iPhone 3G Rear Case Replacement
The iPhone's posterior section, constructed from plastic, is what is referenced.
Step 1 | Broken Glass
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while performing the repair, secure any cracked display glass with tape.
Apply clear packing tape in successive layers across the iPhone's screen, ensuring complete coverage of the display surface.
To prevent glass fragments from scattering and maintain stability during the display separation process, this step is crucial.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments that may detach during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
Apply clear packing tape in successive layers across the iPhone's screen, ensuring complete coverage of the display surface.
To prevent glass fragments from scattering and maintain stability during the display separation process, this step is crucial.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments that may detach during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
Step 2 | Remove the bottom screws
Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the two screws, each measuring 3.7mm, located at the dock connector interface.
Step 3 | Loosen the display
For improved grip and safety, detach the metal handle from the suction cup, and hold the base of the suction cup instead.
Exercise extreme caution during iPhone disassembly to prevent damage to the delicate display cables.
A rubber gasket is situated between the silver front bezel and the black display assembly; separating these components necessitates applying moderate pressure. To facilitate display assembly removal, gently rocking the suction cup can be beneficial.
Carefully lift the lower edge of the iPhone's display assembly by applying gentle upward force with a small suction cup positioned close to the Home button.
When the display assembly's surface prevents proper suction cup attachment due to damage, secure it with a robust adhesive tape, like duct tape or packing tape, to ensure a firm hold.
Exercise extreme caution during iPhone disassembly to prevent damage to the delicate display cables.
A rubber gasket is situated between the silver front bezel and the black display assembly; separating these components necessitates applying moderate pressure. To facilitate display assembly removal, gently rocking the suction cup can be beneficial.
Carefully lift the lower edge of the iPhone's display assembly by applying gentle upward force with a small suction cup positioned close to the Home button.
When the display assembly's surface prevents proper suction cup attachment due to damage, secure it with a robust adhesive tape, like duct tape or packing tape, to ensure a firm hold.
Step 4 | Pull up the display
Before completely separating the display assembly from the iPhone, be aware that multiple cables maintain the connection and attempting to do so prematurely could cause damage.
Tilt the display assembly upwards, achieving roughly a 45-degree angle.
Tilt the display assembly upwards, achieving roughly a 45-degree angle.
Step 5 | Disconnect cable 1
Before fully separating the display assembly from the iPhone, be aware that multiple cables maintain the connection and attempting to remove it completely at this stage could cause damage.
Tilt the display assembly until it forms roughly a 45-degree angle.
Using one hand to secure the display assembly, employ a spudger with your other hand to carefully detach the display's black ribbon cable, identified as "1."
To avoid damaging the ribbon connector and requiring a display replacement, carefully slide the spudger in from the left side, positioning it beneath the ribbon as illustrated. Attempting to lift the ribbon from the right will likely result in connector damage.
Tilt the display assembly until it forms roughly a 45-degree angle.
Using one hand to secure the display assembly, employ a spudger with your other hand to carefully detach the display's black ribbon cable, identified as "1."
To avoid damaging the ribbon connector and requiring a display replacement, carefully slide the spudger in from the left side, positioning it beneath the ribbon as illustrated. Attempting to lift the ribbon from the right will likely result in connector damage.
Step 6 | Disconnect cable 2
Adjust the display assembly's orientation to a near-vertical position to simplify the process of disconnecting the remaining cables.
Carefully detach the ribbon cable identified as "2," which connects to the capacitive touch panel, utilizing a spudger.
Carefully detach the ribbon cable identified as "2," which connects to the capacitive touch panel, utilizing a spudger.
Step 7 | Disconnect cable 3
Certain international (Chinese, European) 3G models lack the plastic retaining tab; instead, carefully slide the ribbon cable toward the display to detach it. During reassembly, ensure the ribbon cable is firmly seated within its connector by applying even pressure.
Connector "3" on certain iPhone models exhibits an inverted color scheme, featuring a black plastic tab and a white connector; ensure the tab is lifted correctly to prevent connector damage.
Employ a spudger to lift the white plastic retaining tab, which secures ribbon cable "3," rotating it upward by 90 degrees to disengage the cable.
Carefully disconnect the black ribbon cable by sliding it from its connector, then detach the display assembly from the iPhone.
Connector "3" on certain iPhone models exhibits an inverted color scheme, featuring a black plastic tab and a white connector; ensure the tab is lifted correctly to prevent connector damage.
Employ a spudger to lift the white plastic retaining tab, which secures ribbon cable "3," rotating it upward by 90 degrees to disengage the cable.
Carefully disconnect the black ribbon cable by sliding it from its connector, then detach the display assembly from the iPhone.
Step 8 | Remove the SIM card tray
Using a SIM eject tool or a straightened paper clip, gently push into the small aperture located adjacent to the headphone jack.
Apply pressure to the tool, ensuring it extends the SIM card tray until it disengages.
Using your fingers, gently eject the SIM card tray from the iPhone by sliding it outward.
Apply pressure to the tool, ensuring it extends the SIM card tray until it disengages.
Using your fingers, gently eject the SIM card tray from the iPhone by sliding it outward.
Step 9 | Disconnect cable 4
Carefully detach the ribbon cable identified with the "4" marking using a spudger.
Step 10 | Disconnect cable 5
Carefully detach the ribbon cable identified as "5" using a spudger.
Step 11 | Disconnect cables 6 and 7
- Carefully detach the ribbon cable identified as "6" using a spudger.
- For iPhone 3GS models, consult the provided image and employ a spudger to carefully detach the ribbon cable identified as "7".
- Carefully position the ribbon cable connectors so they match the motherboard sockets precisely before applying any force; visual inspection with a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe may be necessary to ensure proper alignment.
Step 12 | Remove the logic board screws
- Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the eight screws.
- The logic board is affixed to the rear case using five screws; each is 2.3 mm in length, features a Phillips #00 head, and has partial threads.
- The logic board and camera are fastened together using two screws; each is a full-thread Phillips #00 screw, measuring 2.3 mm in diameter.
- Beneath the "Do not remove" sticker, locate and unscrew a Phillips #00 screw with a 2.9 mm head.
When putting everything back together, ensure the 1/4-20 x 1-inch bolts are tightened to 18 lb-ft, and use the 7mm socket to secure the retaining clips, observing the warning about potential pinch points during clip installation.
Alongside the camera, located at the bottom right and marked with an orange highlight, a screw secures a metal component that stabilizes the camera's position.
Before securing the camera with the full-thread Phillips #00 screw, measuring 2.3 mm, ensure the strip is correctly positioned.
Step 13 | Loosen the camera
- Carefully lift the camera assembly from its rear case mounting using a spudger, applying gentle force.
- Due to its connection with the logic board’s lower section, complete camera removal is currently not possible.
Step 14 | Remove the logic board
- Carefully lift the logic board's edge, nearest the dock connector, using a spudger to avoid damage.
- Near the "do not remove" label on the logic board, a fragile, small gold grounding tab is located; exercise extreme caution to prevent it from being damaged by the case during logic board removal, as it is prone to breakage. Should you experience signal issues following logic board separation, inspect this ground tab.
- Verify that each of the screws holding the logic board in place has been completely unscrewed if you encounter difficulty raising the board.
Step 15
Carefully advance the logic board in the direction of the dock connector to disengage it from the iPhone's chassis.
Before securing the logic board within the device enclosure following battery installation, attach the camera connector to the logic board. Ensure proper alignment of the logic board's upper portion—specifically, the area housing the SIM tray—before fully positioning the board. Failure to do so may result in SIM tray misalignment. After the upper section is correctly situated, the remaining portion of the logic board can be adjusted into its final position; correct installation is confirmed when the SIM tray aligns with the case opening and the camera module is flush.
Step 16 | Loosen the battery
Carefully align the 4mm hex key to the setscrew, ensuring it engages fully, and then tighten the setscrew to a torque of 1.5 Nm using the hex key.
- Carefully lift the battery away from the rear case using a spudger, as it is secured by an adhesive strip that runs along its edges.
- Employing solely the provided plastic pull-tab to detach the battery risks damage due to excessive force; avoid this practice.
- The GPS antenna replacement doesn't require battery disconnection; however, detaching the headphone assembly—though not essential for the antenna replacement itself—becomes easier with that extra clearance.
- Because the battery is secured to the iPhone’s rear enclosure using a low-strength adhesive, this adhesive typically remains adhered to the battery during removal. If your new battery has pre-applied adhesive, no further action is needed; otherwise, carefully move the adhesive from the original battery to the replacement battery.
- To release a battery that is stuck to the back cover, carefully place a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% along the battery's perimeter. Let the alcohol sit for approximately one minute, permitting it to dissolve the adhesive. Then, utilize the broad, flat edge of a spudger to delicately pry the battery loose. Ensure the alcohol completely evaporates before the new battery is placed.
- To prevent damage, avoid using excessive force when removing the battery. Should the battery remain stuck, add additional drops of alcohol to dissolve more of the adhesive. Ensure the pry tool does not bend, break, or penetrate the battery casing during the release process.
- To facilitate battery separation, apply gentle warmth to the case's rear surface using a hair dryer or heat gun, ensuring the temperature setting is at its minimum level; this softens the adhesive securing the battery.
- To prevent battery ignition, avoid exposing the iPhone to excessive heat.
Step 17 | Headphone Jack
Using the 5mm hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8mm screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 0.8 Nm to prevent damage.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, size #00, detach the on/off switch from the front bezel by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.
- Verify the switch's extension during replacement; a small plastic spacer is affixed inside the button and can detach during cleaning. Absence of this spacer may prevent sufficient button projection for operation, so if lost, substitute with a piece of rigid plastic material approximately the same thickness, such as a section cut from a shirt box lid.
Step 18
Carefully align the 4mm hex key to the retaining screw on the motor assembly and loosen it a quarter turn, then gently separate the motor from the gearbox, ensuring no damage occurs to the internal components.
Gently lift the flexible, multi-wire orange cable from the back panel.
Exercise extreme caution when handling the ribbon cable, as it is susceptible to damage.
Gently lift the flexible, multi-wire orange cable from the back panel.
Exercise extreme caution when handling the ribbon cable, as it is susceptible to damage.
Step 19
Using the 5mm hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.0 in-lbs is achieved to maintain proper thermal contact and prevent damage.
Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the four screws.
Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the four screws.
- To detach the headphone jack and GPS antenna assembly from the rear case, remove three Phillips #00 screws, each measuring 1.8 mm; be sure to remember their original placement, as the screw on the left side features a slightly larger head than the others.
- A plastic loop positioned close to the headphone jack secures a 3.8 mm Phillips #00 screw.
Step 20
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8mm screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs to prevent damage.
Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the four screws that hold the volume and mute switch in place.
The mute switch is located directly beneath the volume switch assembly; during disassembly, carefully retain the small, cushioned pad affixed to the mute switch, as its absence will result in a loose fit upon reassembly.
Ensure the mute switch is set to "off" before tightening its securing screws. Verify the switch's extension when activated; insufficient projection, indicating improper alignment of the assembly, can hinder operation. Confirm the white gap between the switch frame and bezel—specifically, the space visible between the two screws near the 6 o'clock position—is correct. Note that one screw is longer than the remaining three and account for this during reassembly.
Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the four screws that hold the volume and mute switch in place.
The mute switch is located directly beneath the volume switch assembly; during disassembly, carefully retain the small, cushioned pad affixed to the mute switch, as its absence will result in a loose fit upon reassembly.
Ensure the mute switch is set to "off" before tightening its securing screws. Verify the switch's extension when activated; insufficient projection, indicating improper alignment of the assembly, can hinder operation. Confirm the white gap between the switch frame and bezel—specifically, the space visible between the two screws near the 6 o'clock position—is correct. Note that one screw is longer than the remaining three and account for this during reassembly.
Step 21
Using caution, detach the volume button's electrical components from the iPhone's side, then gently separate the orange ribbon cable from the back cover, being mindful of its fragility.
Step 22
Gently raise the headphone jack component from its position within the iPhone, ensuring no force is applied.
To facilitate installation of the replacement mute button, slide the green mute switch to the muted position, moving it in the direction of the iPhone’s rear.
To facilitate installation of the replacement mute button, slide the green mute switch to the muted position, moving it in the direction of the iPhone’s rear.
Step 23 | GPS Antenna
Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the black plastic spacer by unscrewing the single 2.4mm screw that holds it in place.
If the replacement rear panel lacks a pre-tapped screw hole at this specific point, it will require modification.
If the replacement rear panel lacks a pre-tapped screw hole at this specific point, it will require modification.
Step 24
Carefully lift the black plastic antenna housing away from the rear panel using a spudger.
Carefully remove the GPS antenna's black plastic enclosure from within the iPhone.
Carefully remove the GPS antenna's black plastic enclosure from within the iPhone.
Step 25 | Rear Case
Carefully detach the power button from the iPhone's housing.
The metal handle affixed to the lock button must be oriented correctly during reassembly; it allows for 180-degree rotation on one side and 135 degrees on the other, ensuring the handle points downward, toward the back panel, after installation.
The metal handle affixed to the lock button must be oriented correctly during reassembly; it allows for 180-degree rotation on one side and 135 degrees on the other, ensuring the handle points downward, toward the back panel, after installation.
Step 26
Carefully detach the mute button component from the iPhone.
Step 27
Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the vibrator from the rear case by unscrewing the two 1.9mm screws that hold it in place.
Carefully raise the vibrator, disengaging it from its housing, to remove it from the iPhone.
Because these fasteners are narrower than the remaining screws, ensure they are stored separately to avoid confusion during reassembly.
Carefully raise the vibrator, disengaging it from its housing, to remove it from the iPhone.
Because these fasteners are narrower than the remaining screws, ensure they are stored separately to avoid confusion during reassembly.
Step 28
Using a screwdriver, detach the three screws.
Secure the dock connector with two Phillips #00 screws, each measuring 1.5mm, positioned one on each side.
Locate the ribbon cable marked with the identifier "4"; a Phillips #00 screwdriver, sized for a 2.4mm head, is needed to remove a screw positioned nearby.
Secure the dock connector with two Phillips #00 screws, each measuring 1.5mm, positioned one on each side.
Locate the ribbon cable marked with the identifier "4"; a Phillips #00 screwdriver, sized for a 2.4mm head, is needed to remove a screw positioned nearby.
Step 29
Carefully raise the dock connector assembly, ensuring it disengages completely from the iPhone.
Ensure correct orientation during reassembly; the assembly must be positioned above the bezel screw holder, as incorrect placement beneath it will render the Home Button inoperable.
Ensure correct orientation during reassembly; the assembly must be positioned above the bezel screw holder, as incorrect placement beneath it will render the Home Button inoperable.
Step 30
Leave the back cover and the front bezel still in place.