Replacing a phone battery or cracked screen starts with removing tiny screws - often with speciality drivers you will not find in a standard toolbox. The screwdriver you need depends entirely on the phone brand and model.
Phone Screwdriver Types by Brand
| Phone | External Screws | Internal Screws | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5 – 16 series | Pentalobe P2 (TS1) | Tri-point Y000, Phillips PH000 | P2 for bottom case screws; Y000 for battery and display connectors |
| iPhone 4 / 4S | Pentalobe P2 (TS1) | Phillips PH00 | Early Pentalobe adoption |
| iPhone 3G / 3GS | Phillips PH00 | Phillips PH00 | No Pentalobe - all Phillips |
| Samsung Galaxy S series | Phillips PH000 | Phillips PH000, Torx T3 | Some newer models use Torx internally |
| Samsung Galaxy Note | Phillips PH000 | Phillips PH000 | - |
| Google Pixel | Torx T3 | Phillips PH000, Torx T3 | T3 is primary for most Pixel models |
| OnePlus | Phillips PH000 | Phillips PH000 | - |
| Huawei | Pentalobe P2 | Phillips PH000, Torx T2 | Some models use Pentalobe externally |
iPhone Screws Explained
Apple uses a layered security approach. The two bottom screws flanking the Lightning or USB-C port are Pentalobe P2 - a five-lobed tamper-resistant fastener Apple adopted with the iPhone 4 to discourage third-party repair. Inside, battery connector brackets and display cables use Tri-point Y000 screws. Older internal brackets use Phillips PH000.
Pentalobe P2 (also labelled TS1 or PL1) is not the same as Pentalobe P5 used on MacBooks. P2 is smaller - using the wrong size will strip the screw head instantly.
Android and Samsung Screws
Most Android phones use standard Phillips PH000 for external and internal screws. Samsung Galaxy devices are almost entirely Phillips. Google Pixel phones lean toward Torx T3. The simplicity of Android hardware is one reason third-party repair shops often specialise in Samsung - the tooling is straightforward.
Essential Tips for Phone Repair
- Use magnetised tips - phone screws are 1–2 mm and impossible to place by hand
- Organise screws on a magnetic mat or tape them to a diagram of the phone
- Apply heat to soften adhesive before prying the screen or back glass
- Disconnect the battery before touching any other ribbon cable
- Never reuse stripped screws - replacements cost pennies
Related Guides
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Pentalobe Screwdriver: Apple's Proprietary Screw Explained
Apple's Pentalobe screws keep you out of iPhones and MacBooks. The sizes you need and where to get the drivers.
Tri-Wing Screwdriver: Sizes, Uses & What Devices Need One
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