iPhone 1st Generation Rear Panel Replacement - iPhone (1st Generation)

Step 1 | SIM Card

Using a SIM card eject tool or a straightened paper clip, gently push into the small aperture located adjacent to the headphone jack.
Using gentle, consistent pressure, depress the paper clip to eject the SIM card tray.

Step 2

Using your fingers, gently eject the SIM card tray from the iPhone.

Step 3 | Antenna Cover

To detach the antenna cover, depress both upper tabs toward the black housing; these tabs, along with the two catches situated on the underside, secure the cover in place.

Step 4

Carefully insert the metal spudger in the space separating the antenna cover from the dock connector, avoiding the connector's internal components.
Using a metal spudger, carefully separate the antenna cover from the silver front bezel by inserting the spudger into the space between the dock connector and the cover. Lift gently, focusing near the two tabs to establish a slight separation.

Step 5

Using an iPod opening tool, gently separate the antenna cover from the front bezel by sliding the tool's wedge-shaped end into the space between them, ensuring the wedge faces the antenna cover.
Position the tool at the corner, then advance it upwards until it contacts the metal backing.
Perform the identical steps again for the opposite side of the dock connector.

Step 6

Apply firm, even pressure to both lateral edges of the antenna cover to disengage it from the iPhone; a degree of force is necessary. Should the cover resist movement, verify that it is fully raised to release the retaining clips.

Step 7 | Headphone Jack

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the rear panel by unscrewing the three fasteners that hold it in place.

Step 8

Opening the iPhone requires patience and care; allocate sufficient time for the process and remain calm if you encounter difficulty.
Using a dental pick, proceed to the subsequent step by inserting its tip into the identified, small, square aperture.
Using a heavy-duty spudger, carefully wedge its pointed tip into the gap separating the gray metal bar from the rear panel; lift the panel slightly to allow the iPod opening tool's tip to be inserted into the seam joining the front bezel and rear panel.

Step 9

Carefully detach the rear panel, beginning on the side containing the control buttons.
Insert the dental pick fully into the square-shaped opening, potentially requiring slight manipulation and firm pressure for complete insertion.

Step 10

To detach the rear panel, use a dental pick and apply a rapid, counterclockwise force directly outwards, perpendicular to the display assembly's surface; a swift action is preferable to avoid deforming the case.

Step 11

Carefully disengage the rear panel from the iPhone's casing by gently sliding a spudger between the panel and the device, focusing on the corner and top edges.
Because the headphone jack cable secures the rear panel to the iPhone, avoid completely detaching it at this stage.

Step 12

Perform the identical steps on the iPhone's opposite side, ensuring the dental pick is fully inserted into the rectangular opening.
Expect resistance and potentially require applying significant force while maneuvering the tool to ensure full insertion.

Step 13

Using a dental pick, swiftly rotate counterclockwise to disengage and lift the rear panel.
To avoid deforming the case, exert pressure straight across the display assembly's surface, rather than applying quick movements.
Because the headphone jack cable secures the rear panel to the iPhone, avoid completely detaching it at this stage.

Step 14

Prior to detaching the headphone jack cable, ensure the device is powered down.
Carefully detach the headphone jack cable connector from the logic board utilizing a spudger.

Step 15

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the on/off switch from the rear panel by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.

Step 16

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the three screws.
Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to loosen and remove the two screws that fasten the vibrator to the back panel.
A single Phillips #00 screw, notably larger in head size and extended in length, fastens the headphone jack assembly to the rear panel.

Step 17

Carefully raise the metal screw plate, which is affixed to the on/off switch, a small distance while pivoting it away from the rear panel; the attached button will detach.
Carefully detach the on/off switch ribbon cable, applying force close to the area where it is adhered to the rear panel with adhesive.

Step 18

To release the headphone jack, which sits slightly inset on the rear panel, initially move it outward from its surrounding structure, then elevate it a small amount—no more than 1/4 inch (1/2 centimeter)—to disengage it from the panel.

Step 19

Carefully elevate the headphone jack from its position at the tip, extracting the vibrator from the back of the device.

Step 20

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the silent/ring switch from the rear panel by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.
Carefully detach the metal plate, noting its screw holes for later use when installing the new switch.

Step 21

To access the screw, raise the silent/ring switch.

Step 22

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the volume switch from the rear panel by unscrewing the three screws that hold it in place.

Step 23

Carefully extract the headphone jack assembly from the rear panel.

Step 24 | Rear Panel

The rear panel must stay in place.