iPhone 5 Rear Case Replacement - iPhone 5

Step 1 | Taping the display glass

Begin by disconnecting the power supply, ensuring it is unplugged from the electrical outlet, then carefully remove the retaining screws—four in number—using a Phillips head screwdriver, and gently lift the component to detach it.
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while repairing a cracked display glass, secure it with tape.
Apply strips of transparent packing tape across the iPhone screen, ensuring complete coverage by slightly overlapping each successive strip.
To safeguard your vision, always use safety glasses while performing this repair, as fragments of glass may become dislodged.

Step 2 | Remove the Pentalobe screws

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring the motor shaft aligns properly and avoiding over-tightening which could damage the threads.
To prevent potential fire or explosion hazards during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity prior to beginning work; 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 a Pentalobe screwdriver, unscrew the pair of 3.6 mm screws located adjacent to the Lightning connector.

Step 3 | How to prevent display separation

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring that you do not overtighten and damage the threads.
Carefully lift the display assembly—consisting of a glass screen, a plastic bezel, and integrated metal clips—from within the phone's chassis during the subsequent procedures.
Ensure complete removal of the display assembly, irrespective of the tool selected.
When the glass and plastic layers detach, mirroring the visual in the initial image, use a plastic opening tool to carefully insert it between the plastic frame and the phone's metal chassis, releasing the metal clips securing the case.
To ensure proper closure when reattaching a display bezel, apply a narrow adhesive strip positioned between the plastic bezel and the glass.

Step 4 | Anti-Clamp instructions

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring that the motor shaft remains aligned and that no damage occurs to the threads; observe caution to prevent over-tightening.
To simplify the subsequent opening process, the following instructions utilize the Anti-Clamp tool, a custom design; if you do not have this tool, proceed two steps further to find an alternative approach.
Refer to the accompanying guide for detailed procedures regarding Anti-Clamp operation.
To release the Anti-Clamp’s arms, move the blue handle in a rearward direction.
Position the arms so they clear the left or right side of the iPhone, then move them into place.
Secure two suction cups, one to the front surface and one to the rear surface of the iPhone, placing them close to the lower edge, directly above the home button.
Apply suction by pressing the cups firmly against the surface you intend to work on.
To improve the Anti-Clamp's grip on your iPhone if the exterior feels excessively smooth, apply adhesive tape to the device's surface.

Step 5

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring that you do not overtighten and damage the threads.
To secure the arms, advance the blue handle in the direction indicated.
Rotate the handle fully, completing a 360-degree turn, observing for the point when the cups begin to expand.
Maintain parallel positioning of the suction cups; should they deviate, gently release the suction and reposition the arms.
Once sufficient space is created by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, increase the heat applied to the area and then rotate the handle 90 degrees.
Allow the Anti-Clamp device to function for a full minute after each adjustment, limiting each turn to a maximum of 90 degrees.

Step 6 | Manual Opening Procedure

Secure a suction cup to the display surface, positioning it directly over the home button area.
Ensure the entire cup makes contact with the screen surface to guarantee a secure seal.
To prevent shattered glass fragments from scattering and to provide a secure attachment point for the suction cup, apply several strips of packing tape to the display’s front surface, carefully removing any air pockets.

Step 7 | Start lifting the front panel assembly

Secure the front panel assembly to the suction cup, ensuring a strong bond.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to gently create a small gap between the front panel and the rear enclosure.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing; the display assembly has a significantly more precise fit than typical device components.
Using a plastic opening tool, carefully separate the rear case from the display assembly by gently levering it upwards, simultaneously applying upward traction with a suction cup.
To release the front panel assembly from the rear case, carefully detach the multiple retaining clips, employing both the suction cup and plastic opening tool as needed.

Step 8 | Detaching the front panel side clips

Carefully work a prying tool around the front panel assembly's edges to release the retaining clips on both the left and right sides.

Step 9 | Opening up the phone

Disconnecting the front panel assembly entirely from the rear case is not recommended; several ribbon cables remain connected at the top of the iPhone.
After disengaging the retaining clips located along the lower edge and sides of the front panel assembly, separate the assembly's bottom edge from the rear case by applying gentle outward pressure.
Carefully position the display at a roughly 90-degree angle, then secure it in an upright position using a support to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure it with a rubber band.

Step 10 | Removing the battery connector bracket screws

Using appropriate tools, detach the two screws that fasten the metal battery connector bracket to the logic board.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw measuring 1.8 millimeters.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.6 mm head.

Step 11 | Removing the battery connector bracket

Detach the bracket securing the battery connector using a tri-point screwdriver.

Step 12 | Disconnecting the battery connector

Carefully lift the battery connector away from its connection on the logic board using a plastic opening tool, avoiding any forceful movements.
Exercise caution to avoid accidentally moving the tiny components positioned near the socket.
Exercise extreme caution during the lifting process, ensuring that force is applied solely to the battery connector; applying pressure to the logic board socket or the board's surface risks socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.

Step 13 | Removing the front panel assembly cable bracket screws

Detach the cable bracket that holds the front panel assembly wires from the logic board by unscrewing the screws listed below.
Use two Phillips head screws, each measuring 1.2 millimeters.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.6 mm head.
Due to its non-magnetic properties, this screw requires a regular screwdriver for removal; avoid losing it and ensure it's correctly replaced, as a magnetized screw can disrupt compass functionality.

Step 14 | Removing the front panel assembly cable bracket

To detach the display cable bracket, raise it in the direction of the battery, then take it out of the iPhone.
To reassemble, position the bracket outward while securing it with the left-hand hooks on the logic board.

Step 15 | Disconnecting the front panel assembly cables

To prevent short circuits, detach the battery before proceeding with cable disconnection or reconnection.
Carefully detach the three front panel assembly cables by gently separating them using a plastic opening tool or your fingernail.
The assembly includes the front camera module and its associated cable.
Connect the display panel's flat, ribbon-like cable, ensuring proper alignment to the connector pins, and secure it with the retaining clip to prevent dislodgement.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is the digitizer cable.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, it could result in display abnormalities like white lines or a complete lack of image upon powering on. To resolve this, reattach the cable and restart the device; for a complete restart, disconnect and reconnect the battery.

Step 16 | Separating front panel assembly and rear case

Detach the front panel assembly from the rear case.

Step 17 | Lifting the battery

Gently lift the battery away from its adhesive backing by grasping the visible, transparent plastic tab.
Should the battery's adhesive prevent easy separation, or if the battery tab fractures during removal, carefully 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 securing the battery. Then, carefully use an opening tool to pry the battery upwards, engaging its edge.
To prevent damage, avoid using excessive force when removing the battery. If the battery remains stuck, add additional alcohol to dissolve more of the adhesive. Ensure the pry tool doesn't damage or penetrate the battery casing during the release process.
To prevent damage, ensure any residual alcohol solution is completely removed by wiping with a clean cloth or by permitting full evaporation prior to battery installation.
To assist with battery separation if adhesion remains problematic, apply warmth to the iPhone’s rear case using an iOpener or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive.
Exposure to excessive heat presents a risk of battery ignition in the iPhone.

Step 18 | Prying up the battery

Carefully lift the battery from its compartment using the plastic opening tool, applying force solely to the outer perimeter of the device; avoid prying near the logic board to prevent potential damage.
Gently increase the amount of isopropyl alcohol used if the battery requires excessive force to dislodge from its compartment.
To prevent damage and potential fire risk, carefully release the battery from its housing, applying consistent, even pressure to prevent any bending.
To avoid damaging the volume control cables, refrain from applying force to the battery's upper edge.

Step 19 | Removing the battery

Disconnect the power source by extracting the battery.
Carefully detach the protective plastic covering from the new battery, ensuring you do not snag or damage the ribbon cable during removal.
To guarantee correct positioning within its designated space, briefly plug the battery connector back into the motherboard socket prior to securing the new battery.
Secure the battery in place, then sever its electrical connection before proceeding with the remaining assembly steps.
To ensure proper alignment and prevent component damage during front panel reinstallation, firmly position the battery flush with the rear case.
Following reassembly, execute a factory reset to proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.

Step 20 | Logic Board Assembly

Carefully lift the cellular data antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, located directly above the speaker enclosure, employing the pointed end of a spudger.

Step 21

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the two screws that fasten the top logic board bracket to the rear case.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a screw with a 2.3 mm head.

Step 22

Carefully detach the bracket, located at the logic board's uppermost edge.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the small grounding tab extending from the bracket, positioned adjacent to the rear camera.
Depending on the model, the bracket is integrated with the camera housing and will remain connected during removal.

Step 23

Carefully separate the three listed cables from the logic board by gently sliding the flat edge of a spudger between the connector and the board.
The cable connecting to the upper circuit board.
The flexible cable connecting the button assembly is required.
Carefully detach the interconnect cable from its connector.

Step 24

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the two screws, each measuring 1.3 mm, located on the interior top surface of the rear case.

Step 25

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.2 mm screw securing the mid-section logic board bracket.

Step 26

Detach the bracket securing the central portion of the logic board.

Step 27

Carefully leverage a spudger to lift the Lightning connector cable connector away from its socket on the logic board.
Carefully retract the cable, ensuring it clears the logic board's components.

Step 28

Using a SIM card eject tool or a carefully bent paperclip, push in the SIM card release located on the iPhone's right side to release and extract the SIM card tray.
Using a spudger's flat edge, gently push the SIM card eject lever inward.
Using a SIM ejection tool or a straightened paperclip, depress the release mechanism located on the side of the iPhone to extract the SIM card tray.

Step 29

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board from the rear case by unscrewing the listed fasteners.

Use two Phillips screws, each measuring 2.3 millimeters.
Use two screws, each measuring 2.7 millimeters in diameter.

Employ a standoff screwdriver or bit to detach the standoff screws.
If a dedicated tool is unavailable, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully employed; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.
A 2.7-millimeter standoff screw, constructed from a non-magnetic material, is required.
To prevent disruption of the digital compass functionality, ensure the screw is reinstalled in its initial location on the logic board. Using a magnetized screw in this position could cause interference.

Step 30

To allow access for subsequent steps, pivot the logic board assembly so that it faces the battery compartment on the rear case.
Before detaching the logic board assembly from the rear case, be aware that a single cable remains connected to its underside. Complete removal at this stage is not recommended.
To reattach the flash surround, which is affixed to both the flash unit and the rear case, carefully detach it from the rear case using tweezers and then secure it to the flash unit.
During reassembly, ensure the lower interconnect cable remains clear of the logic board to prevent damage or interference.

Step 31

Carefully lift the Wi-Fi antenna cable connector away from its socket on the logic board's underside, employing the pointed end of a spudger.

Step 32

Carefully detach the logic board assembly from the rear case.
To safeguard the logic board's delicate internal components from electrostatic discharge, place it on a properly grounded anti-static mat during removal and handling.

Step 33 | Lightning Connector and Speaker Assembly

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the Lightning connector and speaker enclosure assembly from the rear case by unscrewing the listed fasteners.

A Phillips head screwdriver is needed to remove a single screw with a 2.5-millimeter diameter.
Use two Phillips head screws, each measuring 3.3 millimeters.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.9 mm head.
Use two screws, each with a 1.5 mm Phillips head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.8 mm head.

Step 34

Carefully lift the cables connecting the Lightning connector and speaker enclosure assembly to the rear case using the flat edge of a spudger.
Carefully insert the spudger beneath the substantial ribbon cable attached to the assembly, exercising caution to avoid tearing the cable during separation.

Step 35

Carefully detach the speaker enclosure and Lightning connector assembly from the rear case.
Ensure the speaker enclosure's tiny metal washer remains secure, and similarly, safeguard the four small metal washers located directly under the screws securing the Lightning connector.

Step 36 | Vibrator

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the vibrator bracket and motor assembly from the rear case by unscrewing the listed fasteners.

A Phillips head screw, measuring 2.3 millimeters, is required.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.7 mm head.
A single Phillips head screw, measuring 1.6 mm, secures the rear case at its top edge.

Step 37

Detach the motor and its securing bracket from the rear case.

Step 38 | Front Panel Clips

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the front panel clips from the inside of the rear case by unscrewing the eight fasteners, each measuring 1.3 mm.

Step 39

Detach the rear case by disengaging the four clips located on the front panel.

Step 40 | Rear Case

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the screws securing the metal bracket that holds the power switch, locating it on the back of the device, positioned between the flash lens and the camera lens.

Use one 2.9 mm standoff screw.
Employ a screwdriver to extract standoff screws.Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the IF145-343 to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring no damage occurs to surrounding components.Using the provided handle, carefully maneuver the driver.
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.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten or loosen a 1.6-millimeter screw.

Using a screwdriver, detach the bracket securing the metal power switch.

Step 41

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the power button bracket from the rear case's upper interior surface by unscrewing the 1.9 mm screw that holds it in place.
Carefully pivot the power button cover downwards by engaging the hinge with the spudger's tip.

Step 42

Access and detach the power button from its protective cover located on the inside of the rear case.

Step 43

Carefully insert the spudger tip beneath the power button cover, applying pressure to depress the button while simultaneously prying the cover away from the hinge located on the back of the device.

Step 44

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the volume and silence buttons from the rear case by unscrewing the associated fasteners.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a 1.3-millimeter screw.
Use two Phillips head screws, each measuring 1.8 mm.

Step 45

Using a prying tool, carefully separate the button cable from the rear case's side to reveal the silence and volume buttons.
Carefully detach the rear case to access and remove both the silence and volume buttons.

Step 46

Carefully lift the button cable from its connector on the back housing using the flat edge of a spudger.
Disconnect the cable linking the button assembly to the rear case.

Step 47

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the SIM card eject lever from the rear case by unscrewing the one 2.0 mm screw that holds it in place.
Using a small, pointed tool, carefully disengage the SIM card eject lever from its housing.

Step 48

Only the unpainted back cover is now visible.