iPhone 4 (CDMA/Verizon) Screen Replacement
This document details the procedure for swapping out a damaged iPhone 4 display assembly.
To prevent surface damage to the newly installed display, apply a screen protector.
Step 1 | Rear Panel
To start, ensure the iPhone's battery has depleted to less than 25% capacity; a fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a fire and/or explosion hazard if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage to components, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
To detach the back casing, inspect it to determine if it is secured with two #000 Phillips head screws or Apple's proprietary 5-Point "Pentalobe" screws. Confirm you possess the appropriately sized screwdriver before proceeding with removal.
Using either a Pentalobe or Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the dock connector.
To prevent electrical shock or damage to components, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
To detach the back casing, inspect it to determine if it is secured with two #000 Phillips head screws or Apple's proprietary 5-Point "Pentalobe" screws. Confirm you possess the appropriately sized screwdriver before proceeding with removal.
Using either a Pentalobe or Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the dock connector.
Step 2
Apply pressure to the back cover, directing it upwards against the device's upper boundary.
Expect a displacement of approximately 2 millimeters.
Expect a displacement of approximately 2 millimeters.
Step 3
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 rear panel.
Exercise caution to prevent harm to the plastic clips affixed to the rear panel.
Step 4 | Battery
If a 1.5 mm Phillips screw is used to attach the battery connector to the logic board, detach it.
Step 5
Carefully lift the battery connector away from its corresponding socket on the logic board, employing the edge of a plastic opening tool to avoid damage.
Exercise extreme caution when releasing the battery connector, ensuring you apply force only to the connector itself, as applying pressure to the logic board socket risks irreparable damage.
Carefully detach the metal clip, which secures the antenna connector.
Exercise extreme caution when releasing the battery connector, ensuring you apply force only to the connector itself, as applying pressure to the logic board socket risks irreparable damage.
Carefully detach the metal clip, which secures the antenna connector.
Step 6
- To release the battery from its adhesive backing, grasp the visible, transparent plastic tab and lift upwards.
Should the battery tab fracture during removal, introduce a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% beneath the fractured tab edge; allow approximately one minute for the adhesive to soften. Subsequently, gently insert a spudger beneath the battery tab to detach the adhesive.
To prevent damage, avoid prying on any areas besides the intended release points; excessive force when dislodging the battery is prohibited. Should the adhesive remain strong, add additional drops of isopropyl alcohol to soften it. Ensure the pry tool does not puncture or bend the battery's structure 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 installation.
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.
To prevent wireless interference, thoroughly remove any residue from metal surfaces that will touch each other during reassembly, using a cleaning agent like Windex.
Following reassembly, execute a complete system reset to proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.
Step 7 | Dock Connector Cable
- 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
- Carefully leverage the edge of a plastic opening tool to lift the dock cable connector away from its corresponding socket on the logic board.
Step 9
Step 10
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the pressure contact from the logic board, taking care to unscrew the 1.6 mm screw located close to the vibrator.
Carefully detach the pressure contact.
Step 11
Carefully lift the cellular antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board using the flat edge of a plastic opening tool.
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 receptacle on the motherboard; any misalignment when applying pressure risks irreparable damage to both connector components.
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 receptacle on the motherboard; any misalignment when applying pressure risks irreparable damage to both connector components.
Step 12 | Rear Camera
Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the five screws.
Use three Phillips screws, each measuring 1.3 mm.
Utilize a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.5 mm, to proceed.
A Phillips head screw, measuring 2.4 millimeters, is required.
Use three Phillips screws, each measuring 1.3 mm.
Utilize a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.5 mm, to proceed.
A Phillips head screw, measuring 2.4 millimeters, is required.
Step 13
Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying upwards from the side closest to the iPhone's top edge.
Release the cable cover by disengaging the tabs molded into the electromagnetic interference shield on the logic board, then detach the cover from the iPhone.
Release the cable cover by disengaging the tabs molded into the electromagnetic interference shield on the logic board, then detach the cover from the iPhone.
Step 14
Carefully lift the rear camera connector from its socket on the logic board using the edge of a plastic opening tool.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging adjacent parts of the logic board while lifting.
Carefully detach the rear camera assembly from the iPhone.
To prevent surface damage, exercise caution and avoid contact with the display assembly's rear surface following camera detachment.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging adjacent parts of the logic board while lifting.
Carefully detach the rear camera assembly from the iPhone.
To prevent surface damage, exercise caution and avoid contact with the display assembly's rear surface following camera detachment.
Step 15 | Logic Board
Carefully detach the five connectors located at the logic board's uppermost section, observing a specific sequence.
Connect the cable that links the headphone jack and volume controls.
Connect the power button's wiring harness.
Connect the front camera’s ribbon cable.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is the digitizer cable.
Connect the data cable to the display.
Carefully leverage the connectors of the cables free from the logic board’s sockets using a plastic opening tool; apply gentle upward pressure.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the miniature, sensitive surface mount components while disconnecting cables.
Connect the cable that links the headphone jack and volume controls.
Connect the power button's wiring harness.
Connect the front camera’s ribbon cable.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is the digitizer cable.
Connect the data cable to the display.
Carefully leverage the connectors of the cables free from the logic board’s sockets using a plastic opening tool; apply gentle upward pressure.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the miniature, sensitive surface mount components while disconnecting cables.
Step 16
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.
Step 17
Carefully detach the grounding clip from the logic board by raising it, then take it out of the iPhone.
Step 18
Carefully separate the Wi-Fi antenna cable connector from the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Before securing the WiFi ribbon connector to the motherboard, meticulously align the circular terminal on the ribbon cable, ensuring it's precisely centered over its corresponding connector on the board; any misalignment during attachment risks irreparable damage to both connection components.
Before securing the WiFi ribbon connector to the motherboard, meticulously align the circular terminal on the ribbon cable, ensuring it's precisely centered over its corresponding connector on the board; any misalignment during attachment risks irreparable damage to both connection components.
Step 19
A Phillips screw, located close to the power button, may be concealed by a piece of tape; if so, detach the tape.
Step 20
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 bit specifically designed for the task.
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.
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 bit specifically designed for the task.
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
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, positioned on the logic board's edge closest to where the battery is located.
Using appropriate tools, detach the two screws, each measuring 3.6 mm, positioned on the logic board's edge closest to where the battery is located.
Step 22
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 that will touch other metal components on the logic board—excluding connector pins—using a cleaning agent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol before putting everything back together.
To avoid display cable damage, a small, rectangular rubber pad located on the logic board's upper edge must be properly positioned during reassembly; ensure it's correctly placed when reinstalling the logic board if it detaches.
Carefully detach the logic board, ensuring no components are stressed or damaged during removal.
To prevent grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces that will touch other metal components on the logic board—excluding connector pins—using a cleaning agent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol before putting everything back together.
To avoid display cable damage, a small, rectangular rubber pad located on the logic board's upper edge must be properly positioned during reassembly; ensure it's correctly placed when reinstalling the logic board if it detaches.
Step 23
The tiny grounding tab located close to the power button and the rear camera assembly must be kept secure.
Step 24 | Vibrator
Carefully separate the vibrator from the iPhone's frame by gently levering it away from the adhesive with a plastic opening tool.
Carefully detach the vibrator assembly.
Carefully detach the vibrator assembly.
Step 25 | Screen
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the speaker enclosure by unscrewing the two fasteners measuring 2.4 millimeters located on each side.
Step 26
Carefully detach the plastic bracket secured beneath the screw nearest the dock connector cable.
Step 27
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 de-greaser like Windex or isopropyl alcohol prior to reassembling the device.
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 de-greaser like Windex or isopropyl alcohol prior to reassembling the device.
Step 28
Carefully peel away the black tape securing the display to its mounting points.
Step 29
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the display assembly by unscrewing the 1.6 mm screw located close to the power button.
Step 30
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.6 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.
Step 31
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.6 mm screw positioned close to the lower microphone.
Step 32
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.6 mm screw located close to the dock connector cable.
Step 33
Using a Phillips screwdriver, slightly reduce the tightness of each of the three large-head screws positioned on the iPhone's volume button side, rotating them approximately 180 degrees.
These screws do not require full removal; during reassembly of the display, position the washers adjacent to the screw head, referencing the visual guide provided.
These screws do not require full removal; during reassembly of the display, position the washers adjacent to the screw head, referencing the visual guide provided.
Step 34
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
Carefully lift the display assembly's edges from the chassis using the tip of a plastic opening tool, applying gentle pressure all the way around.
To prevent damage to the home button cable, carefully depress the home button during display removal, ensuring it remains attached to the display assembly as the display detaches from the iPhone.
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, must be avoided.
Verify proper front panel installation by ensuring the LCD and digitizer cables are aligned and of equal length, referencing the visual guide in the second photo.
To ensure proper connection, verify the digitizer cable's full reach to its logic board socket during installation; avoid forceful manipulation that could damage the cable. If the cable isn't initially seated, 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 physical contact with the metal base of the LCD data cable; should contact occur, carefully wipe the area with an alcohol wipe prior to proceeding.
To prevent damage to the home button cable, carefully depress the home button during display removal, ensuring it remains attached to the display assembly as the display detaches from the iPhone.
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, must be avoided.
Verify proper front panel installation by ensuring the LCD and digitizer cables are aligned and of equal length, referencing the visual guide in the second photo.
To ensure proper connection, verify the digitizer cable's full reach to its logic board socket during installation; avoid forceful manipulation that could damage the cable. If the cable isn't initially seated, 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 physical contact with the metal base of the LCD data cable; should contact occur, carefully wipe the area with an alcohol wipe prior to proceeding.
Step 36
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8mm screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs to prevent damage.
Carefully detach the display assembly from the iPhone.
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, transfer them from the original, damaged unit. Whether these parts are included with the replacement depends on the vendor.
Before installation, if a colored plastic protective layer is present on the rear of the new LCD, carefully remove it by grasping the pull tab located close to the home button.
Upon completing the reassembly process, pay close attention to these details.
Before reactivating the iPhone, use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the touchscreen; this process removes residual static electricity that could potentially affect display functionality.
To ensure proper initialization following reassembly, power on the iPhone by connecting it to an AC power source; after successful boot-up, the AC power connection can then be removed.
Carefully detach the display assembly from the iPhone.
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, transfer them from the original, damaged unit. Whether these parts are included with the replacement depends on the vendor.
Before installation, if a colored plastic protective layer is present on the rear of the new LCD, carefully remove it by grasping the pull tab located close to the home button.
Upon completing the reassembly process, pay close attention to these details.
Before reactivating the iPhone, use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the touchscreen; this process removes residual static electricity that could potentially affect display functionality.
To ensure proper initialization following reassembly, power on the iPhone by connecting it to an AC power source; after successful boot-up, the AC power connection can then be removed.