How to Fix iPhone 4S Wi-Fi Grayed Out
Due to thermal shock, the Wi-Fi button on the iPhone 4S may become unresponsive. To potentially resolve this temporarily, try exposing the device to a cooler environment within a refrigerator for 15 minutes, or alternatively, to a warmer environment under a lamp for 30 minutes.
Should the initial workaround fail to provide a lasting resolution, a permanent repair requires re-soldering the Murata SW SS1830010 Wi-Fi chip to the logic board.
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, 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 before unscrewing the Pentalobe fasteners, as they are susceptible to stripping.
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 before unscrewing the Pentalobe fasteners, as they are susceptible to stripping.
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
Carefully detach the iPhone's rear panel from its housing, taking precautions to avoid breakage of the plastic clips affixed to the panel.
Carefully detach the iPhone's back cover.
Carefully detach the iPhone's back cover.
Step 4 | Battery
Using appropriate tools, detach the battery connector from the logic board by unscrewing the specified fasteners.
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.
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.
Carefully detach the pressure contact.
Carefully detach the pressure contact.
Step 6
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring not to overtighten and potentially strip the threads; observe caution to prevent damage to the motor.Carefully disconnect the battery connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board by leveraging a plastic opening tool.
Using the tool, gently separate the connector's metal cover from the loudspeaker enclosure by inserting the tip between them and raising the connector's lower edge.
To detach the battery connector, move it straight up away from the logic board; avoid lateral pressure.
Avoid applying force directly to the battery connector's socket, as it is secured to the logic board with four tiny solder joints that are vulnerable to separation.
Using the tool, gently separate the connector's metal cover from the loudspeaker enclosure by inserting the tip between them and raising the connector's lower edge.
To detach the battery connector, move it straight up away from the logic board; avoid lateral pressure.
Avoid applying force directly to the battery connector's socket, as it is secured to the logic board with four tiny solder joints that are vulnerable to separation.
Step 7 | Reassembly tip
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring not to overtighten and potentially strip the threads; observe caution to prevent damage to the motor.Ensure the pressure contact is correctly situated during reassembly; it must sit atop the designated Philips screw post and orient 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.
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
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 pan head screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs to prevent damage.Using a plastic opening tool, gently slide the tip into the gap separating the battery from the phone's casing, positioning the tool close to the bottom 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 isopropyl alcohol to reduce the bond strength of the adhesive.
Carefully raise the battery using the flat, plastic tip of a specialized opening tool.
To avoid damage, do not use excessive force when removing the battery. Should the battery remain stuck, add additional alcohol to dissolve more of the adhesive. Ensure the pry tool does not bend, break, or penetrate the battery casing during the separation process.
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 replacement.
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 isopropyl alcohol to reduce the bond strength of the adhesive.
Carefully raise the battery using the flat, plastic tip of a specialized opening tool.
To avoid damage, do not use excessive force when removing the battery. Should the battery remain stuck, add additional alcohol to dissolve more of the adhesive. Ensure the pry tool does not bend, break, or penetrate the battery casing during the separation process.
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 replacement.
Step 9
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 not to overtighten and potentially strip the threads; observe caution to prevent damage to the motor windings.Gently lift the battery away from its adhesive backing by grasping the visible, transparent plastic tab.
Exercise caution when drawing back the plastic pull tab, as it is susceptible to tearing with minimal force.
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 full system reset to mitigate potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.
Exercise caution when drawing back the plastic pull tab, as it is susceptible to tearing with minimal force.
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 full system reset to mitigate potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.
Step 10 | Dock Connector Cable
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring not to overtighten and damage the threads.Using a P2 screwdriver, detach the screws that hold the dock connector cable cover in place on the logic board.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a 1.2-millimeter screw.
Carefully detach the metal cover protecting the dock connector cable.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a 1.2-millimeter screw.
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, utilizing 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 using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Carefully maneuver the cellular antenna cable, freeing it from the metal finger retainers secured to the logic board.
Carefully maneuver the cellular antenna cable, freeing it from the metal finger retainers secured to the logic board.
Step 14 | SIM Card
Employing either a SIM eject tool or a straightened paperclip, release the SIM card and its associated tray.
Applying considerable pressure might be necessary.
Using a SIM tray removal tool or a straightened paperclip, carefully extract the SIM card and its corresponding tray from the device.
Applying considerable pressure might be necessary.
Using a SIM tray removal tool or a straightened paperclip, carefully extract the SIM card and its corresponding tray from the device.
Step 15 | Logic Board
Disconnect the five connectors located at the logic board’s upper edge, observing the specified sequence.
Carefully leverage the edge of a plastic opening tool to raise the connectors of the cables, releasing them from the logic board sockets.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the tiny, fragile surface mount components while disconnecting cables.
- The cable connecting the headphone jack and volume button assembly.
- 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.
- The power button cable is situated directly below the headphone jack/volume button cable, as illustrated in the second image.
Carefully leverage the edge of a plastic opening tool to raise the connectors of the cables, releasing them from the logic board sockets.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the tiny, fragile surface mount components while disconnecting cables.
Step 16
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 17
Carefully lift the small grounding clip away from the logic board’s surface using the pointed end of a spudger.
Using a firm grip, detach the grounding clip from the iPhone.
To prevent grounding problems during reassembly, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the grounding clip makes contact—excluding the connector housings—using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol, as oils from handling can interfere with electrical connection.
Using a firm grip, detach the grounding clip from the iPhone.
To prevent grounding problems during reassembly, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the grounding clip makes contact—excluding the connector housings—using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol, as oils from handling can interfere with electrical connection.
Step 18
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, ensuring compatibility with the screw type.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully employed; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.
To detach standoff screws, utilize a standoff screwdriver or bit, ensuring compatibility with the screw type.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully employed; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.
Step 19
Carefully separate the Wi-Fi antenna connector from the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Step 20
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 removing the 2.6 mm screw located close to the power button.
Exercise care while loosening the screw, as it secures the power contact, which is prone to detachment during removal.
During disassembly, be aware that a tiny rubber bumper is located beneath the screen and digitizer cables, specifically where they are disconnected near the Q-code; this component may detach from the logic board during removal or become adhered to the cables and subsequently separate.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the logic board by removing the 2.6 mm screw located close to the power button.
Exercise care while loosening the screw, as it secures the power contact, which is prone to detachment during removal.
During disassembly, be aware that a tiny rubber bumper is located beneath the screen and digitizer cables, specifically where they are disconnected near the Q-code; this component may detach from the logic board during removal or become adhered to the cables and subsequently separate.
Step 21
Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board from the enclosure by unscrewing all listed fasteners.
If a specialized tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully employed; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.
- A Phillips head screwdriver, size 2.5 mm, is needed to remove the screw located close to the vibrator motor.
- A Phillips-head screw, measuring 2.4 millimeters, is required.
- Locate a 3.6 mm standoff positioned on the logic board's edge, closest to where the battery is situated.
If a specialized tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully employed; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.
Step 22
Starting near the speaker, gently raise the logic board and, while maintaining upward pressure, move it horizontally away from the iPhone's top edge.
Carefully detach the logic board from the device enclosure.
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 before reassembling. Finger oils can interfere with electrical conductivity.
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.
Carefully detach the logic board from the device enclosure.
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 before reassembling. Finger oils can interfere with electrical conductivity.
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 23
The tiny grounding tab located close to the power button and associated with the rear camera assembly must be kept secure; it attaches to the printed circuit board via a screw and is held in place by the black adhesive plastic tape.
Step 24 | How to Fix iPhone 4S Wi-Fi Grayed Out
Carefully peel away the adhesive covering the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip.
The Murata SS1830010 component is now visible.
The Murata SS1830010 component is now visible.
Step 25
To prevent damage during the reflow process—as the board will experience high temperatures—secure the logic board within a PCB holder or a small vise.
To prevent damage, shield the logic board using Kapton tape, a material specifically chosen for its excellent insulation and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -269 to +400 °C.
To prevent damage, shield the logic board using Kapton tape, a material specifically chosen for its excellent insulation and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -269 to +400 °C.
Step 26
To proceed, a hot air rework station is required, and it must be equipped with a small nozzle.
The nozzle diameter should measure either one-half or one-quarter of the chip's dimensions.
The nozzle diameter should measure either one-half or one-quarter of the chip's dimensions.
Step 27
To prevent damage to the chip's protective coating, maintain a temperature between 180 and 200 °C, as this coating is positioned beneath the chip.
Adjust the airflow setting to a low level, selecting either position 1 or position 2 from the available 1 to 7 range.
Apply heat using a circular motion for a duration of 4 to 5 minutes.
Exercise caution to ensure that rework is limited exclusively to the Wi-Fi chip, avoiding any impact to adjacent integrated circuits or connected circuitry.
Reduce the temperature from 200 °C to 0 °C over a 5-minute period.
Adjust the airflow setting to a low level, selecting either position 1 or position 2 from the available 1 to 7 range.
Apply heat using a circular motion for a duration of 4 to 5 minutes.
Exercise caution to ensure that rework is limited exclusively to the Wi-Fi chip, avoiding any impact to adjacent integrated circuits or connected circuitry.
Reduce the temperature from 200 °C to 0 °C over a 5-minute period.
Step 28
Allow a ten-minute cooling period following reflow to prevent damage to the logic board during handling.
To prevent shorts during reassembly, be sure to reattach the protective sticker to the Wi-Fi chip.
To prevent shorts during reassembly, be sure to reattach the protective sticker to the Wi-Fi chip.
Step 29
The completed repair is now finished.
Step 30
The images provided illustrate the component's appearance both prior to and following the reflow process.
The Wi-Fi indicator light appears in a pale grey color in the initial illustration, signifying a non-functional connection.
The Wi-Fi indicator light in the second image appears dark grey, signifying a functional connection.
The Wi-Fi indicator light appears in a pale grey color in the initial illustration, signifying a non-functional connection.
The Wi-Fi indicator light in the second image appears dark grey, signifying a functional connection.