Before you start
This repair guide will show you step-by-step how to correctly apply LOCA UV liquid glue during the installation of your newly purchased iTG® display glass repair set. This adhesive is not normally supplied with our repair sets and must therefore be purchased separately.
To get a better idea of the processes involved you can also watch this excellent video made by Youtube user JerryRigEverything!
PLEASE NOTE: For many display glass replacement procedures this process is not necessary and we therefore do not usually recommend it (see our disclaimer). If you are not careful, it is easy to get it wrong and damage your phone.
You Will Need
- The iTG® repair set for the correct model smartphone.
- LOCA UV liquid glue.
- A UV light source such as a torch or light box.
- 1-2mm double-sided adhesive tape.
- Spudger / pry tool or other long, flat instrument.
- (The above 4 items can be purchased together here as part of our iTG® PROFI Smartphone Display Glass Gluing Set).
- Scissors.
- Tweezers.
- Patience (usual repair time: 15 – 30 mins).
You May Also Need
- LOCA UV glue applicator gun.
- Needle.
- Rubber gloves.
- Paper towel / kitchen roll.
Let’s Begin!
Step 1
Affix a piece of double-sided adhesive tape along each edge of the digitizer. The idea is to form a closed border so that once you apply the LOCA glue it cannot escape beyond the edges of the digitizer. Also apply tape along the top and bottom edges of the frame, as seen in the photo.
Make sure the tape does not cover any part of the display or any other equipment such as the front-facing camera or light sensor.
Step 2
Place the phone on a flat, even surface and remove the protective layer from each piece of the adhesive tape using a pair of tweezers.
Now apply the LOCA glue to the digitizer in the shape shown in the photo. This will give the glue the best chance of spreading out evenly once the glass is installed. Try not to apply more than the amount shown.
Apply the glue slowly and carefully so that it is free of any air bubbles. It is easiest to do this when using an applicator gun. If you do get any bubbles you can pop them with a needle or tweezers.
Step 3
Move the bottom edge of your new, previously prepared display glass into position as shown. Rest the top of the glass onto a long flat instrument such as a spudger tool, so that you are able to lower it down easily onto the digitizer.
Step 4
With the help of the tool, slowly lower the glass down towards the digitizer until it makes contact with the glue. You will see how the glue begins to spread out as in the photo.
Allow the glass to gradually make more and more contact with the glue.
You must do this very slowly otherwise air bubbles can form between the glue and the glass. If this does happen, it is still possible at this stage to remove them by slowly raising the glass and popping them with a needle.
Step 5
Once you have lowered the glass as far as it will go, remove the tool. The weight of the glass pressing onto the glue will cause it to keep spreading out.
Now you can apply some gentle pressure to the glass with your fingers, pushing the glue out towards the edges.
Step 6
To force the glue into the corners of the display, grip the phone in your hand and apply a bit more pressure using your thumb.
If the glue will not stay there by itself, while pressing the glass, apply UV light to the corner of the display for 30 seconds. This will stop the glue running back out.
Make sure you are happy that the glue has fully covered the display. If you notice any air bubbles in the glue it is now too late to do much about them. You can try forcing them to the sides by pressing on the glass but this will usually result in the glue running out and can get very messy. (If attempting this, please make sure to wear rubber gloves and have paper towels standing by!)
Step 7
Now you need to apply UV light evenly across the glass for 2 minutes, so that the glue is fully cured. The easiest way to do this is by using a light box as shown.
If using a UV torch, try to move the light across the whole surface of the display in a slow, even motion. Do this for 3-4 minutes to ensure the glue is fully cured.
Step 8
That’s it, your phone display is as good as new!
Now pat yourself on the back for a job well done 🙂