iPhone 4S Home Button Replacement - iPhone 4s

Step 1 | Rear Panel

To start the repair, ensure the iPhone's battery has a charge level of less than 25%; a fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a fire and/or explosion hazard if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe P2 screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the dock connector.
To prevent damage, ensure the driver is firmly engaged with the Pentalobe screws during removal, as they are prone to stripping.

Step 2

Apply pressure to the back cover, directing it upwards against the device's upper border.
Expect a displacement of approximately 2 millimeters.

Step 3

Carefully detach the rear panel from the iPhone's back casing, taking precautions to avoid breakage of the plastic clips affixed to the rear panel.
Carefully detach the iPhone's back cover.

Step 4 | Battery

Using appropriate tools, detach the battery connector from the logic board by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Utilize a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove a 1.7-millimeter screw.
Use a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen a 1.5 mm screw.

Step 5

Gently disengage the pressure contact from the battery connector by sliding it clear of its retaining location.
Disconnect the pressure contact.

Step 6

Carefully disconnect the battery connector from its socket on the logic board by leveraging a plastic opening tool.
Using the tool, gently pry up the connector's lower edge by inserting the tip into the gap between the loudspeaker housing and its metal cover.
To detach the battery connector, move it straight up away from the logic board; avoid any lateral pressure.
Exercise caution to prevent damage to the battery connector socket, as it is secured to the logic board with four tiny solder joints that are susceptible to separation if excessive force is applied.

Step 7 | Reassembly tip

Ensure the pressure contact is correctly situated during reassembly; align it so it sits atop the Philips screw post and the gold contact faces the battery connector.
To prevent wireless interference caused by oils from handling, thoroughly clean the pressure contact using a degreaser like Windex or isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8

Using a plastic opening tool, carefully wedge the tip into the gap separating the battery from the iPhone's outer casing, positioning the tool close to the device's lower edge.
Using the plastic opening tool, carefully slide it along the battery's right side, applying upward force at multiple locations to release the adhesive holding the battery in place within the outer case, ensuring complete separation.
To loosen a stubborn adhesive bond, carefully introduce a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol, with a concentration exceeding 90%, beneath the battery's edge.
Allow approximately 60 seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to reduce the bond strength of the adhesive.
Carefully raise the battery using the flat, plastic tool's end, applying gentle pressure.
To prevent damage, avoid using excessive force when removing the battery. Should the battery remain difficult to dislodge, add additional alcohol drops to dissolve the adhesive bond. Ensure the pry tool does not compromise the battery's structural integrity by bending, puncturing, or otherwise deforming it.
To prevent damage, ensure any residual alcohol solution is completely removed by wiping with a clean cloth or by permitting full evaporation before proceeding with the new battery installation.

Step 9

Gently lift the battery from its adhesive backing by grasping the visible, transparent plastic tab.
Exercise caution when drawing back the plastic tab, as excessive force may cause it to tear.
Disconnect the power source by detaching the battery.
Carefully detach the protective plastic packaging from the new battery by gently separating it from the ribbon cable.
Before installing the new battery, ensure the included cable is formed into the correct contour.
To guarantee correct positioning during battery replacement, briefly attach the battery connector to the device; after securing the battery with adhesive, detach the connector.
Following reassembly, execute a complete system reset to mitigate potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.

Step 10 | Dock Connector Cable

Using appropriate tools, detach the cover protecting the dock connector cable by unscrewing all screws that hold it in place.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a single screw with a 1.2 mm head.
Carefully detach the metal cover protecting the dock connector cable.

Step 11

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

Step 12

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 13

Carefully lift the cellular antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, utilizing the edge of a plastic opening tool for leverage.
Carefully maneuver the cellular antenna cable so it clears the metal finger protrusions secured to the logic board.

Step 14 | Rear Camera

Exercise caution when working near the flash unit on the rear camera, as the plastic ring positioned above it is prone to becoming dislodged if not carefully detached during the disassembly process.
Employ tweezers, a plastic opening tool, or a spudger to detach the external plastic ring.

Step 15

Using appropriate tools, detach the cable cover from the logic board by unscrewing the four fasteners that hold it in place.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, sized specifically for 2.7 mm fasteners.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 2.6 mm.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.3 mm.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.2 millimeters.

Step 16

Carefully disengage the cable cover by inserting the tip of a plastic opening tool between the cover and the EMI shield, releasing the tabs that secure the cover within the slots.
Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying upwards from the side closest to the top edge of the iPhone.

Step 17

Carefully leverage the edge of a plastic opening tool to disengage the rear camera connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging adjacent parts while lifting.
Carefully detach the rear camera assembly from the iPhone.
Before reassembling, confirm the small rubber gasket positioned beneath the rear camera is correctly aligned.

Step 18 | SIM Card

To remove the SIM card and its corresponding tray, carefully insert a SIM eject tool or a straightened paperclip into the designated release aperture.
Applying considerable pressure might be necessary.
Using the SIM tray removal tool or a small, straightened paperclip, carefully extract the SIM card and its associated tray from the device.

Step 19 | Logic Board

Disconnect the five cables located at the logic board's upper section, adhering to a specific sequence.

The cable connecting the headphone jack and volume controls.
Connect the front camera’s ribbon cable.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the motherboard is the digitizer cable.
Connect the display data cable.
Refer to the second image to locate the power button cable; it's situated directly below the headphone jack/volume button cable.

Carefully leverage the connectors of the cables free from the logic board's sockets using a plastic opening tool, applying gentle upward pressure.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the tiny, sensitive surface mount components while disconnecting the cables.

Step 20

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the grounding clip from the logic board by unscrewing the 1.5 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.

Step 21

Carefully lift the small grounding clip away from the logic board's surface using the pointed end of a spudger.
Detach the iPhone from the grounding clip, ensuring a firm hold on the clip itself.
To prevent grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the grounding clip makes contact—excluding the connector housings—using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol; this removes oils transferred from handling.

Step 22

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 carefully substituted; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 23

Carefully separate the Wi-Fi antenna connector from the logic board utilizing the edge of a plastic opening tool.

Step 24

Carefully remove the black tape that obscures the screw located close to the power button, if it is present.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the logic board by unscrewing the 2.6 mm screw located close to the power button.
Exercise care while extracting the screw, as it secures the power contact, which is prone to detachment during removal.
During removal, be aware that the screen and digitizer cables, now disconnected above the Q-code, have a small rubber bumper positioned beneath them; this bumper is prone to detaching from the logic board, either during the removal process or subsequently when the cables are handled.

Step 25

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board from the enclosure by unscrewing all screws listed in the parts list.
A Phillips head screwdriver, sized for 2.5 mm screws, is needed to remove the screw located close to the vibrator motor.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.4 mm head.
A 3.6 mm standoff is located on the logic board, positioned adjacent to the battery compartment.
Employ a standoff driver bit, attached to a driver handle, to detach the one screw securing the standoff, which has a diameter of 3.6 mm.
If a specialized tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully substituted; however, exercise heightened vigilance to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 26

Starting near the speaker, gently raise the logic board and move it horizontally, sliding it out from under the iPhone's top edge.
Carefully detach the logic board, ensuring no components are stressed or damaged during removal.
To prevent grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the logic board makes contact with itself, excluding connector pins, using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol. Finger oils can interfere with proper electrical grounding.
A tiny rubber bumper, positioned along the logic board's upper edge at the digitizer and screen cable exit point, safeguards those cables from damage caused by bending. This component may adhere to the cables or detach from the logic board during disassembly; refer to step 22 for additional information.

Step 27

The tiny grounding tab associated with the rear camera, located close to the power button, must be kept secure; it is affixed to the printed circuit board via a screw and secured with black adhesive tape.

Step 28 | Vibrator

Carefully insert the plastic opening tool into the gap separating the vibrator motor from the iPhone's side casing.
Using a prying tool, carefully disengage the vibrator from the adhesive that holds it in place on the iPhone.
Detach the vibrator assembly.

Step 29 | Speaker Enclosure Assembly

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

Step 30

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

Step 31

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 clean all metal surfaces where the Wi-Fi antenna grounding fingers meet the iPhone case using a cleaning agent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol; this step is crucial before reassembling the device.

Step 32 | Screen

Carefully peel away the display mounting tabs, as they are secured with small strips of black tape.

Carefully separate the corner screws; they differ in thickness from the remaining screws, which are all 1.5mm.

Step 33

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the display assembly by unscrewing the 1.5 mm screw located close to the power button.

Step 34

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.
Accessing the screw is simplified by detaching the headphone jack, especially when putting the device back together; consult the iPhone 4S Headphone Jack Cable guide for instructions on headphone jack removal if you encounter difficulty.

Step 35

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the lower microphone.

Step 36

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw situated close to the dock connector cable.

Step 37

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

Step 38

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 39

Carefully lift the display assembly's edges from the device body using a plastic opening tool, applying gentle pressure along the entire border.

Step 40

Carefully detach the display component from the iPhone device.

Step 41 | Display Assembly Installation

Before beginning the display assembly replacement, observe these critical points to ensure proper installation.
Carefully transfer the home button to the new display assembly, as it's typically not included; handle the thin rubber gasket with caution to prevent damage. Verify the speaker mesh is present on the replacement display; if absent, relocate it from the original display.
Prior to installation, remove the adhesive backing, which is typically colored blue or pink, from the replacement panel.
Ensure the 7 mm clear plastic ring that protects the front-facing camera is moved from the original display to the replacement display if it isn't pre-installed on the new screen.

Step 42 | Display Assembly Installation (Cont'd)

Regardless of whether a new display assembly is being fitted or the original is being reused, pay close attention to the subsequent details.
Gently manipulate the LCD data cables and digitizer cables to ensure they are straight, then route them through the opening created in the device's outer casing.
Ensure the digitizer cable is routed completely through its designated channel, as demonstrated in the central image.
The digitizer cable's excess length is causing a problematic bend or loop, as demonstrated in the images, where it becomes trapped within the slot; observe this looping in the third image to understand the incorrect installation.
An improperly installed digitizer cable will fail to seat correctly in its designated socket on the logic board. Avoid forceful manipulation, as the cable’s edge is vulnerable to the enclosure’s sharp slot and could be severed. Instead, disassemble the display assembly, carefully align the cable, and then guide it fully and accurately into its socket.

Step 43 | Display Assembly Installation (Cont'd)

To prevent LCD malfunctions during reassembly, avoid contact with the metal section located at the LCD data cable's base; if contact occurs, carefully wipe the area with an alcohol wipe before proceeding.
To prevent potential display issues caused by static electricity, use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the touchscreen before powering on the iPhone following reassembly.
To ensure proper initialization following reassembly, first connect the iPhone to standard AC power and then activate the device; after successful startup, the power connection can be removed.
To prevent surface damage, apply a fresh screen protector to the display following reassembly.

Step 44 | Home Button Assembly

Carefully separate the home button assembly from the display assembly by inserting the edge of a plastic opening tool beneath the bottom right corner and applying gentle lifting force.

Step 45

Carefully detach the home button assembly from the display assembly by gently lifting it away from the adhesive using tweezers.
Carefully detach the home button assembly from the display assembly.

Step 46

Carefully detach the home button from the gasket it’s secured to.

Step 47 | Home Button

The home button is not removed during this process.