To open most iPhones you need a pentalobe P2 (0.8mm) screwdriver for the two screws next to the charging port, a tri-point Y000 for internal brackets on iPhone 7 and later, and a Phillips #000 for the remaining internal screws. Most Samsung, Google Pixel and other Android phones use Phillips #000 or #00 screws inside, and some models and accessories use small Torx bits such as T2 to T5. A P5 (1.2mm) pentalobe is a larger size that does not fit phone screws. For occasional repairs, a small kit with the right drivers and opening tools is enough; for a repair bench, a precision bit set with a comfortable handle and magnetic bits saves time and stripped screws. At The Repair Plus, our 10 in 1 repair kit costs £0.99 (checked 15 October 2026).
Quick reference: which bit fits which phone?
| Bit | Where you will meet it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pentalobe P2 (0.8mm) | The two external screws by the charging port on iPhones | The bit you need first on almost every iPhone repair |
| Tri-point Y000 | Internal brackets on iPhone 7 and later | Three-pronged; easy to strip with the wrong size |
| Phillips #000 (PH000) | Most internal screws in iPhones, Samsung, Pixel and many Android phones | The most-used bit on a phone repair bench |
| Phillips #00 (PH00) | Slightly larger screws in some phones, tablets and controllers | Useful backup size |
| Torx T2 to T5 | Some Android phones, tablets and small electronics | Check the model guide before ordering |
| Pentalobe P5 (1.2mm) | Some larger Apple devices, not phones | Too big for iPhone screws |
Screw heads vary by model and generation, so always check a model-specific repair guide before you start. iFixit's iPhone repair hub lists the screws used in each model's guides.
Pentalobe screws explained
A pentalobe screw has a five-lobed, flower-shaped recess. Apple introduced it on iPhone to deter casual opening; ordinary Phillips or flat screwdrivers will not turn it and will damage the head if forced. The pentalobe screw overview covers its history and sizes.
P2 vs P5
- P2 (also listed as 0.8mm or TS1): the size used on the external bottom screws of iPhones. If you are opening an iPhone, this is the one you need.
- P5 (1.2mm): a larger pentalobe size used on some other Apple products. People searching for a "1.2mm P5 precision pentalobe screwdriver" usually need it for a non-phone device; it will not fit iPhone screws.
Buying a "pentalobe screwdriver" without checking the size is a common mistake. For phones, check that the listing says P2 or 0.8mm.
Tri-point (Y-type) screws
Tri-point screws have a three-pronged recess. On iPhone 7 and later, small Y000 tri-point screws hold several internal brackets, for example over the battery and display connectors on some models. They are tiny, and a slightly wrong bit size strips them easily. Use a good-quality Y000 bit, keep it straight and press firmly before turning. The general family of screw drive types is listed in the list of screw drives, which helps if you meet an unfamiliar head.
Phillips #000 and #00: the everyday bits
Most internal screws in phones, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models, are small Phillips screws. The #000 (PH000) size is the most common; #00 appears on slightly larger screws, in some tablets and in game controllers. A good #000 bit with a sharp, precise tip is the single most important tool for phone repairs, because worn bits are the main cause of stripped screws.
Torx bits
Torx has a six-pointed star-shaped recess. Small sizes (T2 to T5) appear in some Android phones, tablets, hard drives and other small electronics. If your phone uses Torx screws, the repair guide will say so. A precision set with T2 to T6 covers most small-device Torx screws; security Torx (with a pin in the centre) needs a matching hollow bit.
Opening tools you need alongside screwdrivers
Screws are only part of the job. Modern phones are glued as well as screwed together, so a basic kit also needs:
- Plastic pry tools and triangle picks to separate screens and back panels without scratching.
- Teardown rods (spudgers) to lift connectors and cables safely.
- A SIM eject pin to remove the SIM tray before opening.
- A suction handle and a heat source to lift glued screens.
- Tweezers for small screws and cables.
- A magnetic mat or labelled tray to keep screws in order.
Our 10 in 1 repair kit includes 4 screwdrivers, 2 teardown rods, 1 chuck, 2 triangle pry tools and a SIM eject pin, which covers the basics for occasional battery, screen and part swaps on most phones and tablets. For daily repair work, our guide to the best professional phone repair tool kits compares fuller sets.
How to choose a screwdriver set
For one-off home repairs
A low-cost kit with P2 pentalobe, Phillips #000 and (for newer iPhones) Y000 tri-point drivers, plus pry tools, is enough for a single battery or screen swap. Check the kit lists the sizes you need before ordering.
For a repair shop bench
Look for:
- Hardened steel bits with precise tips that resist wear.
- A comfortable handle with a free-spinning cap, so you can apply pressure with one finger and turn with others.
- Magnetic bits or a magnetic holder, to stop tiny screws dropping into the phone.
- A wide range of sizes: P2, Y000, PH000, PH00, T2 to T6 and a few flat-head bits.
- Replacement bits sold separately, so you can replace your most-used bits as they wear.
Many shops keep dedicated drivers for P2, Y000 and PH000 rather than swapping bits, because those three are used on almost every iPhone repair.
Avoiding stripped screws
- Use the exact size. A bit that is almost right will slip and round off the head.
- Press first, then turn. Apply firm downward pressure and keep the driver vertical.
- Replace worn bits. A rounded bit tip is the most common cause of stripped screws.
- Do not overtighten. Phone screws need only light torque. Overtightening strips threads and can crack components.
- Keep screws in order. Many phones use screws of different lengths. A long screw in the wrong hole can pierce the logic board, a problem repairers call long screw damage.
If a screw does strip
Try a rubber band between the bit and the screw head for extra grip, or a slightly larger bit pressed firmly. For badly stripped screws, specialist screw extractors exist; work slowly to avoid damaging the frame.
Other screw types you may meet
Standoff screws
Some iPhones and other devices use standoff screws: screws with a threaded post on top, onto which another screw or bracket fastens. They need a standoff driver, a small socket-style bit that grips the outside of the post. Using pliers or a flat-head bit can snap the post or damage the board.
JIS cross-head
Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) cross-head screws look like Phillips but have a slightly different recess. They appear in some cameras, game consoles and devices from Japanese brands. A Phillips bit can cam out of them, so JIS bits are worth having if you repair those devices.
Flat-head and hex
Small flat-head and hex bits are useful for accessories, stands and tools, and occasionally for internal parts on older devices.
Managing screws during a repair
Most phone repairs involve between ten and thirty tiny screws, and many look alike but differ in length. Good screw management prevents lost screws and long screw damage:
- Use a magnetic project mat and draw the outline of the phone on it, placing each screw where it came from.
- Work in stages. Keep screws from each bracket together and finish one stage before starting the next.
- Take photos before removing each bracket, so you can check the layout when reassembling.
- Check length before refitting. If a screw does not turn easily, stop; it may be the wrong one.
- Keep a spare screw set for the models you repair most often, so a lost screw does not stop a job.
Looking after your bits
Precision bits are small, and their tips wear faster than you might expect on a busy bench. Store them in a case where each bit has its own slot, so tips do not knock against each other. Wipe off adhesive and dust after a job. Check the tip of your most-used bits regularly under magnification; if the edges look rounded, replace the bit before it strips a screw. A magnetiser/demagnetiser tool lets you add or remove magnetism from bits, which is handy if a bit becomes too strongly magnetised near sensitive parts.
Building a toolkit by budget
- Starter (a single repair): a basic kit with P2, PH000 and pry tools, such as our 10 in 1 kit, plus a suction handle.
- Home repairer (a few repairs a year): add a Y000 driver, tweezers, a magnetic mat and a heat source.
- Repair shop: a full precision bit set with replaceable bits, dedicated drivers for P2, Y000 and PH000, a standoff driver, ESD-safe tweezers and an anti-static mat.
Common phone repairs and the bits they need
iPhone battery replacement
P2 pentalobe for the bottom screws, then Y000 tri-point and Phillips #000 for brackets on most modern iPhones. Our article on Apple battery replacement explains the options.
iPhone screen replacement
The same three bits, plus a suction handle, picks and heat. Parts for current models are in collections such as our iPhone 15 parts.
Google Pixel and Samsung screen and battery repairs
Mostly Phillips #000, plus heat, picks and adhesive. Our DIY Google Pixel screen replacement guide walks through a typical Android repair.
Safety and warranty
- Power off the phone and discharge the battery below 25% before opening it.
- Disconnect the battery before unplugging any other cable.
- Never puncture or bend a lithium-ion battery; if a battery swells, smokes or gets hot, stop and move it to a safe place.
- Opening a phone may affect the manufacturer's warranty. Apple's Self Service Repair page explains Apple's own repair programme and tools if you would rather follow that route.
Buying tools and adhesive
Our repair tools and adhesive collection covers opening tools, kits and adhesive for screen and battery repairs. Orders placed before 4pm Monday to Friday ship the same day from Manchester, with 30-day returns on the 10 in 1 kit.
Frequently asked questions
What screwdriver do I need to open an iPhone?
A pentalobe P2 (0.8mm) for the two bottom screws, then usually a tri-point Y000 and a Phillips #000 for internal screws on iPhone 7 and later.
Will a P5 pentalobe fit an iPhone?
No. P5 (1.2mm) is larger and used on other Apple devices. iPhones use P2.
What screwdriver do Samsung phones use?
Most Samsung Galaxy phones use small Phillips #000 screws inside; they do not use pentalobe screws.
What is a tri-point screwdriver for?
Tri-point Y000 drivers fit the three-pronged screws on internal brackets in iPhone 7 and later, and in some other small devices.
Are cheap screwdriver kits good enough?
For an occasional repair, yes, if they include the right sizes. For daily use, a precision set with hardened, replaceable bits lasts longer and strips fewer screws.
Do I need a magnetic screwdriver?
It helps. Magnetic bits hold tiny screws on the tip, so they are less likely to fall into the phone or onto the floor. Keep strong magnets away from sensitive parts such as compass sensors.
How often should I replace screwdriver bits?
Replace a bit as soon as its tip looks rounded or it starts to slip. On a busy bench, the P2 and PH000 bits wear fastest.
Summary
For iPhones, carry P2, Y000 and PH000. For most Android phones, PH000 does most of the work, with Torx for some models. Match the bit exactly, replace worn bits and keep screws in order, and the screws will be the easiest part of the repair.
