Home Guides iPhone 4s iPhone 4S Rear Camera Replacement

iPhone 4S Rear Camera Replacement

Follow these instructions to detach the iPhone's main rear-facing camera module.

Step 1 | Rear Panel

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To prevent potential fire or explosion hazards during the repair process, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity prior to starting. A fully charged battery poses a significant risk of combustion if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage to components, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using appropriate tools, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm in diameter and featuring a Pentalobe P2 head, which are located adjacent to the dock connector.
To prevent damage, ensure the driver is fully engaged with each Pentalobe screw before turning, as these screws are prone to stripping.

Step 2

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Apply pressure to the back cover, directing the force upwards against the top edge of the device.
Expect a displacement of approximately 2 millimeters.

Step 3

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

Step 4 | Battery

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the battery connector from the logic board by unscrewing the specified fasteners.
Use a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove a 1.7-millimeter screw.
Utilize a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove a 1.5-millimeter screw.

Step 5

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

Step 6

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  • Carefully disconnect the battery connector from its socket on the logic board by leveraging it upwards with a plastic opening tool.
    Using the tool, gently separate the connector's metal cover from the loudspeaker enclosure by inserting the tip in the gap and raising the connector's lower edge.
    To detach the battery connector, move it straight up away from the logic board; avoid any lateral pressure.
    Avoid applying force directly to the battery connector's housing, as the four tiny solder joints securing it to the logic board are susceptible to separation.

Step 7 | Reassembly tip

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Ensure the pressure contact is correctly situated during reassembly, placing it atop the indicated Philips screw post and orienting the gold contact so it faces the battery connector.
To prevent wireless signal disruption caused by oils from handling, thoroughly wipe the pressure contact using a cleaning agent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8

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  • 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 work along the right side of the battery, lifting gently at multiple locations to release the adhesive that holds it in place within the outer case, ensuring complete separation.
    To loosen a firmly adhered battery, carefully introduce a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% beneath its perimeter.
    Allow approximately 60 seconds for the alcohol to reduce the adhesive's bonding strength.
    Carefully raise the battery using the flat, plastic tip of a specialized opening tool.
    To prevent damage, avoid using excessive force when removing the battery. Should the battery remain stuck, add additional alcohol to dissolve the adhesive bond. Ensure the pry tool does not compromise the battery's structural integrity by puncturing or deforming it.
    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 installation.

Step 9

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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 extracting the battery.
Carefully discard the protective plastic packaging that accompanied 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 confirm 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 proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.

Step 10 | Rear Camera

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Carefully note the plastic ring situated atop the rear camera's flash unit; it's prone to detachment and should be removed to prevent issues during disassembly.
Employing tweezers, a plastic opening tool, or a spudger, carefully detach the outer plastic ring.

Step 11

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  1. Using appropriate tools, detach the cable cover from the logic board by unscrewing the four fasteners that hold it in place.
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.7 mm head.
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a screw with a 2.6 mm head.
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.3 mm head.
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.2 mm head.

Step 12

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Carefully insert the edge of a plastic opening tool between the cable cover and the EMI shield, releasing the tabs that secure the cover to the logic board.
Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying upwards from the side closest to the uppermost edge, then separate it from the iPhone.

Step 13

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  1. Carefully leverage the edge of a plastic opening tool to lift the rear camera connector away 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, verify the tiny rubber gasket located beneath the rear camera is correctly positioned.
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