iPhone 4S Screen Replacement - iPhone 4s

Step 1 | Rear Panel

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

Apply pressure to the back cover, directing it upwards against the device's upper boundary.
Expect a displacement of approximately 2 millimeters.

Step 3

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

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 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.

Step 6

Carefully disconnect the battery connector from its 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

Ensure the pressure contact is correctly situated during reassembly, resting atop the designated Philips screw post and orienting the gold contact to face 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.

Step 8

Using a plastic opening tool, gently 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 slide it along the battery's right side, applying upward force at multiple locations to release the adhesive holding the battery in place within the outer case, ensuring complete separation.
To loosen a stubborn battery adhesive, carefully introduce a small quantity 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. If the adhesive is still holding, add additional alcohol drops to loosen it. Ensure the pry tool does not damage or penetrate the battery's casing during separation.
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.

Step 9

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 if excessive force is applied.
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.
Prior to phone installation, gently form the battery's included cable to match its intended contours.
To verify 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

Using appropriate tools, detach the dock connector cable cover from the logic board by unscrewing all screws that hold it in place.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.2 mm head.
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 its adhesive attachment points, which secure it to both the logic board and the speaker enclosure’s side.

Step 13

Carefully lift the cellular antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, utilizing 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.

Step 14 | Rear Camera

During disassembly, exercise caution to prevent the plastic ring situated above the rear camera's flash unit from becoming dislodged, as it is susceptible to movement.
Employ tweezers, a plastic opening tool, or a spudger to detach the outer plastic ring.

Step 15

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the cable cover from the logic board by unscrewing the four screws that hold it in place.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, sized for a 2.7 mm head.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 2.6 mm.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.3 millimeters.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.2 millimeters.

Step 16

Carefully disengage the cable cover by inserting the edge of a plastic opening tool between the cover tabs and the corresponding slots formed within the EMI shield on the logic board.
Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying up the edge closest to the top of the device, then separate it from the iPhone.

Step 17

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, confirm the tiny rubber gasket positioned below the rear camera is correctly in place.

Step 18 | SIM Card

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 tray removal tool, or a straightened paperclip, carefully eject the SIM card tray and extract the SIM card.

Step 19 | Logic Board

Disconnect the five connectors located at the logic board’s upper edge, observing the correct sequence.

The flexible cable connecting the headphone jack and volume controls.
Connect the front camera's ribbon cable.
The flexible display connection ribbon.
Connect the display's data cable.
The power button cable is situated 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, sensitive surface mount components while disconnecting the cables.

Step 20

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the grounding clip from the logic board's vicinity of the headphone jack by unscrewing the 1.5 mm screw that holds it in place.

Step 21

Carefully lift the small grounding clip from the logic board using the pointed end of a spudger.
Detach the grounding clip from the iPhone by holding it securely.
To prevent grounding problems during reassembly, thoroughly remove any oils or residue from the metal surfaces of the grounding clip—excluding the connector housings—using a cleaning agent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol. Finger oils can compromise electrical contact.

Step 22

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 a compatible bit.
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 23

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

Step 24

Carefully remove the black tape that secures the screw located close to the power button, if it is covering the screw.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the logic board by unscrewing 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 above the Q-code; this component is prone to detachment from the logic board during removal or may become affixed to the cables and subsequently dislodge.

Step 25

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board from the enclosure by unscrewing all listed fasteners.
Locate a Phillips screw, sized at 2.5 millimeters, positioned 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.
Employ a standoff driver bit, attached to a driver handle, to unscrew and detach the single screw measuring 3.6 mm.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully substituted; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 26

Gently raise the logic board, starting at the speaker enclosure end, and move it horizontally, sliding it out from beneath the iPhone's top edge.
Carefully detach the logic board, ensuring no components are stressed or damaged during removal.
To prevent potential grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces that will touch other metal surfaces on the logic board—excluding connector pins—using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol prior to reassembling the device. Finger oils can interfere with electrical conductivity.
A tiny rubber bumper, positioned on the logic board's upper edge where the digitizer and screen cables exit the case, 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

The tiny grounding tab located close to the power button and the rear camera must be kept secure; it is affixed to the printed circuit board via a screw and secured with black adhesive tape.

Step 28 | Vibrator

Carefully insert the plastic opening tool into the gap separating the vibrator motor from the iPhone's side casing.
Using a prying tool, carefully lift the vibrator to detach it from the adhesive that holds it in place within the iPhone.
Carefully detach the vibrator component.

Step 29 | Speaker Enclosure Assembly

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the speaker enclosure by unscrewing the two fasteners measuring 2.4 millimeters located on each side.

Step 30

Carefully detach the plastic bracket secured beneath the screw nearest the dock connector cable.

Step 31

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 casing, referencing the second image for correct placement, prior to tightening the speaker enclosure assembly's screws.

To prevent wireless interference, thoroughly remove any oils or residue from the metal surfaces where the Wi-Fi antenna grounding fingers meet the iPhone case; use a de-greaser like Windex or isopropyl alcohol for this purpose.

Step 32 | Screen

Carefully peel away the black tape segments securing the display to its mounting points.

Carefully separate the corner screws; they differ in thickness from the standard 1.5mm screws.

Step 33

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the display assembly by unscrewing the 1.5 mm screw located close to the power button.

Step 34

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.
Accessing the screw is simplified by detaching the headphone jack, especially when putting the device back together; consult the iPhone 4S Headphone Jack Cable guide for detailed instructions on headphone jack removal if you encounter difficulty.

Step 35

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the lower microphone.

Step 36

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the 1.5 mm screw located close to the dock connector cable.

Step 37

Using a Phillips screwdriver, slightly reduce the tightness of each of the three large-head screws positioned along the iPhone's volume button side, rotating them approximately 180 degrees.
These screws do not require full removal; during display reassembly, position the washers adjacent to the screw head, referencing the second image for correct placement.

Step 38

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 39

Carefully separate the display assembly from the device casing by inserting the tip of a plastic opening tool along the edges and applying slight upward pressure.

Step 40

Carefully detach the iPhone's display unit.

Step 41 | Display Assembly Installation

Before beginning the display assembly replacement, observe these critical points to ensure proper installation.
Carefully transfer the home button to the new display assembly, as it's typically not included; handle the thin rubber gasket with caution to avoid damage. Verify the speaker mesh is present on the replacement display; if absent, relocate it from the original display.
Prior to installation, remove the adhesive backing, typically identified by its blue or pink color, from the replacement panel.
Ensure the 7 mm clear plastic ring, which protects the front-facing camera, is moved from the original display to the replacement display if it isn't pre-installed on the new screen.

Step 42 | Display Assembly Installation (Cont'd)

Pay close attention to the subsequent details regardless of whether you are fitting a new display assembly or keeping the original.
Gently manipulate the LCD data cables and digitizer to ensure they are straight, then route them through the opening created in the device's exterior housing.
Ensure the digitizer cable is routed completely through its designated channel, as illustrated in the central image.
The digitizer cable's excess length, as demonstrated in the included images, creates a bend or loop that obstructs the slot during display assembly installation. Note the looped cable in the third image.
An improperly installed digitizer cable will fail to connect to its corresponding socket on the logic board; avoid forceful manipulation, as the enclosure's sharp-edged slot can sever the cable. Instead, disassemble the display assembly, carefully align the cable, and then guide it fully and correctly through the enclosure.

Step 43 | Display Assembly Installation (Cont'd)

To prevent LCD malfunctions during reassembly, avoid contact with the metal base of the data cable; accidental contact necessitates a gentle cleaning with an alcohol wipe prior to proceeding.
To prevent display issues potentially caused by static electricity, thoroughly wipe the touchscreen with an alcohol wipe following reassembly before powering on the iPhone.
To ensure proper initialization following reassembly, apply AC power to the iPhone before powering it on; after successful boot-up, the AC power connection can be removed.
To prevent surface damage, apply a fresh screen protector to the display following reassembly.