watch until it's slightly too hot to touch.

    • Leave the iOpener on the watch for at least a minute to fully heat the screen and soften the adhesive holding it to the case.

    • You may need to reheat the iOpener, or move it around on the screen as sections cool, to heat the screen enough to pry it off.

  3. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Observe all warnings: step 3, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Observe all warnings: step 3, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Observe all warnings: step 3, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Safety Glasses
    $3.19
    Buy
    • Because the gap between the screen and watch body is so thin, a sharp blade is needed to separate the two. Read the following warnings carefully before proceeding.

    • Protect your fingers by keeping them completely clear of the knife. If in doubt, protect your free hand with a heavy glove, such as a leather shop glove or gardening glove.

    • Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this might cause the knife to slip and cut you, or damage the watch.

    • Wear eye protection. The knife or glass may break, sending pieces flying.

    • Feel free to attach or remove the watch band as needed to provide more control as you make repairs.

  4. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Pry up the screen: step 4, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Pry up the screen: step 4, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Pry up the screen: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Place the edge of a curved blade into the thin gap between the display and the outer case. Start at the short side of the display, closest to the digital crown.

    • Press firmly straight down into the gap.

    • Once inserted, tilt the blade to pry the display open slightly.

    • Do not insert the knife more than 1/16th of an inch (~2 mm).

  5. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Once you've opened a small gap with the curved blade, remove the blade and insert the thinner edge of an opening tool into the gap.

    • Push the opening tool into the gap, using your thumb as a pivot to lift the display open a bit farther.

    • Don't try to fully open or detach the display yet.

  6. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Insert an opening pick under the display and carefully separate the Force Touch gasket from the display.

    • iFixit screen and battery repair kits include a replacement Force Touch gasket, so don't fret too much if yours is damaged.

    • Otherwise, to preserve the Force Touch gasket, pry carefully under the edge of the display. If the Force Touch gasket splits when lifting the display, or if you separate the gasket layers, you'll also need to replace the Force Touch gasket itself.

    • Slide the pick around the display to separate the adhesive between the Force Touch gasket and the display.

    • Don't insert the opening pick deeper than 1/16th of an inch (~2 mm).

  7. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • To avoid straining the display cables, don't open the display all the way yet.

    • Open the display to about a 45° angle, and use tweezers to peel off the adhesive between the display and the Force Touch gasket.

    • Thread the adhesive around and behind the display cables to get it off completely.

  8. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 8, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 8, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the tri-point screw securing the metal cover plate.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the cover plate.

    • First open the plate all the way to unhinge the two flaps.

    • Then close it halfway to remove it completely by lifting it out.

  9. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • On the GPS-only version it is possible to disconnect the battery immediately. For the cellular/LTE version, you need to disconnect the Force Touch gasket and fold it out of the way first, in order to disconnect the battery.

    • Disconnect the battery by prying its connector straight up.

    • Bend the connector up slightly to make sure it does not make contact by accident.

  10. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Force Touch Gasket: step 10, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement, Force Touch Gasket: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a pry tool to disconnect the Force Touch gasket by prying its connector straight up.

  11. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Heat your iOpener for another 30 seconds and place it on top of the Force Touch gasket to soften the adhesive underneath. (Alternatively, apply heat using a hair dryer or heat gun.)

    • Be very careful not to strain or tear the display cables.

  12. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel off the Force Touch gasket.

    • Slightly tilt the display forward and hold the Force Touch gasket diagonally to thread it over the display and remove it.

  13. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Adhesive Cleanup Kit (Set of 12)
    $4.99
    Buy
    • Clean all traces of adhesive (and broken glass, if any) thoroughly from the case before re-sealing your watch.

    • Scour the case using a cleaning pad, or use the tip of an opening tool or spudger wrapped in a lint-free cloth or coffee filter, along with a little isopropyl alcohol (90% concentration or greater). In a pinch, a Q-tip may also work.

    • To remove the adhesive near the display cables, fold the display back down over the watch and carefully tilt it away from the frame so there's room to work.

    • Don't rush this step. Even a small amount of residue can prevent your display from bonding to the case, causing it to come loose over time.

  14. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • If you are re-using your existing display, carefully clean any adhesive residue stuck to the back.

    • It helps to flip the watch upside-down so the display lays flat. Just be sure to support the rest of the watch, and take care not to strain the cables.

  15. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the blue protective liner from the bottom of the replacement Force Touch gasket, exposing the adhesive underneath.

    • Make sure the connector pins are facing toward you, or you'll remove the liner from the wrong side.

  16. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • With the exposed adhesive facing down, thread the Force Touch gasket down over the display (if connected) and set it into position in the case.

    • Slightly tilt the display forward so you can align the Force Touch gasket with the frame.

    • Make sure the connector lines up with its socket.

    • You can use the end of a pry tool to press the new Force Touch gasket into place all around the perimeter of the watch.

  17. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Make sure your display is connected before you reconnect the battery.

    • Reconnect the Force Touch gasket and battery flex cable by pressing their connectors straight down until they click into place.

  18. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to place the metal plate covering the battery connector back in its original position.

    • Install the Y000 tri-point screw.

    • At this point, it's a good idea to power on your watch and test all its functions before sealing the display in place.

  19. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the blue protective liner on top of the Force Touch gasket, exposing the last of the adhesive.

  20. Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 Apple Watch Series 3 Force Touch Gasket Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Align the screen and press it down firmly onto the adhesive.

    • For best results, apply heat from your iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to help set the adhesive.

    • Then, apply some pressure for a few hours—wrapping the watch with a couple rubber bands, or placing it under a heavy book or two.

    • As a final check, power on your watch and make sure Force Touch works correctly—a hard press on the screen should cause the watch to vibrate, and the press should register on the display.

Conclusion

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or search our Answers forum for help.

64 other people completed this guide.

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/16

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15 Comments

very detailed teardown. however seems like the force touch sensor is a bit different on the LTE version.

The LTE parts actually looks similar to the Series 2 ones. Does anyone know if S2 and S3 force touch sensor is compatible to each other?

George - Reply

After replacing the screen and the force touch sensor everything except the force touch works.

I have tested 4 force touch sensor flex…what can it be?

chrkraemer - Reply

Hello I’ve got the same problem. Have you resolved it ?

Perhaps it’s necessary to reinstall watchOS ?

In my case applewatch is locked, to many error code access. And I don’t have iphone brother with me….so I can’t reset applewatch.

Frederic Berger - Reply

Reinstalling watchOS is impossible. Only Apple can do it…

my only problem is still the non-working force touch.

chrkraemer -

Same problem, replaced battery while broke the force touch gasket. After replaced a new gasket, the force touch still not working.

Patrick -

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