Home Guides iPhone 4 CDMA iPhone 4 Verizon Home Button Replacement

iPhone 4 Verizon Home Button Replacement

Follow these instructions to substitute a new home button for a damaged one.

Step 1 | Rear Panel

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To start the repair, ensure the iPhone's battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity; a fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a fire or explosion hazard if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
To detach the back casing, examine it to determine if it uses two #000 Phillips screws or Apple's proprietary 5-Point "Pentalobe" screws; confirm you possess the matching screwdriver for the screw type present.
Using either a Pentalobe or Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the dock connector.

Step 2

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Apply pressure to the back cover, directing it upwards against the device's upper rim.
Expect the panel to shift approximately 2 millimeters.

Step 3

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To release the rear panel, either gently raise it by applying pressure with your fingers or secure a Small Suction Cup to the panel and lift.
Exercise caution to prevent harm to the plastic clips affixed to the back cover.

Step 4 | Battery

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If a 1.5 mm Phillips screw is found fastening the battery connector to the logic board, detach it.

Step 5

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Carefully lift the battery connector away from its corresponding socket on the logic board, utilizing the edge of a plastic opening tool to avoid damage.
Exercise extreme caution to lift solely on the battery connector, avoiding any upward force applied to the logic board socket, as damage to the socket is possible.
Carefully detach the metal clip, which secures the antenna connector.

Step 6

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  1. To detach the battery from the iPhone, lift the visible, transparent plastic tab, which will separate the battery from the adhesive holding it in place.

  2. Should the retaining tab fracture prior to battery separation, introduce a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% beneath the battery's edge. Allow approximately one minute for the alcohol to dissolve the adhesive bond. Then, gently insert a spudger beneath the battery tab to disengage the adhesive.
    To avoid damage, do not attempt to force the battery free using leverage elsewhere. If the adhesive remains strong, add a small amount of additional alcohol to soften it. Ensure the pry tool does not puncture or bend the battery during removal.
    To prevent damage, ensure any residual alcohol solution is completely removed by wiping with a clean cloth or by permitting it to evaporate fully prior to battery replacement.
    Disconnect the power source by extracting the battery.
    Carefully discard the protective plastic packaging that accompanied the new battery by gently separating it from the ribbon cable.
    To prevent wireless signal disruption, use a de-greaser like Windex to thoroughly clean all metal surfaces that will be in contact during reassembly, as oils from handling can create interference.
    Following reassembly, execute a full system reset to proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.

Step 7 | Dock Connector Cable

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  • Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the dock connector cable from the logic board by unscrewing the two fasteners held in place by 1.8 mm screws.

  • Carefully detach the flexible metal cover protecting the dock connector cable.

Step 8

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  • Carefully lift the dock cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board using the flat edge of a plastic opening tool.

Step 9

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  • Carefully detach the dock connector cable from both the adhesive holding it to the logic board and the adhesive securing it to the speaker enclosure's side.

Step 10

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  • Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the pressure contact from the logic board, taking care to unscrew the 1.6 mm fastener located close to the vibrator.

  • Disconnect the pressure contact.

Step 11

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Carefully lift the cellular antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, employing the flat edge of a plastic opening tool for leverage.
Carefully maneuver the cellular antenna cable, freeing it from the metal finger retainers secured to the logic board.
Before securing the antenna wire, meticulously align the circular connector on the wire’s end with its corresponding connector on the motherboard; any misalignment when applying pressure risks irreparable damage to both connector pieces.

Step 12 | Rear Camera

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Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the five screws.
Use three Phillips screws, each measuring 1.3 mm.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.4 mm head.

Step 13

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Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying up the edge closest to the iPhone's uppermost point.
To access the cable, disengage the cover tabs from the slots they occupy within the electromagnetic interference shield on the logic board, then detach the cover from the iPhone.

Step 14

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Carefully lift the rear camera connector from its socket on the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Exercise caution to prevent damage to adjacent parts while lifting.
Carefully detach the iPhone's rear camera assembly.
To prevent surface damage, exercise caution and avoid contact with the display assembly's rear surface following camera removal.

Step 15 | Logic Board

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Carefully detach the five connectors located at the logic board's uppermost edge, adhering to a specific sequence.
The cable connecting the headphone jack and volume buttons.
The flexible cable connecting the power button to the motherboard is referred to as the power button cable.
The cable connecting the front-facing camera must be handled with care.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the device's mainboard is referred to as the digitizer cable.
Connect the display data cable.
Carefully pry the connectors of the cables free from the logic board's sockets by gently levering them upwards with a plastic opening tool.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the miniature, fragile surface mount components while disconnecting the cables.

Step 16

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Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.

Step 17

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Carefully detach the grounding clip from the logic board, freeing it from the iPhone.

Step 18

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Carefully separate the Wi-Fi antenna cable connector from the logic board’s surface using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Before securing the WiFi ribbon connector to the motherboard, meticulously align the circular terminal at the ribbon cable's end with its corresponding connector on the board; any misalignment during pressure application risks irreparable damage to both connection components.

Step 19

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A Phillips screw, located close to the power button, may be concealed by a piece of tape; if so, carefully remove the tape.

Step 20

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Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the logic board by removing the 2.5 mm screw located close to the power button.
Using the appropriate tool, detach the 4.8 mm standoff screw located close to the headphone jack.
To detach standoff screws, utilize a standoff screwdriver or a compatible bit.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be substituted; however, exercise heightened care to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 21

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 3.4 mm screw located close to the vibrator motor.
Using appropriate tools, detach the two screws, each measuring 3.6 mm in length, positioned on the logic board's edge closest to where the battery is located.

Step 22

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Starting near the speaker, gently raise the logic board and, while maintaining upward pressure, move it horizontally away from the iPhone's top edge.
Carefully detach the logic board, ensuring no components are stressed, following established procedures.
To prevent grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the logic board components meet, excluding connector pins, using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol prior to reassembling. Finger oils can interfere with electrical connections.
To avoid display cable damage, a small, rectangular rubber pad located on the logic board's upper edge ensures the cables don't rub against the board's perimeter; during reassembly, carefully align this pad in its original position.

Step 23

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The tiny grounding tab located close to the power button and the rear camera must be kept secure.

Step 24 | Vibrator

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Carefully separate the vibrator from the iPhone's frame by gently levering it away from the adhesive with a plastic opening tool.
Detach the vibrator component.

Step 25 | Screen

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the speaker enclosure by unscrewing the two fasteners measuring 2.4 millimeters located on either side.

Step 26

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Carefully detach the plastic bracket secured beneath the screw nearest the dock connector cable.

Step 27

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Carefully detach the speaker enclosure, a component containing the speaker and microphone, from the iPhone's internal structure.
Ensure the Wi-Fi grounding fingers are positioned beneath the lip of the iPhone’s metal case, referencing the second image for correct placement, prior to tightening the speaker enclosure assembly's screws.
To prevent wireless interference, thoroughly remove any oils or residue from the metal surfaces where the Wi-Fi antenna grounding fingers meet the iPhone case, utilizing a de-greaser like Windex or isopropyl alcohol before reassembling.

Step 28

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Carefully peel away the display mounting tabs, which are secured with small sections of black tape.

Step 29

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the display assembly by unscrewing the 1.6 mm screw located close to the power button.

Step 30

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.6 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.

Step 31

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.6 mm screw positioned close to the lower microphone.

Step 32

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.6 mm screw located close to the dock connector cable.

Step 33

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, slightly reduce the tightness of each of the three large-head screws positioned along the iPhone's volume button side, rotating them approximately 180 degrees.
These screws do not require full removal; during reassembly of the display assembly, ensure the washers are positioned adjacent to the screw heads, referencing the visual guide provided.

Step 34

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, slightly reduce the tightness of each of the three screws with large heads located on the opposite side of the iPhone, rotating them approximately 180 degrees.

Step 35

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Carefully lift the display assembly's edges from the device casing by inserting the tip of a plastic opening tool and applying slight pressure along the entire border.
To prevent damage to the home button cable, carefully depress the home button during display separation, ensuring it remains positioned within the display assembly after detachment.
Carefully guide the digitizer and LCD cables through the steel inner frame.
Ensure the digitizer and LCD data cables are free of kinks and properly routed through the opening in the steel frame during display reinstallation; a folded digitizer cable, as demonstrated in this image of an improper installation, should be avoided.
Verify proper front panel installation by observing that the LCD and digitizer cables are aligned and of equal length, mirroring the arrangement depicted in the provided reference image.
To ensure proper connection, verify the digitizer cable's full travel to its logic board socket; avoid forceful manipulation, which risks damage. If obstructed, detach the display assembly, carefully align the cable, and guide it completely into position, referencing the provided visual guide.
To prevent LCD malfunctions during reassembly, avoid contact with the metal base of the LCD data cable; if accidental contact occurs, carefully wipe the area with an alcohol wipe before proceeding.

Step 36

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Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 pan head screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 6 in-lbs is applied to each screw to prevent damage.Carefully detach the display component from the iPhone device.
Carefully detach the home button assembly from the front panel to prevent adhesion that could damage the home button cable.
Carefully observe these points during display assembly replacement.
The replacement assembly might not include the earpiece grille or the front-facing camera’s surrounding clear plastic ring; if either of these components are missing, carefully transfer them from the discarded, broken assembly. Whether these parts are included with the new assembly varies depending on the supplier.
Before installation, if a colored plastic protective layer is present on the rear of the new LCD, carefully remove it by grasping the designated pull tab located close to the home button.
Upon completing the reassembly process, be sure to observe these details.
To prevent display issues potentially caused by static electricity, use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the touchscreen before powering on the iPhone.
To ensure proper initialization following reassembly, first connect the iPhone to standard AC power and then activate it; after successful startup, the power connection can be removed.

Step 37 | Home Button

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Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 pan head screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs to prevent damage.Carefully lift the home button ribbon cable's retaining flap using a clean fingernail or a plastic pry tool.
Apply upward force to the hinged flap, ensuring you do not apply pressure to the socket.

Step 38

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Carefully tighten the four M4x12mm screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 Nm is applied with a torque screwdriver.Carefully extract the home button cable from its connector using tweezers.

Step 39

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Carefully align the 4mm diameter pin on the new actuator with the corresponding hole in the valve body, ensuring the actuator's retaining clip is properly seated before securing it with 2.5Nm of torque using a 5mm Allen wrench; observe caution to prevent damage to the clip.Gently guide the home button cable out of its opening in the device's exterior housing, then detach it from the iPhone.
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