Home Guides iPhone 4s iPhone 4S Earpiece Speaker Replacement

iPhone 4S Earpiece Speaker Replacement

Follow these instructions to substitute a damaged earpiece speaker.

Step 1 | Rear Panel

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To start the repair, ensure the iPhone's battery has a charge level of less than 25%; a fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a fire 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 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 appropriate tools, detach the battery connector from the logic board by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Employ a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove a 1.7-millimeter screw.
Use a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to remove a 1.5 mm screw.

Step 5

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

Step 6

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  • 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 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 socket to prevent separation from the logic board, as it is secured by four tiny solder joints.

Step 7 | Reassembly tip

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Ensure the pressure contact is correctly situated during reassembly, resting atop the designated Philips screw post and orienting the gold contact so it faces the battery connector.
To prevent wireless interference caused by oils from handling, thoroughly clean the pressure contact using a degreaser 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 it incrementally at multiple locations to release the adhesive that holds it in place within the outer case, ensuring complete separation.
    To loosen a tenacious adhesive bond, carefully introduce a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% beneath the battery's edge.
    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. If the adhesive is still holding, add additional alcohol to help dissolve it. Ensure the pry tool does not damage or penetrate the battery casing during removal.
    To prevent damage, ensure all traces of the alcohol solution are removed by wiping with a clean cloth or by permitting complete evaporation before proceeding with battery installation.

Step 9

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Gently lift the battery away from its adhesive backing by grasping the visible, transparent plastic tab.
Exercise caution when drawing back the plastic 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 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 full system reset to proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.

Step 10 | Dock Connector Cable

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Using appropriate tools, detach the cover protecting the dock connector cable by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a single screw with a 1.2 mm head.
Carefully detach the metal cover protecting the dock connector cable.

Step 11

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Carefully lift the dock cable connector from its socket on the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.

Step 12

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Carefully detach the dock connector cable from its adhesive attachment points, both where it adheres to the logic board and to the speaker enclosure’s side.

Step 13

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Carefully lift the cellular antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, utilizing the edge of a plastic opening tool for leverage.
Carefully maneuver the cellular antenna cable so it clears the metal finger protrusions secured to the logic board.

Step 14 | Rear Camera

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During disassembly, exercise caution to avoid dislodging the plastic ring situated above the rear camera's flash unit, as it is prone to displacement.
Employ tweezers, a plastic pry tool, or a spudger to detach the surrounding plastic ring.

Step 15

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Using appropriate tools, detach the cable cover from the logic board by unscrewing the four fasteners holding it in place.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, sized specifically for 2.7 mm fasteners.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 2.6 mm.
Employ a Phillips head screwdriver, sized at 1.3 millimeters.
Employ a Phillips head screwdriver, size 1.2 millimeters.

Step 16

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Carefully insert the edge of a plastic opening tool between the cable cover and the EMI shield, then gently lever the cover tabs free from the slots molded into the shield.
Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying up the edge closest to the uppermost portion of the iPhone.

Step 17

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Carefully lift the rear camera connector away from its socket on the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging adjacent parts while lifting.
Carefully detach the rear camera assembly from the iPhone.
Before reassembling, verify the small rubber gasket positioned beneath the rear camera is correctly in place.

Step 18 | SIM Card

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Employing a SIM eject tool or a straightened paperclip, release the SIM card and its associated tray.
Applying considerable pressure might be necessary.
Using the SIM removal tool or a small, straightened paperclip, carefully extract the SIM card and its corresponding tray.

Step 19 | Logic Board

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Disconnect the five connectors located at the logic board's upper edge, observing the specified sequence.
  1. The cable connecting the headphone jack and volume button assembly.
  2. Connect the flexible ribbon cable that links the front-facing camera to the device's mainboard.
  3. The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is the digitizer cable.
  4. Connect the display data cable.
  5. Refer to the second image to identify the power button cable; it's situated directly below the headphone jack/volume button cable.

Carefully pry the connectors of the cables away from the logic board's sockets using a plastic opening tool, ensuring a gentle upward motion.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the tiny, fragile surface mount components while disconnecting the cables.

Step 20

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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 21

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Carefully lift the small grounding clip away from the logic board’s surface using the pointed end of a spudger.
Detach the iPhone from the grounding clip by holding it securely.
To prevent grounding problems during reassembly, use a de-greaser like Windex or isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the grounding clip makes contact—excluding the connector halves. Finger oils can compromise electrical grounding.

Step 22

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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 this purpose.
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 23

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Carefully separate the Wi-Fi antenna connector from the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.

Step 24

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Carefully remove the black tape that secures 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 removal, be aware that the tiny rubber bumper located beneath the screen and digitizer cables—those disconnected above the Q-code—may detach from the logic board or adhere to the cables, potentially causing it to be lost.

Step 25

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Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board from the enclosure by unscrewing all screws holding it in place.
Locate a Phillips head screw, sized at 2.5 millimeters, positioned close to the vibrator motor.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.4 mm head.
Locate a 3.6 mm standoff positioned on the logic board's edge, closest to where the battery is situated.
Employ a standoff driver bit, attached to a driver handle, to unscrew and detach the one screw measuring 3.6 mm.
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 26

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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, ensuring all connections are fully disengaged.
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. Finger oils can interfere with electrical grounding.
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 27

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The tiny grounding tab associated with the rear camera, positioned close to the power button, 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 28 | Front Facing Camera

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Gently separate the metal component securing the front-facing camera from the iPhone's casing by carefully inserting the edge of a plastic opening tool between the two.
Carefully detach the front camera securing clip.

Step 29

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Carefully detach the front camera assembly.

Step 30 | Power Button

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Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the power button bracket from the outer case by unscrewing the two fasteners, each measuring 1.6 mm.
Because the display cables obstruct access to the right-hand screw and are susceptible to damage, handle them with caution.
Carefully move the power button bracket outward, a small amount, from the device's exterior housing.

Step 31

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Carefully extract the power button from the iPhone using tweezers.
Ensure the power button is positioned correctly during reassembly; the metal loop must point downwards, and the outer edges should be uppermost.

Step 32 | Power and Sensor Cable Assembly

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Carefully separate the earpiece speaker from the outer case by gently levering it away from the adhesive with a plastic opening tool.
Carefully separate the power button cable from the case, as it is secured with adhesive.
Carefully extract the earpiece speaker from its housing within the outer case using tweezers.
Exercise caution during separation, as the earpiece speaker and cable are bonded; the cable is exceptionally fragile.

Step 33

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Carefully disengage the top sensor assembly from the outer case by sliding the edge of a plastic opening tool between the two components.
Using careful, controlled force, disengage the top sensor assembly from the outer case by applying gentle prying pressure.

Step 34

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Carefully detach the power and sensor cable assembly from the iPhone, ensuring all connectors are disengaged.
Carefully avoid dislodging the tiny clip secured to the top sensor assembly.

Step 35 | Earpiece Speaker Assembly

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Carefully separate the earpiece speaker from the foam adhesive using the edge of a plastic opening tool.
To avoid damaging the earpiece speaker if you plan to reinstall it, exercise caution and prevent separation of the foam adhesive holding it in place on the iPhone's housing.
Carefully detach the earpiece speaker component.

Step 36 | Earpiece Speaker

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The earpiece speaker is still present.
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