Replacing a Huawei Mate 20 Pro screen means fitting a new 6.39-inch curved OLED display, and the most important choice is the panel type. Only an OLED replacement keeps the in-display fingerprint sensor working; cheaper non-OLED aftermarket panels usually lose it and look less vivid. You can buy the display on its own, which must be separated from the frame and glued in, or as an assembly pre-fitted to a new frame, which is easier to fit but means moving all the internal parts across. The repair is done from the back of the phone, after removing the glued back glass. It is an advanced job for DIY, and on a phone launched in 2018 you should weigh the cost against the phone's age. This guide explains the options, the repair process and the risks.
Mate 20 Pro display basics
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro launched in late 2018 with a 6.39-inch OLED display at 1440 x 3120 resolution, curved at the left and right edges, with an optical fingerprint sensor under the screen and 3D face unlock in the notch. Those three features, OLED, curved glass and in-display fingerprint, shape every decision about replacement screens. For the phone's teardown and component layout, see iFixit's Huawei Mate 20 Pro repair page.
The Mate 20 Pro is a different phone from the standard Mate 20, Mate 20 Lite and Mate 20 X, each of which uses a different screen. Check your model under Settings > About phone before buying any part.
Signs you need a new screen
- Cracked glass, especially along the curved edges.
- Black spots, ink-like blots or spreading black areas (damaged OLED).
- Coloured lines, flicker or a green or pink tint.
- Touch not responding in areas, or "ghost" touches.
- The in-display fingerprint sensor stops reading after a drop.
- A screen that stays black while the phone rings or vibrates.
If the screen is black but the phone works, try a forced restart first: hold the power and volume down buttons together for about ten seconds. If the display stays black, the screen or its connector is the likely fault.
Choosing a replacement screen
OLED vs non-OLED aftermarket panels
| OLED replacement | Non-OLED aftermarket (for example TFT or incell) | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | Deep blacks, high contrast, as designed | Lighter blacks, less contrast, often lower brightness |
| In-display fingerprint | Works, as the optical sensor reads through the OLED | Usually does not work, because the panel blocks the sensor |
| Always-on display and battery | Power efficient with dark content | Can use more power |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
For a phone whose main unlock method is the in-display fingerprint, an OLED replacement is strongly recommended. If you buy a non-OLED panel to save money, expect to rely on face unlock or a PIN instead.
Screen only vs screen with frame (assembly)
- Screen only: cheaper. The old display must be heated and separated from the metal frame, the frame cleaned of adhesive, and the new display glued in. The curved edges make this delicate, and it is easy to crack the new panel when seating it.
- Screen with frame (assembly): the new display comes already bonded to a new mid-frame. You transfer the battery, boards, cameras, speakers and flex cables into it. More components to move, but no separating or gluing the display, and the frame is new.
For most DIY repairers, the assembly with frame is the safer route on curved-screen phones. Repair shops with separation equipment often fit screen-only panels.
What to check on the listing
- It names the Mate 20 Pro specifically.
- Panel type is stated (OLED or otherwise).
- Whether it includes a frame, and its colour if so.
- Whether the in-display fingerprint is supported.
- Whether the seller tests the screen before dispatch and accepts returns on unfitted parts.
How the Mate 20 Pro screen replacement works
This is an overview to help you decide whether to attempt the repair. Follow a detailed photo guide if you go ahead.
Tools
- Heat source (heat gun on low, hot plate or heat pad).
- Suction cups, thin plastic picks and a spudger.
- Small Phillips screwdriver.
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) for adhesive.
- Replacement back glass adhesive, and display adhesive if fitting a screen-only part.
- Eye protection; broken curved glass splinters easily.
Steps (overview)
- Back up the phone and power it off. Remove the SIM tray.
- Heat and remove the back glass. The Mate 20 Pro opens from the back. Heat the edges evenly, lift with a suction cup and work picks around carefully. Keep picks shallow near the wireless charging coil and camera area.
- Remove the covers and shields over the boards, including the wireless charging coil assembly.
- Disconnect the battery first, then the display and other flex cables.
- For an assembly with frame: transfer the main board, sub-board, battery, cameras, speakers, vibration motor and flex cables into the new frame, taking photos as you go.
- For a screen only: heat the front, separate the old display from the frame (often easiest with the internals removed), clean all adhesive, fit new adhesive and seat the new display carefully, especially along the curved edges.
- Reconnect and test before sealing: display, touch across the whole screen including the curved edges, in-display fingerprint (register a new print), face unlock, earpiece, proximity sensor and cameras.
- Refit shields and back glass with new adhesive and clamp gently while it sets.
After fitting
- Re-register fingerprints. Delete old prints and add them again after a screen change; the sensor sits under a new panel.
- Water resistance cannot be relied on after opening the phone, even with new adhesive.
- Check the proximity sensor by making a call; the screen should switch off near your ear.
DIY or repair shop?
| DIY | Repair shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Skill needed | Advanced: back glass removal, many connectors, curved panel handling | None from you |
| Main risk | Cracking the new curved screen or the back glass; torn flex cables | Lower; the shop carries the risk under its warranty |
| Time | Several hours for a first attempt, plus adhesive setting time | Often the same or next day |
| Best for | Experienced repairers and refurbishers | Most owners |
If this would be your first phone repair, a curved-screen phone that opens from the back is a hard place to start. Buying a screen-with-frame assembly and asking a local shop to fit it is a reasonable middle ground: you choose the part, and the shop handles the risky steps.
Risks and common mistakes
- Cracking the curved panel while separating or seating it. Heat patiently and support the edges.
- Tearing flex cables, especially the display and fingerprint cables. Disconnect, do not pull.
- Damaging the battery with metal tools. Use plastic tools and isopropyl alcohol on adhesive.
- Losing small parts such as the earpiece mesh, screws and shields. Lay them out in order.
- Not testing before sealing. Opening the back glass a second time often means new adhesive and more risk.
- Fitting the wrong model's screen. Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro and Mate 20 X screens are not interchangeable.
How much does a Mate 20 Pro screen replacement cost?
We have not quoted a figure because prices vary with panel type, whether a frame is included, stock levels and labour, and we do not have a verified current price to give you. The main cost drivers are:
- Panel type: OLED costs more than non-OLED aftermarket panels.
- Frame: an assembly with frame costs more than a screen only, but saves separation work.
- Labour: a repair shop charges for the time to open the back, transfer parts and reseal.
- Extra parts: back glass adhesive at minimum, and new back glass if the old one breaks during removal.
Get quotes that state the panel type and warranty, so you compare like with like.
Is it worth replacing the screen on a Mate 20 Pro?
The Mate 20 Pro launched in 2018, so it is an old phone in 2026 and is unlikely to receive further major software updates. A screen replacement makes sense if:
- the phone otherwise works well and you like it, for example its cameras;
- it is used as a second phone, a camera or a media device;
- you are a refurbisher and the repaired phone has resale value.
It makes less sense if the battery is also worn, the phone has other faults, or you rely on apps that need current security updates. In that case the cost of a good OLED screen may be better spent towards a newer phone. If your phone is still under any warranty or cover, check with Huawei UK support first. UK consumer law also gives rights on parts bought from a business; see GOV.UK's guide to consumer protection rights.
Protecting the new screen
Curved screens are harder to protect than flat ones. Options include full-glue tempered glass designed for curved edges, flexible film protectors and cases with a raised lip. Make sure any protector is compatible with the in-display fingerprint sensor; some thick or poorly fitted glass protectors stop it reading reliably. Our article on glass vs plastic screen guards explains the trade-offs.
Split screen on the Mate 20 Pro
"How to split screen" is a common Mate 20 Pro question but has nothing to do with repair: it is a software feature. On Huawei's EMUI software you can open two apps side by side from the recent apps view, using the split-screen icon on an app's card where the app supports it. Some EMUI versions also support a knuckle gesture for split screen if enabled in settings. Options vary by software version.
Parts and tools from The Repair Plus
The Repair Plus supplies repair parts, tools and machines to repair shops and DIY repairers across the UK. We do not currently list a Mate 20 Pro screen. For other Mate 20 Pro parts, see our Huawei Mate 20 Pro collection, and for the standard model our Huawei Mate 20 parts. If you repair other Huawei flagships, we also have collections for the Huawei P30 Pro and Huawei P20 Pro. For heat tools, opening tools and adhesives, browse our repair tools and adhesives, and read our guide to phone screen fixers. Check each product page for current prices and stock.
Frequently asked questions
How do I replace a Huawei Mate 20 Pro screen?
Remove the back glass with heat, disconnect the battery and display, then either transfer the internal parts into a new screen-and-frame assembly or separate the old screen from the frame and glue in a new one. Test everything before refitting the back glass.
Will the fingerprint sensor work with a replacement screen?
With an OLED replacement, yes; re-register your fingerprints after fitting. Non-OLED aftermarket panels usually do not support the in-display fingerprint sensor.
How much is a Huawei Mate 20 Pro screen?
It depends on the panel type, whether a frame is included and where you buy. OLED panels cost more than non-OLED alternatives. Compare quotes that state the panel type and warranty.
Is the Mate 20 Pro screen the same as the P20 Pro?
No. The P20 Pro uses a flat 6.1-inch display, while the Mate 20 Pro uses a curved 6.39-inch display. Their screens are not interchangeable.
How do I split screen on a Huawei Mate 20 Pro?
Open the recent apps view and use the split-screen option on a supported app's card. Some software versions also allow a knuckle gesture if enabled.
Can I replace only the glass on a Mate 20 Pro?
Glass-only refurbishment is possible for repair shops with separating and laminating equipment, but it is not a practical DIY job on a curved OLED screen. Most repairs replace the whole display.
Summary
For a Mate 20 Pro, choose an OLED replacement to keep the in-display fingerprint and the picture quality you are used to, and consider a screen-with-frame assembly for an easier DIY fit. Open the phone from the back, disconnect the battery first and test fully before sealing. Weigh the repair against the phone's age, and browse our Mate 20 Pro parts and repair tools for the job.
