Just completed replacement of my iPhone 5 battery. Like many others, I also did not disconnect the front assembly, but instead propped the display at a 90 degree angle against a fairly sturdy object (an iPhone box), secured with a rubber band. This worked very well.

When it comes to the step of lifting the battery out, the adhesive is very strong. I also tore the pull tab, but that was no real concern. I used a hair dryer with hot heat and heated the back of the phone for about 30 seconds, evenly waving the hair dryer behind the area where the battery sits. I then took the plastic pry tool from the iFixIt toolkit and applied firm, constant pressure to the middle-outside edge of the battery, below the volume buttons. The battery lifted fairly easily and it was just slow and steady the rest of the way.

When seating the iFixIt replacement battery, had a bit of trouble fitting the connecting cable between the battery and logic board socket, but went slow and steady again, slotted it in and secured the cable.

Agreed on the note about the contradiction. Didn't understand that either, but makes more sense to pry along the outside of the case where you're less likely to damage any internal components.

If the cable is broken, you'll need to purchase a home button assembly and install it in your phone. You'll lose Touch ID functionality, but all other home button functions should act as normal.

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iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Home Button Assembly

During this step, I did mistakenly disconnect the cable from the metal connector underneath. However, I was able to remove the metal connector using a spudger and transfer it to the new screen along with the home button cable assembly. Fortunately, touch ID still worked, in addition to all standard home button functions.

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I do think it would be great if iFixIt could add a note about this metal connector during this step as it plays a very important role.

As long as it is done successfully, Touch ID will not be impacted.

Just successfully finished replacing a screen using this guide, for my very first time. In total, it took me three hours, taking breaks in-between and reading through all comments that have been posted.

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My best advice is to be patient and take your time with each step. The most tedious steps were #22-26 (front camera assembly), #31 (home button) and #37 (home button cable). Be patient and read all comments regarding these steps.

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During step #37, I did mistakenly disconnect the cable from the metal connector underneath. However, I was able to remove the metal connector and transfer it to the new screen along with the home button cable assembly. Fortunately, touch ID still works, in addition to all standard home button functions. I do think it would be great if iFixIt could add a note about this metal connector during this step; it plays a very important role.

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I used only tools from the iFixIt "Classic Pro Tech Toolkit", in addition to an iSesamo. I purchased the replacement screen from iFixIt.